Welcome Wednesday: Oly

It's Welcome Wednesday 

with Oly

Get to know more about Conroe's Dental Assistant

Oly joined the CCDC crew in 2012 as a dental assistant. Originally from Venezuela, Oly's beautiful accent and gracious nature, make her a pleasure to be around! 

What irrational fear do you have?
O: "Flying!!" 

How do you take your coffee?
O: "With milk and brown sugar."

Would you rather go 30 days without your phone or 60 days without dessert?
O: "30 days without my phone!" 

Most visited website?
O: "Amazon!"

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
O: "Sushi"

You have a day off during the work week. How do you spend it?
O: "Sleeping, relaxing and watching movies!" 

What’s your go-to TV show?
O: "Friends"

What do you wish you knew more about?
O: "The Universe." 

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
O: "Dental procedures and dental assisting."

Welcome Wednesday: Susan

It's Welcome Wednesday 

with Susan

Get to know more about our insurance expert

Susan has been helping our patients with insurance and financial questions since 2015! Due to a recent move, Susan now works remotely, but patients still rely on her expertise in insurance payments and claims.

How do you take your coffee?

S: "Just a splash of flavor syrup and a dash of cream."

Would you rather go 30 days without your phone or 60 days without dessert?

S: "Without dessert!" 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

S: "Going to the beach!"

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

S: "Mexican!"

All-time favorite artist?

S: "Eric Church"

Welcome Wednesday: Danielle

It's Welcome Wednesday 

with Danielle

Get to know more about Montgomery's most experienced dental assistant

Danielle joined us in 2019 with more than 15 years of dental assisting experience. Danielle loves getting to know our patients and you'll likely hear her laugh in the halls of MCDC.

What quirks do you have?
D: "OCD about cleaning and organizing!"

What song do you have completely memorized?
D: "God Gave Me You" 

What's your most unusual talent?

D: "Crafting! I make custom cups and shirts." 

What irrational fear do you have?
D: "Bridges over water."

What do you wish you knew more about?
D: "Music!"

You have a day off during the work week. How do you spend it?
D: "Crafting and watching Netflix or girls day with my daughters." 

Most visited website?
D: "Pinterest!"

How do you take your coffee?

D: "Sweet!"

All-time favorite artist?
D: "Blake Shelton" 

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
D: "Pasta!"

Would you rather go 30 days without your phone or 60 days without dessert?

D: "30 days without my phone!" 

Welcome Wednesday: Ruthanne

It's Welcome Wednesday 

with Ruthanne

Get to know more about Montgomery's Receptionist

Ruthanne was added to the team in 2019 as Montgomery's receptionist. Ruthanne assists patients over the phone and greets everyone with a smile! 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
R: "I enjoy doing outdoor activities, especially involving water." 

How do you take your coffee?
R: "With plenty of sugar and cream!"

You have a day off during the work week. How do you spend it?
R: "In a perfect world, by water in the sun. In reality, probably catching up on things around the house and playing with my dogs." 

What's something I would never guess about you?
R: "Probably my age!"

What's your go-to movie?
R: "That's a tough one. It's between White Chicks and the Fast & Furious series." 

What skill would you like to master?

R: "Using power tools. I really like to build things!" 

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
R: "Anything gymnastics related!" 

What are three interesting facts about you?
R: "I was home schooled for three years in middle school so I could train more hour for gymnastics. I have two red huskies. I also competed in figure skating when I was younger."

" 

Dentistry for Veterans 2019

Dr. Gardner with daughter,Sarah, son, James and
wife, Dailene.

Dr. Tim Gardner’s, of Montgomery and Conroe Comprehensive Dental Centers,  8^th Annual Dentistry for Veterans event Saturday, November 9, proved to be a success. More than $94,000 worth of free dentistry was performed on Montgomery County veterans.

Veterans were asked to make a pre-screening appointment to diagnose necessary treatment. Procedures done free of charge included, but were not limited to, cleaning, fillings, crowns, root canals and extractions. Their mission was to take care of any infections present and catch potential issues before they became painful.

When Mr. Porrata saluted Dr. Gardner, Dr. Gardner
said that he had never been saluted. Mr. Porrata said
"Everyone should be saluting you for what you're
doing."

Volunteers included Dr. Michael Reece, Dr. Kelsey Baylinson, Rachel Jameson, RDH, Tenille Riley, RDH, Lisa Taedter, RDH and area dental assistants. Sponsors for the invite included Dental Health Products, Mike’s Superior Dental Lab, Vitality Dental Arts, Williams Dental Lab and Papa John’s Pizza.

