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We are excited to announce the much awaited return of Dr. Michelle Ever Juan to BCD as a registered dentist. Michelle is a familiar face at BCD as she has actually been working as a dental assistant with us for the past two years while learning the principles and protocols of biological dentistry. As Michelle trained as a dentist in the Philippines she was required to sit some exams in order to practice in Australia. She successfully gained her Australian Dental Council registration in January and is now seeing patients at BCD on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Michelle Ever Juan was born in Manila, Philippines. Growing up amongst several generations of dentists, she spent much of her youth around the family dental practice. This sparked her interest in the field of dentistry and healthcare, leading her to choose dentistry as a career.
Michelle obtained her dental degree from Centro Escolar University, Manila in 2005, and soon after passed the national dental licensure exams. She gained valuable experience working in a private practice in Manila for four years where she was first introduced to some of the philosophies of biological dentistry. At the same time Michelle undertook further study and obtained her Master of Science in Dental Education in 2008.
An opportunity to broaden her horizons and experience the relaxed Australian lifestyle led Michelle to move to Australia in 2009. She joined Bio Compatible Dentistry as a dental assistant and began to further her knowledge in the philosophies and methodologies of biological dentistry whilst studying to obtain her Australian Dental Board registration. She successfully obtained her registration in 2010 and soon after returned to Bio Compatible Dentistry as an associate dentist. Michelle is passionate about biological dentistry and is deeply committed to its philosophies and methodologies. Her dental interests include restorative dentistry, minor oral surgery and cosmetic dental work.
Some of Michelle's interests include reading, travelling and enjoying the outdoors. She is an avid tennis and soccer fan and is also looking to cultivate a budding interest in digital photography. |
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As we welcome Michelle's return to BCD we must also, sadly, bid a fond farewell to Dr Ray Smallman. Ray has been a much loved member of the BCD team for the last few years, and patients and colleagues alike will undoubtedly miss his irrepressible character and enthusiastic presence.
Ray will be finishing up on June 29, 2011 to embark on a world tour with his wife beginning in Europe and ending in his homeland New Zealand where he will eventually establish his own practice. As Ray will be gradually cutting back his hours towards June, now is the time to finalise any incomplete treatment with him. We sincerely wish Ray all the best on his travels and much success in his future endeavours. |
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Aushi has recently gained accreditation to prescribe Invisalign orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a new and versatile type of treatment that can be used to correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues without the need to use metallic braces.
For those of you who are interested in Invisalign treatment and how it may benefit you please call and book in for a consultation with Aushi.
As many of you may be aware we featured an article on Invisalign orthodontic treatment in the last BCD newsletter. If you missed this and would like a copy to be emailed to you please call the practice.
Aushi will also be reducing her hours at the practice as of May, 2011. She will be devoting more time training other dentists in the concepts and methodologies of biological dentistry, researching and updating protocols and, of course, enjoying the domestic bliss of married life. Aushi will be available to see patients on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. |
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Resident hygienist Samantha Nixon will now be carrying out saliva testing for patients at BCD. Saliva is important for protecting exposed tooth surfaces. It plays a vital role in dental health and protects teeth by neutralising acid challenges, flushing food and bacteria from the oral cavity, acting as a lubricant and delivering calcium and phosphate to the tooth surface.
When Saliva is reduced and stops protecting teeth; there is reduced clearance of bacteria and food from the mouth, reduced buffering of acid challenges and diminished re-mineralising potential. An environment like this favours dental caries.
Saliva testing is considered a diagnostic tool for a patient with sensitivity or loss of tooth structure from dental caries or erosion. We want to discover why the mouth has become more acidic and why the saliva is not protecting the teeth.
The buffering capacity of the saliva or how well saliva is protecting the tooth structure is what is tested. This involves testing hydration, viscosity and pH of resting saliva and quantity and quality of stimulated saliva. The bacterial species, Streptococcus Mutans, has a significant role in dental caries. Tests are carried out to identify high levels of these bacteria. The pH of plaque (bacteria) in the mouth is measured, as a low plaque pH shows that caries is active in the mouth.
All the tests are simple, non-invasive and a valuable diagnostic tool. Please call the practice if you feel a saliva test may benefit you. |
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BCD resident naturopath Andrew is back from his month travelling around Japan. Luckily, no broken bones were incurred on the slopes.
For anyone who has not seen Andrew before we highly recommend making an appointment with him for a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA). This non-invasive and highly informative test can tell you much about your body's inner workings such as glandular function, heavy metal load, metabolic profile and mineral status.
Many body imbalances reflect in the status of oral health: for example if a magnesium or vitamin B6 deficiency exists there may be a loss of calcium from bones and teeth, making the teeth very susceptible to decay and causing build up of calcium in soft tissues as seen in tartar (calculus) accumulation. This seemingly harmless build up on the teeth may actually predict calcification of other soft tissues like the joints (osteoarthritis) and arteries (arteriosclerosis).
Similarly, mercury from amalgam fillings may accumulate in the tissues and, over time, have toxic effects on the cells leading to nutrient mineral transport derangement. HTMA is a brilliant way to detect heavy metals and other patterns of imbalance before they manifest as major health challenges. A personally tailored holistic plan in conjunction with your hygienist/dentist treatment can then be designed for your unique needs.
Feel free to call Andrew for a chat about this invaluable assessment technique. |
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With Aushi cutting down her hours at BCD it has become necessary for the appointment of a manager to oversee the smooth day to day running of the practice. We happily entrust this demanding role to Dale Dorin who has learned the ins and outs of the practice from the ground up, and has proven to be a most steadfast and resourceful asset to the team. Many of you know Dale in his capacity as head nurse here at BCD for the past two years. Congratulations on your promotion Dale!!!! |
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This pleasant, minty paste is made with “above sea” coral calcium and is fluoride, sodium lauryl sulphate and sugar free. The fresh, clean, feeling after brushing makes it a favourite amongst BCD practitioners and staff.
We are pleased to announce a drop in price from $15 to $12.95 for a 170g tube (due to the strength of our dollar!!). Pick some up at your next visit or call and we can send some to you.
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