Adriana Reppell, DMD: A Recipe of Balance, Purpose, and Connections - August 2026 CCDS E News

 

Adriana Reppell, DMD: A Life Recipe of Balance, Purpose, and Connections

Dr. Reppell has found that a recipe for a fulfilling career includes balancing her professional dedication, commitment to service, and a vibrant personal life.

Like many dentists, Dr. Reppell found her future career path on a service trip. When she was 13, she accompanied her mom to Jamaica. During the trip, she taught children about oral hygiene and observed dentists' clinical work. “I just thought it was the most wonderful looking thing ever!”

Today Dr. Reppell enjoys working at Willamette Dental treating a diverse group of families. At Willamette Dental, she likes that they focus on evidence-based research to support treatment plans, emphasizing prevention and fluoride products to remineralize teeth at the earliest signs of cavities. When treating children, Adriana takes the opportunity to help educate parents, supporting the health of their whole family. A skill Adriana has that helps her manage her patients’ anxiety is her ability to determine through their personal cues if they are more comfortable in a conversational or quiet environment.  She can easily put tense patients at ease with relatable stories. Setting clear communication boundaries, such as a physical signal, gives her patients the control to ask her to stop if they need her to.

For Dr. Reppell, dentistry isn’t just a job but an opportunity for service. She believes that volunteer dental work is a great way to keep her passion for dentistry alive. It is important to Adriana to find opportunities to serve populations who have significant barriers to care. She volunteers for Medical Teams International on Mondays providing dental services on their local mobile dental van. She has also volunteered at local dental clinics with Caring Hands Worldwide. Last October, Adriana combined volunteering with her love for international travel, traveling to Africa to volunteer and making time to enjoy a safari!

Dr. Reppell’s advice to new dentists is to be open, personable, and unafraid to network. She prioritizes connections not only with her patients but also with people in her community, approaching life with curiosity and care for others. She can strike up conversations with strangers, and doing so has even helped her find a group of adventurous women who enjoy the same outdoor activities she does!

Originally from Illinois, Adriana came to Oregon with a craving for outdoor adventures and a passion for creative pursuits. On the weekends, you can find her paddleboarding, camping, or enjoying backpacking trips with friends. She also enjoys local art and theater exhibits and performances. She expresses herself with watercolor paintings. Dr. Reppell is a “foodie” who enjoys her time in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes, meal planning, or whipping up sourdough pretzel bites on her day off. Cooking for her is truly another creative outlet. She even enjoys taking on the challenge of preparing a delicious meal with limited ingredients.

Here is Adriana’s favorite recipe for sourdough pretzel bites from amybakesbread.com:

https://amybakesbread.com/pretzel-bites-with-sourdough-discard/

Educational vs. Promotional Content by Kayla Mauldin Founder, Firelight Marketing - July 2026 CCDS E NEWS

 

Educational vs. Promotional Content: What Dental Patients Actually Respond To

By Kayla Mauldin, Founder, Firelight Marketing
Former dental professional with over 23 years of experience in dentistry

If you've ever wondered what to post on your practice's social media or website, you're not alone. One of the most common questions I hear from dental teams is, "What kind of content actually works?"

The answer may surprise you.

Many practices assume they should primarily promote specials, discounts, or reminders to schedule appointments. While there is certainly a place for promotional content, it's educational content that often creates the trust necessary for a patient to choose your practice.

Before someone becomes your patient, they are looking for confidence—not a coupon.

Patients Want Confidence Before They Want an Appointment

For many people, visiting the dentist comes with uncertainty. They may be nervous, embarrassed, worried about cost, or simply unsure of what to expect.

Educational content helps answer those questions before the first phone call.

Think about the questions your team answers every day:

• Does getting a crown hurt?
• How long does a dental implant take?
• What's the difference between a bridge and an implant?
• How often should my child have dental checkups?
• Why does my tooth hurt if I don't have a cavity?

