Spring 2019

Dear Patients and Friends,

Forming, storming, norming, perform-ing and adjourning. Do any of these terms sound familiar? According to psychologist Bruce Tuckman, he iden-tified these as the 5 stages of team development back in 1965.

How about building teams with swing? Having read and been inspired by the best-seller Boys in the Boat, swing was defined by the 1936 Olympic Gold-winning coach as “a thing that some-times happens in rowing that is hard to achieve and hard to de-fine…it only happens when all eight oarsmen are rowing in such perfect unison that no single action by any one is out of synch with those of all the others”. In business, swing is defined as “the near perfect synchronization of talented people plowing ahead to achieve something no one else has, can, or ever will.”

Humor me with considering one more quote;“The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order. Life refuses to be embalmed alive.” -Alfred North Whitehead, English logician, mathematician and philosopher.

You might be wondering how all these themes tie together, and possibly if your dentist has been reading too many business de-velopment books or listening to too many TED talk podcasts. Well, that’s entirely possible!

But in truth, it does give me a little bit of context as we look back on the past couple of years in the office. In retrospect, 2017 was

a crucial year of some uncomfortable but exciting transition in our dental practice. Starting with an office renovation that not only opened up and unified our front office in a more central and cohesive way, we also modernized our sterilization area and re-claimed some unused office space in the east part of our building converting it to a well-used meeting room. At the same time, we said goodbye to some amazing co-workers and friends when 1) we celebrated Lily’s retirement (after a 38-year hygiene career in our office), and 2) Debbie (a 26-year veteran in our Front Office) made the difficult decision to make a job change closer to her home. While the leading sentence of our vision statement reads “We are a legacy dental practice built on relationships”, here we were faced with a challenge: delivering excellent dental care and serving our patients in the same way they have been accustomed to while at the same time attempting to re-form big components of our team, and striving to get back to that place of cohesive “swing”. To preserve order amidst change, but also allow that same element of change that helps us to progress.

I am so proud of our team today! Here, entering my 15th year of practicing dentistry, I feel incredibly blessed to be working with this amazing group of dental professionals. While you may see some new faces, please note their years of experience in dentistry – they are an accomplished and talented group! I feel confident we are upholding the relational legacy that Dr. Surbeck, Lily and Debbie would affirm, while at the same time adopting all the best practices in business and modern technological advances in dentistry that allow us to deliver optimum care to our patients on a daily basis.

Most of all, I am assured of this: we have the best patients! Thank you for your patience with us, allowing the time to “reform” our

team and progress to the “performing” stage. You all provide me with an unlimited passion to uphold the values, integrity and clinical excellence that have been hallmark of this practice since its inception in 1968. I know I can speak for the whole team when I say we are honored to serve you, and grateful you have entrusted your dental care to us.

Please take a moment to enjoy our Spring newsletter, updating you on the latest happenings in the office.

With much gratitude,Dr. Graham Egger

Please visit our website at www.invitingsmiles.info

FROM THE DENTIST...

We want to help you feel completely confident when you smile! With the visions of graduations, weddings or family reunions looming in the near future…how can we help? Please know we are always happy to discuss cosmetic options at your regular hygiene appointments.

Spring Ambitions:ARE VENEERS OR BLEACHING IN YOUR FUTURE?

MARCH FUN OUTSIDE THE OFFICE:

We had an impromptu gathering of past and present co-workers honoring Renee’! After nearly 24 years at our office, we decided there is no time like the present to celebrate this special lady! We had fun participating in a little Putt Putt Golf at Flatstick Pub in Pioneer Square.

PORCELAIN VENEERS:

Are you hoping for more of a dramatic change? It is not uncommon for patients in their 50 to 60s (or younger) to notice the changes inflicted by years of wear or thinning of enamel brought on by acidic choices in diet. Veneers

can help restore shape, strength and brilliance to your smile! We can easily help you to visualize the type of

improvement you might achieve with a “mock-up”. This is a complimentary consultation where we can temporarily bond tooth-colored material to help give you an idea of

what the potential change could look like!

OPALESCENCE WHITENING SYSTEM:

An easy first step would be to consider bleaching your teeth! We have purposefully priced our whitening system, Opalescence, at an affordable level because we want it to be easy for our patients to do! At a cost of $250, and with a time investment of 1 to 2 20-minute appointments, the shade of your smile could improve considerably!

Introducing:DR. WILLIAM LOWREY

Q: Tell us about yourself:

A: I grew up in South Strafford, Vermont. After finishing high school, I went to Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania to get my degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Sustainable Solutions. I ran cross country and track all four years. My favorite job I had while in college was working at the Lehigh Valley Zoo as an animal care intern/zookeeper. After College, I earned my DMD at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. I then continued on to further my clinical experience by completing a hospital based General Practice Residency in Bethlehem, PA at the Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Q: How did you choose dentistry as your profession?

A: My grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather were all dentists, so you could say it’s in my blood. For me, dentistry combines all the best of medicine. The continuing rapport with patients, the challenge of diagnosing disease and formulating the best treatment plan for each individual, the art of making someone their dream smile and the potential freedom to own your own business.

