September 2008 Newsletter

What´s New at Savon

• Quote Of The Month
• Farewell to Gordon C. Parker
• Cohen’s Corner – Straight Talk From The Doctor - Doctor Why Do I Need To Go To A Specialist?
• August’s Free Membership & Secret Word Contest Winners
• To Your Health - Winter Allergies And How To Deal With Them
• A Question From A Prospective Member - No Social Security Number?
• Ten Ways To Cut Costs At The Dentist Office
• Business Partner Of The Month - Casa Carmen Mexican Food, Phoenix AZ.
• Straight Off The Press With - Savon Q Print
• Dental Talk With Savon
• Dental Fun Facts

◄ Back to What´s New At Savon - Monthly Newsletter Home Page

In every newsletter you will find a secret word or phrase.  When you locate the word or phrase, copy the entire paragraph and paste it into an email along with your Savon membership ID number and your name.

Send the email to customerservice@savondentalplan.com.  The emails will be printed, and the winning entry will be drawn on the 15th of the following month.  All entries must be received by the 10th of the month (i.e. July 10th for June's newsletter, etc.).  The winning entry will receive a check from Savon for $25.00.  Only one entry per family is allowed, and you may only win once per 12 months.  The secret phrase for September is "there is an alternative"

Quote of the month:  “Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” - Ronald Reagan - 40th President of the United States (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004)

Gordon C. Parker, Co-Founder of Savon:

March 28, 1947 - August 23, 2008

On August 23rd we lost a very important member of the Savon family; the man that was instrumental in the creation and building of Savon, Gordon Parker, passed away. Many of our old time members will remember Gordon as the charismatic salesman that got them started with Savon.  For the past few years, he has worked with our providers keeping the lines of communication open and helping to solve any member/provider issues. Gordon has given every one of us at Savon a tough job as we try to fill the void that his passing has left.  He was a good, honest, caring man that was respected by employees, members, providers, family and friends.  He will never be forgotten and will surely be missed by all. For those of you that would like to share any thoughts about Gordon, we have an online memorial book.  This book will be available until at least September 25th.

Cohen’s Corner – Straight talk from the Doctor:
Doctor why do I need to go to a specialist?

First let me wish all of you a happy and safe Labor Day.  I think we have made it through another summer of heat and high air conditioning bills.  Now we can turn our attention to the Presidential Election.  With my secondary background in finance, I could tell you who to vote for but that would take the fun out of it.  All I can say is that if you vote for the wrong person, expect everything to cost a whole lot more then they do now.  Good luck!

Okay, Okay back to the question at hand:  Doctor Why do I need to go to a specialist, can't you treat me?  The health care Hippocratic Oath of "First, Do No Harm" is very powerful for most health care providers although there are always some who just don't care about their patients.

I could give you my opinion on the good, the bad, and the ugly but I'm not in the business of looking for lawsuits to be filed against me.  You, the consumer will have to figure out for yourselves who are the good, the bad, and the ugly.

After an oral exam is done and you are nervously waiting to find out if your brushing and flossing has paid off by getting you out of the dental chair with a pat on the shoulder and those words of praise:  Good job, keep up the good work and we will see you in six months, remember that not only is the dentist looking at potentially new problems in your oral health, but he/she is also evaluating how the existing dental work is holding up and if there is something that has worn out and needs replacing.

If you find that your dentist has found a situation that calls for a referral to a specialist, by all means ask him/her why you need to go to a specialist.  The best answer you can hear for that question is that this procedure is beyond my training and capability to handle and in my professional opinion you will need somebody with special training in this special situation that can handle it so that everything goes smoothly and that you are likely to heal with less problems.  If your dentist says this to you, then in my opinion you have got yourself a 'keeper' as a general dentist.

In my 30+ years as a wet-fingered dentist I have seen too many times where a general dentist tried to treat a problem that a specialist should have treated to the detriment of the patient.  None of us like going from one office to another to get a health problem resolved, but sometimes the problem calls for the special training and skills that the specialist has acquired through continual years of specialty training.  Next time your dentist wants to refer you to the specialist thank him/her for caring enough about your health to admit that he/she doesn't have the training to treat this special problem of yours.

Again, thank all of you for the questions and kind comments you have sent me. My goal in this column is to get as many general questions as possible answered and at the same time educate you so that you, the patient, can receive and understand what is happening in the dental office.

Until October, have a wonderful September.  Dr. Cohen

Congratulations to R. Mikkelson of Prescott, AZ  Winner of our August drawing for 1 free additional year of membership.

Mr. Mikkelson was the winner of August's drawing for 1 year of membership for free.

Congratulations to our winner and thank you to everyone that entered the drawing.

Congratulations to A. Worley of Allentown, PA  Winner of our August Secret Word Contest

Mr. Worley's correct answer was drawn and a check for $25.00 was sent to him.

Make sure that you look for the secret word this month, it could be worth $25.00 to you!!

To your health:
Winter allergies and how to deal with them

Seasonal allergies affect approximately 20 million people in the United States.  For most people, the fall and winter seasons offer relief from the condition, but that is not to say winter allergies don‘t exist Perennial allergies can be felt year-round, but are often stronger in the fall/winter seasons.  Why? Because they are triggered by what‘s indoors, which is where people tend to stay when the weather is cooler.

• Dust Mites – Microscopic bugs that feed on animal and plant particles.  The droppings they produce contain certain proteins that cause allergy and asthma symptoms.  Dust mites are found throughout the house, most commonly in areas where human dander is found like the bedroom, bathroom, or common spaces.


