Dr. Sam Romano

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World in 1931 about a world that was far from what would have been considered “normal.” Here we are in 2020 living and working in a world where the word “normal” seems to have lost all meaning. The disruption caused by the pandemic feels dystopic.  In the face of  COVID-19 we all have  been challenged, and our ability to adapt has truly been put to the test. So how do you maintain your dental health through this crisis? For my office and patients, I have upgraded to include extensive PPE, HEPA Filters, disinfecting UV lights, new aerosol suction systems, and anti-microbial foggers to provide the highest level of safety for my patents and my staff. I have invested in these protocols so my patients can feel confident in safely maintaining their dental health. I have always invested heavily in education and state of the art technology to provide the best dental care while keeping everyone safe.  As a sedation dentist, I have seen many patients postpone dental care because of fear and anxiety, and the results have been tragic and expensive. I would never want my patients who I have been diligently treating for 35 years, to have to resort to such measures. I guess it all comes down to a matter of trust, which is why I have devoted my time to equipping my office with the safest technologies to brave this new “normal” we are currently living in. For more information about  our practice, please visit www.DrSamRomano.com

MADISON DENTIST RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MASTERSHIP FROM ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY

MADISON DENTIST RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MASTERSHIP FROM
ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY

Madison, NJ 9/6/2019 – The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is pleased to announce that Samuel Romano, DMD, of Madison, NJ received the prestigious Mastership Award during the AGD’s convocation ceremony, a commencement celebration that recognizes AGD member’s commitment to excellence in dental education. During the event that was held at the AGD’s scientific session on Saturday, July 20, 2019 in Connecticut. at Mohegan Sun , Dr. Romano accepted this award along with more than 64 other recipients.

The Mastership Award is the highest honor available in the AGD and one of the most respected designations in the profession. This accomplishment meets the highest criteria for professional excellence. To accomplish this, Dr. Romano completed 1,100 hours of continuing dental education in the 16 disciplines of dentistry, including 400 hours dedicated to hands-on skills and techniques. As a recipient of this award, Dr. Romano has joined over 3,499 members of the dental community who understand that great smiles and good oral health for their patients are the result of going above and beyond the basic requirements.

“The AGD is designed to influence professional growth and development through continuing education and we are proud to honor Dr. Romano for his commitment and dedication to provide his patients with advanced and exceptional oral health care,” says AGD President Neil J. Gajjar, DDS, MAGD. “Dr. Romano is exceeding industry requirements and paving a path of success distinguishing himself professionally amongst his peers and exemplifying his allegiance to the dental community.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there are an estimated 110,400 general dentists who are employed directly in the field of dentistry. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patients’ oral health needs.
Dr. Romano graduated from The University of Medicine and Dentistry in 1985 and currently practices dentistry in Madison, NJ. In addition to the AGD, Dr. Romano is a member of the
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
American Dental Association
New Jersey Dental Association
Clinical Instructor, Kois Center for Dental Excellence
International Congress of Oral Implantologist
DOCS (Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation)
American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
American Academy of Facial Esthetics

Dr. Romano is married to Theresa and has 2 children, Erin and Samuel. His practice is located at 120 Park Ave Madison, NJ 973-377-7088 www.drsamromano.com

Dr. Romano earns his MAGD

Madison Dentist Dr. Sam Romano has received his MAGD as is now part of a select group of dentists in the field.

Mastership represents the highest level of achievement for members in accordance with Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) mission to advance general dentistry and oral health through quality continuing education.

The Academy of General Dentistry, AGD is a nonprofit international organization with 37,000 member dentists from the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1952. The AGD strives to provide the best possible patient care through its dedication to the continuing dental education of its members.

If your dentist is a Fellow or Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD or MAGD), they are the best of the best in the field. Only about 6 percent of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada are AGD Fellows, and less than 2 percent are AGD Masters. You can rest assured that your dentist cares about knowing the latest techniques and best practices in dentistry. Your dentist practices these techniques in a classroom setting multiple times a year — not every dentist does this.

The Mastership Award is the highest honor available in the AGD and one of the most respected designations in the profession. The accomplishment meets the highest criteria for professional excellence

Because of his commitment to his profession, Dr. Romano was awarded his fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2016 and his Masters in the Academy of General Dentistry is 2019. Only 2% of general dentists have received this honor. The Mastership Award is the highest honor available in the AGD and one of the most respected designations in the profession. This accomplishment meets the highest criteria for professional excellence. To accomplish this, Dr. Romano completed more than 1,100 hours of continuing dental education in the 16 disciplines of dentistry, including 400 hours dedicated to hands-on skills and techniques. As a recipient of this award, Dr. Romano has joined 2,208 members of the dental community.
The achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, because the award demonstrates Dr. Romano’s long-term commitment to go above and beyond continuing educations requirements to provide his patients with the most up-to-date treatment options and superior patient care.

