Special Advertising Section
The Minnesota-based charitable organization Smile Network International makes it possible to repair children’s birth defects in developing countries. Local professionals who make a difference in people’s lives get behind the cause.
Same Child, Different Future
Smile Network International is a Minnesota-based nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides life altering, reconstructive surgeries and related healthcare services to impoverished children and young adults in developing countries.
Professionals from the public and private sectors come together to provide care that will ultimately improve the quality of life for the children, families, and communities that Smile Network serves. Smile Network funds surgical missions and provides necessary supplies needed to repair birth defects including cleft lips, cleft palates, or other
conditions requiring surgical care such as burns, tumors, and various genetic defects.
Samantha Paola Martinez receives
reconstructive surgery through
Smile Network International.
Through local efforts, Smile Network International develops international partnerships that enable volunteers to build trust in foreign countries. These global relationships provide Smile Network the opportunity to impart dignity and quality of life to individuals whose medical needs may otherwise go untreated.
The mission of Smile Network International is straightforward: To reconstruct lives, one bright smiling face at a time.
Why contribute to Smile Network International?
Because you are part of a global community. Because you still believe in miracles. Because together we are able to reconstruct lives and touch the face of humanity.
For more information or to volunteer, contact:
1807 Colfax Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612.377.1800
www.smilenetwork.org • info@smilenetwork.org
Photo by Charles Krusac
Photo by Charles Krusac
Dr. Nancy Norling
For Dr. Nancy Norling and her team, enhancing smiles is a passion that helps change lives. Dr. Norling is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an honor accomplished by only 259 dentists worldwide. She is a board member for the Minnesota Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a proud volunteer for the “Give Back a Smile Program,” a program dedicated to restoring smiles to survivors of domestic abuse. Her “Smile Makeovers” have won awards year after year at the International Smile Gallery Competition, sponsored by the AACD. Discover what the smile of your dreams can do for you!
Q. Why do you feel it’s important to participate in Smile Network?
A. I strongly believe that it’s important for all of us to give something of ourselves back to society, be it our time or our talent. I feel fortunate because each day in my practice, I see the impact that restoring a smile can make in a person’s life. Even more profound is the feeling I get knowing that I have been able to help someone who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to get that help on their own. As a volunteer for the “Give Back a Smile Program,” an organization sponsored by the AACD dedicated to restoring the smiles of victims of domestic violence, I have had the opportunity to “give back a smile” and truly make a difference in a life. The Smile Network goes far beyond this to restoring the lives and smiles of hundreds of impoverished children and young adults around the world through life-altering surgeries.
> 1660 So. Hwy. 100 #122
Minneapolis • 952-544-4129
www.drnorling.com
Photo by Joan Buccina,
Buccina Studios, Ltd.
Photo by Joan Buccina,
Buccina Studios, Ltd.
Drs. Steve & Chad Boger
In addition to staying current in the latest dental advancements and creating an atmosphere where patients feel comfortable and understood, the experienced staff at Boger Dental takes great pride in giving back to the community.
Drs. Steve and Chad Boger, along with the entire team at Boger Dental, know that being afraid to smile can be a major roadblock in life—physically, socially, and emotionally—and they’re working hard to change that through service to the community. They demonstrate their
community commitment through donating dental services to special needs families and adults with disabilities, embarking on dental missions overseas, participating in both “Give Kids a Smile” and “Give Back a Smile,” and creating the Boger Foundation, with profits from whitening services earmarked for children in need. This year they selected Smile Network International as one of their dental charities of choice, and have—so far—raised $12,000 for the Minnesota-based organization.
“Our hearts go out to children in need,” says Dr. Steve Boger. “And donating to Smile Network is a way for us to help.”
Q. Why do you feel it’s important to participate in Smile Network?
A. It’s a really great organization. They truly understand the value of being confident in your smile and helping those who don’t have the means to help themselves. At Boger Dental we might be known for helping adults achieve a celebrity smile, but we also know that an uninhibited smile can make a huge difference to a child—a difference that can have a lasting, profound effect on that child for the rest of his or her life.
