The Dental Diaries with Dr. Samantha Blasco

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Dr. Samantha Blasco's journey in dentistry has been marked by dedication and excellence. With nearly three years of experience as a dental assistant, she developed a strong foundation in oral care and the importance of personalized treatment. Driven by a commitment to stay updated in the ever evolving field of dentistry. She earned her MD degree from UNLV School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Blasco's patient centered approach is at the core of her practice philosophy. She believes in the uniqueness of each patient and taking the time to understand their specific needs and preferences. This collaborative relationship with her patients ensures that they receive the highest standard of care with treatment plans tailored to their individual aspirations. Welcome today.

Dr. Samantha Blasco: Thank you, thank you so much for having me. So

our first question is, can you share with us and listeners what made you fall in love with dentistry in the first place?

Dr. Samantha Blasco: Okay, so loaded question here. So my, my father was actually a dentist overseas. And so growing up I was I was running down the halls of a dental office, you know, through the operatories and everything. So Dentistry was definitely something that was very common in my childhood. And as I got older, I started actually started like volunteering at the dental school, kind of doing a little bit of assisting here and there, getting really familiar with dentistry. And I kind of noticed that I had a passion for aesthetics. And I was able to kind of combine hand skills with that as well as being creative which is awesome because I feel like in the medical field being creatives you know, having that creativity is not as common in you know, a lot of professions so it's kind of like a good harmony both he gets to work with your hands work with people as well as you know, have your own little creative flair to whatever you're doing with you know, patients and and giving everyone like a perfect smile is obviously very rewarding. So

and before you became a dentist, you were a Dental Assistant, what was the coolest part about that job and how did it prepare you for dental school

Dr. Samantha Blasco: so I was analysis for a few years, which was very interesting. My childhood dentist actually was who I started assisting for and he really took me under his wing I knew you know very little about you know, dental assisting, just kind of a little bit here and there from volunteering at the dental school but very green overall. And he really taught me everything about dentistry. So most importantly, I feel like my chair side you know, manner with patients, I learned very quickly. I think building a bond with your patients is very important, especially for them to build that trust with you. So I think very early on, I was able to connect with patients and being patients mouse I know even in dental school being like a new graduate. The first year for a lot of my classmates was very awkward being in someone's mouth for the first time. So for me, it was a very easy transition, I was able to kind of focus more on hand skills versus knowing you know, how to talk to patients, how to be in patients mouths, how to explain treatment, how to communicate well with patients. And I think that really helped me even you know, even now, I know a lot of new dentists kind of struggle with being able to connect with their patients communicate effectively with patients. So yeah, so at least as far as chairside manner that was like no brainer for me second nature and I also knew a lot of you know, dental procedures and it's funny how some people that start dental school you know, they're very, very green and I knew how that felt as an assistant so um, it I would say definitely benefits being in a dental office, if someone is interested, you know, in going into the dental profession, like I think what you guys are doing is so great. Like you guys are going to be way ahead of the game as far as your dental IQ, which is amazing. So definitely suggest that to anyone who is thinking about going to dental school doing the dental path, definitely get your hands dirty, because it'll definitely pay off at the end.

And can you explain what a DMD degree is?

Dr. Samantha Blasco: DMD and DDS are the two dental degrees you would get. And the MD is a Doctor of Dental Medicine versus a Doctor of Dental Surgery, I believe they are very similar. If you're still considered a dentist as far as that degree goes, I think it's more so what the dental school has chosen as a curriculum. So as a DMD, it's more of we take a like, I'm more thorough, and I want to more stay thorough, but more of a holistic approach, I would say we look at kind of the whole body versus just the mouth, I would say. But having said that, I do think both are, you know, very qualified to do what we do. I just think DMPS are just a little more geared to the overall health versus just the oral cavity, but definitely the same still considered dentists in their own right.

And I know you've already covered this topic a little bit. But for kids who are nervous about visiting the dentist, do you have any advice or comfort you can offer to them based on your own experiences, of course, so

Dr. Samantha Blasco: even early on, it's amazing how many patients their dental fears stemmed from their fear as a as a child at the dentist's. So I do think it's very important. And when, you know, when I treat children, especially, it's been instilled in me that that is where dental fear kind of stems from. And to be wary of that, you know, just because you're thinking, Oh, this is, you know, a child, they won't remember anything, I do think a lot of dental fear is rooted from when you're a kid. So I would definitely say, getting, you know, getting them in early, as you know, as young as we always say, as soon as you get your first tooth, put, you know, take them to the dentist, because the more accustom they they get to seeing the dentist, the better the experiences, I like to do, like a tell show, do approach, you know, on that way, they're not kids aren't taken aback by anything as far as what's happening. Next, make sure you're explaining everything. And you know, you have fun names for like your suction and, and you know, all our dental instruments, and I do make sure it's a very positive experience for a lot of kids, because it can be really scary, you know, especially if there's a lot of treatment to be done. And also like, utilizing nitrous is very helpful. And just just letting the patient know, it's not a scary thing to be at the dentist, like, you know, we are we're here to help you. We're here to get your teeth healthy, get rid of their Sugar Bugs, what have you. So yeah, I would say it's definitely important. And it shouldn't be overlooked, as far as, you know, just taken the extra care to kind of make them more comfortable. Because yeah, i i Can I can't tell you how many times even as an adult patient that I see, there's, you know, saying, Oh, I had a terrible experience when I was a kid. And, you know, it just followed me into adulthood. So yeah, I definitely think it's it's definitely important to care about what's going on even even when they're really tiny.

And how can parents help instill good dental habits for their children?

Dr. Samantha Blasco: So like you kind of touched on earlier, I do believe visits to the dentist, even if it's just you know, this is my mirror, come take a look type of thing. And prevention is key. I can't say that enough, you know, forming good habits, when they're younger, I will definitely follow them into adulthood. And I do think even it like is that even if it's just a little visit for them to just be familiar with the instruments we use or the chair, stuff like that is very beneficial for for kids. Because then when they come in, they think it's it's more of a fun experience and a scary one.

Got it. And if you had to describe the perfect toothbrush for kids, what would it look like and what special features would it have?

Dr. Samantha Blasco: What a fun question. Okay. Personally, I do think I get a lot of compliance with the toothbrushes that saying, I think timing is very important. You know, the rules of TOS brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. I think you know, we have a fun little song that you're you're kind of brushing to I think the time goes by a little quicker and you're staying on top of it. And I remember when I was a kid, funny thing that a hygienist told me was. we brush our teeth at night to keep our teeth and we brush her teeth in the morning to keep our friends. So, after I heard that, that I tell I even tell my adult patients that even to this day, because it's so true, it's so important for you to get that to two times for two minutes.

And kids like the ages 15 Five, whatever loves sugary snacks and drinks, are there any fun alternatives you can suggest that are still too friendly.

Dr. Samantha Blasco: So I do think everything in moderation. I know Halloween is coming up. And so you know, I love candy as well. But I do think, you know, as long as you're keeping your hygiene up, you're doing what you're supposed to do at home brushing and flossing. And even I tell you know, patients who have, you know, an affinity for sugary drinks, if you just swish with some water afterwards, you know, it makes all the difference. And I do think there's so many alternatives out there now like, like sparkling water is kind of, you know, kind of blown up recently. And there's even a lot of like sugar free soda alternatives. You know, like, I personally like Zawiya I don't know if you're familiar with with that. But that has zero sugar on but it tastes exactly like Coke. So I'm, I'm a diet coke addict personally. And so Zambia is a zero sugar soda alternative. And I find it tastes very similar. So I would definitely go that route. There's so many options nowadays.

Interesting. And we know you always aim to stay updated in the world of dentistry. Can you share one exciting thing you've learned recently that people might find interesting.

Dr. Samantha Blasco: One interesting thing that needs a tough I'm trying to find something that would be interesting and not bore someone who is in the dental field. Because I mean, I'm very nerdy about dentistry like I, I feel like every time I watch a TV show, the first thing I'm doing is looking at at their teeth. So let's see. So luckily, at the office, I work out we do have a periodontist here. Though, I am able to kind of see a lot of cool surgeries go down, which is awesome. I'm sure you've probably tagged along with your dad, you know, here and there. And they do some awesome things. And for me as like a new graduate, I'm really trying to get into like dental implant, you know, doing a lot more dental implants and things like that. So seeing you know, someone in their craft, especially specialized in things like that, it's awesome to see, I know she had done a patient, and they're actually here we go a little underneath and they do like zygomatic implants. I don't know if you're familiar with that. But they actually placed them into the zygomatic bone. If you actually if you look it up, they look crazy. So I actually got to see her do a couple of those. And, and that was very interesting. So yeah, I would say, even if you just do a quick Google search of zygomatic implants and just look at what the X ray looked like, they literally put them into your like your zygomatic bone. So it's insane. But yeah, Dentistry has come a long way. It's awesome. Especially, you know, before dental implants weren't an option for a lot of people who you know, didn't have good bone or what have you. And nowadays, it's like, hey, we can make anything work. So it's always changing. It's always trying to push, you know, to new and better things. So I think it's definitely a cool time to be in dentistry right now.

And super random question, but what's your favorite toothpaste flavor?

Dr. Samantha Blasco: My favorite flavor. Okay, so funny enough, we had actually ordered so there's a toothpaste it's called Clean Pro. It's a highly fluoridated toothpaste. Usually we recommend it for patients who have high caries risk, right have they're kind of prone to getting a lot of cavities. Or if we want to arrest cavities, we suggest a higher fluoridated toothpaste. And we had received a caramel flavor. Which Yeah, I was I was unsure about that. Surprisingly, though, we all try to give it a try. And it wasn't it wasn't too bad. Actually. It sounds it sounds a little questionable, but it wasn't too bad. It was it was actually pretty good. So yeah, that was definitely out of left field. I've not seen that ever.

And for our last question, if there was one super important message you'd like to share with anyone to remember about their teeth. What would it be?

Dr. Samantha Blasco: I'm I think I would have to go back to preventative care. Are is key. I do think, you know you only get one you get your kids set, you get your and then you get your permanent and those those are it for life. So I do think taking care of your teeth as far as preventative you know coming in seeing your dentist once a year getting your cleanings twice a year, brushing and flossing, and kind of establishing those good habits. I think you'll find that I mean, fun fact is I only had two fillings done ever. So, um, yeah, and even those I was like, you know, so torn apart that I needed a filling. But I do think if you do your part and you stay on top of it, you'll kind of see that the dentist is more of a pleasant place to be and and not so scary. Not so daunting. So I would say prevention is definitely key brush brush brush loss loss loss.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

Dr. Samantha Blasco: Thank you so much for having me. It was so fun.

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