Holmdel Dentist: Bright Smiles, Hopeful Futures

There's more than one way a dentist can put a smile on your face.

Dr. Margaret Sullivan of Dental Care, 2124 Route 35, Holmdel is literally going the extra mile as she trains for the Susan B. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, a sixty mile Walk scheduled for September 23-25, 2011 in Washington DC. 

“When I decided to do the benefit walk, I needed a way to raise money without asking people who are already struggling in this economy,” she said in a prepared announcement.

Together with husband and partner, Dr. Andrew Meyers, she came up with a "bright" idea to raise funds. 

“We're reducing our bleaching fee, normally $580., to half-off.  This way, we're helping patients who would like to whiten their teeth but can't afford the full fee in this economy.”

Dental Care then donates 100% of the teeth whitening proceeds to breast cancer research.

“It's a win-win situation,” said Sullivan.

The offer applies to current patients and non-patients alike. The dentists perform a visual exam at no charge to screen for cavities, sores, or other oral conditions that would preclude a teeth whitening procedure.

"The mouth has to be healthy in order to do a whitening," said Sullivan.

Once cleared, you receive a "chair side" bleaching, custom dental trays, and a bleaching kit to use for one week at home.

Sullivan's neighbor broached the idea of her participating in this year's DC event, which involves walking 20 miles per day, bunking down in tents at night, and lots of Motrin. She and Meyers have been regular participants in benefits and local walks over the years, having had family, friends, patients, and employees touched in one way or another with serious illness.  After reflecting on the women she's known who've been affected by breast cancer, she readily agreed to be part of a six member team.

“But I felt I couldn't go to family and friends again to sponsor me -- and we never solicit patients -- so this is one way of raising money without putting anyone on the spot,” she said.

They've raised $3,000 from teeth bleachings since May. With success like this, they decided to extend the deal until September 1.

Sullivan's training involves walking at least 5 miles daily and two ten mile walks per week, a hefty time commitment for someone with a busy dental practice.

“But it's a small sacrifice compared to what the women and their families go through when they are battling the disease,” she said.