Q. What dental questions do you get asked most frequently?
A. “What’s the first step? What’s the entire process?” Dentistry has really evolved so that today’s patients understand the whole picture before making educated, informed decisions. Another question we hear on a regular basis is “How can I improve my smile?”
Q. What should a person look for when choosing a dentist?
A. Like any other profession, there are some awfully good dentists out there and some that don’t meet the standards they should be meeting. A potential patient should be able to see pictures of the dentist’s work, and the dentist should be willing to give references. Sometimes the only barometer people use is pain, and that shouldn’t be the only criteria. If that is a concern, patients can be counseled on all the latest comforting treatment options, such as sedation dentistry, to ensure the most relaxed, pain-free experience. Talking through the concerns and special needs of patients is integral to defining a co-treatment plan that ensures the best possible experience.
Q. How would you respond to, “You get what you pay for”?
A. There’s no question that really fine dentistry is NOT inexpensive. Really fine dentistry includes using a staff that’s extremely skilled, a talented ceramist, high-tech materials, the latest technology, and great support from your lab. Really good dentistry doesn’t have to be unattainable, but it can take planning to understand the patient’s priorities and how best to stage the process to avoid an economic burden.
> 9413 36th Avenue North
New Hope • 763-546-7707
www.bogerdental.com
Photo by Lance Hill
Photo by Lance Hill
Dr. Steve Gorman
The approach at The Gorman Center for Fine Dentistry is simple. Highly skilled professionals provide personalized attention and a consistent delivery of excellence in a warm, supportive environment. Dr. Steve Gorman and his staff love what they do and love helping others reach their goals.
Dr. Steve Gorman offers a full range of metal-free cosmetic/esthetic dentistry including porcelain veneers, all-ceramic crowns and bridges, porcelain inlays and onlays, implant esthetics, “instant orthodontics,” bonding, composites and whitening.
He stays abreast of current trends as a faculty member at The Institute for Advanced Dental Education, by giving regular presentations that explore the latest in contemporary dentistry, and through attending ongoing dental courses and symposiums.
Dr. Gorman belongs to the American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. He is a past president and charter member of the Minnesota Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and a sustaining member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He has twice won awards in the International Smile
Gallery Competition.
Q: Why do you feel it’s important to participate in Smile Network?
A. With all the great work the surgeons and their support people have done over the years with cleft lips and palates, there have been aesthetic miracles accomplished. Being an aesthetic dentist, it is only natural that I support those who are helping others with their smiles. A smile is an international communication tool and everyone should have one they are proud of no matter what level of need they are in.
Q. What dental question do you get asked most frequently?
A. “What can you do to improve my smile?” I get that question every day. Another one I get often is, “I know I probably should get or should have had orthodontics (braces), but do you think I can get the smile I want with dental restorations without having to do braces first?”
Q. What should one look for when choosing a dentist?
A. Reputation, experience, thoroughness, and a comprehensive approach are all important. A dentist must be able to listen to patients’ subjective wants, evaluate the current condition, and provide the options to get to the wants in a manner that is clear and easily understood by the patient. The dentist should be able to show numerous before and after photographs of cases similar to the clients’ and the client should be excited about what they see. The dentist should be able to look the client in the eye and say, “I think this is the best solution for you. This is what I would do [given the circumstances] and this is what I would recommend for my spouse.’”
Q. How would you respond to, “You get what you pay for”?
A. Generally, I think this is true for most things. It certainly is true in high level aesthetic, restorative,
functional dentistry. For the evaluation time, planning time, use of the best ceramists, care, skill, and judgment of excellence, the fee has to be appropriate.
> 700 Village Center Drive,
Suite 100
North Oaks • 651-483-5134
www.drstevegorman.com
Dr. Melissa Zettler
Dr. Melissa Zettler loves helping people look and feel their best.
“I know I’ve done my job when people are shocked at how easy it was,” Zettler says. “This applies to all aspects of a patient’s experience at Cherrywood Dental Care. Everyone who works here is dedicated to making each visit a pleasant surprise.”
Zettler—a lifelong learner—attends continuing education courses, belongs to various study clubs, and travels the country to train with industry-leading professionals. She completed the Advanced Cosmetic Residency at the University of Minnesota, and has attended numerous courses to keep at the forefront of dentistry.
