iTero has arrived

An iTero scanner has found a new home... in the records room of Hansen Orthodontics and we couldn’t be any happier. What is an iTero scanner, you ask. Good question and we’d be glad to fill you in. Well… an iTero scanner is a revolutionary tool in the orthodontic field. It is a 3D imaging wand that takes 100s of pictures of your teeth. The computer than reads, sorts and analyzes the pictures and instantly renders a 3D image of your teeth (picture below).

iTero 3D rendering

Why is having a 3D image helpful? It gives Dr. Hansen the ability to look at your teeth and bite from any angle he chooses.  With the slide of a mouse he can rotate angles, zoom in, zoom out, look at the back of your teeth and begin mapping out his treatment plan all while your at home (with no cameras or mirrors in your mouth).  It also helps Invisalign make a better fitting tray.  The better a tray fits, the faster your treatment is going to be. 



More importantly than that... it gets rid of messy impressions, forever! If you have ever been to the orthodontist you know exactly what I am talking about and are probably a little jealous that this technology wasn’t around when you had braces (I know I am).



Not only does it get rid of messy impressions for your Invisalign records it, as stated above, speeds up the entire process. Before iTero, Invisalign records could take upwards of an hour. Each records appointment usually consisted of two or three sets of impressions. Invisalign requires a “prefect” impression for each arch and any distortion means a redo! iTero never needs a redo.  The computer will not let you submit a case unless it is perfect so we make the proper corrections while the patient is still in the chair. Case acceptance usually took weeks, now it takes hours. Lance, our records tech, just set a new Hansen Orthodontics record with iTero. He completed an entire Invisalign records appointment in 12 minutes. Way to go Lance!

Not only does it speed up case acceptance but it speeds up treatment time too. Since we are now able to get an exact 3D image of your teeth the trays are fitting tighter and have become much more efficient in moving teeth. iTero and Invisalign are on top of their game and we are proud to be partners with them.
Come check out iTero in action at a free consultation and if you like what you see… maybe Lance can slide you in for your records on the same day! =)

Oh yeah...  we're Certified Specialists in operating the new machine!

We're back...

To all our loyal readers (all 7 of you), I apologize for not having posted in a month... or two... or three. =/  Things have been really busy around here.  That was a bad excuse.  Summer is a week away and this year is going to be a busy one.  Before we start talking about summer lets rewind and recap on whats been happening in the last two months.

MAY:
Dr. Hansen went to Hawaii for a week.  Don't get jealous (yet) because it wasn't all fun in the sun for Dr. H.  He went to Hawaii because it was the location of this years AAO (American Association of Orthodontics) convention.  Dr. Hansen attended many classes and seminars.  The topics ranged from new products all the way to advanced orthodontic techniques.  After the classes, seminars and meeting Dr. Hansen played a little golf and spent time with his family (now be jealous)! =)  I know what you're saying, "Hawaii! Couldn't they have had the convention in Detroit or Cleveland"?  Nothing against Detroit or Cleveland but if you were an orthodontist where would you rather go to a convention? Hawaii.

The office participated in YMCA Healthy Kids Day.  On a Saturday, four staff members volunteered their time to represent Hansen Orthodontics at two YMCA locations across the valley.  We handed out treats, talked about braces and had a lot of fun.  If you've never been to a YMCA Healthy Kids Day I would recommend checking one out next year.

Kelli, our scheduling coordinator, moved to California with her husband. She will be missed but we are excited for her and her family as they embark on a new adventure.

April:
Dr. Hansen took us all (his employees) to Disneyland!  We spent 24 hours in the happiest place on earth (which is Disneyland and not to be confused with Hawaii for those of you still thinking about the beach).  We ate tons of sugary foods, saw Jack Sparrow on Pirates of the Caribbean, navigated our way through Space Mountain and plummeted 13 floors on Tower of Terror!  A big thanks to Dr. Hansen (our amazing boss) for taking us on such a fun trip.  If you haven't seen them yet...I would recommend going on our Facebook page and checking out the photos of Jon and Lance wearing their fanny packs.  Classic!

This summer:
Now that you know what we have been doing lets jump ahead and check out the calendar for the rest of the summer.  On July 13, 2012 we will be hosting our 5th annual patient pool party.  We are handing out invitations at your appointments.  If you haven't had an appointment in awhile or missed your invitation please feel free to call ahead and RSVP.  Bring your family, bring a friend... everyone is invited!

That's it for now... I'll make sure to write a new blog entry next week and give you a little more details about the Pool Party.  Bye for now!


