The past year has been a bit like riding a roller coaster.We have gone through some weeks  in both my New York City and White Plains offices of  greater patient activity,and some slower weeks as well.

The economic down tern has proven some very important  points about the foundation of my dental practice and about the people I have been fortunate to care for for almost 19 years. Being known for my comprehensive dental care inclusive of cosmetic  enhancement procedures many people have had  to put the  more involved and often  more costly procedures on hold until their discretionary income returns.

What has not changed  is their regular frequency that people continue to come in to my offices for preventative procedures.After caring for someone for so many years  the ease of honest dialogue about when life throws you a curve ball such as losing ones job is easier than trying to discuss it with someone  you don't have that comfortable rapore with. Patients know that I will not waiver in the way I take care of them.Many dentists have begun doing procedures that they were using specialist to do before the economic slowdown. I have always and continue to see one patient at a time,not rushing  through and appointment to see more patients throughout the day and only offering treatment in my office that I am confident and comfortable providing in my office myself. I still consider the specialists I refer to a vital part of my dental team.

My patients still want the best care and treatment options available ,that they have grown accustomed to. We  continue to provide   this and in order to make it more financially affordable have worked out  a variety of financial arrangements to assit patients to continue to   consent to optimal care.

Even in the economic slow down people want to and need to look there very best.A great smile can mean the difference between getting and not getting that job. That is why members of my practice and new patients join the practice with  interest in embarking on cosmetic enhancement procedures such as Porcelain Veneers,Tooth Whitening and Bonding.

With the end of 2009 and reviewing the year it was surprising to me that I  I performed even more cosmetic enhancement procedures in 2009 than I did in 2008!!!

As January is half over it seems that there is a wave of optimism throughout the country and the economy struggles but continues to move in a growing ,positive direction..

HAPPY <HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE

Ira

As we enter the New Year most people spend  some time thinking about "New Years resolutions".

More often then not these resolutions begin as some well intended ,self motivating thought. For most of us ,myself included these future goals and aspirations simply often  don't come to fruition.

Human nature  ,not to complete things,busy schedules life in general just keeps throwing things our way and we often dint revisit the resolutions from years past until sometime in late December of the following year.

I try to look for inspiration  daily and use that to better myself and in turn to help others more each day

My inspiration from 2009 that  I draw from for 2010 come from two very different people who don't even realize they inspire me .

A dear patient of mine Lieutenant Colonial Lisa A. Schieferstein has  inspired me throughout the past year.You see Lisa is serving our country in Iraq. Far away from the comforts of home .I get constant e mail updates and photos.Every picture included  once you get past seeing a woman of maybe 5 foot tall  in full military regalia,covered with weapons and ammunition shows the true inner beauty,dedication and love for what she is doing over there.  While protecting our freedom she is working to help the children of that region get an education.

I cant help but see her beautiful smile but it goes deeper than that .To me It motivates me,It gives me a daily appreciation for what we have in our country,as well as those who sacrifice so we can continue to have these freedoms

While I know we all miss her I realize the job she does over there in Iraq is paramount to allow us all to do our job over here in the United States. So I resolve  in this new year to think about those who are working so hard to keep us free .and anyway I can help I intend to do so.

Anyone who might want to send a letter or message I know she and her fellow soldiers would appreciate it.Send anything to----

LTC LISA A SCHIEFERSTEIN
289 th CSSB
CSC SCANIA APO AE 09304

The other person who inspires me on a daily basis is one of my daughters best friends who has the unfortunate circumstance of having to battle cancer for the past  few years. This young woman fights through everything  thrown at her and still has the smile and uplifting personality of an angel.

Although it saddens me often that she and her family are forced to go through this she has often told me don't feel badly for her ,just   to look beyond it. She is the type of person that people need to be around.Her uplifting personality and grace simply rubs off on any one she touches. I try everyday to think of her and pray for her improved health.I also take her strength as she goes through this serious situation and use if to realize that  if she can get through this as she has and is doing then life's little curvballs are nothing to get bogged down in...you know don't sweat the small stuff!!! its all true

Well anyway... I just want to pass on to all my friends,family and extended family in my practices happy healthy new year filled with love , cheer and good health

All the Best

Ira