Yes, it's true. You haven't received an e-newsletter from me in six months. As the owner of two thriving dental practices, the days have become filled with seeing patients -- leaving little time for other pursuits.
I haven't neglected marketing altogether, however. A few months ago I incorporated my Successful Smiles blog into my Website (I had been using Google's Blogger) and am very happy with the new look and functionality. The majority of content is geared toward educating patients like you about all things relating to dental health, so be sure to take a look and leave your comments.
And speaking of marketing and PR, I was recently interviewed by WCVB (Channel 5) Boston. In the segment, Mall Teeth Whitening: Is it Safe?, the Channel 5 news team uncovered facts about teeth whitening mall kiosks - and why it's "buyer beware" if you use them.
This month's newsletter is a tribute to three of my patients who recently succumbed to cancer and heart disease. Their joie de vivre in the face of death has forever impacted my life -- as well as countless others.
A Tribute:
Death is Not an Ending, But a Beginning
 By Dr. Helaine Smith
It was fifteen years ago that I opened my private practice and over the years I've been fortunate to know many of my patients and their families on a personal level. Part of my joy in being a dentist is sharing in my patients' lives: I hear about their weddings, the birth of their children or grandchildren, or their promotions at work.
Over the years, as patients continue to come in for regular cleanings and dental procedures, we connect on a much deeper level.
Unfortunately, each year several patients pass away.
Whenever someone dies an empty space is left in my heart. And for a few of these people, their legacy continues to live on -- both in the larger community and how they have impacted me as a person.
These patients were courageous humans who lived life to the fullest and never complained about their illnesses. Instead, I have images of these people laughing and enjoying their visits with me, their dentist.
I think of them often with fondness and gratitude -- and am grateful for the impact they had on me. I would like to share with you three of these wonderful people:
Oliver -- Father, husband, fighter
I will never forget Oliver sitting in the reception area with his little girl on his lap and his son sitting next to him talking to him. Even after the doctors said he should be dead, Oliver's will to live allowed him to stay with his family a year longer than his doctors predicted.
Oliver enjoyed the strong love of his wife, children and church community. I think of Oliver often and how brave he was as he fought cancer to live. I know he would be very proud to see how well his family is doing. Due to his courage and strength, his love still abides in his children's hearts.
Wanda -- Never lost hope for a cure
Six years ago my patient, Wanda, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her six years of being ridden with cancer were tough and she finally succumbed to the disease in September.
During her entire illness she never lost faith that she would be cured and worked tirelessly to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. Despite being tired and sick, she walked every year to raise money for OCEAN (Ovarian Cancer Education Awareness Network) a non- profit, member-supported organization founded by ovarian cancer survivors and supporters under the umbrella of the Massachusetts General Hospital.
I will always remember Wanda's beautiful smile that lit up the room -- and especially my practice. She never missed a dental appointment and was always positive and upbeat -- living life to the fullest until the very end.
Karen -- Co-founded the Adult Congenital Heart Association
Several years ago my patient Karen Klein McNulty died suddenly and unexpectedly due to congenital heart disease. I think of Karen often and feel her presence in my office.
A very special person, Karen was extremely fun to talk with. She realized a need existed for a community where adults with congenital heart disease could gather and meet one another. Rather than sitting back and letting someone else do the work, Karen co-founded and became the first president of ACHA - the Adult Congenital Heart Association.
Today this non-profit organization has annual meetings that feature leading cardiologists and the health care workers who care for this very unique group of people. Karen's vision created this legacy; it continues to grow thanks to the dedication of her parents, family and other board members.
As a health care provider whose mission is to keep people's mouths healthy, I am blessed to have known people like Oliver, Wanda, and Karen. Although they are no longer living, their strength and courage continues to enrich my life.
You're Never Too Old to Transform Your Life . . .
Edith came to my Boston office to inquire about cosmetic dentistry. As with many patients, she had wanted cosmetic dentistry for years as her teeth had not aged well . . . but she kept putting it off.
Today she has a beautiful new smile that matches her face and her vibrant personality. Read her "Before and After" story to see how porcelain veneers gave her the naturally beautiful smile she's always wanted.
Like Edith, you're never too old for cosmetic dentistry. To learn how you can dramatically improve your smile, please call Mary at our Boston office to schedule your private consultation:
By phone: 617.327.1350 ∙ Through our Website: www.helainesmithdmd.com ∙ Email: helainesmithdmd@aol.com
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