September 25, 2010

6:30 pm

Mass Medical Society

860 Winter Street

Waltham Woods Corporate Center

Please visit www.appnefloodrelief.org for more information.

As you go back to school shopping, please keep this in mind.

Donations of new school supplies and new and gently used clothing may be dropped off at

Wellesley Dental Group

5 Seaward Road

Wellesley, MA

Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm

Friday 9 am to 1 pm.

781-237-9071.

THANK YOU!

This excerpt was taken from and written for the “Member of the Month” section of the Women’s Biz Network (WBN) of Wellesley.

I am a believer – a believer that dreams do come true.  I believe because today I had the opportunity to hear the personal story of my friend (and employer) Dr. Femina Ali. 

Sitting in the dental office conference room interviewing her was a reversal of what normally happens there – she is normally in there getting to know her new patients on a personal basis. Now I was the lucky one getting to know more about her.

Her optimism and ability to stay focused on her personal goals seems to have carried her a long way.  Femina Ali grew up in Karachi, Pakistan with several siblings.  She always knew she wanted to be a doctor of some kind, and so when dental school clicked with her during the first summer of her training, she felt it was meant to be.  Love was also in store for Femina at De’Montmorency College of Dentistry, because it was there she met Ejaz Ali, the “love of her life.”  They graduated together in 1982 and always talked about how one day they’d own their own practice and work side by side.

In 1987 the two doctors Ali moved to the United States and welcomed children Zarah in 1988 and Zann in 1990.  They lived in many places, including Florida and Indiana, before settling in MA.  Often working second and third jobs to make ends meet, they would alternate their work schedules so that they could maximize the time they were able to spend with their children.  He delivered pizzas, and cleaned offices, she cleaned homes was a nurses assistant and took care of the children.  In 1994, Ejaz graduated from Tufts Dental School and encouraged Femina to go back to school, even though they had no idea where the money or the time would come from.  “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she says, and things fell into place.  So in 1995, both with their backpacks, son Zann went off to Kindergarten and Femina started Tufts Dental School.

The second-chapter in her life, it seems, is taking place right now.  Since taking over the dental practice that is now Wellesley Dental Group, Dr. Femina Ali is living out the dream.  Happy to be able to take a preventive approach (refreshingly different than what was once practiced in common dentistry in Pakistan), Femina is intrigued with the holistic approach to treating her patients and she thoroughly enjoys getting to know them.  Her strong sense of family has flowed into the office environment, where patients feel a very warm vibe and are welcomed, and where employees remain very engaged. 

She still feels passionate about her work, and knows that her passion is still growing, especially for working with children.  The passion for dentistry in the family has rubbed off onto daughter Zarah, who is accepted into the dental program at Tufts for 2011.

If you get Femina Ali outside of the office, you may see her volunteering or participating in an array of community events.  With the recent H1N1 flu outbreak, she reached out to the local health departments and took a training to provide vaccinations.  She has served as both Vice-President and President of the Wellesley High School PTSO and does what she can for many child focused organizations, such as the Wellesley Educational Foundation, Wellesley Children’s Community Center, and Cradles to Crayons.  Despite all of her hard work, she feels that the community has given back to her even more than she could ever contribute. 

At home (rarely), Dr. Femina Ali is the same person you would get to know in town, except at home she cooks more and entertains many guests.  Oh, and she also tells me not to forget to mention how much she enjoys playing with the family dog Milo.

There are three very important aspects of her life: being a good wife and mother, helping her patients, and being a responsible citizen. The fact that she is able to maintain forward movement while juggling all of her hats is remarkable.  “It’s all about balance,” she says.  

But we all know that in a few short weeks, many schools will be starting up again for a new school year.

Here are the back to school dates and some calendar and P.T.O.  links for you.

Wellesley Public Schools: Start date is September 1

Bates Elementary -   http://batespto.org/calendar.aspx

Fiske Elementary –    http://www.fiskepto.org/

Hardy Elementary -   http://www.hardyelementary.org/calendar.php

Hunnewell Elementary -   http://sites.google.com/a/hunnewellschool.org/hunnewell-elementary-school/

Schofield Elementary -   http://schofieldpto.org/calendar.aspx

Sprague Elementary -   http://spragueschool.org/go/calendar (may not be loaded yet on the site)

Upham Elementary -   http://www.uphamweb.org/calendar.html

Wellesley Middle School – http://www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/district/pages/calendars/2010-2011.html

Wellesley High School -   http://fc.wellesley.k12.ma.us/~andrew_keough/

COLLEGES –

Wellesley College – http://www.wellesley.edu/Registrar/Menupage2.html

Babson College  – https://fusionmx.babson.edu/index.cfm?method=CampusCalendar.DisplayEvents

Mass Bay Community College – http://www.massbay.edu/about.aspx?id=2933

SURROUNDING COMMUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS -

Needham – School starts September 1.

High School calendar:  http://smartdb.smartedu.net/smartcalendar/needham.cfm?myCalendar=48&thisdistrict=0007&CurDate=09/01/2010

Weston – 9th Grade and New student orientation starts Sept. 1, regular classes resume Sept. 2 http://www.westonk12-ct.org/page.cfm?p=645&period=year

Dover / Sherborn – School starts Sept. 2

http://www.doversherborn.org/ (calendar is listed under “News and Events”

Natick - School starts Sept. 1 http://www.natickps.org/calendars/district/main.cfm

Newton - School starts Sept. 7 http://www3.newton.k12.ma.us/calendars

Wayland – School starts Sept. 7 http://smartdb.smartedu.net/smartcalendar/wayland.cfm

1.) Replace your toothbrush at least once every 3 months or when the brush shows signs of wear. It’s also important to switch to a new toothbrush if you’ve recently recovered from a sickness like a cold or the flu.

