COVID-19 will change a lot for your dental/medical providers

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times I don’t have to tell anyone that the world we knew just a few short weeks ago has been forever altered thanks to a tiny viral invader. What’s important to know is that many changes need to be made as a result of how we as a country handled this. Now – before anyone looks for me with pitchforks and torches, I am not on a political crusade,...

Area dentists donate PPE to region’s hospitals

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Volunteers, observing social distancing, sort out medical supplies to be donated to regional hospitals. Dentists from across the region have stepped up to help area hospitals with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), turning over a cache of donated equipment planned to be used for a charity event in June. With the status of Mission of Mercy-PA up in the air — the...

Wolf flawed but OK on COVID-19, but DOH dropping the ball

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times I don’t want to nitpick, but… Look, let’s be clear: Gov. Tom Wolf has done a solid job in reacting to COVID-19 crisis. Compared to knuckleheads like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, he’s been brilliant. Compared to President Donald Trump….well, he’s a super genius. But, admittedly, that’s been kind of a low bar. Compare Wolf to New...

A dental hygiene visit – It’s not just a cleaning

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times It’s easy to think that the regular twice yearly visit with the dental hygienist is just a cleaning.   We sometimes forget to share all the things that are occurring during that regular appointment. This visit, the most important aspect of preventive dentistry, is a complete inspection of the oral cavity. I decided to share just some of the...

DMWA plan to stop fluoride addition delayed

State DEP requires public comment on move; local dentists say health at risk By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The water treatment plant for the Downingtown Municipal Water Authority. Plans to end adding fluoride to the system’s water have been put on hold, pending state Department of Environmental Protection approval. DOWNINGTOWN — A plan to stop adding fluoride to water in the Downingtown...

Do’s and don’ts for preparing your child for a dental visit

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times As a parent, I always want to make things easier for my kids. However, as a dentist, sometimes I see very well-intentioned moms and dads inadvertently make things more difficult. Here’s what you should know. Don’t promise a reward for good behavior. Most kids have dental visits that are completely free of discomfort and by promising them a...

What were all those dentists doing in New Orleans?

Annual American Dental Association Meeting highlight tech, learning By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times Just last week more than 24 thousand dental professionals gathered in New Orleans for the Annual meeting of the American Dental Association.  That’s a lot of dental people in one place.  What makes these meetings so important? As a private practice dentist, I believe it is...