Education does not stop with diploma or certificates. Dr. Romano is an attending at the Newark Beth Isreal Hospital in Newark NJ where he teaches post graduate education to dentists who have completed their four years of dental school. Dr. Romano is also a clinical instructor at the Kois Center in Seattle Washington.

Dr. Romano specialized in dental implant from placement to restoration. He does his own endodontics and has advanced training in treating obstructive sleep apnea. His practice treats child and adults.

To learn about Dr. Sam Romano and his practice which is located at 120 Park Ave, Madison NJ visit www.drsamromano.com or call 973-377-7088

Tags: , , , ,

Dr. Sam Romano appointed to Teaching Staff at Beth Israel Hospital

Dentist Dr. Sam Romano of Madison was appointed this spring to the teaching staff at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center at 201 Lyons Ave. in Newark, the largest hospital in New Jersey.

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center’s General Practice Residency in Dentistry is an educational program designed to provide clinical, didactic and hospital experience at the postdoctoral level. The Department of Dentistry offers a Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited General Practice Residency Program in General Dentistry which has completed more than 80 years of service to the public and to the education of recent dental graduates.

Dr. Romano called the educational program “a unique combination of a large group of dedicated dentists and an institution with a civic responsibility that has developed into one of the most successful hospital-based Dental Programs in the United States.”

Personal Care

Dr. Romano, whose practice is located at 120 Park Ave. in Madison, noted that “throughout my 35 years of devotion to dentistry, I have built a lifetime of relationships with my patients. These connections are fostered through a compassionate approach and demonstrated care for each and every one of my patients.”

He added that his office is “a state-of-the-art facility where my mission of providing exceptional dental care is shared by my staff through clear communication and clinical excellence.” Dr. Romano is also a clinical instructor at the world-renowned Kois Center is Seattle, Wash., which provides advanced graduate-level training to practicing dentists.

Tags: , , , ,

Just One Hour?

A cleaning is what you do at home everyday and how well you do it is very important.  At your hygiene visit, we are clinically treating the mouth for things that no amount of homecare can replace.  Wear and tear is inevitable and at your clinical hygiene visits we work with one tooth at a time to help prevent any issues from arising in the future. A hygiene visit includes a caries screening, periodontal disease screening, oral cancer screening, and potentially screenings for sleep disorders, acid reflux, diabetes, joint tenderness, Invisalign and high blood pressure as well.  Each patient is reserved an hour of one-on-one time with a hygienist and Dr. Romano.   We understand our patients’ time is valuable, but we would appreciate our patients planning on being at the office for a full hour so their visit can be performed properly.

It is important to understand what is happening in that 1 hour appointment that has been reserved for you.  Actually, having your “teeth cleaned” is a highly individualized process. Dental hygienists are educated and trained health care professionals who operate under strict state licensing for your general health as well as your oral health.

Each visit begins by reviewing your health history to identify issues that may necessitate special precautions during dental hygiene care to ensure your safety and to prevent medical emergencies. For example, blood pressure monitoring may identify a risk for general health; patients with a history of heart disease may be at particular risk for dental cleaning; diet history for both your general and oral health may be discussed to name but a few issues. These assessments are important since dental hygiene care may impact upon existing health conditions, and vice versa.

The hygienist carefully assesses the skin in and around your mouth looking for lumps, bumps, sores, tenderness or swellings and refers all areas of concern to the dentist for further evaluation. This is, among other things, a cancer screening. The hygienist is one of the few people who get to closely assess your whole mouth, so they are trained to spot this deadly disease and others.

Periodontal health will also be evaluated during a routine cleaning. “Peri” means “around” and “dont” means “tooth,” so you can expect that the areas around your teeth including gum tissues will be checked for signs of inflammation and bleeding (gingivitis). The hygienist will gently measure the space between the teeth and the gums with a tiny probe; Detachment or “pocketing” may indicate periodontal disease; severe periodontal disease is associated with bone loss around the teeth. In health, the space between the teeth and gums measures 3 mm or less. “Pockets” that bleed during probing and/or that measure 4-5 mm deep, indicate gum infection and usually can be reversed with daily oral self-care at home and thorough cleaning. Pockets that measure 6 mm or greater, however, indicate a more severe gum problem that includes bone loss and may require more advanced or specialized treatment by your dentist or a Periodontist, who specializes in gum care.

The hygienist will also monitor teeth for signs of decay and associated risk factors, as well as the amount and location of deposits and stains on your teeth. The amount of stain and hard deposits on your teeth (“tartar” or also called “calculus”), and the degree of gum disease, all impact upon the level and cost of the treatment, and determine how soon you should return. Most adult patients are put on a 3, 4 or 6 month hygiene maintenance recare.

The education and demonstration portions of the visit are also individualized. Risk factors for tooth decay and gum disease may be discussed. Feedback on the effectiveness of your oral hygiene will allow for suggestions and demonstration of oral hygiene aids tailored to your individual needs; and for the provision of topical treatments such as fluoride to reduce sensitivity and promote strengthening of teeth against decay.

Dental hygiene is not a “one size fits all” cleaning.

