Smilin Dental & Associates

10/21/2020

Patients, friends and neighbors, We want to take a moment to thank you for your support in these challenging times.

It has been incredible how each of you have embraced the policies and procedures we have put in place in order to keep everyone who enters our office safe.

In particular, as we enter a period where COVID-19 cases are increasing, we are appreciative of our patients who call to cancel their appointments due to a possible exposure or while awaiting test results. Although almost all have been false alarms, we encourage this behavior.

When is it ok to have dental treatment if you have had COVID-19:
• At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without medications)
• And at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared

Information for your visit:
• Wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth at all times (except when having treatment)
• Please disinfect your hands in the reception room with alcohol gel
• We will take your temperature with no-touch forehead thermometer
• We will evaluate your oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter
• Patients rinse with a dilute anti-viral/anti-microbial solution
• Air purification units with HEPA filtration and UVC lights are distributed throughout the office
• After every visit, the room is fogged with HOCl - a safe and effective disinfectant

Because of the above precautions and due to our amazing patients’ cooperation, we are able to continue to provide safe and comfortable dental care throughout the pandemic.

In these challenging times, optimal oral health is even more important. Please continue your daily home care and preventative appointments at our office.

All of us feel privileged to care for each of you. We are all in this together and above all want everyone to be safe.

For more information about our updated office protocols as well as past updates, please visit our website at www.smilindental.com or our page at www.facebook.com/smilindental

Dr. Milin & Dr. Bacalar
The Smilin Dental Team

Smilin Dental is located in Wilmette and is proud to have been practicing in the north shore community for more than 35 years. We offer general dental services to best serve your family, and cosmetic, confidence-building procedures. Our practice is dedicated to providing our patients with personalized, conservative, and anxiety-free dental care in a state-of-the-art environment.

07/13/2020

Thriving Northshore Dental office is seeking an enthusiastic, caring, and outgoing full time hygienist to join our team, who can help our growing office provide superior patient care!

Our priority is keeping our team safe while delivering exceptional patient care

We will provide the following:
• A safe environment to work in which includes fogging of the air with Hypochlorous acid, office air purification with HEPA/UVC filters, vigorous screening of our low volume professional patient base, disinfection time between appointments, decreased number of appointments, proper PPE, and strictly adhering to recommended sterilization guidelines
• 1 hour or more per adult patient for hygiene appointments
• Daily morning huddle with doctors to discuss medical and dental history for every patient of the day
• Uniforms provided
• A warm, helpful team environment with the opportunity for growth and development both professionally and personally
• Competitive compensation package
• 401k (full-time)
• Paid time off (full-time)
• Continuing Education reimbursement
• No pressure to sell – goods or services
• An office that will provide career satisfaction

Your Responsibilities:
• Perform thorough dental hygiene procedures with proficiency for patients of all ages.
• Clearly communicate and educate patients on their oral health, hygiene, and disease, as well as various dental procedures and services
• Facilitate a comfortable and calming environment; establish strong continuing care relationships
• Work closely with our experienced office staff in team-player environment.
• Take digital x-rays
• Complete accurate periodontal chartings

Qualifications:
• Must have valid hygiene license
• 1-2 years experience preferred; willing to train and mentor the right individual
• Excellent communication skills with patients of all ages and staff; warm chairside manner
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate superior attention to detail, and proactively support the office and patients
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and willingness to learn office processes
• Patient-first oriented, focus on patient care
• Passion for dentistry
• Punctuality and professional decorum expected
• SoftDent + Dexis dental software experience a plus

Come join a team that really delivers amazing care to our patients!

06/20/2020

We’re back! We are thrilled that our office is now open for routine dental care, hygiene appointments, and urgent treatment!

We have been working hard to reschedule appointments that were cancelled due to the COVID-19 office shutdown. If we have not yet contacted you and you would like to schedule your appointment, please call our office.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice. Below are our increased safety measures and disinfection protocols that you may notice at your next appointment:

Physical office modifications:
- Installation of an entire office air filtration system
- Removal of magazines, newspapers and toys, and some chairs from the reception area
- Additional disinfection of all surfaces with hypochlorous acid (Hypochlorous acid is an EPA and FDA approved disinfectant that effectively kills bacteria and viruses, approved in food processing, and safe to ingest.)
- Use of no-touch, infrared thermometers
- Use of pulse oximeter units to check oxygen levels

PPE and physical distancing protocol:
- Staff use of respirator masks (N95 or KN95)
- Staff protection with face shields when appropriate
- Staff will wear scrub jackets when appropriate
- All staff members will wear masks and be screened daily
- All patients will wear masks (except during treatment)
- Scheduling and payment arrangements made over the phone or online if possible

Appointment and scheduling changes:
- Staggered appointment scheduling to have only one patient at a time in the reception area
- Additional time after every patient to thoroughly clean and disinfect the room
- Request that each patient arrive at their scheduled appointment time (Please wait in your car and call our office line at 847-446-5868 when you arrive.)
- Request that patients wear a mask, and bring their own protective glasses/sunglasses and headphones/music as desired
- Ask patients to complete a pre-appointment screening questionnaire

What to expect when entering the office:
- We will review screening questions
- Disinfect your hands in the reception room with alcohol gel
- Your temperature will be taken with no-touch forehead thermometer
- Your oxygen saturation will be taken with a pulse oximeter
- We will es**rt you to your treatment room with all your belongings
- We will request that you disinfect your phone with a provided wipe
- Rinse with a dilute anti-viral/anti-microbial solution
- Disinfect your hands again with alcohol gel

Please know that all of these protocols have been implemented to protect you, other patients and staff. We will make the experience efficient and seamless for you, and continue to provide dental care that is both safe and comfortable.

Thank you for your understanding, support and loyalty! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Dr. Milin (847-922-4018)
Dr. Bacalar (847-341-9266)
Smilin Dental team (847-446-5868)

Read our office's updates and operations regarding COVID-19 coronavirus developments.

05/08/2020

As of 05/08/20 – Smilin Dental update regarding COVID-19

To our valued patients and their families,

We hope you and your loved ones are doing well and staying safe. Many of you have been forced to postpone dental care, and we deeply appreciate your understanding while we limited non-urgent treatment to help control the spread of the novel coronavirus. We’ve spent the last several weeks learning as much as possible about how to best care for and provide essential services to our patients moving forward – we have attended webinars and virtual study clubs, collaborated with local, national, and international health experts, researched new safety equipment and techniques, and held weekly virtual staff planning meetings.

We take care of you like we do our own families – who are also patients here – and we have implemented new measures, including but not limited to those listed below, to provide safe dental treatment and maintain our outstanding level of personalized dental care.

Physical office modifications:
• Installation of an entire office air filtration system
• Removal of magazines, newspapers and toys, and some chairs from the reception room
• Additional disinfection of all surfaces with hypochlorous acid (Hypochlorous acid is an EPA and FDA approved disinfectant that effectively kills bacteria and viruses, approved in food processing, and safe to ingest.)
• Use of no-touch, infrared thermometers
• Use of pulse oximeter units to check oxygen levels

PPE and physical distancing protocol:
• Staff use of respirator masks (N95 or KN95)
• Staff protection with face shields when appropriate
• Staff will wear scrub jackets when appropriate
• All staff members will wear masks and be screened daily
• All patients will wear masks (except when having treatment)
• Scheduling and payment arrangements made over the phone or online if possible

Appointment and scheduling changes:
• Stagger appointment scheduling to have only one patient at a time in the reception area
• Schedule additional time after every patient to thoroughly clean and disinfect the room
• Request that each patient arrive at their scheduled appointment time (you may elect to wait in your car until the appropriate time)
• Request that patients wear a mask, and bring their own protective glasses/sunglasses and headphones/music as desired
• Ask patients to complete a pre-appointment questionnaire regarding symptoms and travel history

What to expect when entering the office:
• We will ask you screening questions relating to possible COVID-19 exposure
• Disinfect your hands in the reception room with alcohol gel
• Your temperature will be taken with no-touch forehead thermometer
• Your oxygen saturation will be taken with a pulse oximeter
• We will es**rt you to your treatment room with all your belongings
• We will request that you disinfect your phone with a provided wipe
• Rinse with a dilute anti-viral/anti-microbial solution
• Disinfect your hands again with alcohol gel

We take infection control and safety seriously. It’s top of mind for Dr. Steve, as he and his wife are expecting their first baby in June. As well as Dr. Milin, who, in order to pass the N95 mask “proper fit test,” has shaved his beard… something he has had for almost 40 years!

As always, we are here for you and welcome any questions, comments or concerns. We will continue to communicate important office re-opening and appointment rescheduling updates as they become available and look forward to seeing you back in our office in the near future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ken Milin, Dr. Steve Bacalar and the Smilin Dental staff

04/01/2020

As of 04/01/20 – Smilin Dental update regarding COVID-19

To our valued patients and their families,

We’d like to update you on the latest information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affects our office and your dental health. The health and safety of our patients and staff is our top priority.

As healthcare professionals, we realize our responsibility to help “flatten the curve” by following sound, scientific public health advice to help limit infections and slow the spread of COVID-19.

In compliance with recommendations from the Illinois State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and Governor Pritzker’s “Shelter in Place” Order, on March 16th we closed our office and it will likely remain closed through April 30 (pending further guidance).

We will reschedule your appointments when there is more clarity and it is appropriate to do so.