 

Dr. Hansen visits Invisalign

Dr. Hansen and his wife, Katie, recently took a trip to Invisalign's Technician/Clinical Check Facility in San Jose, Costa Rica.  They were gone for five days, two of which were dedicated to travel (FUN!).  While in San Jose Dr. Hansen toured the facility with our Invisalign Rep (Matt Kelly) and talked with other orthodontists whom also use Invisalign.  Dr. Hansen came home very impressed with the building, its technology and the employees Invisalign had working there.  One of the employees he met was the technician who personally handles all of our cases.  Dr. Hansen had spoken with her over the phone and conversed with her over many Invisalign cases but he had never personally met her.  To Dr. Hansen, meeting her was as important as anything else on this trip.  In preperation, he brought a few pending Invisalign cases to go over with her.  He wanted to see how she handled each case and express to her his high standards of excellence and share his personal treatment beliefs.  Like the facility, he left impressed with our technician and was encouraged by their meeting.  All-in-all Dr. Hansen left feeling confident about where Invisalign is at and where it is going.  He has never been more proud  to be one of their Premier Providers.

Upcoming School Presentations...

As you all know, February is "Children's Dental Health Month".  Everyone in the office is getting excited. Jon and Lance are skipping down the hall and Breann is so excited she is thinking about pushing back the due date of her first child.  Ok ok ok.. that last part may not be true.  In all seriousness February is an important month to Dr. Hansen and our entire staff.  It is the time of year Dr. Hansen likes to give back to the kids in our community by teaching them something he knows a lot about, dental health!

In February Dr. Hansen and members of our staff go to local elementary schools and do a 30 minute (give or take) presentation on the importance of brushing and good oral hygiene.  We bring in tons of props, a giant toothbrush, show an awesome video and answer as many questions as we can about teeth!  The kids love it almost as much as we do.  Last year we went to 6 schools and saw just under 1300 students.  THIS YEAR... we already have 1150 students scheduled and are trying to reach our goal of 2000!!!! =)

Today we received a shipment of 2000 red "Hansen Orthodontic" pencils that will be placed in a goodie bag for each student in attendance. The custom toothbrushes, toothpaste, smoothie cards, stickers and game sheets will be added as they arrive. Stay tuned and we will keep you posted on how the preparations are coming. 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Get to know Dr. Hansen...

You know who Dr. Hansen is. You know what he does for a living. You know he is the BEST orthodontist around... but how well do you REALLY know him? Here is your chance! I recently gave Dr. Hansen a survey to fill out and here are his answers:

Dream Car: 1968 Shelby Mustang
Favorite Movie: Man From Snowy River

Favorite Book: Last of the Breed: by Louis L'Amour
What chore do you dislike doing the most: Mopping
Favorite sport to play: Basketball & Golf
Alma Mater: BYU & Kentucky
Favorite college sports team: BYU & Kentucky
Favorite NBA team: Boston Celtics
Favorite NFL team: San Francisco 49ers
Favorite MLB team: Boston Red Soxs
Favorite professional golfer: Jack Nicklaus & Phil Mickelson
If you could witness any event (past or present):1986 Masters

 If you could know the question to any question: Who stole my "six million dollar man" lunch box in the 5th grade!
What do you miss most about being a kid: Long summers
What is one of your favorite quotes: "Would you rather be feared or loved? Both. I want people to fear how much they love me."
Where were you raised: Spanish Fork, Utah
What was your dad's profession: Dentist
How many animals do you own: 2 Dogs, 2 Horses
How many kids do you have: 5 (4 girls, 1 boy)


There you go everyone... a few fun facts about Dr. Hansen.  If you have your own question/questions for Dr. Hansen feel free to leave them on our blog or our facebook page!

Lights, Camera, Action...

    It's that time of year again!  Can you feel it in the air?  It only comes around once a year but it is something we all look forward to (and possible dread at the same time) each November-December.  It's full of bright lights, laughter and comes and goes in the blink of an eye.  What am I talking about... Fall (No), Thanksgiving (Nope), the Holiday Season (as if) or Christmas (not a chance)!

    I'm talking about the Hansen Orthodontics office photo shoot... of course!  It's the one time of year we let our inner model/diva out for a few hours.  The Hansen girls get their hair and make-up done and the Hansen guys... well, I guess they just smile and try not to get in the way.  Each year we are always excited to see what the photos are going to look like and this year is no different.  We received a sneak peek (available on our facebook page) this year and they look very promising.

