Call Gail at (956) 428-5322 for more information or to have HFD attend your job or health fair or event.

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You’re not alone.

It is in fact one of the main reasons why many people avoid going to see the dentist, even for a routine exam. They know that if that checkup reveals the presence of a cavity, then a session with the dreaded drill will inevitably follow.

Drill anxiety is a psychological rather than physical reaction since modern dental equipment and techniques are designed to cause a minimum amount of patient discomfort. So what triggers the phobic reactions? According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the buzzing sound produced by a dental handpiece is loud and annoying enough to some people that it can cause stress levels to rise rapidly. The fact that a dentist typically holds the drill right next to a patient’s ear exaggerates the sound–and the panic reaction–in many individuals.

If you suffer from “drill phobia,” here are some ways you can help yourself be more comfortable the next time you need to get a filling:

Ask questions – On the day of your filling appointment, ask for an explanation of the procedure you will undergo. Also request to see the drill and hear the sound it makes when it’s not near your mouth.

Communicate your fears – Tell your dentist about your anxieties and ask if he or she can remove the decay through air abrasion or laser treatment.

Distract yourself – If you have an iPod or other device that allows you to listen to the radio or music, bring it with you. What you hear in your headphones will drown out much of the noise your dentist’s drill will make.

Use hand signals – Work out a system with your dentist before the procedure begins so that a particular hand signal can tell him or her when to stop and touch base with you.

At Harlingen Family Dentistry, we understand the fears you may be feeling about dental visits. That’s why we go the extra mile to offer each and every one of our patients caring and compassionate dental service. Don’t let drill anxiety keep you from getting the treatment that you need: contact us today and let us help you make the most of your smile!

Call Harlingen Family Dentistry at 956-428-5322
for your family’s dental needs.

Photo credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Anyway, Dr. Gumm leaves for lunch, leaving Bugs in the dental office to gather ideas for his poem. As he starts to leave, he encounters Bully Benson coming into the office. Bully Benson has always teased Bugs and Bugs is afraid of him. Bugs finds out that Bully has a tooth ache and looks angry because of the pain and there is nothing to be afraid of from Bully.

In the end, Bugs gets the last line for his poem, wins the HAPPY TOOTH WEEK poetry competition and Bully and Bugs become fast friends and both keep up their six month dental check-ups with Dr. Gumm.

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Whether you are coming from McAllen or Brownsville or live in Harlingen, we want to give you information that will assist you with your dental health. So we will now be posting articles relating to various dental health topics on a weekly basis. These will range from new dental techniques to helpful tips to take care of your teeth to new services at HFD.

We hope you will enjoy and use this new information to your benefit!

Gail Thomason, Harlingen Family Dentistry school outreach, provided information regarding careers in the dental field.

Call Gail at (956) 428-5322 for more information or to have HFD attend your job or health fair or event.

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(L-R) Americo Pena, Gail Thomason, Mallory Walters

Also presented again was Mallory Walters who won the 1st place award for her anti-bullying project in which she began an anti-bullying club and had over 2100 students take an anti-bullying pledge. She also began a newsletter and put in place for the club to carry on over to the next school year without her. She implemented the Way to Happiness precepts, Love and Help Children, Be Competent, Be Industrious, Set a Good Example, and Try to Treat Others as You Would Want Them to Treat You.

Gail Thomason, on behalf of the KB Foundation, also presented the KB Foundation Educational Scholarship Award to Americo Pena for his outstanding work with the use of art to make the world a better place.

Call Gail at (956) 428-5322 for more information.

Edward Gomez, Counselor and Gail

Several weeks ago, HFD participated in career fair at Lamar Elementary School for 4th and 5th grade children.

The children were shown a power point presentation, Careers in the Dental Office, that covers all of the jobs at Harlingen Family Dentistry. These include the dentist, dental specialists, dental hygienist, dental assistant, sterilization tech, and dental lab technicians.It also shows those in the administrative areas, from front desk reception, insurance counselors, schedulers, as well as computer tech and housekeeping. These were all fully explained in the presentation and the children asked thoughtful questions.

Perhaps, one day, we might see them as our dentist or providing services within some other area at HFD.

Call Gail Thomason at (956) 428-5322 for more information or to have HFD attend your job or health fair or event.

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Harlingen Family Dentistry is proud to be a member of the Cameron County Youth Coalition Committee which exists to bring together the organizations providing services to the youth of Cameron County. The primary target are those in public or private elementary schools, middle high schools, colleges or universities, GED programs or other training programs; working at minimum-wage jobs; or out of school and not actively engaged in education, training, or the workplace.

Harlingen Family Dentistry had a booth containing information on dental education awareness and how one’s dental health contributes to their overall health and well-being. Information on the role sugar plays in disrupting the health of the mouth as well as the health of the body was front and center. Participants, old and young alike, were most attentive and interested in knowing about what they can do to be healthier and in turn lead a positive and productive life.

Including everyone who signed in, there was a total traffic of 378. 

If you have a health or job fair coming up, call Gail at (956) 428-5322 for more information. HFD would love to participate.

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Tommy Ramirez,Cameron County Juvenile Justice Center and Bernie Puga, Burger King

Last week, Harlingen Family Dentistry participated in the Gulf Coast Trades Center GED (General Educational Development high school equivalency degree) Program at the Harlingen Outreach Center. HFD staff helped out by presenting techniques of resume writing and interviewing skills. Gail Thomason, a retired high school educator, and currently the Public Relations director for HFD, is spearheading this outreach.

Mr. Bernie Puga, Manager for Burger King on Tyler St. was introduced by Mrs. Thomason at the event. He described what he looks for from a prospective applicant during a job interview. Namely, how the applicant is dressed, the attitude of the applicant, the producing of a neatly done resume and cover letter as well as the Burger King application filled out completely. He also went over the store policy in regards to body piercings and tattoos.

GED Program Students and Bernie Puga

Bernie then conducted practice interview for those who volunteered. The students received very useful information which will assist them to achieve the “You’re Hired!” which is what they all want to hear.

At the conclusion, Mrs. Thomason presented Mr. Puga a token of appreciation from Harlingen Family Dentistry for his time and interest in helping the GED students attain their goals of entering the world of the employed.

If you have a job fair coming up, call Gail at (956) 428-5322 for more information. HFD would love to participate.

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