Camp Smile Office Modifications as We Reopen

Camp Smile family,

While Governor Walz lifted the mask mandate, per the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, and the Centers for Disease Control, dental facilities still require any persons two years and older to wear a mask. The following is a list of improvements we have implemented in our clinics as a response to COVID-19. These changes have been made to ensure the safety of your family during your visit:

  • Negative pressure hepa-filtration has been added to all of our operatory rooms to increase clean air distribution and circulation. This allows for safe practice during restorative/aerosol producing appointments.
  • We have hand sanitizer and hand washing stations that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.
  • Per the Minnesota Board of Dentistry and the CDC, ask that you arrive wearing your own mask and leave the mask on throughout the entire time you are within our building.
  • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. Please be respectful of our requests as we are implementing these new “norms” and protective measures for the health of our team and your family.
  • We will do our best to manage patient flow and plan to have an escort with you for the duration of your child’s appointment.
  • Our team will be wearing additional PPE’s during appointments.
  • Additional sterilization techniques have been put in place.
  • In order to allow for proper social distancing, we ask that only one parent and the patients only attend the appointment.

Lastly, the CARES Act requires that COVID-19 testing is covered without cost-sharing. This applies to all health insurance coverage in Minnesota. Click here to go to the state’s official testing site website.

Help Dr. Bobbi Make Eye-Deal Pick

Dr. Bobbi’s personality always shines through, including in her choice of eyeglasses. Help her pick out her next pair. Click here to watch the video then cast your vote!

UPDATE: After compiling all the votes, the clear winner was Choice B! Nearly half of all the selections were for B. The second-place pick was Choice A, followed narrowly by Choice A. Thanks to all those who commented and voted!

Dr. Bobbi will soon pick up Choice B, and you should be able to see her rocking them in one of our offices! 

Introducing “Ask Dr. Bobbi!”

At Camp Smile, we believe there are no bad questions. As our influence grows, we want to share our experience, insight and wisdom regarding pediatric dentistry. To submit questions, email us at plymouth@campsmile.com or use the hashtag #AskDrBobbi on Instagram or Facebook!

Welcome to our inaugural, “Ask Dr. Bobbi,” Dr. Bobbi! First question…

Q: When should a child first see a dentist?

A: I hear this question every week! Children should have their first dental visit by the age of one or within six months of the eruption of the first tooth. Unfortunately, there are some health professionals still recommending that children have their first dental visit around the age of three. That’s old news — we know that seeing the dentist at an early age helps to establish healthy habits and contributes to the prevention of dental caries (cavities), which is the most common, chronic disease of childhood. 

Q: What would a first visit look like for an infant?

A: A large portion of a first visit for an infant or young child is dedicated to parent and caregiver education. This includes instruction and counseling on oral hygiene, diet, and habit (i.e., pacifier, thumb, bottle) cessation. The exam is typically completed in a knee-to-knee position with parent assistance and a lighted mirror. We examine the tongue and intra-and peri-oral anatomy, assess frenal attachments, and check for clefting of the palate. Of course, we look at the teeth and make sure there are no signs of breakdown or cavities. The entire visit usually takes around 40-60 minutes. Click here to watch the infant knee-to-knee video on our website.

Q:  What would a first visit look like for older children and adolescents? 

A:  We still dedicate much of the first visit to patient, parent, and caregiver education. We want even our youngest patients to feel like they are invested in and equipped to take care of their own oral health; however, we recognize and remind parents that children still need help brushing and flossing their teeth. Additionally, we introduce radiographs (as indicated) in addition to a full cleaning. We work to establish a positive dental outlook for each patient at every visit! 

Q: Why should a child see a pediatric dentist?

A: Anatomically and psychologically, children are not just “mini-adults.” We have additional training and expertise to manage infants and children, whom we see significantly more than most general practice providers. Pediatric dentists have at least two to three years of additional residency education to handle the nuances that may come along the way. Pediatric dentists are the “pediatricians of the oral cavity.” We don’t like to put “Band-Aids” on dental problems — we like to address decay and growth and development concerns comprehensively. 

Baby teeth are different than permanent teeth, and we understand that and know how to treat them predictably. Additionally, we have various options for completing treatment, including nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or general anesthesia.

Q: Spring is officially here, and summer is just around the corner. What are you looking forward to doing when the weather gets nicer?

A: I am looking forward to getting out and about, being active with my kiddos: walks, runs, water skiing, and all those sorts of things. I like to get out there and play a little catch too. I can throw a mean spiral, but I can also throw you out at second!

Oh — and Licks Unlimited in Excelsior! I haven’t had my chocolate-dipped sugar cone with sprinkles and coffee ice cream since last fall.

Introducing the Solea Laser

Camp Smile takes pride in having the latest technologies and recently added the Solea hard and soft tissue laser. This laser allows us to complete most fillings without the need for numbing and is one additional “trick” we have to treat fearful patients! Best on the market for frenum and tounge-tie releases when this procedure is indicated. Watch the video below!

Camp Smile Stories: A Holiday Tradition

Though many businesses wind down deep into December, Camp Smile actually ramps up, as kids start holiday breaks and parents try to squeeze in doctor and dental appointments.

“Around this time of year, the clinic is really busy and it’s important to keep our team connected,” Dr. Colin says. “At Camp Smile, we’re a big family, so it’s important to keep everyone close and show our appreciation to everyone who works with us and significant others.”

The Camp Smile Holiday Party changes each year, though there’s always some sort of fun, offsite, team-building activity. Last year, they formed teams and competed in a cooking challenge. But Dr. Colin’s highlight was watching Dr. Dan eat a jalapeño popper.

“Dr. Dan doesn’t take spices well, and he was sweating and struggling,” Dr. Colin says. “I paid him $20 to eat another one!”

This year, after eating, there was a rollicking Ugly Sweater contest followed by a Camp Smile doctor game (see video). Afterwards, they left the Plymouth office and headed to a virtual reality parlor to fight zombies.

“There was a lot of laughs since everyone else was watching each other,” Dr. Colin says. “It was a fun experience. We have a fairly stressful job, but we want to have fun to ensure our patients and their parents have a good experience in our offices.”

Now we want to hear from you! Does your company have any holiday traditions? Or what about your family? Share with us by using the hashtag #CampSmileFamily on our Facebook or Instagram accounts!