2.)  Use a rechargeable electric toothbrush with oscillating-rotating action or sonic technology if you are able to.  The head should still be replaced every 3 months or if it becomes worn out before three months.  The toothbrush will do most of the work for you and is a great tool for removing plaque.  It can take a while to get used to using an electric toothbrush, but I highly encourage it. 

3.)  Brush at least twice per day, after eating breakfast as well as before bed.  Try to limit the amount of snacking between meals.

4.)  Two minutes or longer is the appropriate amount of time to spend each time you brush.  You may divide that time up among the four “quadrants” – upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right.

5.) When you’re done brushing your teeth, use your toothbrush to gently scrape your tongue. Germs can collect on your tongue, often causing bad breath, and this will help remove them.

6.)  Floss at least once daily.  Check with your dentist to see if you are doing it correctly.  Many people are never shown proper flossing techniques and it can really make a difference.  Disposable “flossers” and toothpicks are alright for removing trapped food, but should not replace dental floss.  Floss is the only thing that can safely get into the gum line to remove plaque.  Talk with your dentist about alternatives if you have difficulty holding the floss. 

7.)  See a dentist at least once every 6 months or as recommended.  Adults become more susceptible to dental cavities as they age, and regular cleanings can help keep this risk in check.  Even if you have dentures, you should still be seen by a dentist for an annual exam.  The dentist can monitor your gum health, cheeks, tongue, and will check you for any abnormalities.

8)  Do you wear dentures? If so, they may need to be realigned, so check with your dentist. Properly fitting dentures are very important for chewing and talking and can make daily living more comfortable.  If they don’t fit comfortably, you may be using too much denture cream to keep them in place.

9)  Let your dentist know if you’re experiencing dry mouth. Dry mouth, also known as “xerostomia”, is a side effect of many common medications, but it’s detrimental to your oral health.  It reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, allowing for more plaque to build up on the teeth and along the gum line. 

10.)  Ask as many questions of your dentist as necessary.  If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, I am here as a dental resource for you, and I’d be happy to speak with you.  Please do not hesitate to call me, Dr. Femina Ali, at 781-237-9071.   

 If you’d like a free dental care kit with a new toothbrush and paste, please stop into Wellesley Dental Group at 5 Seaward Road in Wellesley (behind Fraser Medical Building) between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Thursday.

Video can be a great way to share information regarding oral health and overall wellness (and for learning more about community events.)

Please take a look at our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/WellesleyDentalGroup and let us know if you know any great channels or videos we should add!

Thank you!

I did want to help by sharing some of what I know and what I’ve learned from working with dental patients and their parents.  It’s great that so many parents are already helping and trying their best to make the experience fun and enjoyable.  Keep up that positive attitude.

1.) Starting early is very, very helpful. Even in infancy, before any teeth erupt, parents and caregivers can use a soft clean wet cloth to gently wipe a baby’s gums after feedings.  This gets an infant used to someone going in there and touching the gums. 

2.) As the baby gets older, parents can help by using a finger brush and as the first teeth come in, a soft bristled brush.  Water is even fine to use to help clean.  The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that all children start seeing a dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth.  Children can have their teeth polished as well as become familiar with some of the sights and sounds of the dental office.

3.) The parents on the Isis Parenting discussion had some awesome ideas for kids in their toddler years.  I especially like the one with the child mimicking the parents’ actions.  Seeing adults brush is a great way for kids to learn.  They like knowing they are doing something that even adults have to do.  One parent has told me she does the “You brush, then I brush, then you brush, then I brush” game with her daughter. 

Many may have to give the child a few minutes to brush, and then the parent can step in and do a “check” which would involve a thorough once-over, and then a “great job.”

Kids also like to see themselves when they brush.  It’s entertaining, so if you are able to have the child brush in front of a mirror, that helps.  They see the way they hold their brush results in them brushing different parts of their mouth. 

You can also let the child brush his/her tongue.  It’s a fun step at the end they probably won’t let you forget.

4.) Use non-fluoridated toothpaste until a child is able to spit out – this is usually around age 3.  You may also check with your dentist for their opinion. 

 Songs are wonderful, and some toothbrushes even have music that plays.  Timers can be used so children know the brushing won’t last all day and that they can move onto other fun things.  Two minutes or longer is recommended, twice daily.

Unfortunately, there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to the brushing routine, but that’s with most things parents have to deal with.  You will find what works best for you and your child, and until you do, keep experimenting.  Creativity is key. 

 Children really do need their parents’ help brushing until around age 7 or 8.  Glad you’re making oral health part of your parenting discussion.

Here are a few more resources from the A.A.P.D. that may help:

Dental Care for your Baby

More preventive tips

Sharing cavity causing germs with children

I’d be happy to answer any further questions or discuss any more dental care topics you may have concerns with.  Thank you!

– Femina Ali, D.M.D.

Here are photos from some of the festivities posted on Boston.com