“I am always looking for ways to provide my patients with the best in modern dentistry,” she comments.
Q. Why do you feel it’s important to participate in Smile Network?
A. As Americans, we are fortunate enough to have access to incredible health care. This is not the case for many people in other countries. I witnessed this first-hand while visiting Guatemala to adopt my daughter. Part of being a health care provider is giving back. There are many opportunities to give back, and Smile Network is such a wonderful way to offer someone a life they otherwise would not experience. What a gift it is to restore someone’s sense of health and wellbeing. Smile and the world smiles back.
Q. What should a person look for when choosing a dentist?
A. It is vital that your dentist listen to your concerns and be willing to answer your questions.
> 14127 Vernon Avenue South
Savage • 952-440-9303
www.cherrywooddental.com
Dr. Michael Skadron
Dr. Michael Skadron of West River Dental Care can’t imagine doing anything other than what he does now. “I love caring for my patients,” he says. “I don’t know of any other profession where you can have such a huge impact on someone’s life in just one or two visits.”
With specialized training from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Skadron is highly skilled in the areas of cosmetics, endodontics and pediatrics.
“We go out of our way to make each visit really great,” Dr. Skadron comments. “Laughing, talking and caring is what it’s all about.”
Q: Why do you feel it’s important to participate in Smile Network?
A: We help people smile everyday. When you give, you get something better back.
Q: What should a person look for when choosing a dentist?
A: A happy, confident trusting person with a clean, modern office.
Q: What dental question do you get asked most frequently?
A: “Will it hurt?” The answer is usually no, because we have little tricks that help minimize any sensitivity.
Q. How has dentistry changed through the years?
A. Dentistry has evolved into an experience that can be fun, painless, and rewarding.
> 4103 E. Lake Street
Minneapolis • 612-721-2424
Photo by Brenda Welch
Mader
Photo by Brenda Welch
Mader
Dr. Thomas Hanson
Patients visiting Dr. Thomas Hanson’s dental office realize from the minute they open the door that this is no typical dentistry establishment. More like a spa than a dental office, the premier facility features DVD players in the ceilings so you can watch movies during your dental procedures, an office space specifically designed for children, digital X-rays incurring 90 percent less radiation, and an approach to gentle dentistry.
This premier dental facility will take into account your unique concerns, hopes, and dreams to create the perfect smile.
Modern cosmetic dentistry, one area of Dr. Hanson’s practice, is revolutionizing the way people think about their smile. At Hanson Dental, you can achieve your best and brightest smile in as little as one to three visits. A smile makeover is one of the most effective ways to change your look.
The staff at Hanson Dental prides themselves on being a comprehensive dental facility. Not only do they provide smile makeovers, complete tooth restoration, and neuromuscular dentistry, they are able to meet all of your family dental needs.
Q: Why do you feel it’s important to participate in Smile Network?
A. So often we take for granted the simple act of eating, drinking, speaking, or even smiling without feeling humiliated or embarrassed. Through Smile Network, we can give children the ability to do these things at a minimal cost.
Q. What should a person look for when choosing a dentist?
A. It is important that dentists keep up on continuing education. A good dentist will take time with each patient without being rushed. A good dentist will surround themselves with successful people, including their employees and patients. If you know of a happy successful dental staff, the odds are pretty good that the dentist is successful. Likewise, if you know a successful person, ask who their dentist is and if they’re happy with him or her.
Q. What dental question do you get asked most often?
A. “Can you fix my smile?” The answer is always yes. Whether through bonding, veneering, whitening, or a subtle recontouring, there is almost always something that can be done to enhance one’s smile.
Q. How would you respond to, “You get what you pay for”?
A. First, one has to have the knowledge and expertise to do quality dentistry. Second, it costs more to use high quality long-lasting materials, just like in any industry.
Q. What can cosmetic dentistry do for you?
A. Cosmetic dentistry allows people to achieve a smile makeover that addresses concerns of how they feel about themselves. People unhappy with the size, shape, and color of their teeth are ideal candidates for a new smile.
> 1100 Highway 25 North, Suite 1
Buffalo • 763-682-9796
www.hansondental.com
