by Roseman Dental | Oct 5, 2022 | Dental Clinic Blog, Providers - NV, Roseman Dental - NV
Roseman University welcomes Dr. Matthew Thacker as the new Program Director for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in Henderson, Nevada and AEGD Clinic Director. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Integrative Physiology from UNLV, he attended UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine and received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 2018. After graduating dental school, Dr. Thacker served in the U.S. Navy as a Fleet Marine Force dental officer for four years aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms, California. He continues to serve the Las Vegas Valley community as a volunteer dentist for the Special Olympics, Give Kids a Smile®, and UNLV’s Sgt. Ferrin Memorial Veteran’s Clinic. He is passionate about providing a broad scope of evidence-based dental care to the community and is dedicated to training the next generation of dentists to be skilled, compassionate, and service-based healthcare providers. Dr. Thacker is a member of the American Dental Education Association, Nevada Dental Association, Southern Nevada Dental Society, and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Thacker brings to his work a team-based approach to problem solving, an inordinate amount of energy, and a genuine desire to serve our Nevada community with empathy and respect. While serving in the military was something he may not have expected as a child, he enjoyed his time serving and caring for the young service men and women coming up through the ranks. It also seems that the four attributes of the US Navy – initiative, accountability, integrity and toughness — are traits he embodies even now moving out of active service. Dr. Thacker has attacked his new role with focused initiative, and a data-driven approach. With his combined role of teaching, practicing and running the day-to-day operations of the clinic, his job is not for the faint of heart. He bears multiple responsibilities and must also work with staff across Roseman Dental & Orthodontics dental clinic, with his colleagues in the ortho clinic of Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, with Roseman Dental – Summerlin, and across campus and state lines alongside our South Jordan, UT clinic and faculty.
Despite this workload and an intense focus, what most people also immediately see in Dr. Thacker is an easygoing kindness and affability. Dr. Alice Chen, Roseman’s new pediatric dentist at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, says, “Dr. Thacker works with his team with the utmost respect and kindness, he empowers us and brings a level of positivity to everything he does.” While Dr. Thacker has youth on his side, he imparts a wisdom and calm that seems befitting of someone much older.
Excited to be back serving his local community, and the community in which he was born and raised, Dr. Thacker reflects on his younger years as a kid bowling at the Henderson bowling alley and getting pizza with his friends at the local pizza place. “It is so nice to be back in Nevada, where I grew up, serving our community and to continue the incredible work of Roseman University.”
Dr. Thacker had always known of Roseman’s dental programs and was intrigued by Roseman’s Six-Point Mastery Learning Model®. He’d even attended some of Roseman’s online Neighborhood Health Series events during COVID while stationed in California. With a confluence of factors occurring at just the right time to bring him to Roseman, Dr. Thacker is breathing new life and energy into our beautiful state-of-the art clinic. Dr. Thacker reports that the clinic is very busy, and is seeing many patients for routine and more significant dental work. In late August, a new hygienist will join his team and allow for more patients to be seen.
In his free time, Dr. Thacker and his wife, Dr. Angelica Jane Bustos-Thacker, also a dentist, play with their two dogs, Puka and Boba. Dr. Thacker also enjoys playing ice hockey, graphic design, computer coding, traveling and is an avid woodworker. Welcome Dr. Thacker!
by Roseman Dental | Oct 1, 2022 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - UT
Brushing and flossing regularly are essential habits for healthy teeth, but did you know that nutrition is also important to the overall health of your mouth? It’s especially important to help kids start healthy eating habits while they’re young and their teeth are still developing. Here are the top nutrition tips to keep your family’s oral health strong.
1. Don’t Put the Baby to Bed with a Bottle
Many people like to put their baby to bed with a bottle of milk or other drink. However, this seemingly harmless practice actually allows bacteria to flourish and can lead to tooth decay. Giving your baby a bottle at night is okay, but make sure you follow it up with a gentle tooth-brushing session (or simply wiping their gums with a warm washcloth if they don’t have teeth yet) before putting your baby in bed.
