Miles of Smiles Thanks to Thorndale Dental Associates

By Susan I. Shiber
Photography by Kelly O’Keefe

CHESTER COUNTY LIFE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006

Below: Dr. DeForno, selected as a top dentist by Philadelphia and Main Line Today magazines and according to Research Council of America is one of the nation’s best dentists, stresses that a natural smile is more than white teeth.

While enormous strides have been made in communication in recent years, there’s still a lot to be said for the smile. Anonymous normous strides, too, have been made in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, giving people a reason to smile. Dr.Richard E. DeForno, celebrating 30 years as a practicing dentist, is responsible for thousands of beautiful smiles in Chester County and beyond.

Dr. DeForno, selected as a top dentist by Philadelphia and Main Line Today magazines and according to Research Council of America is one of the nation’s best dentists,stresses that a natural smile is more than white teeth. Thorndale Dental Associates and Thorndale Dental Arts Laboratory,which he opened in 1984, provide treatment that allows patients to maintain optimum health. Among services offered are dental hygiene, bridgework, veneers, bonding, inoffice tooth whitening with ZOOM™, tooth-colored fillings and crowns, inlays and onlays made in one hour with revolutionary CEREC CAD/CAM (chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics computeraided drawing/milling) technology. Dr.DeForno is supported by a staff of 15.

One visit to Thorndale Dental Associates reverses the trip to the dentist conception of dread and discontent to one of calm satisfaction. The 6,500-square-foot facility features a glass façade, complete with balcony view of seasonal gardens. Once inside, patients may indulge in chair massages, paraffin wax hand treatments, or aromatherapy. CD and DVD players, iPods, and movies via visionary goggles are other enhancements. Patients can even check e-mail while savoring a fresh cup of coffee.

If you are a child, the trip is pure amusement park fun from tiny tooth-shaped waiting room chairs through a free 30-minute introductory tour. Kids get to meet Mr. Wind, the air syringe, Mr. Thirsty, who specializesin suction, Mr. Tickle, a polishing tool, Mr. Bumpy, the slow speed drill, and Mr. Whistle, his high-speed friend. Dr. DeForno admits that he never wanted to go to the dentist as a child, particularly because his first time resulted in two painful tooth extractions. He makes sure his young patients have happy fear-free experiences.

Amenities are just part of the dentist’s approach to relax patients. Responsiveness is a key factor in allaying fear. “One of our patients had not seen a dentist for 35 years,” he says. “Because the staff recognized her anxiety and made suggestions for IV sedation that appealed to her, she traveled across the state for over three years. Now, with treatment complete, she visits her local dentist on a regular basis. This woman was among 145 million individuals who avoid dental care because they are afraid. It doesn’t have to be this way. Sensitivity makes a difference and 21st century technology eliminates pain, frightening noise, even unpleasant smells,” he remarks.

“Another reluctant patient who had a high-pressure job literally broke down bone support and lost several roots because of severe teeth grinding. Reconstruction and implanting gave him a new mouth, no future breakdown, and he continues to maintain his dental health. A 91-yearold woman who had a stroke contracted an infection in her lower teeth. She was quiet, grim, traits her family said were completely unlike her former personality. After correcting the condition, we learned that her wonderful personality returned. There are countless successes and that is why coming to work is so rewarding, so exciting,” exclaims Dr.DeForno.

The Pittsburgh native became adept at working with his hands as a youngster helping out in his family’s service station. By age 12, he could rebuild carburetors and transmissions. He enjoyed the eye-hand coordination of these tasks, but hoped to use his skills in a cleaner environment. In his third year of college, an aptitude test showed proficiency for dentistry and by the second year of dental school, he determined it was a good fit.

Building on the foundation formed at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. DeForno completes approximately 150 hours of continuing education per year. Because of his dedication to advancing knowledge and ensuring excellent care for his patients, the Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD) was recently inducted as director of the board for the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry. He is also ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified, which allows him to treat people while they are safely sedated, and is a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (D.O.C.S.).

When asked to pinpoint preventable problems, Dr. DeForno quickly replied that periodontal disease affects 8 out of 10 adults. “It should be called bone disease because it destroys bone support and leads to premature loss of teeth. What’s more, studies have linked periodontal disease to stroke, cardiovascular and respiratory accidents, and diabetes difficulties. Once someone has it, the disease doesn’t go away, but there are effective treatments to lessen its effects and help maintain good oral health. That’s what we’re here for,” he concludes.

Past Dental Care Articles:

Chester County Life - Sept/Oct 2006

Dental Care Questions Article March 2006

Dental Care Questions Article December 2005