In the meantime, WE ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP WITH ANY SITUATION YOU PERCEIVE AS URGENT OR EMERGENT. We miss seeing everyone and welcome your calls.

We believe a dental emergency or urgent treatment to include the following: severe pain or swelling, dental trauma, tooth fracture, large decay, lost dental restorations, or management of temporary restorations.

As always, we encourage you to please reach out to us if you have any questions. We are here for each and every one of you through these challenging times.

We will continue to follow the evolving recommendations to determine when it is appropriate to resume working hours and operations. Look for additional emails and posts on our website to keep you updated.

We look forward to seeing you soon. We are all in this together.

Dr. Milin (847-922-4018)
Dr. Bacalar (847-341-9266)
Smilin Dental team (847-446-5868)

03/16/2020

As of 03/16/20 – Smilin Dental update regarding COVID-19

To our patients,
Following today’s recommendations from the Illinois State Dental Society, and under guidance from national and state leadership, our office has decided to postpone all routine and non-urgent dental appointments.

In the best interest and safety of our patients and staff:

Effective Monday, March 16 through March 30, Smilin Dental will not see patients for any hygiene, general or cosmetic dental procedures.

If you have an appointment scheduled during that time, our staff will reach out to you directly to reschedule your appointment to a later date.

If you should have a dental emergency, we will still be on-call and available to take care of you. Please call the office line and a doctor will work with you.

We appreciate your continued support during this time. Please continue to check back here for updates and as always, please feel free to contact us as needed.

Be well,

Dr. Ken Milin, Dr. Steve Bacalar, and the Smilin Dental team

(847) 446-5868
[email protected]

03/13/2020

As of 03/13/20 – Smilin Dental office policy regarding COVID-19

To our patients,
Like you, we are concerned and closely monitoring developments regarding Coronavirus COVID-19. As your healthcare providers and neighbors, our primary concern is your health and well-being, and we want to do everything we can to help keep our communities and our families safe and healthy.

Below are some of the precautions that we have been and will continue to take to prevent and minimize the spread of any infectious disease and create a safe space for our patients and staff:
- Adhering to recommendations from Illinois Department of Public Health, we have implemented rigorous additional cleaning measures and increased cadence of cleaning.
- Working with our team to ensure no staff member reports to work if they have been exposed to or feeling any flu-like symptoms. In addition, maintaining flexibility to allow for child- and family-care.
- Monitoring new developments and guidelines from CDC so that we can quickly adapt our office operations and communications as needed.

*If you're feeling ill, have a fever or exhibiting flu like symptoms, please post pone your visit. No patient will be subject to cancellation fees. At this time, our office will remain open and continue to treat patients.*

We are actively monitoring the situation and assessing risks, and we will keep all patients informed of any changes to our patient care. Please continue to check back here for updates as well. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Dr. Ken Milin, Dr. Steve Bacalar, and the Smilin Dental team

(847) 446-5868
[email protected]

02/12/2020

If you 💙 your local dentist, vote on Nextdoor on your favorite neighborhood businesses. We thrive when our patients do! http://nextdoor.com/recommendations/

01/29/2020

Thriving Northshore Dental office is seeking an enthusiastic, caring, and outgoing hygienist to join our team, who can help our growing office provide superior patient care!

Why we're different:
Our priority is exceptional patient care
• 1 hour or more per adult patient for hygiene appointments
• Daily morning huddle with doctors to discuss medical and dental history for every patient of the day
• Uniforms provided
• Paid time off
• A warm, helpful team environment with the opportunity for growth and development both professionally and personally
• 401k (full time)
• C.E. classes paid for
• Fun place to work
• No pressure to sell – goods or services
• An office that will provide career satisfaction

Responsibilities:
• Perform thorough dental hygiene procedures with proficiency for patients of all ages.
• Clearly communicate and educate patients on their oral health, hygiene, and disease, as well as various dental procedures and services
• Facilitate a comfortable and calming environment; establish strong continuing care relationships
• Work closely with our experienced office staff in team-player environment.
• Take digital x-rays
• Complete accurate periodontal chartings
Qualifications:
• Must have valid hygiene license
• 1-2 years experience preferred
• Excellent communication skills with patients of all ages and staff; warm chairside manner
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate superior attention to detail, and proactively support the office and patients
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and willingness to learn office processes
• Patient-first oriented, focus on patient care
• Passion for dentistry
• Punctuality and professional decorum expected
• SoftDent + Dexis dental software experience a plus

Days needed are Monday through Thursday and one half Saturday per month; offering competitive compensation. We have some flexibility in scheduling.

Come join a team that really delivers amazing care to our patients!

E-Mail resume to [email protected]

10/25/2019

We hope to see you tomorrow at Smilin Dental for family-fun activities, sweet treats and warm drinks. Wilmette Chamber of Commerce