2. Eat Plenty of Fresh Vegetables and Fruits
The standard American diet is extremely high in sugar. While avoiding sugar entirely may not be practical, it is best to limit consumption of sweets and sodas since they increase the risk of cavities. Even so-called “fruit” drinks contain highly concentrated amounts of sugar and should not be consumed in excess. Make sure to check the nutrition facts to get the real scoop on how much sugar is involved, even if a beverage claims to be fruit-based. If you or your children do have sweets, make sure to brush soon afterwards.
3. Avoid Sugary Foods
The standard American diet is extremely high in sugar, and while it may not be practical to avoid sugar altogether, it is best to limit consumption of sweets and sodas since they increase the risk of cavities. Even so-called “fruit” drinks contain highly concentrated amounts of sugar and should not be consumed in excess. If you or your children do have sweets, make sure to brush soon afterwards.
4. Drink Water with Food
Drinking water with each meal helps to wash away food particles and bacteria that might otherwise become stuck on or between the teeth and contribute to tooth decay. Taking a drink of water immediately after a meal serves the same purpose and can keep your mouth from becoming too dry.
A nutritious diet is just as important for oral health as brushing and flossing. Improving your current diet can be as easy as adding an extra portion of vegetables or fruit to a meal, eating fewer sweets, and increasing your water intake. Small changes can make a big difference.
Talk with your dentist about how your nutrition and oral health are connected. If you don’t have your next check-up on the calendar yet, make an appointment with Roseman Dental for affordable quality dental care.
by Roseman Dental | Sep 14, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - UT
Welcome to autumn! In this September issue of Dental 360°, discover what xerostomia is and how you can fix it before it becomes a big problem, find out how to prevent gum disease, and get some tips about keeping kids healthy as school goes back into session. You’ll also get a look at two of our big summer community events, Back to School Brush-Up™ and Give New Utahns a Smile.
Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost typically lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.
We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.
Dental 360° September Articles
Xerostomia: Causes and Treatments for Dry Mouth
Periodontal Disease and How to Prevent It
Back to School Brush-Up™
Give New Utahns A Smile
Back to School! Keeping Kids Healthy In and Out of the Classroom
by Roseman Dental | Sep 14, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - NV
Welcome to autumn! In this September issue of Dental 360°, discover what xerostomia is and how you can fix it before it becomes a big problem, find out how to prevent gum disease, and meet Dr. Alice Chen, Roseman’s new pediatric dentist.
Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental & Orthodontics has been serving its community since 2009 and is a comprehensive, one-stop shop for all your dental needs including dental, orthodontic and craniofacial cleft lip & palate treatment.
We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.
Dental 360° September Articles
Xerostomia: Causes and Treatments for Dry Mouth
Periodontal Disease and How to Prevent It
Meet Dr. Alice Chen
Back to School! Keeping Kids Healthy In and Out of the Classroom
Subscribe to e-newsletter
Click Here to Leave a Review
by Roseman Dental | Sep 14, 2022 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Providers - NV, Roseman Dental - NV
Dr. Chen recently joined Roseman’s College of Dental Medicine as a board-certified Pediatric Dentist at Roseman’s clinics in Henderson and Summerlin, NV. With a warm smile, kind face and gentle way about her, it is immediately obvious that she has a gift for connecting with children. Dr. Chen knew from a young age that she wanted to be a healthcare provider and that she wanted to use her hands in her profession. Shadowing an optometrist and dentist in high school, she connected quickly with the practice of dentistry but she had no particular plans or interest in treating children. Though Dr. Chen is the eldest of two girls in her family, she did not have a great deal of experience with or an affinity towards children, yet she found that her passion for pediatric dentistry grew while in her second year of dental school in Boston. She received her dental degree from Boston University and her specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at Temple University. Originally from California, Dr. Chen received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA with an emphasis in Developmental Psychology. In dental school, Dr. Chen worked alongside caring, compassionate faculty who took a great interest in mentoring her. Through this, she realized how important it was her to not only to provide preventative care, but to also ease pain and discomfort. Dr. Chen was born to parents who guided her not to a specific profession or interest, but toward an ethos, “be helpful and to take care of others.” She has most certainly followed this guidance in her professional life.
After a decade in private practice, in 2021, Dr. Chen made a personal decision to focus more time on the practice of pediatric dentistry and to let go of some of the administrative and business tasks associated with running a practice. When the opportunity arose at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, it seemed like a perfect fit. “The opportunity at Roseman gave me the chance to place greater focus on doing what I love most—treating children. I couldn’t be happier about the opportunity to work in both of Roseman’s clinics. The entrée into academia also offered her the chance to return some of the goodwill and guidance offered to her by faculty when she was a student. In her new role, Dr. Chen has the chance to shape and inspire future providers.
Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, in addition to providing care to adults and children, is the home of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, which hosts 2 residents per year through a partnership with NYU Lutheran Dental Medicine. These dentists receive advanced training through Roseman Dental & Orthodontics and are exposed to more complex cases. In her position, Dr. Chen is able to work alongside these residents, shaping their experiences and developing patient-centered practitioners while treating children. Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ dental clinic also refers patients to Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ ortho clinic, which is at the same address and next door.
Dr. Chen also practices at Roseman’s newest dental family member, Roseman Dental – Summerlin, Roseman’s pediatric dental clinic focused exclusively on treating medically compromised children in need of specialized dental care. Dr. Chen works alongside Dr. Michael Cottam, Clinic Director, to treat patients of Roseman’s partner organization, Cure 4 The Kids (C4K). C4K treats children with cancers, blood diseases and other life-threatening diseases. These children often put their dental needs aside, yet they need a dental home with dentists that work alongside their physicians to deliver what is often specialized care.
Dr. Chen is a beloved healthcare provider in the Nevada community. She brings to Roseman extensive experience, a deep commitment to improving the welfare and health of children, and a warm sense of optimism about her work. Dr. Chen and her husband Dr. Matthew Raddue, an anesthesiologist, enjoy being parents to their two children. Welcome Dr. Chen!
by Roseman Dental | Sep 7, 2022 | Clinic Events - UT, Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - UT
Last month, Roseman Dental held its annual free Back to School Brush-Up™ event where our dental students and faculty provided dental screenings and cleanings to children in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2022 – 2023 academic school year. Those who attended the event received a voucher to return to Roseman Dental for a free comprehensive exam, free x-rays, and up to $100 in additional care.
While waiting to be treated, participants enjoyed the oral health carnival where they learned about good oral hygiene habits and tips, how to properly brush their teeth and floss and what foods are good and bad for your teeth through several interactive carnival games.
We asked the clients who visited us that day to take an exit survey. These results confirm that the children our students served truly needed and appreciated the services that were provided:
- 55 percent of our patients were presented with 4 or more carious teeth.
- Of those who reported an answer, 81 percent of our patients have no dental insurance (including Medicaid).
- Of those who reported an answer, 44 percent said that it has been over 1 year since their last dental visit.
- 41 percent reported they have no dental home.
- 56 percent reported they have urgent or moderate dental care needs.
- Patients visited us in South Jordan, UT from as far away as Ogden and Payson, UT. For reference, that’s about an hour drive.
This event was not possible without our wonderful sponsors. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor – Marathon Petroleum. Your contributions allowed us to provide needed dental care to children in our community.
Roseman Dental will be hosting its annual Give Kids a Smile® event on Friday, February 3 where our dental students and faculty will be providing free dental screenings and cleanings to children 18 and under. Those that attend will receive a voucher to return to Roseman Dental for a free comprehensive exam, x-rays, sealants, and up to $100 of additional care. More information about this event will be announced soon.
