The Massachusetts Dental Society's Beacon Hill Day

A Boston University-educated dentist, Dr. Julia Faigel has owned the regional offices of Dr. Dental since 2004. Overseeing both clinical practice and administrative operations, she guides the daily activities of all clinicians and oversees full regulatory compliance. To augment and inform her professional endeavors, dentist Julia Faigel holds membership in multiple industry groups including the Massachusetts Dental Society.

Comprised of 5,000 member dentists, the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) spearheads a range of educational and professional initiatives to advance oral health standards and treatment throughout the state. One of the MDS’ key public advocacy events is Beacon Hill Day.

Although it is dedicated to engaging in grassroots advocacy and lobbying state legislators all year round, the MDS brokers specific meetings between legislators and MDS member dentists/dental students on Beacon Hill Day. Named after the Boston district that contains the Massachusetts State House, this annual event last took place on April 25, 2018. 

Topic covered during Beacon Hill Day 2018 included the reform of dental licensure examinations and the need for full transparency among dental insurers. Participants also discussed ways to increase access to oral health care within underserved populations.

Recommended Tooth Brushing Techniques

Dr. Julia Faigel, a dentist in Boston, Massachusetts, serves as owner and clinical director of the Dr. Dental oral health care clinic. Dr. Julia Faigel leverages her expertise as a dentist to uphold standards of care, which includes teaching patients how to care for their teeth.

Effective tooth brushing starts with a brush that is sized to reach all areas of the patient's mouth. Ideally, the brush has soft bristles that have not become frayed. Most toothbrushes become worn in three to four months, at which time they should be replaced.

Experts recommend that a patient hold his or her brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and start with a rolling motion away from the gum line. Then, the patient can switch to small back-and-forth or circular strokes.

The most important element of an effective tooth brushing session is the cleaning of all tooth surfaces. This includes the outside and inside of the teeth as well as the chewing surfaces. Dentists recommend brushing the tongue as well, so as to kill the bacteria that can cause bad breath. The whole process should take a minimum of two minutes.