Every one of those conversations can become a valuable piece of educational content.

When your practice consistently provides helpful information, patients begin to see you as a trusted resource—not just another dental office.

Promotional Content Still Has a Place

Promotional content isn't bad. It simply shouldn't be your entire strategy.

Examples include:

• New patient specials
• Teeth whitening promotions
• Holiday office hours
• Referral programs
• Community events
• New technology announcements

These posts are important because they keep patients informed about your practice.

The key is balance.

If every post is asking patients to schedule an appointment, the content begins to feel like advertising.

Instead, promotional content should complement educational content—not replace it.

What Educational Content Looks Like

Educational content doesn't have to be complicated.

Some of the best-performing content comes from the everyday expertise already inside your practice.

Consider sharing:

• Brushing and flossing techniques
• What happens during common procedures
• Signs that it's time to call the dentist
• Frequently asked questions from patients
• The connection between oral health and overall health
• Tips for children's dental care
• What to expect during a first visit

These topics help patients feel informed and reduce anxiety long before they walk through your doors.

Don't Forget to Show the People Behind the Practice

Education isn't limited to clinical topics.

Patients also appreciate getting to know the people caring for them.

Sharing moments like:

• Team birthdays
• Continuing education courses
• CPR recertification
• Staff appreciation events
• Community volunteer projects
• Office celebrations

helps patients see the human side of your practice.

These posts communicate something important: your team is invested in one another, committed to learning, and actively involved in the community.

That builds trust in ways that advertising alone never can.

A Simple Content Formula

If you're not sure where to begin, consider using this simple approach.

Aim for approximately:

• 60% Educational – Answer questions, explain procedures, offer oral health tips.
• 30% Practice Culture – Celebrate your team, community involvement, milestones, and behind-the-scenes moments.
• 10% Promotional – Share special offers, announcements, new services, or appointment availability.

This creates a social media presence that feels informative, authentic, and welcoming rather than overly promotional.

The Takeaway

Every piece of content should answer one simple question:

"Does this help a patient know us, trust us, or feel more comfortable choosing us?"

If the answer is yes, it's probably worth sharing.

Educational content establishes your expertise. Practice culture builds connection. Promotional content encourages action.

Together, they create a digital presence that reflects the same level of care patients can expect when they walk into your office.

If your last social media post is more than 60–90 days old, that may be the first impression a potential patient sees. A simple, consistent presence builds more trust than a perfectly curated one.

What vs How by Janette Douglas - Reprinted from November/December 2024 Coastal Cascades Dentist Society Newsletter

 

Dental Office Management Corner with Janette Douglas

What vs How

Job Descriptions and SOPs are both crucial tools for each team position. Are you aware of the differences and what the purpose is for each? One is “what to do”. The other is “how to do”.

Job descriptions spell out the actual duties. For instance, for the insurance coordinator, it will list "Process insurance claims daily" or "Follow up on insurance claims weekly". This allows the staff member to know what their specific job responsibilities are. It is also a key piece in accountability.

The SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) goes into detail about each of the duties in the job
description. It will list the steps on how to "Process insurance claims daily" and how to “Follow up on insurance claims weekly”. The purpose is that anyone can accomplish the task by following the SOP.

Ideally, there is cross-training going on in your office. These tools will save invaluable time to accomplish that. If you have an employee leave or they are out for an extended period, someone else can step in and get the job done. Whew, crisis averted!

Green Dentistry: Future-Proofing Dental Practices for the Next Generation - Brittany Cox, MA RDH, CCDS July 2026 E NEWS

Green Dentistry: Future-Proofing Dental  Practices for the Next Generation 

By: Brittany Cox, MA, RDH 

For the next generation of dentists and practice leaders, sustainability will become an increasingly core component of successful practice management. Regulatory expectations, patient preferences, technological advancements, and economic pressures are all driving healthcare toward more efficient and responsible models of care. 

