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About Coast river business journal. (Astoria, OR) 2006-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 15, 2020)
make this a relaxing environment where people could come in and talk about their dental concerns.” Daniel: “The environment was paramount.” How do you calm kids or adults who are anxious about seeing a dentist? Daniel: “When they first come in it’s relaxing. It’s listening to people, a lot have anxieties and concerns. We take the time to listen, address those concerns and make them feel comfortable.” What’s the most common procedure? Daniel: “We do most everything. It’s hard to say what’s the most common. We do a lot of crown/bridge work, root canal therapy. Most of the procedures except orthodontics. We do some pretty challeng- ing cases.” Daliah: “A lot of things that people would get referred out for, he does it all here.” Is there an area of dentistry you con- sider your forte? Daniel: “Comprehensive treatments involving crown and bridge work, implants, root canal therapy, full-mouth rehabilita- tion-type treatments.” What’s the most common mistake people make with their teeth daily? Daniel: “It’s may be something they don’t do daily (ha-ha). I think drinking pop on a regular basis can be quite detrimen- tal. I’ve heard a lot of stories from patients where they would sip on Coke or Moun- tain Dew all day long. It’s basically bathing your teeth in acid. It’s pretty detrimental.” What’s the most common misconcep- tion you encounter? Daniel: “The biggest misconception is people thinking things are going to hurt. There’s no reason that things have to hurt no matter what procedure we’re doing.” What would you consider the most challenging or complex procedure? Daniel: “Sometimes root canal treat- ments can be a little challenging. Any pro- COAST RIVER BuSInESS JOurnaL BUSINESS NEWS LuKE WHITTaKEr LuKE WHITTaKEr Dr. Daniel Lundquist feeds the fish in the waiting room aquarium of the dental office after work in early January. Studies have shown that aquari- ums can reduce stress and anxiety. Daliah Lundquist demonstrates the hands-free faucet and cabinetry, up- grades that help maintain a sterile environment. cedure can be challenging it just depends on the situation.” I always see the commercials, 9 out of 10 dentists recommend a certain brand of toothbrush or toothpaste. Is there a specific brand of toothpaste or tooth- brush you think is best? Daliah: “He went to Indiana University, where Crest was developed.” Daniel: “As far as a specific brand, I couldn’t say you better get Crest or Col- gate…A toothpaste that’s been ADA approved.” What foods are worst for our teeth? Daniel: “Sticky, sugary candy. The sugar adheres (to the teeth) and stays. Pops are quite bad, because there’s already acid in the pop and then there’s sugar, which gets turned into acid.” How do electric and manual tooth- brushes compare? Daniel: “There can be benefits to an electric toothbrush, because of the vibra- tional action of the bristles. They can be more thorough and effective. You can do a similar job with a manual toothbrush if you’re diligent and conscientious about how you’re doing it.” What’s been the biggest technological change in dentistry you’ve experienced? Daniel: “Computers and x-rays. When I finished dental school computers were available. Shortly after that came x-rays or radiographs that could be taken with sen- sors instead of using film that you develop, so that’s been a big change. Patients don’t have to wear a lead vest anymore.” Some argue there’s little benefit to flossing, is it’s importance overrated? Daniel: “That’s an interesting question. It depends on the person and their diet. You would be hard pressed to say flossing isn’t helpful. It’s definitely an advantage for preventing decay between your teeth and keeping the gum tissue healthier.” What’s one part about dentistry you never anticipated, something that’s sur- prised you? Daniel: “The actual dentistry, doing procedures and treatment, that’s the easy part. Before I got into business, I thought doing the dentistry was going to be the challenging aspect, but it’s actually running the business end of things that’s been the biggest surprise.” Do you feel dentistry has gotten pro- hibitively expensive? Daniel: “I think the cost of dentistry for patients has remained relatively constant with inflation, to the best of my understand- ing. I have noticed that with dental insur- ance that came out in the 70s and 80s, peo- ple would have yearly coverage of about $1,000 or maybe $1,500. The crazy thing is now 30 or 40 years later, their insurance still has limits of $1,000 or $1,500. It’s not keeping pace with the costs. It gives peo- ple the perception that costs have gone up.” What part brings you the most satisfaction? Daniel: “When you can transform some- one’s smile… the final result you get and they’re at a loss for words. I’ve had peo- ple crying with joy when they see the final result, that’s the best thing.” Liv T e he Lonely: SUNDAY AFTERNOON 4 • January 2020 Presents Roy Orbison Memories , 2020 Thursday, January 30 7:00 PM 9:00 PM to the A sensitive and dynamic tribute show s Thi . ison one and only Roy Orb . nce ma for is a Special Per Tickets are $20 Sponsored by: in advance Cecelia Seaman $25 on Taylor Shellfish Farms performance day and Ekone Oyster In the HISTORIC RAYMOND THEATRE Buy advance tickets at: www.sundayafternoonlive.org or by phone (360) 836-4419 • PO Box 964, South Bend, WA. 98586