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Welcome to Gila River Health Care's Dental Department Page!
Why is dental hygiene so important? By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy oral hygiene and an attractive smile your entire life. Brushing twice a day and flossing prevent the build up of plaque. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film, which forms on teeth and gums following a meal or snack, the bacteria in plaque release acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks cause the enamel to weaken, eventually causing tooth decay. Plaque that is not removed with thorough brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Calculus and or tartar irritate the gums, making them red, tender and bleed easilyearly signs of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of bone and tooth loss. Healthy oral hygiene is important to have good general health, be able to eat properly, talk properly, sleep comfortably, most of all SMILE. 
How does GRHC Dental Department assist in keeping teeth healthy/clean?
Education of the community at large is an essential component along with public awareness of etiologic factors, personal preventive measures and good nutrition.
GRHC Dental Services offers various community dental health programs: Mobile Dental Unit, Diabetes education, Head Start screenings, Sealant Program, and attending Health Fairs are among ways we promote healthy oral hygiene practices.
GRHC Dental Services offer oral hygiene instruction to patients, students, and community members. Oral Hygiene Instruction consists of a tooth brushing technique and or flossing demonstration. Along with visual aides, teeth models, educational pamphlets, posters and flip charts. Either a Dental Assistant or Hygienist can give Oral Hygiene Instructions, a visual assessment of gum tissue or noticeable debris will determine if any further education and or treatment is indicated.
Who works in Dental Services?
Our Department Consist of 28 full time GRHC Dental Service employees, 4 contracted Specialty Dentist and 4 Pool Dental Assistants:
Director of Dental services - Dr. Suzanne De Ball
Deputy Chief Dr. Jody Herschenhorn
Infection Control / Safety Officer Dr. Harry Youngkin
Staff Endodontist Dr. James Aten
Staff Pedodontist Dr. Kelly Saunders
Staff Pedodontist Dr. Richard Landgren
General Dentist Dr. Michael Fast
General Dentist Dr. Kuong Kov
Contract Periodontist Dr. Todd Smith
Contract Oral Surgeon Dr. David Crouthamel
Contract Orthodontist Dr. Robert Crumb
Contract General Dentist Dr. Carlos Vallecillo
Staff Hygienist RDH Cheryl Troberg
Dental Assistant Supervisor Josie Gaisthea CDA
Lead Dental Assistant Vacant
2 Expanded Functions Dental Assistants
15 Dental Assistants
2 Dental Aides
Office Coordinator Stella White
Dental Secretary Joyce Norris
Administrative Assistant Angela Zepeda
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