    In an effort to stick with out sports theme (best office theme ever) we decided to get Hansen Ortho football jerseys and take our team pictures on the football field at Durango High School.  We spent about two hours on the field after work.  With limited light we were, to say the least, a little worried how the pictures were going to turn out.  Judging from the small sample we were given you can say we worried for NOT! The pics look great and I cannot wait to get them all back so I can post them all!

Stay tuned for pictures.

Here is a small taste... the rest will be on facebook!

Does this not remind anyone else of the hit TV show "Friday Night Lights"?  All we need is Coach Taylor in the back row and you could mistake this for a season 2 promo.

Get to know Daisy...

    Testing 1... 2... 3... Testing 1... 2... 3.  Is this thing on? Ok, here we go.

     Hello everybody! Today we are going to do something new... something we have never done before.  If the feedback is good, we will continue doing it.  Make sure to let us know what you think (meaning: write a comment, please).

     Today we are going to interview one of our own employees.  Over the course of treatment we get to know all of our patients very well.  We know what school they go to, their favorite hobbies, favorite food and how well they brush their teeth (yes, we can tell).  Tip for patients reading this: brushing your teeth for 20 minutes before your appointment doesn't hide bad oral hygiene... just sayin'! Now it's your turn to get to know us!!!!

And we're off... 

Hansen Ortho: I would like to thank, Daisy, for joining us.

Daisy: Thank you, I'm excited to be the first one you interviewed.

H: Nervous?

D: Yes...

H: Good. Kidding... kind of.

H: What do you do at Hansen Orthodontics?
D: I am the scheduling coordinator.

H: What does that mean?
D: I am the first person you see when you walk in and I will assist you in making your future appointments!
H: Awesome!

H: What is your favorite part about working at Hansen Orthodontics?
D: Dr. Hansen is a great boss and it is a happy work environment!

H: How did you start working in the orthodontics?
D: I kind of stumbled into it. I was working in a Pedo office when Dr. Harrison (owned the practice before Dr. Hansen) had an opening. I jumped on it.

H: How long have you been working in the orthodontics field?
D: 6 years!

H: Wow! That's awesome. Still enjoy it?
D: YEAH! I feel blessed to work for Dr. Hansen and have such a great job.

H: What is your favorite thing about working for Dr. Hansen?
D: Flexibility. Dr. Hansen is very understanding with time off.

H: What about birthday lunches and trip to disneyland?
D: Yeah... those are great too.

H: Who is your favorite patient?
D: All of them!

H: Do you have any children?
D: Yes, two great boys (JC - 10, Alexander - 3).

H: What is the best part about being a mom?
D: Making my kids smile, laugh and their honesty.

H: Favorite Food?

Shrimp Scampi

D:
H: Mmmm... I love shrimp!

H: Perfect day off of work?
D: The mall, movie & dinner.

H: Are your kids included?
D: Ummm... sometimes (laughing).

H: There is nothing wrong with a little "me" time but knowing you, you would bring your kids.
D: Yeah, they love movies!

H: Favorite treat?
D: Anything chocolate.

H: Why should people bring their kids to Hansen Orthodontics?
D: Dr. Hansen is very honest and caring.  He will treat your child like his own... AND of course the staff is the BEST! ;)
H: I agree! BEST. STAFF. EVER.

H: Thanks Daisy!
D: Of course, my pleasure!

LIVINGSOCIAL.COM Deal of the Day...

   Numerous studies have shown that a person with a nice smile is viewed as more attractive, intelligent, happy, successful in their career, friendly, interesting, kind and wealthy.  Wow! One thing (and probably the most important) those studies don't take into account is the boost in self-esteem that having an attractive smile can create.  Truth be told... that is why we all work for Dr. Hansen.  That is the reason why Dr. Hansen became a dentist and then an orthodontist.  He wanted to help people by giving them the gift of a perfect smile!  This is the reason we do deals like this every so ofter... we like to offer our services and Dr. Hansen's expertise to people who would otherwise not be able to afford it.  Dr. Hansen does not want fiances to get in the way of someones happiness or oral health!   If you know anyone (or yourself) who is interested or would benefit from orthodontics please let them know about our deal of the day!  

Click below link to see the deal.

$1100 OFF INVISALIGN, INVISALIGN TEEN

New Contest

    A new contest is hot off the presses at Hansen Orthodontics.  We know it's only the 1st week in November BUT we already have the Holiday bug.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner and then it's four glorious weeks of Alvin and the Chipmonks singing Chirstmas Carols until December 25th (how can you not be excited for Alvin and the Chipmonks). 