Practices that begin adapting now will be better prepared to navigate these changes while maintaining profitability and delivering exceptional patient experiences. Sustainability is not simply a trend; it is part of the future of healthcare. 

Sustainability and Profitability 

One of the biggest misconceptions about sustainability is that it requires significant financial investment with little return. In reality, many sustainable initiatives align directly with sound business practices. For example, switching to LED lighting reduces energy costs, adopting digital patient records decreases the need for printing and storage, and installing efficient water systems can cut utility expenses. These types of changes not only help the environment but can also deliver noticeable savings over time. 

Reducing unnecessary consumption, eliminating inefficiencies, improving purchasing decisions, and optimizing workflows can generate measurable savings over time. Practices that take a closer look at where resources are being lost often discover opportunities to reduce overhead while maintaining or even improving the quality of care. 

Inventory Management 

Inventory management is one of the most overlooked areas of dental practice sustainability. Excess ordering, expired products, duplicate supplies, and disorganized storage systems create both financial and environmental waste. 

Implementing inventory management strategies such as PAR levels, usage tracking, and regular inventory audits can significantly improve efficiency. PAR (Periodic Automatic Replenishment) levels are a system for determining the minimum and maximum quantities of supplies to keep on hand, helping teams avoid both shortages and excess stock.  

Even small improvements in inventory management can have a meaningful impact on profitability. When teams know exactly what they have, what they need, and how quickly products are used, practices can reduce waste, improve cash flow, and maintain a more efficient clinical environment. 

Leveraging Technology 

Technology continues to transform the delivery of dentistry, and many digital innovations support both sustainability and operational excellence. 

For practices just beginning to embrace sustainable technology, starting with digital patient records is often the easiest and most impactful first step. Digital records not only reduce paper consumption but also improve accessibility and enhance communication within the team and with patients. Intraoral scanners can also minimize the need for physical impressions and shipping materials. Teledentistry can improve access to care while reducing unnecessary travel and appointment inefficiencies. Beyond environmental benefits, these technologies often improve workflow efficiency, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and strengthen patient education.  

The Expectations of Today's Patients 

Patient values are evolving, particularly among younger generations. Many consumers are paying closer attention to how businesses operate and whether their practices align with their personal beliefs about health, ethics, and environmental responsibility. 

Patients are increasingly drawn to healthcare providers who demonstrate transparency, prevention-focused care, and a commitment to responsible business practices. Sustainable initiatives can become a meaningful differentiator in competitive markets, helping practices attract and retain value-driven patients. 

Importantly, sustainability does not require extensive marketing campaigns. Simple actions such as reducing unnecessary disposables, implementing recycling programs, supporting community health initiatives, and communicating preventive care philosophies can help strengthen patient trust and engagement. Providing your team with clear, approachable language can make these conversations feel natural. For example, staff might say to patients, "We're committed to providing excellent care while reducing our environmental footprint, so you may notice we use digital records and limit single-use plastics where possible." Sharing the reasons behind sustainable initiatives in a straightforward way helps patients understand and appreciate your practice's efforts. 

When patients see that a practice is committed to both individual and community well-being, they often develop deeper loyalty and stronger long-term relationships with their providers. 

Progress Over Perfection 

Green dentistry is not about achieving perfection overnight. It is about embracing a continuous-improvement mindset. 

Every practice starts from a different place, and meaningful progress often begins with small, manageable changes. For most practices, reviewing purchasing habits and reducing disposable waste are among the most accessible and impactful initial steps, as they require minimal investment and can yield quick results. Once these areas are addressed, teams may consider implementing energy-efficient equipment or conducting a waste audit to uncover additional opportunities for improvement. Prioritizing the most achievable actions first can help busy practices build momentum and see early benefits. 

Sustainability is most successful when it becomes integrated into everyday decision-making rather than treated as a separate initiative. The cumulative impact of these actions can be significant. Over time, incremental improvements reduce operational costs, improve efficiency, enhance patient satisfaction, and create a smaller environmental footprint. 