            Dr. Gardner has always held the military in high regard and created this event to give back to those who have given so much to our country. To date the event has donated more than $542,000 worth of free dental care.

 For more information please visit                 www.drtimgardner.com.

Welcome Wednesday: Carissa

It's Welcome Wednesday 

with Carissa

Get to know more about Conroe's New Patient Coordinator

Carissa originally joined the MCDC team in 2017, but when the opportunity to become a team leader in Conroe was available, she gladly took the position. Now, after returning from maternity leave, Carissa is mastering another role as New Patient Coordinator.

 In addition, Carissa proudly wears the title of 2018's Employee of the Year!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
C: "Running my zoo...oops, I mean spending time with my two girls and husband." 

Would you rather go 30 days without your phone or 60 days without dessert?
C: "60 days without dessert. My phone is attached like an IV!" 

How do you take your coffee?
C: "I like a little coffee with my sugar; it makes me that much sweeter!"

You have a day off during the work week. How do you spend it?
C: "Sleep, eat, sleep, eat, sleep!" 


If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would you five-year-old self do first?

C: "Run around as much as possible and don't eat that candy bar!"

What's your go-to movie?
C: "Fried Green Tomatoes or Steel Magnolias."

What quirks do you have?
C: "I end to wink for every scenario, not even realizing it!" 

What songs have you completely memorized?
C: "Most of any 90s hip-pop/pop songs/country." 

What skill would you like to master?
C: "Sewing or quilting." 


What movie title describes your life?
C: "Is there one called 'Hot Mess Express'?" 

What irrational fear do you have?
C: "Haunted houses staged for Halloween!!" 

8th Annual Dentistry for Veterans

Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center, armed with staff and volunteers, is out to change lives by offering free dentistry to the veterans of Montgomery County as they host their 8th Annual Dentistry for Veterans event.

The event will take place Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the office of Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center, at 951 Lone Star Parkway in Montgomery. Prescreening is preferred and those who qualify are asked to call beginning Monday, September 30 to make a pre-screening reservation.

The event will treat those who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces. There will be no cost to those who show proof of military service. Procedures include, but are not limited to, cleanings, exams, extractions and fillings.

“I hold our military in very high regard," Dr. Tim Gardner, owner and dentist at Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center said. “Without them we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. This is just a small way to give back to a great cause.” 

In 2018, Dentistry for Veterans donated more than $60,000 worth of free dentistry. Since creation of the event in 2012, Dentistry for Veterans has donated more than $448,000 worth of free dental care to community veterans. They hope to grow the event this year.

Sponsors of this event include: Dental Health Products, Mike's Superior Dental Lab, Williams Dental Lab, Vitality Dental Arts and Papa John's Pizza. 

For more information please call 936-585-6656 or visit them online at www.drtimgardner.com 

Quality is our Concern

It's no secret that all things are not created equal; dental labs included. Dr. Gardner takes great pride in meticulously selecting only the labs who utilize the best technology and materials available.

In addition to our lab selection process, we proudly utilize digital impressions in our office. Digital impressions are not only easier for our patients, they also deliver the most accurate results to the lab.

This results in providing our patients with optimal restorations, which should, when properly maintained, last a very long time.

If you in need of dental restorations, give us a call. Your smile will thank you!

Fresh Start for a 15 Year Old

Wow…another great day at Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center.

My favorite days are those where I feel like I’ve truly made a difference in a patient’s life.

I met 15 year old Abigail (name has been changed for privacy) not long ago. Her parents brought her in to talk about getting her teeth straightened. After taking a look around her mouth I had a pretty good feeling that Abigail was probably experiencing some issues that she nor her parents had associated with having a bad bite.

After questioning Abigail, I learned that she was suffering quite a bit. She reported that her jaw joint popped, clicked and became painful when eating. She also complained of headaches, clenching, grinding and facial pain. When asked about sleep, Abigail said that she really didn’t sleep well, woke feeling tired and found it difficult to focus during the day.

I spoke with Abigail and her parents about the benefits of neuromuscular (NM) dentistry. I explained that by getting the teeth in the position where the head and neck muscles are most comfortable, it creates harmony, and thus alleviates symptoms. I did let Abigail and her parents know that correcting the bite with NM dentistry does take more time and dedication on Abigail’s end, but that it’s what I would want for my children.