Q: Tell us about dental school. What kinds of experiences or courses shaped your view of dentistry and your role as a clinician?

A: Attending dental school at the University of Pennsylvania was an incredible experience. Starting with our preclinical lab course where we learned to perform dental procedures on plastic teeth, I learned that dentistry is truly an art. I spent hours in the basement of the dental school trying to perfect each procedure. During my fourth year of dental school I was lucky enough to be selected to spend every Friday in the Medically Complex Honors Clinic, where I was given the chance to work with and learn from amazing clinicians and oral medicine doctors.

Q: What are you most excited about coming into Dr. Egger’s office?

A: So far everyone at the office, from Dr. Egger and Shannon to the entire staff, has been so inviting. I’m really excited to work with this team! I’m also excited to meet all the patients and start building relationships with everyone to helping them achieve their oral health goals.

Q: What are your favorite activities outside of work?

A: I love spending time in the mountains whether it be hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter. I also run almost everyday.

“I am very pleased to introduce my new associate, Dr. William J. Lowrey, who joined our team in October 2018. Dr. Lowrey’s clinical expertise, calm and confident demeanor, and excellent communication skills make him a natural fit for our office. Patients have been quick to comment on Dr. Lowrey’s ability to deliver individualized and clear answers to treatment questions asked chairside in hygiene appointments, as well as his gentle and efficient handling of restorative appointments. Please check out our website invitingsmiles.info, and under Who We Are, select Meet Dr.

Lowrey to learn more about his background and how he came to work at our office. I know you will be impressed!” -Dr. Graham Egger

FAVORITES:Favorite Food: My Mom’s chiliFavorite place to vacation: Deer Isle, MEFavorite dental procedure: Any procedure where you can give someone the beautiful smile and confidence they’ve always wanted.Favorite TV show: New GirlFavorite restaurant: Momiji - their Sea Monster sushi rolls are incredible.Favorite thing about Washington: The combination of having Seattle, the mountains and the ocean all so close by. The summers are also the most beautiful I’ve ever experienced.

Information included is not dental or medical advice. For your specific information be sure to consult our office. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact us directly.

Contact InformationOffice (253) 838-9314 (253) 927-5878Fax (253) 838-4463Email appointments@invitingsmiles.infofor questions about scheduling or billing/insuranceWebsite www.invitingsmiles.info

Graham T. Egger, DDS2315 SW 320th StreetFederal Way, WA 98023-2570

Office HoursMon-Thu 7:00 am - 4:00 pmClosed from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on full days.Fri 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

OFFICE INFORMATIONDentist/Business Owner: Dr. Graham T. Egger, DDSAssociate Dentist: Dr. William J. Lowrey, DMDHygienists: Renee’, Jami, Julie and ShannonAssistants: Courtney, Sara and JosieFront Office: Jessica, Heather and Taylor

T H E F R O N T O F F I C E T E A M

Here is hoping to give you an idea of how our team is currently organized! While we are one team in purpose and the standard of care is the same across the board, it might be helpful for you to see how we break down our teams on a daily basis. There is occasionally some movement of assistants or hygienist between the two teams, but our ultimate goal is to try and streamline your appointments, keeping you with the same dentist to facilitate consistency and relationship building.

O U R D E N T I S T RY T E A M

JAMI Dental Hygienist

RENEE Dental Hygienist

COURTNEY Dental Assistant

SARA Dental Assistant

JULIE Dental Hygienist

SHANNON Dental Hygienist

JOSIE Dental Assistant

T H E T E A M

DR. EGGEROFFICE HOURS:Monday– Thursday 7:00am–4:00pmClosed for Lunch 12–1

DR. LOWREY

OFFICE HOURS:Tuesday– Thursday 7:00am–4:00pm Closed for Lunch 12–1Friday 7:00am –1:00pm

T H E T E A M

CONSIDER THESE BENEFITS OF EARLIER HOURS:

• As clinicians, we are alert and focused for our highly technical jobs early in the day. We want to give our patients our best, and not let fatigue in the afternoon hours compromise our care or best efforts!

• As patients, your blood sugar is more balanced earlier in the day. Stress is typically lower as well, which is particularly helpful for patients who might already be anxious heading into their dental appointments.

• Earlier appointment times are less likely to be compromised by unexpected traffic during “rush hour”, or by unplanned interruptions to your day or our appointment time.

• Earlier appointments typically allow local anesthetic to gradually wear off well ahead of dinner or bed time, helping to prevent accidental cheek or tongue-biting while soft tissue is still numb.

JESSICA Scheduling Coordinator

HEATHER Financial Coordinator

TAYLOR Continuing Care Coordinator

W H O W E A R E

New Hours Starting April 1st 2019: 7:00am Appointments Now Available!

We do kindly ask you give our office 48 hours advanced notice if needing to re-schedule or cancel your dental

appointment. We are meticulous with our scheduling, aiming to always be early or on time to greet you as a outward demonstration of how much we value your time and our appointment. In return, we hope you will extend us the

courtesy of advanced notice so we have the opportunity to offer the valuable appointment time to another eager patient.

A NOTE ABOUT CANCELLAT IONS: