Local Dentist Andrew Phillips, DMD Speaks at our weekly Rotary meeting

Andrew Phillips shared with us the history of his practice, which he runs with his brother Glenn.  His father started the practice many years ago in Wyckoff and his brother and himself have kept up the family tradition. 

One of the key points made was how oral hygiene is connected to the general health of the body.  There have been well documented periodontal and heart disease links.

He highlighted some of the changes that have occurred over the years and how the practice of Dentistry has changed.  One interesting insight he shared was that one of the most dramatic changes in the practice of dentistry is in the area of adhesives.  The development of stronger glues increases significantly the options open to the dentist.  Nowadays on a flat surface he can attach things that can last for more than 20 years with totally normal use - this would have been unthinkable many years ago.

 One other area is the types of materials that are available today.  He recounted stories of how his father would make teeth in the basement of his practice.  In those days many more skills were needed like this to be an effective dentist.  Today those skills have changed with the availability of porcelain and other materials.  Another example of the change are the ceramic bridges that are available today.

Andrew spoke of a recent initiative that his practice undertook to help address the current topic of concussion in high school sports.  He and his brother supplied concussion mouthpieces at cost to the football programs at a few local high schools.  These mouthpieces are very different to ones that have been traditionally worn.  They provide a combination of new materials and modern layering techniques with micro fibers which give much better protection.  The main challenge with contact to the jaw is that not only can the teeth shatter but shock waves are sent through the jaw to the brain, which can then be damaged.  Basically the new mouthpieces are like shock absorbers that dissipate that energy and protect the player.  A second interesting twist is that by providing them in the school colors, players initials and other optional elements, the players are proud to wear them almost as a badge of honor, overcoming some traditional difficulties in getting kids to wear them.  Safety can now be 'cool'.

The talk was very educational and continues in the tradition of providing a wide variety of information on topics related to charitable works, as well as general life knowledge.  If you would like to be stimulated by these kinds of talks and participate in local and international charitable efforts, please consider joining us on any Thursday morning at 7:30am at the Brick House.

In the photo below is Andrew Phillips, DMD,  Bill Rush, rotary member and past President of our Club, whose father was a neighbor of Andrews' father, along with Emmy Eiiya, our current club Vice-President