Archive for the ‘News and Events’ Category

Part 1

Dr. Antolak , The Gentle Dentist sponsors a Good Deed Contest for the past 3 years and the winner wins a lap top computer.  This years winner is Brandon.  Listen to the great things these kids have done for others.  Please watch these presentations to see how they do make a difference.

Part 2

 The Green Dental Office What are the implications and impact of the caustic chemicals, xrays, mercury in fillings, and other items found in a medical facility and more specifically a dental office?

  These questions have been asked by my patients in the past.  There is a higher level of awareness of the environment these days considering that our planet has finite resources and we all need to take care of it.  There is tremendous waste in our daily living and as we do business. 

On my recent mission trip to Haiti it became very clear what happens when the environment is abused by lack of sanitation and disrespect of the ecology.  Because of the abject poverty there is no public sanitation in Haiti, including open sewers or trash pick up so they either throw the trash where ever they please, burn it, or take it on barges and dump it in the ocean.  Trash is washed onto the beach that creates a rather depressing image. It reminds me of the ad campaign we had back in the 1970s of the native American with a tear in his eye as he was looking at the waterways and trash.  We have come a long way since then but still need to improve on how we take care of what God has given to us.

The other serious problem the Haitians have is that they are loosing their land. Poor people in the country harvest trees to produce charcoal without replanting.  The top soil that was once retained by the roots is washed away during heavy rains and hurricanes.  This soil covers houses at the bottom of the mountains and affects the ocean where the trash and soil covers the ecosystem in the ocean.Fishing, farming and life in general is affected by this lack of awareness.  The question is then: How can I consciously live my life to have the least impact on our environment.  If each of us has this attitude then we can make a difference not only for ourselves, but for our children and their children.

Here is how we at our office attempt to have the least impact on our environment:

1. We use digital x-rays including scans of the entire jaw and individual teeth of the mouth.  This reduces radiation by about 75% and reduces the caustic chemicals needed to process x-ray film that usually gets dumped down our drains and into the treatment facilities.  Since we use digital x-ray sensors, potentially harmful lead lined film packets are also eliminated.
2. We are paperless and chartless meaning that there are no charts in our office.  Our patients fill out necessary forms online or in the office on a tablet computer which completely eliminates paper. 
3. Digital photographs are taken which helps not only with communication, but the use of photo processing chemicals are not needed..
4. All of the batteries used in the office are rechargeable eliminating the waste of batteries.  If they are needed to be disposed of they are recycled.
5. We have eliminated the use of mercury containing silver dental amalgam with tooth colored composite fillings and haven’t used these types of mercury fillings for over 10 years.  We are in the process of installing an amalgam separator that eliminates the mercury from entering the waste water system.  It has just been mandated in the state of Michigan that dental offices need these devices. (In my mind it is ironic that many dentists place amalgam in the mouth but the FDA has stated that it is potentially harmful.)

These are a few of the ongoing changes that we are making in our dental practice to make dental treatment both safe for our environment, patients and staff. 

The Candy Man

PUBLISHED: Sunday, November 16, 2008
The candy man

By CHRIS WILLIAMS
Source Staff Writer

Dr. Robert Antolak had his third annual Halloween Candy Buyback program Nov. 1 and 8 at his Shelby Township dental offices. He will donate the candy to needy children. Pictured from left are Jill Lapay, treatment and finance coordinator; Dana Kelly, insurance and marketing coordinator; Antolak; and hygienists Nellie Likomanov, Tammy Fryer and Margie Venetis.

Source photo by Chris Williams

Amidst the examination rooms, drills and other equipment in the Shelby Township office of Dr. Robert Antolak is a room filled with things you dont expect to see in a dentists office.

In boxes on the floor, against the wall and on cardboard tables sit nearly 500 pounds of candy bars, caramels, peanut butter cups, gum and other things that give the good doctor nightmares about cavities.

Its a real temptation for us, Antolak said, referring to his staffs struggle with working so close to so many sweets. We call it the room of sin.

The goodies are the result of Antolaks third annual Halloween Candy Buyback, in which children from throughout the area come in to sell their candy to the doctor for $1 a pound. This year, Antolak said the amount of candy he received was much higher than in years past and donations are still being made.

We have probably gotten more than 500 pounds of candy. I know weve given away about $420, plus weve had some donations come in, said Antolak. Last year we got about 400 pounds, so were doing even better this year.

Official buyback days were Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 at Antolaks office on 22 Mile Road. Staff members said the day following Halloween, there were lines of children eager to trade in their candy stash for some cold hard cash.

This was my first year doing this and I was here for it. These kids were so excited to show off their candy, said staff member Jill Lapay. A lot of them were so excited just to see how much it weighed; we even had some say they just wanted to donate the candy and they didnt care about the money.

Girl Scout groups and church organizations also donated money, and the room is full of not only Halloween treats, but full-size candy bars and unopened bags of candy.

Antolak has much more in mind for the treats than telling kids to cut back on the sugar. Each year he takes a missions trip to Haiti with his church and donates approximately 100 pounds of the candy to needy children overseas. The rest of the candy will be given to various rescue missions and outreach ministries throughout the Detroit area.

Its just been a real blessing to be able to give this candy away, said Antolak. Is wonderful what the kids will do.

Antolak also said its heartwarming to see children part with their candy, which they spent all Halloween night collecting, so willingly and selflessly.

They really dont mind. Theyre excited to do it, he said. They like to help other kids.

Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb County, Michigan.

Give us a call at (586)247-3500 or email DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com for more information.