• Mildew/mold – Produce spores that cause allergies.  Mold or mildew is most commonly found in humid or moist areas like bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and water-damaged areas.


• Pets – It is a common misconception that animal fur causes allergies.  While a pet can cause your allergies to persist, the actual allergen comes from proteins in the animal‘s dander and saliva.  In certain pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits, the proteins are released through urine.

• Air out your house and bedroom periodically
• Dust frequently
• Wash your rugs and bedding frequently
• Keep an eye out for mold or mildew.  If you smell it or see it, call a professional to have it removed
• Vacuum or sweep up pet hair frequently as this carries the dander
• Consult your doctor for allergy medication

A question from a prospective member:

Question; 

I don‘t have a Social Security Number.  Can I still join Savon?

Savon's Answer:

Yes! We accept cash or money order payments for applicants who do not have a social security number.  Although these payments can not be made online, we do accept enrollment by mail or in person.

10 ways to cut costs at the dentist office:

More and more Americans suffer each year due to the high cost of dentistry.  It‘s true, you CAN get a root canal for the price of a small car!  But it doesn't‘t have to be that way.  Here are a few tips on how to save some cash at the dentists office:

1. PREVENTION IS THE #1 MONEY SAVER!!!  If you haven‘t been to the dentist in 15 years, be prepared for a big dental bill.  Practicing good oral hygiene as well as a good diet will help decrease your dental needs.  Go to the dentist 2 or 3 times a year for regular check ups and cleanings.  Pay attention to your teeth and make a dentist appointment at the FIRST SIGN of any dental problems.


2. Get a good dental plan:  Millions of American‘s are without dental insurance and many of them don‘t know that there is an alternative.  Dental plans are a great way to offset your dental bill, even if you already have insurance.


3. Don‘t be afraid to ask for a deal:  Often times, dentists are more inclined to offer a discount for patients who pay in advance or patients who pay in cash.  Also, most dentists can extend your treatment over a period of time, only treating issues that need immediate attention.


4. Get a free prescription card:  Although the discounts you may get with these are not huge, they definitely do work and we all know something is better than nothing.


5. Use the dental coupons you find in the mail:  Often times, dentists will place mailing ads or coupons for free x-rays or free cleanings.  This may or may not work with a dental plan, but is still a great idea especially if you don‘t have any kind of dental coverage at all.


6. Take advantage of local dental charities or dental schools:  These services are designed for people who can not afford dental coverage and/or the price of dental services.


7. Ask about referral discounts:  Some dentists actually offer referral incentives where you can get a kickback or money off your own bill for referring friends.


8. Look for billing errors:  It is always important to do this regardless of whether or not you are trying to cut costs.  Pay attention to your bill and don‘t be afraid to question it if you feel there is an error.


9. Bring your x-rays with you:  If you have x-rays from another dentist that are less than a year old, your new dentist may be able to read them, in turn saving you money on a new set.


10. Listen to your Dentist:  Follow his/her advice accordingly.  If they prescribe medication, take it.  If they say rinse your mouth out 25 times a day, do it.  Your dentist knows what it‘s going to take to keep your smile healthy.  Disregarding the advice of your dentist may result in unwanted problems and unexpected dental bills.

Business partner of the month:

Casa Carmen Mexican Food

2525 West Bethany Home Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
602-973-8556

This restaurant was located for many years on 35th avenue just south of Glendale avenue in Phoenix.  A couple of years ago they had a fire and almost overnight it seemed like they were out of business.  At that point the central and west side of Phoenix lost one of the best, most authentic Mexican restaurants around.

Well the good news is that they have reopened in a new location just off Bethany Home Road and Interstate 17.  I believe that this is one of the best mexican restaurants in Phoenix.  The atmosphere inside makes you feel like you're at a friends home and the food is simply fantastic.

Don't just take my word for it, I've searched the food critic blogs and here are a couple of reviews:

• Brian A. from Dine.com said: "If Garcia's is a 5 star place for Mexican food (more appropriately called 'texmex' here in phoenix since the 'Mexican' food here in Phoenix is generally of that persuasion) Then Casa Carmens' is going to be at least 8 stars in taste, quality and flavor. I eat there often and the food is always fresh, tasty and the salsa is made in house, so you know it's fresh (not out of a bottle or can!). They also make about the best killer margarita on the west side. There is always fresh flowers on every table every day, makes for an overall nice experience."



• Helen M. on Phoenix DiningGuide.com said:  "I truly believe this to be the best Mexican rest & I have tried many, in the valley. Their chili rellenos are to die for!!!!!!

Straight off the press with:

Savon Q Print

• Party Invitations
• Wedding Announcements/Invitations
• Party Fliers and Banners
• Matching Business Cards, Letterheads and Envelopes
• Brochures and Business flyers

Dental Talk with Savon:

Come blog with us!  Dental Talk with Savon is a fun forum to post your interesting topics!  Your comments are welcome, it‘s free to use and no membership is required.

Some of the topics include;

• What is your toothache telling you?


• Overcoming dental phobia


• Don't forget the sports mouth guard!


• You've heard of swimmers ear, but what about swimmers teeth?


• Things you can do with dental floss…

Dental fun facts:

• If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee


• The tongue is the strongest muscle in the body


• Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush


• The electric chair was invented by a dentist


• Orthodontics as a science did not exist until the 1880‘s


• An Ancient theory blamed the “toothworm” for toothaches


• The ancient Chinese wrapped pieces of prayer-filled parchment around painful teeth


• In Germany, during the Middle Ages, it was advised to kiss a donkey to cure a toothache


• Lucy Hobbs was the first woman in the world to earn a D. D. S. degree from a dental school