At a very young age, Dr. Katie McCann Lee learned the importance of a smile to one’s well being. At only the age of 14 she was involved in a horrific ATV accident.

This accident left her with a severely fractured face and missing teeth. Four years and nine reconstructive surgeries later, doctors were able to restore her smile.

“I had to go through four years of high school without front teeth, and that negatively affected my confidence and social development. I learned at a young age how important a smile is to one’s well being. I wanted to enhance other people’s well-being by being a dentist.”

Dr. Katie McCann Lee

Many of Dr. McCann Lee’s patients don’t know about the life-changing experience that led her to dentistry

Dr. McCann Lee, one of the Incisal Edge 2019 40 Under 40 honorees, recalls those difficult days.

As a result of the accident, her right Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) was severely damaged and to repair the function of this joint, doctors used her rib bone.

The biggest challenge to overcome in her life this far, Dr. McCann Lee says, was not only the horrific accident, but the fact that it occured at a difficult time in her life.

“I also had to face tough bullying at school for the way that I looked from my accident and subsequent surgeries. At a young age, I was tested, and learned discipline and persistence. Luckily, that has carried throughout my adult life, so nothing seems out of reach anymore.”

Dr. Katie McCann Lee

Those challenges culminated in Dr. McCann Lee’s passion for dentistry and ultimately, her decision to create Aurora Modern Dentistry in Colorado.

“I believe that dentistry should be affordable, be efficiently delivered, and tailored to the patient’s lifestyle.”

Dr. Katie McCann Lee

Education is just the first step to the dental profession, and in order to be successful, that training needs to extend outside of the classroom to the patients.

At Dr. McCann Lee’s practice she initiated a ‘co-treatment plan’ which allows the patients to select the treatment plan of their choice. Within this process, she and her team inform the patients of the diagnosis and present all possible solutions. The patients are invited to select the one that will work best for their lifestyle.

The primary goal for Dr. McCann Lee and her team is to find and treat the source of the problem, not just the symptoms. They focus on issues such as chronic inflammation, sleep disturbances, occlusal discrepancies, and infection.

Dr. McCann Lee often sees patients on weekends, to accommodate their busy lives.

A passion for innovation.

Currently, Dr. McCann Lee is particularly passionate about the topic of salivary diagnostics, in which saliva is tested for inflammatory genes and oral bacteria. This allows a doctor to better diagnose and manage periodontics and chronic inflammation.

Her expertise in sleep and airway management allows her to provide treatment to improve the quality of a patient’s life, and systemic conditions such as sleep apnea.

This summer, Aurora Modern Dentistry will expand their office with a build out of a specialty center, to incorporate endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, and sleep medicine.

Dr. McCann Lee has been an inspiration to many. Who inspires her?

Dr. Minh Pham is an experienced clinician with tremendous success in building practices and training dentists. Dr. McCann Lee credits him as her mentor.

“He has taught me how to stay humble and hungry, to always work hard, and to always put my team first.”

Dr. Katie McCann Lee

The most important lesson Dr. McCann Lee says she learned from Dr. Pham: No matter what, you should always focus on your team first. A dental practice is never one-person; the team helps the doctor create solutions and ideas.

To learn more about Dr. Katie McCann Lee, or her practice click here

Blooming flowers, chirping birds, magical light cure composites — what else would you expect with the arrival of spring? When aiming to incorporate fresh ideas into your dental practice in the form of innovation, the nation’s largest family-owned dental distributor strives to make it simple to stay up to date with the latest equipment and technology.

With a commitment to #drivingdentistryforward, Benco Dental presents the newest and coolest technology doctors need in the form of its #6NeatThings promotion.

Activa Presto by Pulpdent offers nature’s magic within a light cure composite.

A universal, stackable, light cure composite, Activa Presto absorbs stress, resists wear, repels fractures and averts chips. It releases and recharges calcium, phosphate and fluoride, and is indicated for all classes of cavities.

Magic arrives in the form of patented resins and a realistic presentation. Once it’s cured and polished, the composite holds its shape. Mineral enriched and moisture friendly, Activa Presto delivers an ionic release/recharge of what teeth need: calcium, phosphate and fluoride.

Benefits from the Activa Presto include:

• Ease of placement with 1.2mL syringes.
• Versatility; a universal composite for all classes of cavities.
• Penetration and integration with tooth structure for margin-free adaptation to teeth.

To learn more about the Activa Presto click here.

Easy Denture offers solutions in just five minutes.

Invented by Dr. Misael Otero with patients in mind, the patented, heat moldable denture can be fitted, and refitted by people at home in just five minutes.
The universal-fit boil-and-bite apparatus is created with a multi-layered design, made from the patented Nuovoflex material. The teeth and gum base layers provide a rigid skeleton – very similar to standard dentures. The upper layer of the denture consists of the Nuovoflex Stretch material, which is similar to soft reline and comprises the soft, moldable part of the denture.

Benefits of the Easy Denture include:

• Available in multiple sizes including small/medium, and medium/large.
• Covered by most insurance companies.
• Offers a 30-day warranty.
• Able to be remolded up to 20 times in order to achieve the best fit for each patient.

Easy Denture is only available through Benco. For more information regarding the Easy Denture click here.

The PenBlade by Tidi is the first scalpel to offer safety without compromise at the practice.

A new generation safety scalpel, PenBlade by Tidi is a self-retracting and designed for a doctor’s use. 

Utilizing an ergonomic grip and a high-quality scalpel blade, PenBlade makes precise surgical incisions with minimal effort. The safety mechanism is activated without changing the grip, creating a truly safe solution.

The benefits of using the PenBlade include:

• Self-retracting blade.
• One-hand activation.
• A front release button that can be activated without looking, which allows clinicians to maintain focus on the patient.

For more information about the PenBlade click here.

Cut through the latest in high-strength ceramics with the Aeras 500 Elite Handpiece by DentalEZ.

The Aeras 500 Elite Handpiece offers the elegance of air with the authority of electric. Its RFID technology can unlock new options for complete practice interconnectivity.

Add space within your practice by using the Aeras 500 Elite Handpiece for all procedures.

Benefits from using the Aeras 500 Elite Hand-piece include:

• Modern form that allows patient comfort and posterior access.
• Maintenance control with in-office turbine replacements.
• Lube-free technology.
• Multi-port spray which keeps the bur cool while whisking away debris.

For more information about the Aeras 500 Elite Hand-piece by DentalEZ click here.

Aeras Ramvac by DentalEZ: A compressor that finally communicates with your devices.

DentalEZ’s new Aeras compressor is a connected device that allows complete monitoring of critical parts and systems, as well as remote control of its operation.

The Aeras Ramvac allows you to schedule when your equipment powers off and on, while also sending direct notifications to your device when maintenance is required.

Benefits of using the Aeras Ramvac Compressor include:

• Dual desiccant dryer technology that prevents the growth of bacteria.
• A rocking piston design that cuts the ambient compressor noise, while doubling the life of the compression rings.
• A high- pressure option perfect for practices that run a milling machine.

To learn more about the Aeras Ramvac Compressor by DentalEZ click here.

Floss effortlessly at home or on the go with Jetfloss Go by Benco Brands.

The PRO-SYS JetFloss GO is your solution to flossing, whether at home or while traveling.  This portable, handheld IPX7 waterproof design is equipped with five tips, a USB cord for charging and a convenient travel bag.

The JetFloss Go comes with two jet tips, one orthodontic tip, one periodontal tip, and one tongue cleaner.

Benefits of the the JetFloss Go include:

• Three pressure settings.
• Lithium battery that lasts up to 10-15 days when fully charged.
• 360-degree tip that allows you to easily clean difficult-to-reach areas.

For more information about the JetFloss Go by Benco Brands click here.

In 1930 when Ben Cohen set out to establish a business in Pennsylvania, he traveled by train, delivering supplies his dental customers needed to improve the health of their patients. He realized that continued growth of his solo venture depended on enlisting the talents and dedication of others and he selected those trusted few with care.

Tony Minichowski, who started at Benco in 1941, was one of them. 

Last week at a Remembrance Day ceremony at Benco’s home office, Larry Cohen, who built the company alongside his father Ben, paid tribute to Tony, and to four other longtime associates who have died.

“Tony began his career making deliveries, working his way up to Branch Manager and later Vice President and General Manager. He was my right- hand man and probably one of the main reasons we survived those tumultuous early years.”

Larry Cohen, Benco Chairman and Chief Customer Advocate

As a young boy on summer breaks from school, Larry visited customers on the road by Ben’s side and learned firsthand the importance of relationships. Larry also worked at the first Benco office, alongside those associates, Tony among them. They delivered a unique customer experience. They established trust — and in many cases lifelong friendships. This was the birth of the Benco Difference.

“Tony loved his colleagues and truly enjoyed going to work every day, which was apparent as he did not retire until he was 80,” said Larry, recalling Tony’s 64 years with the company.

“I have often said Tony was the best thing my father, Ben, left me and that comment is true today. I am not sure Benco would be where we are today without Tony. He was the key ingredient in Benco’s history and growth; he will be remembered with affection and appreciation.”

Larry Cohen, speaking about 64-year Benco associate Tony Minichowski

A 15-minute conversation led to 32 years of technical mastery

“I hired Jim Thiel within 15 minutes of meeting him and never regretted it,” said Larry, of the late master technician who dedicated 32 years to Benco Dental. 

Larry shared the story of the day he interviewed Thiel for a position at Benco and the years that followed.

“A dental assistant for one of our Scranton customers kept telling us we should hire her husband, who was working as a muffler installer. That was Jim. At that time we were expanding into Philly and soon after his training he moved there to become our first technician in that market. He became so popular that we won customers because of his mechanical and technical skills.”

The late Steve Zang joined the Benco family in August, 1987 as a Friendly Benco Rep and shared 30 years of dental industry knowledge in the company’s Ohio Valley region. Steve honorably served in the U.S. Army and Reserves for 27 years, including tours in Vietnam and Desert Storm.

Eric Cooney, Regional Manager describes Steve as “very proud of his family, military service and being part of the Benco Dental sales force…. All of Ohio Valley misses Steve’s quirky sense of humor and warm heart.”

In 2005, Bill Macintosh joined the Benco family as an Equipment Support Technician in the Blue Ridge region. Chuck Puckett, Blue Ridge Equipment Support Manager in the region shared his team’s sentiments about his late colleague:

“Bill was a good friend, an excellent technician and a teammate who you could count on. Always willing to lend a hand, he was also there with a kind word to pick you up when you needed it. He will be missed.”

The late Andrew Fant was a member of the Benco family for more than 10 years. 

“Andrew was a loving stepfather, a musically-gifted pianist and talented woodworker. He was a thoughtful man who always looked out for his team,” said Carolinas region Equipment Support Manager Mike Whitlock.

This year, as of 3 a.m. on Friday, July 26, over 250 people were already lined up outside PPG Paints Arena – the city’s downtown hockey arena. A few hours later at 6 a.m., the 2019 Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh Free Dental Clinic opened its doors to the community.

In the two days that followed, 1,302 patients received hope and healing at the hands of 1,469 care providers. The clinic provides services at no charge to adults and children age 2 and up; there are no income or eligibility requirements. Patients – many from working families – attend because they lack dental insurance or access to dental care.

A solution born out of need

The idea for establishing an annual dental care event in Pittsburgh was born out of conversations between Dr. Daniel Pituch; Dr. Richard M. Celko; and Michael Zamagias, chairman and chief executive officer of the Pittsburgh-based healthcare technology company TeleTracking, Inc., who together saw the need in the community to provide this service on an annual basis.

In 2017 it came to fruition in the form of Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh, a free, two-day dental clinic, presented by A Call to Care, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

‘No patient is turned away due to lack of capacity’

What keeps it rolling? The entire event is run and staffed by volunteers.

• 176 Dentists (9 Endodontists, 7 Non-clinical, 11 Pediatric Dentists, 4 Prosthodontists, 4 Radiologists, 73 Restorative, 5 Routing, 46 Surgery, 17 Triage)
• 90 Hygienists
• 164 TeleTracking employees

Hear them in action in an NPR report by WESA’s Katie Blackley: https://www.npr.org/2019/08/01/747190755/1-300-wait-for-free-dental-care-in-pittsburgh?fbclid=IwAR21gRHACVlx8Qx3r41sJ_skLDvaJBenFg9qAT5dHyIjJT4f4WWpNy8IM9c

The costs of presenting (PPG Paints Arena rental, materials, dental equipment, supplies, and more) are made possible by the generosity of dedicated partners, sponsors and funders, according to Kayleigh Fontana, Marketing Campaign Manager for TeleTracking.

“The clinic has grown each year, increasing the number of dental chairs (from 50 chairs in 2017 to 100 chairs in 2019) and volunteers each year to meet the need. No patient is turned away due to lack of capacity.”

Kayleigh Fontana, Marketing Campaign Manager for TeleTracking.

How does it make a difference?

By establishing this clinic as an annual event, Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh makes it possible for individuals with limited access to dental care to see a dental professional at least once a year.

Services provided include:
* full dental exam,
* X-rays,
* cleanings,
* minor restorative fillings,
* extractions,
* root canal treatments on select teeth,
* oral hygiene instruction, and
* temporary partial dental appliances

Data gathered from a survey of Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh patients in 2018 revealed that 45 percent of patients who attended the clinic had experienced dental pain for more than a year, and 25 percent reported visiting the emergency department for dental pain.

Research shows that poor oral health has a significant impact on overall health, including premature birth and an increased risk of cancer. The bacteria present in oral infections has been found to contribute to the risk for heart disease and stroke. Studies have found that having damaged, broken or missing teeth impacts an individual’s sense of confidence, well-being, and employability, as well as earning power.

Want to participate in 2020?

For news on the 2020 Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh dental clinic, and opportunities to volunteer next year, follow Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MOMPGH/ and Twitter @MOM_PGH.

Want to donate or volunteer? Visit: https://mompgh.org/donate/