All of the dental hygiene care you receive is tailored specifically to your individual needs and safety, and is provided within the context of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to eliminate the potential for disease transmission.

As you can see, much more is going on at a “simple dental cleaning” than an attractive polishing. Oral health is a gateway to general health, and your hygienist is the guardian.

Tags: , , ,

To floss or not to floss?

Hopefully every six months, you visit the dentist for a cleaning and probably hear the words “floss more” The problem is patients don’t think flossing does anything. There is no instant gratification with flossing — that’s the problem.

But flossing does about 40% of the work required to remove sticky bacteria, or plaque, from your teeth. Plaque generates acid, which can cause cavities, irritate the gums, and leads to gum disease. Each tooth has 5 surfaces. If you eliminate flossing then you are leaving 2 of the surfaces unclean. Floss is the only thing that can get into the space between the teeth to remove the bacteria.
To learn more about prevention visit:
https://www.drsamromano.com/services/gum-periodontal-disease/

What is Periodontal Charting?

What is periodontal charting?
Why does the Hygienist call out numbers like 2, 3, 3, 4, 6, and 2 when you’re in for a checkup visit? Does this mean something?
Yes! These numbers do mean something. The numbers that the hygienist calls out coincide with periodontal pocket depth, a way to measure gum tissue health. It is also called periodontal charting.
Periodontal charting measures where the tissue and the tooth attach. The reason for this is to determine how healthy the gum tissue is around the entire tooth.
A very healthy tooth is 2-3 mm which means that the bone is at a normal and safe level. This indicates you have low periodontal risk. For patients in this risk group, 6-month continuing care visits work great.
Areas that are deeper than 3mm means that you may be at risk for periodontal disease and your cleanings may require a little extra TLC. The periodontal charting is for dental hygienists to keep an accurate record of the depths of your pockets and the health of your gum tissue over time.
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
For more information on periodontal disease visit https://www.drsamromano.com/services/gum-periodontal-disease/

Weird Dental Facts

A Canadian man proposed to his girlfriend with a ring made from his wisdom tooth.

A toothbrush may be all that she needs  to clean her engagement ring, because in lieu of a diamond, her engagement ring featured her husband-to-be’s tooth.

Some girls who feel a diamond is a girl’s best friend might say this ring bites.

Dr. Sam Romano earns FAGD

Dr. Sam Romano of 120 Park Ave, Madison has been a local Madison dentist for 30 years has earned his FAGD. Less than 5 percent of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada obtain their FAGD.

These awards mean that your general dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by pursuing additional designations. The Fellowship (FAGD) and Mastership ( MAGD) Awards are two of the most rigorous continuing dental education programs today. They help your dentist stay up to date on the most current dental procedures in order to offer you the highest quality of care.

FAGD: A general dentist who is a “Fellow” in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) has been recognized by other general dentists as a leader and exemplifies to other dentists the importance of quality continuing dental education. To earn the FAGD, a dentist must complete a minimum of 500 continuing dental education credit hours, pass a comprehensive exam and have been an AGD member for three continuous years.

Dr. Sam Romano is a native of Madison, New Jersey. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison as an undergraduate in 1981 with a BS in Biology. Dr. Romano received his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ in 1985. Dr. Romano opened his dental practice at 120 Park Ave in Madison in 1986 and has been serving his community ever since.

Dr. Sam Romano remains committed to life long learning and teaching dentistry. He attends countless hours of continuing education courses all over the country, which exceeds the requirements of the AGD. Dr. Romano has studied at many of the most famous centers for continuing dental education, and with some of the most respected educators in the field. After graduation from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ, Dr Romano continued his education at The Pankey Institute, with Dr. Peter Dawson. He trained with Dr. Carl Misch, a leader in the field of Dental Implants. Dr. Romano is also a Clinical Instructor at the prestigious Kois Center for Dental Excellence in Seattle, Washington. As a Clinical Instructor, he helps facilitate intensive three day workshops on topics that help dentists understand how to provide comprehensive esthetic dentistry in a manner that increases predictability and longevity of treatment, while reducing the patients risk for requiring additional dental treatment. Dr. John Kois and the Center are highly respected within the dental community for its comprehensive program of doctoral post graduate studies for dentists. Upon completion of the entire course of study at the Kois Center, Dr. Romano received the prestigious honor of being awarded Clinical Instructor. Dr. Romano is now part of the select staff that teaches other dentists from all over the world.

Romano recognizes that going to the dentist can be challenging for many. Over the past 30 years he has seen many patients who avoided dental care because of anxiety. Because he felt a need to better serve these fearful patients he embarked on an extensive training program to acquire his conscious sedation license. Dr. Romano is one of only 50 dentists of the over 7000 dentists in New Jersey licensed to administer conscious (IV) sedation.

Dr. Romano will be honored for his outstanding achievements at a cap and gown ceremony given by the Academy of General Dentistry in Las Vegas in 2017.

 

 

Tags: , , ,