To show our Holiday spirit and excitment we came up with a Holiday Music/Movie Challenge.  Are you ready for the Holiday season... prove it?! Take our quiz and show us.  Print off the contest and bring it in to your next appointment or simply add a comment to this article with your name, number and answers!

HAVE FUN!

4th Annual Pumpkin Contest Results Show...

    Like Summer our much anticipated Hansen Orthodontic pumpkin contest has, sadly, come and gone.  If you have kept up to date with the previous Hansen Orthodontics pumpkin contests (and let's be honest... if you're reading this blog, you have) then you would know it has been a very competitive and spirited contest.  From its inception (great movie) no one could have predicted how popular this contest would become.  It started out as something fun for the staff to do as a little competition (we are all very competitive) but in recent years morphed into a patient favorite.  Long story short, once the entire office drove to a mini-golf course during lunch to have an impromptu golf tournament because someone heard someone else mention to a patient that they were "the best" at putt-putt.  Of course, none of us agreed and had to prove them wrong. If you're wondering who won the putt-putt contest, don't.  The course was closed so we didn't get to play. Bummer! But if you have to know... I would have won... because I'm the best.

    As the contest has grown in popularity so has the level of creativity in pumpkin design.  This may be partly due to the fact that Dr. Hansen has put up a $100 grand prize to the winner ($50 bucks to second and a pat on the back for third) but there is no way to prove that.  Have I ever said he's a great boss?  With the added bonus of $100 in straight cash (zero of which I will be claiming on my taxes), simple Jack-O-Lanterns no longer have a place in this contest.  If you doubt me just take a look...

    I might be a little bias but that is a good looking group of pumpkins... a really really ridiculously good looking group of pumpkins.  Angry Bird, Jack in the Box, Papa Smurf, Papa Smurf's house, killer flower, gumball machine, Stay Puft and a pumpkin.. well, we all know what the pumpkin "reading" the book is doing.  This year the Hansen Orthodontics staff stepped up their game to a new level and judging from all of your comments in the office I think you agree.

    What's your favorite pumpkin? Do you think your favorite won? Are you ready to find out? Well, you're going to have to wait a few more minutes (or literally scroll down a few inches and look at the giant picture of the winning pumpkin).  Hopefully, I didn't lose anyone with that. 

    The contest lasted a few days shy of 8 weeks.  A grand total of 967 patients and family members voted.  ONLY 27 votes separated 1st from 3rd place, 12 of those separating 2nd from 1st.  Can you say photo finish?  With a grand total of 157 votes... the winner... of the 2011 Hansen Orthodontic pumpkin contest was (insert dramatic pause for suspense)...

STAY PUFT MARSHMALLOW MAN! (Made by Ryan)

Second place: Pumpkin on the John (made by Jon)

Third place: Angry Bird (made by Janell)

Fourth place: Everyone else (but probably not Chewbaka).

Thank you all for voting and we hope you enjoyed the contest as much as we did.  We truly have the best patients' in the world and I hope you're looking forward to the 2012 contest (I already know what I'm going to do).  Make sure to check the blog for contests (we will be posting them on our blog so you can do them at home), upcoming events and office news. Make sure to "Like" us on Facebook as we are always having Facebook only contests and post tons of great pictures and videos.  See you in the office!



All new...

    Breathe in... breathe out... breathe in... breathe out!  That has been the slow mantra that all of us at Hansen Orthodontics have been repeating to one another.  Why? A CRAZY last two months.  To specify, a CRAZY GOOD last two months.  As all of you know Hansen Orthodontics has been going through major renovations the past 8 weeks... new carpet, new wood floors, new paint, new lab, new front office etc etc etc!  July brought an end to the construction, clearing way for something even more awesome!  What could be more awesome than completely redoing the interior design of your office you ask?  Oh, I don't know... maybe open an entirely new office?!?! That's right... Hansen Orthodontics has opened a second location in the southwest.

(insert long pause for cheers, clapping and general hysteria)

    As of August 3, 2011 Dr. Hansen has opened up a second office (address at bottom of the page).  It was previously owned by Dr. Michael Nelson of Nelson Orthodontics.  Needless to say, we are all super excited about this.  We are expanding our services and giving people in the southwest an opportunity to receive the BEST orthodontic care in Las Vegas from the best orthodontist in Las Vegas, Dr. Hansen.  In case I lost you... I was basically saying Dr. Hansen is the best.  Oh yeah, his staff is the best too (wink wink).  Speaking of his most awesome staff, it has expanded... we now welcome Kelli, John, Adam and Sharron to the team.  They are all very hard workers and mesh perfectly with the rest of us. 

