Community

Covid-19 Vaccinations!

01/04/21

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Big day for several members of Ferguson Dental as they received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine! We are excited and grateful to participate as NJ begins vaccinating healthcare workers and first responders, and we are looking forward to the vaccine quickly becoming available to our wider community and patients!

Please know that all comprehensive clinical safety protocols will continue to ensure our patients' safety (see our website for details of our multilayered safety protocols).

Huge shout out to Frank Del Gaudio of the Essex County Department of Health, staff and volunteers of the Essex County Covid 19 vaccination program - we appreciate your efforts to provide a safe, well-organized, friendly, and vital service to our community - thank you!!!!

Local Resources for Covid-19 Vaccinations:

Understanding Oral Cancer

09/10/19

Protect Yourself Against Oral Cancer - Knowledge is Power

The mouth, tongue, gums, throat, and lips are sensitive tissues that often develop lesions or sores. In most situations, these sores are not cause for concern and quickly heal. However, Oral Cancer is a genuine concern that can occur among patients of any age or gender. Being aware of the signs and risk factors, as well as scheduling routine hygiene visits on a regular basis, can assist in early diagnosis.

Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is divided into two categories.

Lesions occurring in the mouth including your lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, tongue, and the floor and roof of your mouth
Lesions occurring in the throat, tonsils and base of the tongue.

Early detection may result in better treatment outcomes.

Oral cancer is fatal for approximately 10,000 people each year.
The 5-year survival rate of those diagnosed is approximately 60 percent.

Risks for Oral Cancer

Age, gender, and certain lifestyle habits can place you at increased risk for oral cancer, but it is important to remember that it can, and does, occur in men and women of all ages. Patients age 40 and older make up 95% of all oral cancer cases, with men having a higher incident than women. Patients age 18-39 who use tobacco, smokeless tobacco, are heavy drinkers, are exposed to toxins, or may have a previously diagnosed oral HPV infection are also at an increased risk.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

If you experience any of the symptoms below, let us know, especially if you’ve had them for two weeks or more. Also, keep in mind that aside from an obviously sore throat, the below symptoms can present themselves in the absence of pain. Look out for changes that can be detected on the lips, inside the cheeks, palate, and gum tissue surrounding your teeth and tongue.

Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, moving your tongue or in the way your teeth fit together when closing your mouth.
A persistent sore throat, feeling like something is caught in their throat, numbness, hoarseness or a change in voice.

Reducing Risk

Regular visits to the dentist increase the likelihood of early cancer detection. Currently, just over half of all those diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years – a statistic driven in part by late diagnosis. If you are considered “high risk,” (see list above) you should be receiving an oral exam at least every six months, if not more frequently.

During a comprehensive dental exam, we will check your oral cavity. This includes your lips, cheek lining, gums, the front part of your tongue, the floor of your mouth and the roof of your mouth. We also examine your throat at the soft part at the roof of your mouth, including your tonsils, the back section of your tongue and where your tongue attaches to the bottom of your mouth. Your jaw will be examined for any lumps or abnormalities.

If we identify a suspicious lesion, it is important to stay calm and remember that most sores and lesions in the mouth are benign. Depending on what we see, we may ask you to return to the office a week or two later to see if questionable spots are healing on their own, recommend a biopsy be taken, or refer you for additional testing. Working together we develop the best strategy for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Healthy Habits That May Help Reduce Your Risk

Avoid all tobacco products
Avoid or reduce your consumption of alcohol
Consume more fruits and vegetables
Avoid excessive sun exposure that can result in cancer of the lip (using lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 can be helpful)
Avoid exposure to environmental hazards (wood dust, formaldehyde, printing chemicals)
Conduct a self-exam monthly so you can catch any of the symptoms listed above. Use a small hand-held mirror so you can see the back of your mouth and tongue. Our hygienists are happy to provide instructions on this sort of home exam.
Consider coffee. While the jury is still out, some research suggests coffee may help protect the mouth from oral cancer.

Oral cancer is serious business. Yet, the prognosis is improved when caught early. At Ferguson Dental, our patient’s health is our top concern, and oral cancer screening is included in all comprehensive dental exams. This quick and painless screening seeks to identify abnormal changes in the mouth, and is the often your earliest line of defense in the detection of oral cancer. If we need to reexamine a suspicious lesion, that follow-up is always offered free of charge. Remember that no list is exhaustive, and to always share with each of your health care providers your concerns and strategies regarding your oral health. We understand that every patient has unique questions, please always feel free to talk with us at your visit or contact us at 973-744-3181.

Dr. Rachael Cocchia joins Ferguson Dental Associates

07/30/19

We are excited to announce that Dr. Rachael Cocchia will be joining Ferguson Dental Associates as a full-time Dental Associate starting in August of 2019. Dr. Cocchia brings her extensive clinical skills, experience in the treatment and planning of complex dental restorations for both adults and pediatric patients, and a passion for the latest dental advancements and procedures to Ferguson Dental Associates.

Dr. Cocchia recently completed her post graduate Dental General Practice residency at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. During her residency, she acquired advanced training in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, implants, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, and anxiety control.

In 2018, Dr. Cocchia completed her Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Rutgers University’s School of Dental Medicine. Recognized by the Dental School faculty for her advanced clinical skills, Dr. Cocchia was selected to be a clinical tutor for students in Operative Dentistry, Fixed Prosthodontics, Complete Dentures and Dental Anatomy Labs.

Dr. Cocchia graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rutgers University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Applied Kinesiology and a minor in Nutrition. Currently, Dr. Cocchia is a Member of Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society, and is an active member of the American Dental Association and New Jersey Dental Association.

After a summer wedding in Italy, Dr. Cocchia and her husband Milos will reside in Wood Ridge, NJ. Both are avid foodies and cyclists and are looking forward to exploring the restaurants and trails of Montclair and Northern, NJ.

Too Much Toothpaste?

02/12/19

Flouride has beneficial effects on the development of strong and healthy teeth, but you can overdo it - causing some mild enamel discoloration. We recommend the use of training toothpaste (fluoride free) for children under 3 and its use should be continued until a child can reliably demonstrate spitting out all toothpaste after brushing. It is also a good idea to monitor toothbrushing until a child is at least 6 years old and beyond if necessary. It is important to note that NJ water is not fluoridated. As a consequence, we do recommend a controlled and healthy dose of fluoride be administered through age appropriate vitamins throughout childhood. At Ferguson Dental, healthy dental habits are reviewed and encouraged at every dental hygiene visit, and we are always available to answer your individual questions and concerns!

https://www.nytimes.com/…/…/science/too-much-toothpaste.html

NYTIMES
MANY CHILDREN ARE OVERDOING IT ON THE TOOTHPASTE, C.D.C. STUDY SAYS
by Julia Jacobs

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Robin Woods visits Ferguson Dental Associates

01/04/19

So fun to have Robin stop by the office for a visit - thank you Robin for sharing some of your experiences at Ferguson Dental!

https://www.montclairlocal.news/…/robins-nest-teeth-drums-…/
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Robin's Nest: Gleaming gums, guitars and drums - Montclair Local News

Robin Woods visits Ferguson Dental Associates and Cool Cat Music; learning about teeth, dental arts and drumming. She even got to play a tambourine.

Dynamic Dentist Duo to compete in Amazing FundRacer

05/01/16

Dr. Dave and Dr. Jessica are looking forward (mostly) to competing as a team in MFEE's Amazing FundRacer to raise money for Montclair Public Schools on May 22nd. You can support their team online through the link below or at the office. Everyone that donates to MFEE and our Dynamic Duo will be entered for a chance to win a Zoom Tooth Whitening. Thank you for your support, Dr. Dave and Dr. Jessica could use every leg up in the race they can get

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Dynamic Dentist Duo

Dr. David Ferguson - MHS class of 1986 (Dad of Lucy - MHS 2011, Jack - MHS 2014 and Tillie - MHS 2019; son of Gordon - MHS 1964, grandson of Richard - MHS 1938, and great grandson of MHS principal Harold Ferguson - 1923 to 1956) and
Dr. Jessica Joseph (Mom of Nell - MHS class of 2033)
are excited to support the Montclair Public Schools in the 2016 MFEE Amazing FundRacer!
Don't be fooled by their minty fresh sparkly smiles. Stronger than fluoride, faster than gum disease, more powerful than plaque, they are racing to WIN... or at least be the first ousted team to Egans.
Thank you for donating to support our team, MFEE, and the Montclair Public Schools!

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Dr. Joseph Visits Local Schools

11/16/15

This fall, Dr Joseph has enjoyed visiting many local preschools and elementary schools in support of October’s National Dental Hygiene Month.

During her visits Dr. Joseph reviews the importance of good oral hygiene with our community’s youngest residents. Her interactive discussion familiarizes children with what to expect in a typical check up appointment at the dentist and the importance of good oral health. The students are able to see many of the instruments that their dentist or hygienist will be using at their appointment as the presentation demonstrates these activities utilizing our loyal puppet, Mr. Chops. In office teeth cleaning, as well as how to have a proper tooth brushing at home, are reviewed along with the benefit of a healthy diet. The dangerous potential of “Sugar Bugs” to harm healthy teeth is discussed along with how damage can be avoided with careful brushing and flossing.

At the end of the visit, students are given a special goody bag with a toothbrush, floss and toothpaste. Our goal is to educate children of all ages about optimal oral health, and demystify what happens at a typical dental appointment. Hopefully, this fun presentation is just the start of a greater conversation in each child’s home about the importance of good oral health. Ferguson Dental Associates is committed to community dental education and promoting healthy dental habits. If you would like Dr. Joseph or another staff member of Ferguson Dental Associates to visit your child’s school, please contact our office at 973-744-3181.

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Like Sundance only Jersier!

04/30/14

Ferguson Dental Associates is proud to support
The Montclair Film Festival
April 28th - May 4th
Information available at http://montclairfilmfest.org

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TBT - School Visits

03/06/14

Ferguson Dental Associates has been visiting classrooms to educate our youngest patients for a long time. This tradition began over 18 years ago when Dr. Ferguson was still a dental student and his wife Kelly was a Baltimore City kindergarten teacher. He brought information and she helped him to make his presentation interactive and fun. This year Dr. Ferguson and his staff will have visited over 33 classes, in 7 schools, and 3 towns to speak with over 700 children! Contact the front desk to schedule a visit to your child’s school today!

Dr. David Ferguson (Baltimore, 1996)
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Hygienist Geralyn Caughey in 2014

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Fight Hunger the Healthy Way!

10/23/13

Ferguson Dental Associates is proud to support the Partners for Health’s Fight Hunger the Healthy Way Campaign! Today’s event at the Montclair Museum was inspiring. Congratulations on a successful event and launch of the Food Drive toolkits initiative. We came away thinking we can and should do more to help those in need in our community.

You can learn more and get involved through the Partner’s for Health website. http://www.partnersfdn.org/pdf/PFH.9.57x7.4cAd.5.pdf

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We brought our smiles to the MHS Fun Run...

09/23/13

…and had a fantastic time!

Ferguson Dental Associates is proud to support MFEE
and Montclair High School Athletics!

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