Her parents took a little time to think things over and in just a few days called and wanted to proceed with NM treatment, which included the fabrication of an oral appliance, called an orthotic, that Abigail would wear 24/7.

Abigail came back into the office for CAT scans, impressions and a full work up to determine where her jaw and facial muscles were most at ease. About two weeks later Abigail arrived to pick up her orthotic. I instructed her to wear it at all times, even when eating and sleeping.

Last week Abigail came in for the first of a series of adjustments. Before we even began she told me that her headaches and jaw pain was “100 percent better!” Just by looking at her I could tell that she had truly improved.

Fast forward to today, just two weeks since leaving the office with her orthotic; Abigail said that she’s sleeping better, dreaming for the first time in years and feels rested during the day.

If you’re suffering from issues like this please reach out to a NM dentist. Just a few visits could change your life!

Care for your Whole Family

The struggle is real. Work, kids, extra activities, meals, doctors appointments - it's not easy being Mom and Dad.

But what if you could do two things at once?

We serve as a family one-stop shop for dentistry!

Get your teeth cleaned while the kids get orthodontic check-ups. Treat yourself to whitening while the kids get their fillings.

Have e-mails to respond to? Take advantage of our complimentary Wi-Fi.

Let our team help you make the best use of your valued time and free you up to do the important stuff.

For more information and to schedule a reservation, please give us a call at 936-585-4353.

11th Annual Dentistry from the Heart

Dr. Tim Gardner of Conroe Comprehensive Dental Center (CCDC) and Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center (MCDC), armed with staff and volunteers is out to change lives by offering free dentistry to the underprivileged of Montgomery County, as they host the latest event in conjunction with Dentistry from the Heart (DFTH).

The 11^th Annual event will treat those, residing in Montgomery County, who truly need, but cannot afford dentistry. The procedures done free of charge include extractions, simple fillings and cleanings.

 

In 2018 CCDC donated more than $39,000 worth of free dentistry to about 70 underprivileged residents of Montgomery County. They hope to see an increase in numbers this year. To date, their event has donated more than $380,000 worth of free dental care to members of the community.

“Now more than ever I know there are people out there who need my services but have no means to afford them; whether they are out of a job or just having a hard time,” Gardner said. “This Dentistry from the Heart event is my way of giving back to the community and being there for the people who are in need of dental work.”

The event will take place Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the office of CCDC at 2210 North Frazier, Suite 120 in Conroe. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. Patients are asked to bring ID or other paperwork proving their residence in Montgomery County.  Staff and volunteers will treat as many patients as possible by 5 p.m.

Please contact CCDC at 936-539-3636 with any questions or concerns or visit them online at www.conroesmilemakeover.com.

Here’s to Overall Health in 2019!

My biggest concerns for all of my dental family are diseases that affect us systemically. They include oral cancer, infections and nighttime airway issues. Here’s how I address these each of these health concerns:

Oral Cancer: At a minimum, oral cancer checks are done annually at your hygiene visits. I’ve surrounded myself with wonderful specialists in the event that anything even remotely suspicious is discovered. One American is diagnosed with oral cancer every hour. Early detection improves a patient’s chances, but the long term prognosis is not good.

Infections: Infections in the mouth come in two ways; infected teeth or infected gums. Infected teeth are painful and easily recognizable by the patient. They are also one of the biggest reasons a patient visits us for the first time. Infected gums are typically not painful, until the patient is nearing the point of losing a tooth (or teeth) due to bone loss. Gums that are swollen, tender, red or bleed when brushing or flossing are an indication of infection present. 

What both types of oral infections have in common is that they travel through the body and create other issues. These systemic links include heart disease, stroke, premature/low birth weight babies, as well as additional complications for those diagnosed with diabetes.

If you’ve been diagnosed (or suspect) that you may have an oral infection – do NOT delay!

Nighttime Airway Issues: Typically known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), untreated, it creates an increased risk for hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, stroke, obesity, day time sleepiness and depression, to name a few. Childhood symptoms include ADD, ADHD, bed wetting, daytime sleepiness (falling asleep in class, need for naps), etc.

The medical community believes that there are between 30-40 million undiagnosed sleep apneics. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice, but studies show that 60-70% of patients abandon (or cannot tolerate) CPAP use. Oral appliances, like the ones created in our dental practice, are very effective in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. I have actually seen success in treating several patients diagnosed with severe OSA.

