Dentistry runs in the family, definitely. But Dr. Tinkle didn’t race to become a dentist. He had his heart set on being a surgeon. That is until all the surgeons told him to become a dentist. Better family life they said and, though his six month old son is too little to know the difference, they are probably right.
So, after Dr. Tinkle and I congratulated ourselves on organizing our lives in ways that are great for ourselves and our kids, we got down to the business of discussing how to translate what he knows into an email that can help all of us organize our dental care in a way that works well (and doesn’t cost a fortune).
While the health care debate swirls around Washington, dental care is one of the few parts of our health care that we really can manage quite well without insurance in many cases. Dr. Tinkle, like many dentists, has a mix of families with and without insurance. He was quick to point out that the self employed, with some good dental hygiene practices, do really well just paying for dental care.
So about those good dental hygeine practices. I promise I won’t go over the things we all already know. But, I must confess, I was really happy to find out I’m not alone in knowing that flossing is good for me but still not actually doing it. Dr. Tinkle has seen reports that put the national average for flossing at about 10%, as low as 5% if you take out all the people in the dental/health professions who are just trying really hard to set a good example for the rest of us.
OK, I’m feeling better already. But, then, Dr. Tinkle really made my day. I’m sure our Roost sponsor Iva over at JaCivas Bakery and Chocolatier will be happy to hear this one too. . . it doesn’t really exactly matter how much sugar I eat, it only really matters when. If you are looking for a dentist that will take good care of you but will let you eat what ever you want, Dr. Tinkle just might be your man. Sugar during meals: no big deal and actually no different that a piece of french bread. Sugar coating your mouth (or your kid’s mouths) all day long: a really big deal.
His big word of advice parents of really little ones, just water in those traveling sippy cups. Sippy cups (or bottles) of juice are really best avoided at any time but a sit down meal. For the rest of us it’s a matter of not having something sugary that we suck on or sip at all day long.
Dr. Tinkle and I will be working on some great ways he, his wife and son can come be a part of our co-op and even offer some tooth brushing demonstrations (remember those revealing red stain exercises when you were a kid in school?)
In the mean time, he’s discovered that the best way to save all of us money and time is to offer joint visits for parent and child. Especially if you are paying your own way without insurance, this can cut down on everybody’s costs while putting our youngest kids more at ease. First time adult visits are still best done on your own to allow time for xrays that kids don’t usually have the patience for but once you are all set up for ongoing care, it’s great to have just one visit for everyone to share.
If you are looking for a dentist your kids can relate too, who can treat your whole family well too, give Paula, Dr. Tinkle’s receptionist, a call. Be sure to let Paula and Dr. Tinkle know that his Roost sponsorship is supporting a great co-op too.
Belmont Family Dentistry – 5935 SE Belmont – (503) 234-1218