Impact Beyond the Operatory 

Dentistry has always been a profession dedicated to improving health. Today, that responsibility extends beyond individual patients and into the broader systems that support community well-being. 

Dental practices consume energy, generate waste, purchase large quantities of supplies, and influence patient behaviors. As healthcare leaders, dental professionals have a unique opportunity to model responsible stewardship while continuing to deliver exceptional clinical care. The choices made within a practice today can have a positive impact that extends far beyond the operatory walls. 

What was once viewed as a niche interest is rapidly becoming a competitive advantage. Practices that embrace sustainable principles are often better positioned to control costs, streamline workflows, strengthen patient relationships, and prepare for future industry changes. Sustainability is no longer simply about being environmentally conscious; it is about building resilient, efficient practices designed to thrive in a changing healthcare landscape. A truly healthy future depends not only on the care we provide to our patients today, but also on the systems we build to support that care for generations to come. 

The GLP 1 Effect: From Medical Trend to Dental Risk - Julie Goldberg, DDS, CCDS July 2026 E NEWS

The GLP 1 Effect: From Medical Trend to Dental Risk

Author: Julie Goldberg, DDS, Professional Dental Risk Specialist at PMIG

GLP 1 receptor agonists, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management, are now encountered routinely in dental practice. While not dental medications, GLP 1s introduce emerging professional liability exposures; these exposures extend beyond sedation and anesthesia to include xerostomia, caries progression, periodontal concerns, treatment planning complications, and potential informed consent gaps. This article will explore how a failure to account for GLP-1 medication effects may be cited in malpractice allegations and will offer strategies to mitigate the likelihood of such allegations.

Sedation and Procedural Risks

GLP 1 receptor agonists are associated with delayed gastric emptying, increasing the risk of:

• Residual gastric contents despite fasting
• Regurgitation and aspiration
• Nausea and vomiting during procedures

These risks are most relevant for patients undergoing:

• IV sedation
• Oral sedation
• General anesthesia
• Lengthy or invasive dental procedures

Aspiration events, while uncommon, are high severity claims with substantial exposure.

• Post event allegations commonly include:
• Failure to identify GLP 1 use
• Proceeding with sedation despite increased aspiration risk
• Inadequate informed consent
• Deviation from accepted safety practices

Oral Health–Related Risks

GLP 1 use has also been associated with side effects that directly affect dental outcomes, including:

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Dietary pattern changes
• Enamel erosion secondary to nausea
• Increased caries and periodontal risk

When these factors are not identified, documented, and addressed, dentists may face allegations of:

• failure to diagnose,
• failure to warn, or
• failure to modify care despite identifiable risk factors.

Risk Management Strategies

1.         Improve Medical History Processes

• Update intake forms to specifically ask about injectable and weight loss medications
• Train staff to flag GLP 1 drugs
• Reconfirm medications prior to sedation or major procedures

2.         Identify and Manage Xerostomia

• Assess salivary flow during examinations
• Document findings and patient counseling
• Adjust preventive plans (fluoride, recalls, saliva support)

3.          Individualize Sedation Decisions

• Account for GLP 1 use when selecting sedation type and timing
• Use caution during early therapy or dose escalation
• Delay elective sedation when risk assessment is unclear

4.         Strengthen Informed Consent

• Discuss medication specific risks when relevant
• Document patient understanding and questions

5.         Coordinate Care and Document Reasoning

• Communicate with prescribing clinicians when medication issues affect care
• Document clinical rationale when proceeding, modifying, or postponing treatment
• Maintain flexible protocols that allow individualized judgment

GLP 1 receptor agonists represent a multifaceted and evolving professional liability exposure for dental practices. Practices that proactively identify medication use, assess oral side effects, individualize care decisions, and document clinical reasoning are best positioned to reduce claim exposure and enhance defensibility.