If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from OSA, we will gladly do a FREE at-home sleep study! If you’ve been diagnosed, but cannot tolerate or use your CPAP, we’d love to discuss other treatment options.

Let us help you and yours make 2019 a year full of health!

We Want to Stand Out - For YOU!

In today's hustle and bustle, always on-the-go lifestyle, it's no surprise that people are always looking to get things done more quickly.

As corporate dental practices continue to pop up in the most convenient of places, it's important that our patients (and potential patients!) understand just what sets us apart. 



But don't take our word for it; here's what our patients who have visited corporate offices have to say: 

• "I scheduled an appointment for a cleaning, but waited almost two hours before I was even seated! The worst part? The same thing happened to my husband a few days later." 

• "Every visit there's a new doctor. I feel like treatment is always changing and I don't eve know the person digging around in my mouth."

• "When scheduling I've had to call repeatedly and leave messages. When they do answer or call back, their hours are so limited that it's difficult to schedule. I don't know what would happen in a true dental emergency."

• "The staff rarely make me feel like I'm more than a number. I imagine their turnover is high because it always seems like there's someone new and not quite trained." 

• "I just had a crown done a few months ago and it's already giving me issues. I was told there's nothing that they can do and the crown will need to be redone - at full price!" 

• "I visited Dr. Gardner's office after getting a treatment plan from a corporate office. Dr. Gardner's fees were lower!" 

Here's how we're different:

• We value our patients' time. We do not double book and rarely do patients even find themselves with time to take a seat in our reception area.

• Dr. Gardner has proudly served Montgomery County for 27 years. He and Dr. Romeo consider their patients extended family and enjoy hearing and learning about their personal lives. Continuity of treatment is incredibly important to both of them.

• All patients are given the doctors' personal cell phone numbers in the event of any emergency. In addition, our phones are answered 24/7 by a friendly team member, not an answering service. Call by 12 pm and you'll be seen for a dental emergency the same day - guaranteed! We also proudly offer early morning and late afternoon appointments to accommodate even the most complicated of schedules.

• We pride ourselves on our customer service. It is the goal of each team member to over-deliver and make sure that our patients have an exceptional experience in our office. We don't take hiring lightly - all of our team members are cross-trained to better serve you! 

• Our doctors stand behind their work. So much so that as long as patients maintain their regular hygiene visits, work is Waran'teeth'ed a minimum of 5 years!

For more information please visit us at www.drtimgardner.com

To schedule your reservation please give our office a call at 936-585-4353

7th Annual Dentistry for Veterans

Dr. Tim Gardner’s, of Montgomery and Conroe Comprehensive Dental Centers,  7^th Annual Dentistry for Veterans event Saturday, November 10, proved to be a success. More than $67,000 worth of free dentistry was performed on Montgomery County veterans.

Veterans were asked to make a pre-screening appointment to diagnose necessary treatment. Procedures done free of charge included, but were not limited to, cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals and extractions. Their mission was to take care of any infections present and catch issues before they became painful.

 Volunteers included Dr. Michael Reece, Dr. Jaime Ramirez, Dr. Kim McBarnet, Rachel Jameson, RDH, Tenille Riley, RDH, Jennifer Nelson, RDH, Tiffany Whitley, RDH and area dental assistants.

 Dr. Gardner has always held the military in high regard and created this event to give back to those who have given so much to our country. To date the event has donated more than $467,000 worth of free dental care.

For more information please visit www.drtimgardner.com. 

                                                           

Scholarship Opportunity for Dental Assisting Course

Is education just what the doctor ordered? That seems to be the case for Dr. Tim Gardner, D.D.S. of Montgomery County Dental Assisting School (MCDAS).

Dr. Gardner opened MCDAS in 2013 after becoming frustrated with technical schools offering dental assisting programs. He learned that students were paying about $6,000 for tuition and upon completion of the program had little to no clinical skills or experience.

MCDAS’s unique approach goes beyond book work, unlike the technical schools, and dives into clinical participation in an operating dental practice. This one-of-a-kind learning experience equips students with valuable skills and information they need to make an immediate difference in the dental field.

For the first time, the program is offering two full scholarships. Those who are interested are asked to write a short essay detailing what interests them about dentistry and why they would be a good fit in a dental practice. Submissions will be accepted via email at mocodentalassisting@gmail.com until Friday, January 18, 2019.

