Meet 
Sarah Apostolakis. She is one of our many talented dental assistants that we have here to assist during procedures at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. Sarah has experience in periodontics, oral surgery, and general dentistry. She is a very active, outdoorsy person and is passionate about coming into work every day. She is great with caring for our patients and wanting them to get the best out of their experience here at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. She has great tips and advice for our patients about helping to improve oral health.
What do you find most rewarding about being a dental assistant?
What I find most rewarding about being a dental assistant is changing someone’s fear of going to the dentist. My goal is to give every patient the best experience I can provide and to remove their fear of coming back.
What is the biggest piece of advice you have for patients to ensure good oral health?
The best advice I can give is – floss the teeth you want to keep!
There are a lot of individuals and research that say electric toothbrushes are better. Do you agree and why?
My opinion on electric toothbrushes is they can be a good tool if used properly. I always recommend using a soft bristled head to prevent damaging the gums and tooth. The best technique is to brush in small soft circles.
How did you become interested in the dental field?
I knew I wanted to be in the dental field since I was a kid. Going to the dentist was a fun experience for me.
What advice would you give people that are afraid of or dislike dental treatment? What would you say to ease those fears?
Most people’s fear of the dentist stems from a bad experience they had or heard of. It can be difficult to relax in a situation you feel a lack of knowledge or control. That is why I think communicating with the patient is so important. I like to assure we will not start until they are ready and comfortable and talk them through the procedure so they are informed about what is going on.
What is your favorite part of working with Dr. Allen?
My favorite part of working with Dr. Allen is how relatable and compassionate she is with her patients. Dr. Allen has undergone a lot of dental work herself which has given her empathy and understanding on what it is like to be in the chair. She treats every patient how she would want to be treated.
When you are seeing patients, what is the most common problem you see with their dental health or general dental care?
The most common problem I see in dental health is gum disease. Tartar and plaque build up under the gums and in between the teeth that can only be removed properly by a hygienist. It is easy to fall out of the habit of flossing and getting your teeth cleaned twice a year with our busy lives but it’s important for your oral health to make time.
Since one’s diet is said to influence their dental health, do you have any diet recommendations?
Diet does directly influence dental health. Acidic and sugary foods are the most harmful to the teeth. I love candy and oranges and eat them all the time but I always try to rinse my mouth out after. That way I do not leave an acidic or sugary environment in my mouth which can be harmful to my teeth and gums.
Do you have a favorite dental brand or product that you use at home?
My favorite dental brand is Colgate. I have never had issues with their products, but any toothpaste with fluoride and mouthwash without alcohol will work.
Take your oral health to the next the level with Sarah’s simple tips and tricks. Giving advice and making every patient feel comfortable when they come in for a procedure is why Sarah is a prized dental assistant at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. Make sure to keep your smile bright and healthy by visiting Phoenix Endodontic Group.