For questions related to dental risk management, contact Dr. Julie Goldberg, Senior Dental Risk Specialist with PM Dental Protect, PMIC. julie.goldberg@phmic.com.

This information is intended to provide general information only on specific risk management topics. It is not intended to provide coverage determinations or coverage positions, nor is it to be construed as legal, medical, or professional advice in any form whatsoever. 

5th Annual Oregon Oral Cancer Foundation Walk/Run - Kyle Isaacs BHS, RDHEP - CCDS July 2026 E News

5th Annual Oregon Oral Cancer Foundation Walk/Run September 12 Corvallis

Kyle Isaacs BHS, RDHEP

Greetings all dental professionals! Preparations are now underway for the 5^th annual Oregon Oral Cancer Foundation walk/5K run and oral cancer screening. This year almost 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancers, and these diseases will result in 13,500 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Unfortunately, the 5-year survival rate for those newly diagnosed is about 57%, a statistic that has not improved significantly in decades. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers have a higher death rate than many other cancers, but not a lot of people know about or have them on their radar. This is partly why I have dedicated my time and energy to organizing these events, to raise more awareness and to raise much needed funds to support education, research, and to help survivors and their loved ones.

I talk to many people who are newly diagnosed, survivors of several years, family members of survivors and those who have succumbed to the disease. Overwhelmingly, I hear the same story, “I had never heard about this cancer before my diagnosis.”  It is my hope that we can continue to increase awareness to not only the disease, but also the importance of annual thorough screening and early diagnosis for best outcomes for patients.

Last year we had 130 people in attendance with three survivors and a family of a young person who succumbed to oral cancer. Katelynn Romviel, a young tongue cancer survivor shared her journey with oral cancer, how it changed her life, and how coaching a teen dance troupe helped save her life. I think I can say, most of us did not have dry eyes.  Back by popular demand, we will Brenda Cortez will be creating amazing face art with paint, there will be more amazing raffle prizes, and lots of yummy snacks. As of now we have: $200 Amazon card from Cloud Dentistry, a 6-month family membership to the YMCA in Albany, worth more than $600, two water flossers, an electric toothbrush, a massage, a beautiful, framed photo of the Mission Mountains in Montana and more.

We have already raised $5600 with our goal to raise $15,000 through sponsorship from Corvallis Dental Group, CariFree, Capitol Dental, Willamette Dental, Elevate Oral Care, BioGaia, and Aseptico. We would be grateful for any sponsorship or donations you would like to make which are 100% tax deductible.

At the event there will be a contest for the biggest team, the person who raises the most money, and the team that raises the most money. We will again be doing free head and neck screenings and will enjoy a beautiful walk/run along the Willamette River in Willamette Park. So, don’t hesitate, register now and save the date, Saturday September 12^th. You can contact Kyle at 541-740-4694 or kjulin@gmail.com

List of raffle items:

1. $200 Amazon gift card

2. $50 to Top Golf in Hillsboro

3. $100 gift card to Mary Ruth's

4. $20 Book bin gift certificate

5. Private tour and wine tasting with cheese plate for upto 6 people at Willamette Valley Vineyards ($300 value)

6. Massage at Certifiably Serene ($120 value)

7. Quip electric toothbrush, toothpaste and whitening strips

8. Sonic fusion waterflosser

9. Private wine tasting for 4 with charcuterie board at Bluebird Hill 

10. One free acupuncture visit with Corvallis Community Acupuncture

11. Kaady car wash ( 5 free washes, $75 value)

12. 2 Framed photos of the Mission Mountains by Becky Basl

13. One free craniosacral therapy with Becky Bricker, RN

14. 2 tickets to the Oregon Aquarium ($59.85 value)

 

     

Coastal Cascades Dentist Society Update - CCDS July 2026 E NEWS

 

Coastal Cascades Starts Meetups

CCDS started “meetups” in June. Meetups are an informal way to gather, where RSVPS are welcome but not necessary. You can just show up, and if there is a cost, you would pay your own way.  Our first meetup was on June 13^th and was at Mt. Pisgah. Hiking Dentists and Staff gathered and hiked up the mountain. Our next meetup is at PLAY arcade in Eugene on August 11^th. Dentists are welcome and bring staff and/or family, hang out and have fun with other people in the dental community who enjoy games. There is also Bingo on Tuesday nights, so you could get lucky!  We also have another hike scheduled for October 10^th. We will have more details about that event coming soon.