Montgomery County Dental Assisting School’s mission is to properly train and educate students in the art of dental assisting. Students can expect to receive personalized teaching in a small class setting, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and understanding of dental terminology. With the added flexibility of classes held on Saturdays for just 10 weeks, many have the opportunity to continue working while training for a new career.

For more information on the dental assisting program please visit www.mcdas.weebly.com  

7th Annual Dentistry for Veterans

Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center, armed with staff and volunteers, is out to change lives by offering free dentistry to the veterans of Montgomery County as they host their 7th Annual Dentistry for Veterans event.

The event will take place Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the office of Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center, at 951 Lone Star Parkway in Montgomery. Prescreening is preferred and those who qualify are asked to call beginning Monday, October 1 to make a pre-screening reservation.

 

The event will treat those who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces. There will be no cost to those who show proof of military service. Procedures include, but are not limited to, cleanings, exams, extractions and fillings.

“I hold our military in very high regard,” Dr. Tim Gardner, owner and dentist at Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center said. “Without them we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today. This is just a small way to give back to a great cause.” 

 

In 2017, Dentistry for Veterans donated more than $81,600 worth of free dentistry. Since creation of the event in 2012, Dentistry for Veterans has donated more than $400,000 worth of free dental care to community veterans. They hope to grow the event this year.

 

For more information please call 936-585-6656 or visit them online at www.drtimgardner.com  

Is Education What the Doctor Ordered?

 

Is education just what the doctor ordered? That seems to be the case for Dr. Tim Gardner, D.D.S. of Conroe and Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Centers.

This year marks the 9th annual Timothy E. Gardner, D.D.S. Scholarship award. The $1000 scholarship is eligible to graduating high school seniors attending Conroe, Willis, and Montgomery High Schools, who are attending college in the fall of 2018. One senior from each school will receive the award at their high school’s senior awards night.

Dr. Gardner presented the scholarship award and checks to the following seniors: Viridiana Barrera, Conroe High School; Troy Richard, Montgomery High School; and Kylie Dobraski, Willis High School.

Applicants were required to complete an application which includes their GPA, class rank, extracurricular activities, volunteer hours, etc., as well as two short answer essay questions.

 

For more information on the scholarship, as well as applications, please visit www.drtimgardner.com.

 

Hate the Waiting Game?

In today’s hustle and bustle, always-on-the-go lifestyles, it’s no surprise that people are always looking to get things done more quickly.

As corporate dental practices continue to pop up in the most convenient of places, it’s important that our patients (and potential patients!) understand just what sets us apart.

But don’t take our word for it; here’s what our patients who have visited corporate offices have to say:

·         “I scheduled an appointment for a cleaning, but waited almost two hours before I was even seated! The worst part? The same thing happened to my husband a few days later.”

·         “Every visit there’s a new doctor. I feel like treatment is always changing and I don’t even know the person digging around in my mouth.”

·         “When scheduling I’ve had to call repeatedly and leave messages. When they do answer or call back, their hours are so limited that it’s difficult to schedule. I don’t know what would happen in a true dental emergency!”

·         “The staff rarely make me feel like I’m more than a number. I imagine their turnover is high because it always seems like there’s someone new and not quite trained.”

·         “I just had a crown done a few months ago and it’s already giving me issues. I was told there’s nothing that they can do and the crown will need to be redone – at full price!”

Here’s how we’re different:

·         We value our patients’ time. We do not double book and rarely do patients even find themselves with time to take a seat in our reception area.

·         Dr. Gardner has proudly served Montgomery County for 27 years. He and Dr.  Romeo consider their patients extended family and enjoy hearing and learning about their personal lives. Continuity of treatment is incredibly important to both of them.

·         All patients are given the doctors’ personal cell phone numbers in the event of any emergency. In addition, our phones are answered 24/7 by a friendly team member, not an answering service. Call by 12 pm and you’ll be seen for a dental emergency the same day – guaranteed! We also proudly offer early morning and late afternoon appointments to accommodate even the most complicated of schedules.

·         We pride ourselves on our customer service. It is the goal of each team member to over deliver and make sure that our patients have an exceptional experience in our office. We don’t take hiring lightly – all of our team members are cross-trained to better serve you!

·         Our doctors stand behind their work. So much so that as long as patients maintain their regular cleanings, work is Waran’teeth’ed a minimum of five years!  

For more information please visit us at www.drtimgardner.com

To schedule your reservation please give our office at 936-585-4353