STAFF UPDATES:

WOW have we had some GREAT changes in the 2011 year!

First Kim has transitioned from the front desk to the back office as Director of Operations.  Please feel free to pop in and say hi to her anytime.

Rachael had a new addition to her family, Evan born on April 14th, 2011.  Since then she has made the change from assistant to Front Office Coordinator. 

Dessa has also welcomed a new baby boy, Logan on March 8th, 2011.  She continue's to work as Hygiene Coordinator.

New Team Member:

Dr. William Taylor joined our office in June 2011.  We are excited to offer his expertise, and passion for dentistry to all of you.  Dr. Taylor graduated from University of Oregon Dental School in 1971.  He enjoys the outdoors, and his family.

Northwest Family Dental would like to introduce you to Tessa Bair.  Tessa joined our team last spring as a sterilization tech.  You may also see her assisting Kay or April during your next dental appointment.  She has been such a great asset to our team.  We are excited to have her with us.

Community News: November 13th, 2009 - Volunteering Mobile Dental Van

Article - courtesy Longview Daily News

RAINIER - Eleanor Pierce patiently kept her mouth open wide while Dr. Sara Evans poked and prodded, applying sealants to the 10-year-old's teeth Friday at Rainier school.

"She is a very good patient," Evans said, while the fifth-grader gathered her things, including a new toothbrush and toothpaste.

Eleanor was one of six patients seen at a mobile dental clinic that visited Rainier school. The free clinic was arranged by five members of the health advocacy class at Rainier High School.

"Last quarter we did a lot about health and hygiene," senior Amanda Keen said. "This quarter the emphasis is on community outreach, so this was kind of a combination."

The mobile dental clinic bus was provided by Medical Teams International, based in Tigard, Ore. Evans, dental assistant Aimee Elliott and dental hygienist Kay Pinkstaff, all of Northwest Family Dental in Rainier, donated their services.

Evans said she was impressed with the students' organization of the clinic as well as the staff support.

"One of the principals came to our office for a kid to have X-rays so we'd be ready to do the work here," she said.

In addition to fillings, sealants, cleanings and fluoride treatments, the clinic provided patients with oral hygiene information and toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss.

The group had planned to fill 12 slots, but still were pleased they were able to help six students without insurance who might not otherwise be able to see a dentist.

"Actually, six was a lot because all of them needed quite a bit of work," Brandi Crape, school nurse and class instructor, said Friday afternoon after the clinic. "The dental van had to leave, and we transported two kids to Dr. Evans' office to finish up."

The health advocacy class is a new elective offered this year, and the 26 students in the class are encouraged to display "healthy leadership," Crape said. Class members have more community outreach projects planned.

"We're doing a coat drive and a blanket drive for the women's shelter," ninth-grader Aubree Coffman said.

"And taking special ed. kids Christmas shopping and getting stuff for Community House (in Longview) and a senior citizens' ball," added freshman Madison Knox.

"We just want to do projects to make a better community," Keen said.