Old Timers Luncheon Met in June

A retiree luncheon was held on the second Tuesday in June. Every year it is on the second Tuesday, so planning ahead is easy!  This year, it was at Roaring Rapids Pizza in Eugene. Attendees included Dr. Bob Carmichael, Dr. James Gant, Dr. John Robinson, Dr. Cedric R. Hayden, Dr. Cedric L. Hayden, Dr. Lohring Miller, and Dr. Lawrence Raugh.  Another retiree luncheon will be held on the Second Tuesday in December, in Corvallis or Albany (TBD). We will have two luncheons a year so retirees can have two opportunities to connect with old friends and make new ones! We are hoping to make this a very special event and look forward to sharing more information soon.

September Social and Partnership with Lane Community College

September 17^th will be our 3^rd Social at Lane Community College in the Healthcare Professionals Building. This gives dentists the Opportunity to mix and mingle with dentists and with dental instructors at Lane Community College. The Lane Community College Foundation cohosts the event.

There are two LCC dental program scholarships that are set up and can be donated to through the LCC Foundation. The Jan Malone Dental Assisting Scholarship was established in 2004 in honor of Jan Malone, who served as the Executive Secretary for 27 years. This scholarship covers the cost of national certification exams for LCC Dental Assisting students. The Jen Helling Memorial Scholarship was established after Jen, a LCC dental hygiene graduate. She was diagnosed with melanoma during her second year in the program. Cancer claimed her life three years after she graduated. This scholarship is for dental hygiene students in their second year.

Improve Patient Experience Dental Office Management Corner with Janette Douglas - Reprinted from LCDS & SWDS September/October 2024 Newsletter

Dental Office Management Corner with Janette Douglas 

Improve Patient Experience

I was in an office recently where a patient was asked about something that was a repeat of the prior week. She was visibly annoyed; the tone was set.

This could have been avoided by being prepared before the patient’s arrival. A checklist ensures that things aren’t missed. Equally important is a designated place to note that each has been addressed. Examples:

 • Unscheduled treatment

• Past due hygiene

• Unscheduled family members

• Outstanding balance due

These are a few crucial pieces of information that, with prior knowledge, will help your staff to know what they are doing and come across confidently. If that had been the case with the annoyed patient, the tone set for that entire visit would have been much different. The additional bonus is that your team member is prepared, so whatever needs attention, it will get resolved before the patient leaves the office.

Final tip: How do you feel when someone remembers your name? If you aren’t taking photos of your patients and entering them into the patient file, I encourage you to do so. A photo to look at before the patient arrives will help with recognition so they can be greeted by name.

In Memorium: Dr. Lewis Blue, Dr. G Franklin Day, and Dr. William B De Lage - CCDS June 2026 E News

 

Dr. Lewis Blue

June 9th, will be our retiree luncheon. This year we have a few dentists who are no longer with us. They will be missed.

Dr. Lewis Blue was instrumental in assisting with the annual 'Old Timers" luncheon. Every year he would help me spread the word about our get together. It was obvious about how much he cared for his dental friends. When I interviewed him for an article back in 2022, he expressed the importance of volunteering for the society, “I would like for an officer or some other respected dentist to call a dentist friend who hasn’t been involved in leadership and ask them to get involved, similar to the way I was prodded many years ago.” He notified me shortly before he passed that was unable make it this year due to being hospice care. Just a few days later I was notified that he had passed.  

Dr. G. