Author Archives: Dr. Joseph Moussa D.D.S.

Nigerian Prince Scam tailored to Dentists

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Received this interesting e-mail about a “model” coming to “my area” in need of a Smile Makeover.  I have to say I am impressed that they are not set in their ways and have the ability to update the age old scam.

Greetings from Sydney!!

 

My name is Dr Robert Drielsma I live and work as a plastic surgeon here in Sydney, I am originally from Milan, Italy, I have been a plastic surgeon since 1996. I do face lifts and breast lifts also known as Mastopexy, Nose lifts, Neck Lift Surgery. I have lots of happy clients here in Australia.

 

I have been looking for a Dentist for over a week now till i met an old friend at a Cosmetic Surgery And Beauty Conference that was held over the weekend here in Australia, I spoke with her about my client and was referred to you. She gave me your contact details, she said she came to your clinic with a friend a year ago before she relocated with her family to Sydney, so i decided to contact you to know if you will be able to do a Smile  makeover treatment for my client.

 

My Clients name is Ms Kylie Lee, She  is a model here in Sydney who will be needing some Simple smile makeover treatments when she arrives the states, She will be coming to the states in 2 weeks time for a modeling job and will be residing in your Area temporarily until the necessary arrangement for her job has been made before she leaves.

 

Pls tell me a little more about your self, how long have you been a Dentist? Would you be able to provide her with the Simple smile makeover treatments 8 upper teeth and 8 lower teeth in 2 weeks time?

 

Pls i need you to get back to me with the amount you charge Per tooth and also let me know if she can pay you via bank Wire transfer so you can have her scheduled from the 25th of this month to 30th of March, hope you would be able to work with the time frame?

 

You can view some of Ms Lee’s Pictures from the link below:

 

 

http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/2871943/viewall#/30920652

 

 

Till I read from you remain blessed.

 

 

Dr Robert Drielsma

134 George Street

Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

February is Childrens Dental Health Month!

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Great habits start at a young age and dental health is one of those habits that are crucially important in child development.  Starting our kids early with the dentist helps bigger problems later.  THe American Dental Association recommends that parents take their child to a dentist no later than his or her first birthday.  This gives the dentist a chance to look for early problems with your child’s teeth.  You and your child’s dentist should review important information about diet, bottles, tooth brushing, and fluoride use.  Visiting the dentist from a young age will help your child become comfortable with his or her dentist.  It also establishes the good habit of regular dental check-ups.  

Earlier I posted an article about a young man who drank about a liter and half of soda a day for 3 years.  He is now getting suited for full dentures.  This shows that diet must go hand in hand with tooth care.  Things like granola bars, raisins, and dried fruits are just as bad for teeth as candy so brushing after eating is always advised.  Make sure to take the time to show your child how to brush and floss and explain its importance.  Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a scary thing, bring them in just for a look around and maybe even let them ride in the chair.  Here at our practice we have a toy chest, and especially for Childrens Dental Health Month we intend on bringing some of our retro video games to share with the kids.  Luckily for parents of today developing a good habit will be easier because of the advances in fluoride, sealants, and laser dentistry that lowers the dependence on Novocaine.

You Might Be Brushing Too Hard…..for nothing!

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Recently I have noticed numerous discussions over the mistrust of dentistry and the dental practice.  This ranges anywhere from the Aspen article to regular inquiries/fact-checks into what the dentist is telling them about their fillings, crowns, etc.  We here at bloomfield dental arts understand the wariness of patients when it comes to necessary treatment that might seem expensive.  That is why we wanted to write a short post about what one can do, that is guaranteed to work at home.

For one you are most likely brushing too hard.  If you are seeing blood that isn’t necessarily good.  One should use circle motions, much like an electric toothbrush, to take care of the plague on the surface of your teeth.  The other important thing to remember is that brushing isn’t the end all, be all of at home tooth care.  Flossing is much more important, and is used to get areas even the most advanced toothbrush cannot.  If you haven’t flossed in a while and see blood DO NOT WORRY, this is just the backed up plaque from food, cigs, and coffee that has time to settle.  After repeated care the bleeding should stop, but you shouldn’t.  Finally, one should remember to use mouthwash.  Mouthwash, as followed per direction, can be the essential ending to a healthy tooth care routine.

A New Credit Card Scam to Watch out for

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Here at the practice we have been doing our best efforts to get our name out there.  We have gone through multiple channels including magazine print, direct mail, and even developing a dental plan (called QDP).  We have also been stepping up our presence online through registering for online directories, Google Adwords, and Social Media.  These were just the first steps of a pre-holiday marketing plan that has now had a halt in promotions.

Today at the office we received a call from our credit card company.  They said there was suspicious activity and that the credit card might be potentially compromised.  We soon found out about a new scam that thieves are pulling on credit card owners.  They hack into the information, change the password, and use the points saved up to purchase online gift cards!  It seems that there is very little paper trail and they focus on taking the points.  We were specifically targeted by a scam that bought home depot gift cards online.  Our representative had canceled the card and luckily saved our points but we now wait until we receive a new card and hope our promotional efforts are uninterrupted   Please watch out for these types of scammers and keep your personal information safe!

The Importance (and reason) for EXPERIENCED Assistant

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Recently we posted an Ad for a new assistant/receptionist.  We wanted to make sure that we received someone with experience but so far have only received people still in school or have been out of work.  Though we understand it is difficult out there in a setting where quality care is the main concern we aren’t willing to compromise.  Here is a short list of why experience is so valued:

1. Ability to focus- We once had an assistant who would let her mind trail off.  It didn’t take long for us to realize she wasn’t up to par after a mishap in which her lack of attention led to a patient swallowing chemicals that should have been cleaned off her teeth.

2. Proven Ability to multi-task- in an office like ours the phone never stops ringing and there is always an appointment to be made.  It is extremely important to have someone that knows how to budget their time and complete tasks.  If someone is new to the field there lack of confidence could lead to unhappy patients.

3. Giving Informed Answers- we understand that some people look for a career change and think that they are qualified for more than they actually are.  Here an assistant does more than just hold the suction and answer the phone.  They must be able to talk with the patient, ensure them that the procedure is what they need, and comfort them when they have doubts.  It is extremely important to know what your talking about without having to tell the patient a lie.