The AAPD's 62nd annual session was held May 21-24, 2009 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Over 4,000 participants, including Drs. Creech and Staker, attended the annual session.

The session is a great opportunity to take continuing education classes on topics such as oral medicine, caries risk assessment, vaccines and oral sedation; as well as, reconnect with colleagues from around the world.

This Friday all four doctors, along with four dental assistants volunteered at the Give Kids a Smile event held at the A.T. Still University's School of Dentistry & Oral Health. This one of the highlights of our Spring as we joined forces with 7 other pediatric dentists, 14 general dentists and 75 student doctors to treat over 200 elementary school children. Care given included dental restorations, extractions, cleanings and oral hygiene instructions.
Research shows that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting 50 percent of U.S. first graders. Nationally, more than one-half of children ages 6 to 8 have tooth decay, and one-third of it goes untreated.
East Valley dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care. This worthwhile and inspirational program is one way we live out this commitment.

Since Dr. Kimberly Sherrill is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, she decided to dedicate this post to saying "GO HEELS!!"

Congratulations to the entire UNC team, coaches and fans on a terrific season and the NCAA Championship.

We have noticed a large increase in crowding and ectopic eruption. Ectopic eruption is when a permanent tooth grows in a different angle or location. These are very common for the canine (eye teeth). A panoramic radiograph allows us to discover these problems and identify solutions to help guide the eruption of the teeth into a more ideal location. Some solutions are early extraction of the primary (baby) tooth, expansion of the upper arch and in some cases phase I orthodontics (braces on select teeth). Ask your dentist to evaluate this problem to avoid serious problems too late.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as, the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend that children see a dentist by 12 months of age, or within six months of getting their first tooth. Is this really necessary?

We think so. This examination is a great time to familiarize yourself with our office, staff and doctors; to get to know our practice. At an infant oral exam your child's dentist will exam your infant or toddler's teeth, gums and oral hygiene. We are able to evaluate your child's eruption pattern, determine if there is a malocclusion, review oral hygiene instructions and diagnose decay. We spend time discussing these things with the parents and, in addition, cover topics such as diet, fluoride use and pacifier or thumb habits.

We see two and three year olds everyday that have dental decay, often many teeth are involved. Our goal is to partner with you in maintaining your child's oral health and preventing problems such as tooth decay. It is much easier to prevent a serious problem with early care.

With young children we complete an examination with the parent's help. The lap exam allows the dentist to quickly see the child's mouth in a safe and comfortable manner and also allows the parents to have a "bird's eye view" of the teeth. This allows the dentist to effectively review any issues including oral hygiene instructions. Some children cry briefly while being examined, many do not fuss at all. This appointment is a great time to get questions answered and to get started on the road to a lifetime of good oral health.