Shelby J. Smith, DDS, MS

We remain open during the new shutdown order (see below). Our physical distancing, waiting room limits and 100% masking remain in place (except children under 2 and those with special needs who are unable to mask). Check in procedures are sent via text and email prior to your appointment.

Most of California is nearing a new stay-at-home order; no new restrictions on dental care at this time. We remain vigilant about protecting our staff and patients during the ongoing pandemic. Please give us a call if you have any questions about our PPE or our other enhanced infection control measures.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving everyone! We're so grateful for each and every one of you.

Coloring pages to keep the littles busy while we eat! Have a safe Thanksgiving everyone!

Just getting my continuing education on...

Silver Diamine Fluoride Stops Decay Without Drilling TODAY (10/21, Pawlowski) discusses silver diamine fluoride, a dental caries treatment that is non-invasive and costs a fraction of a traditional filling. TODAY says that dentists are calling the treatment a fantastic new tool. It’s pretty neat stuff. I’m excited, said Dr. Matthew Messina, an ADA spokesperson. The article reports that SDF kills the bacteria causing the cavity on contact and provides the extra benefit ...of strengthening the tooth in the area where the cavity started, Messina said. The article adds that SDF can be especially helpful for children, the elderly and other populations who may be more difficult to treat. The main downside is the liquid will turn the cavity permanently black, although that may be a reasonable tradeoff for having a noninvasive treatment to address decay. SDF offers such an opportunity, Dr. Messina said. It’s not perfect. Nothing is the ‘be all, end all, fixes everything’ answer, but it certainly gives us some things that we weren’t able to do before. From Dr. Shelby: we apply silver diamine fluoride in very young children or older children with phobias or special needs to avoid general anesthesia to give them the time to grow and mature. The hole where the cavity was remains but the cavity stops growing, allowing us at some point in the future to place a smaller filling, sometimes without anesthesia at all. (Look up SMART fillings online. or on our YouTube channel if you're interested in more information) https://www.youtube.com/user/drshelbysmith

Dr. Alf was able to replace these discolored composite fillings with ceramic pediatric crowns giving this little pumpkin a whole new smile!

COVID-19 Rate Among Dentists Less Than 1%, ADA Study Finds The ADA News (10/15, Versaci) reports that an ADA Science & Research Institute (ADASRI) and Health Policy Institute study found fewer than 1% of dentists nationwide were estimated to have a confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection as of June. This is very good news for dentists and patients, said Dr. Marcelo Araujo, PhD, CEO of the ADASRI, chief science officer of the ADA, and senior author of the report. This ...means that what dentists are doing heightened infection control and increased attention to patient and dental team safety is working. The findings were published online ahead of print by The Journal of the American Dental Association. NBC News (10/15, Syal) reports that the researchers conducted a nationwide survey June 8 with responses from more than 2,000 dentists from across the country, finding 0.9% had either confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19. The survey also found that 99.7% of dentists were using what was referred to as ‘enhanced infection control procedures.’ Healthline (10/15, Pugle) reports that Marko Vujicic, PhD, chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute, said, The fact that dentistry was named one of the most at-risk professions for infection, but has a far lower prevalence of infection compared to other health professions, is not a coincidence. He added, The profession has taken this issue extremely seriously, and it shows.

Early orthodontics can help normalize the growth of the jaw as well as improve the shape of the smile, boosting self confidence!

Meet Dr. Alfonse Doan, Pediatric Dentist Dr. Alf obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from U.C.L.A. School of Dentistry in 2009. He then pursued two additional years of residency training at New York University, College of Dentistry to become a specialist in Pediatric Dentistry. He has also successfully completed a rigorous and optional examination process to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Doan's proudest achievement ...is his public service to underserved children in local as well as global communities. He organized and actively participated in provision of free dental services to underserved children in the local Orange County and Los Angeles regions, as well as in remote Native-American villages and rural communities in Alaska, Minnesota, and Upstate New York. He also participated in international outreach missions to Honduras-Central America, Malawi- Africa, Nicaragua- Central America, and Vietnam- Asia. In his spare time, Dr. Doan enjoys running, hiking, camping, snowboarding and many other outdoor activities. He also spends time with his family- which includes nine nieces and nephews who constantly inspire and keep him young at heart. Dr. Doan is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Just found out Dr Alf has a superpower!

We’re still the same smiling dental team under our personal protective equipment. Can't wait to see you all again!

Loma Linda Medical School students have written a children's book about the coronavirus for you to share with your littles. For those of you with small children who need help understanding our current Twilight Zone world, it is a free download. Samantha Harris and Devon Scott are medical students from Southern California. Samantha is an aspiring pediatrician and Devon is going into orthopedic surgery. They both share a passion for kids, medical education and teaching little ones that they can be whatever they want to be.

The most patriotic thing you can do this weekend is take it easy & lay low. Stop the spread of this virus.The most patriotic thing you can do this weekend is take it easy & lay low. Stop the spread of this virus.

Hooray! The hand is making progress! Big bandage off, little bandage on and PT begins next week. Many thanks to Dr Alf and the staff for helping me manage with a "Michelin Man" hand and for our always awesome patients for being so understanding and patient! We're very blessed.

Whelp, this happened... Trigger finger release. (Big bandage for a little incision). Fixed one of the things I had to have injected multiple times last year to get through the year. Thanks to Dr Alf for doing my procedures for me and for my awesome patients for trusting him.

We stand with the Black community against racism.