Check out the website for pictures of the new office!  

Construction continues....

Day 14: PAINT DAY.  Bye-Bye white walls!  I can’t speak for everyone… but I will. =) We are all excited to get a little color in here. Even though the white walls look very clean, sterile and reminds me of an operating room it doesn’t represent our office very well. We, again I am speaking for everyone, like our patients to have those feelings when they come into the office (sans the operating room feeling) but we also want them to feel comfortable and relaxed.  Hopefully all the upgrades over the last couple weeks will help with that!  I will be posting before and after pictures when everything is completed in the next few weeks.  Stay tuned and be amazed... not Lance Burton amazed but “Wow! The office looks way better” amazed.

Office Construction

Demolition Day 2011.  Today is the first day of the new and improved Hansen Orthodontics!  We are marking our front office extend out into the waiting room as well as creating a new, state-of-the-art lab.  Once that is complete we will be laying down wood floors, new carpet and paint.  Stay tuned because I will be posting pictures!

Last month wrap up...

Okay... I know I havent written anything in awhile so here is everything that is going on in the office.  Disneyland was AMAZING.  We all had a great time.  We left Las Vegas at 5 A.M. and arrived at Disneyland shortly after 9:30 just in time for Disneyland to open!  We didnt get home until 2 A.M. the next morning.  We were all tired by the end of the day but to sum it up in a few words... 24 hours of fun! I promise to post pictures very soon.

Pool party planning is in full swing.  We booked the YMCA from 6:30-9pm on July 15th.  We rented out the entire pool... just for our patients!  Its going to be AWESOME!  We will have food, music and tons of contests and prizes.  Start working on your cannon ball boy now boys and girls because you have 6 weeks to prepare. =)

DISNEYLAND!

Less than 2 days till Hansen Orthodontics hits Los Angeles and "The Happiest Place on Earth"... DISNEYLAND!  We will be meeting at 5 A.M. and making the 4 hour trek to L.A.  Why leave so early you ask? Simple answer... we want to be the first ones in and the last ones out.  No ride will go unridden (I might have just made that word up but it seems fitting) and no ice cream vendor untouched.  I will post pics and stories of triumph (and possibly tears) as soon as we get back! Stay tuned!

Tower of Terror here we come!!!!!!!

Dr. Hansen's Peruvian Adventure

 

Dr. Hansen and his wife, Katie, got back last night from a seven day vacation!  Believe me, it was a much deserved seven day break for the both of them.  Seven days without work, seven days without kids, seven days in a beautiful tropical oasis!  Oh wait, that's my dream vacation! OK, all of that is true except for the last part...  Dr. Hansen and Katie decided not to take my advice and go somewhere "tropical" and "relaxing" for their vacation.  They decided to take "the road less traveled"or as I like to call it... The "Man vs. Wild" vacation.  The majority of their vacation was spent hiking, sleeping on the ground and stepping over poisonous snakes and bugs.  If you don't have a good mental picture yet go turn on your TV and watch an episode of "Survivor Man". 

Dr. Hansen and his wife traveled to Urubamba Valley, Peru where they met a group of friends whom I can only assume are all big fans of the Discovery Channel as well.  Machu Picchu is a 15th Century Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level.  Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World (or so Wikipedia says).  I'm going to attach a link to the Wikipedia page on Machu Picchu... that way I can stop plagiarizing.  My high school english teacher would be ashamed!  

Four days and nights Dr. Hansen, Katie and their friends hiked straight up a mountain!  With backpacks stuffed to the brim they stopped only to eat and sleep... stragglers were left behind.  In all honesty I'm not 100% sure on the accuracy of my last comment but that's what happens in the movies, so I can only assume.  Dr. Hansen did say that even though the trip was physically demanding it was as equally rewarding.  From the above image you can see Machu Pichhu is a very beautiful and picturesque place.  It is no wonder why the Inca's decided to build their most famous city atop it.  Talking to Dr. Hansen it sounded like the two of them had an amazing time.  From sampling new and "different" cuisines to enjoying an outrageously fun adventure with Katie and some of their closest friends to going the better part of a week without a shower... how could he not!?!  Everyone in the office is looking forward to see pictures from their exciting adventure to Peru. As I learn more about the trip I will share more stories with you.  Stay tuned, pictures to come.

Machu Picchu Link (as promised) : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Machu_Picchu,_Peru.jpg

March marks the end of our School visits

February has come and gone and along with it our 2011 school presentations.  Final tally had us going to 6 different schools and seeing just under 1000 students.  977 to be exact... but I wasn't counting.  =)  Each student participated in presentation that was put on by various staff members of Hansen Orthodontics.  During the presentation students (grades 1-5) watched a video, "Dudley the dinosaur and his classroom adventures"! Dental health was the theme of this adventure.  Dudley and his friends were a huge hit and provided a nice transition into the rest of our presentation.   

During our presentation we use a number of props to help illustrate our points. The first was a GIANT toothbrush.  With that we demonstarted how to properly brush your teeth on a stuffed dinosaur... which was a dead ringer for Dudley (total coincidence).  If you find yourself questioning your own brushing technique at this point in the post... please... let me know.  I will point you in the direct of nearly 1000 elementary schooler children who are now experts!  Giant floss was next!

Not only did we teach proper brushing and flossing technique but Janell her own presentation on healthy foods and healthy snack.  "Did you know what floss does for your teeth" she asked the kids.  It acts as "nature's floss"! Who would of thought?! She also went over healthy drinks to keep your teeth strong and clean.  Bad news people... soda isn't on that list.

After our presentation the kids were given the floor to ask questions about orthodontics and/or dental health.  Let me tell you first hand... they came up with some really great questions!  I was impressed.

Before leaving the students were given a goodie bag that included an activity sheet, Hansen Ortho pencil, toothpaste, free smoothie card and an award for participating in children's dental health month.  Sadly, this was their favorite part of the event!  Oh well... maybe next year it will be my explanation of tooth form and function.

Presidents Day

Did you know that today, February 21st, is Presidents Day?  I bet you did considering that most of you don't have class!  President's Day dates back to the very first president, George Washington.  His birthday is February 22nd and it became a National Holiday in 1832, 100 years after his birth.  This day from then on was celebrated each year, nationally.  Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12th, the year after he was assassinated his birthday also became a holiday (makes you feel bad for President Garfield, Mckinley and Kennedy whom were all assassinated in office but did not receive a holiday).  Lincoln's birthday was celebrated but was not recognized as a "national" holiday like Washingtons.  In 1968 Congress passed legislation that moved all National Holiday to a Monday, to ensure a 3 day weekend (GREAT IDEA).  Washington's holiday was moved to the third Monday of February and in 1971 President Richard Nixon combined Washington's and Lincoln's birthday celebrations, renaming it President"s Day. Finally all the president (including Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy) were recognized.

Even though we, Hansen Orthodontics, did not receive the day off Dr. Hansen was kind enough to treat us to lunch.  We went to one of our favorite office lunch destinations... Qdoba! Thanks for being a great boss Dr. Hansen!

February - Children's Dental Health Month

It's February again... which means that is it Children's Dental Health Month.  To be 100% honest this is my favorite month of the year at work.  Ok ok ok... it's tied for first with July.  July is when we hold our annual Patient Appreciation Pool Party (WHAT A BLAST!).  I love February for a completely different reason.  This month we get to go into local schools and teach 1st-5th graders about braces and the importance of good oral hygiene.  Here at Hansen Orthodontics we all feel that it is very important to teach proper brushing technique from a young age.  Students at that age are developing routines and habits that will stick with them for the rest of their lives... that is why we like to teach them young.

This year we will be seeing anywhere from 700 to 800 students in seven different schools! EIGHT HUNDRED KIDS... WOW! We are so thankful to the schools and teachers that allow us to come in, steal a little class time and teach the students about OH (Oral Hygiene).  Good OH is very important and we make sure in every presentation that the kids know they are supposed to brush and floss 3 times a day, 7 days a week.  Goodie bags with toothbrushes, floss, pencil and activity sheet are handed out as well.

So far this month we have seen 300+ kids in 3 schools.  I cant wait till Friday when we get to visit Heckethorn Elementary!

Martin Luther King Jr.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday.  He lived from January 17th, 1929 to April 4, 1968.  It has been over 40 years since his passing yet his words still resonate throughout our society daily.  He is best known for his work with civil rights in the United States and all around the world.  He preached non-violence and understand.  His birthday was made a National Holiday in 1986.

His most famous speech was entitled "I have a dream" so try to take a moment today and remember Dr. King's words and what they mean to you THEN go out and enjoy this beautiful day off of work/school! =)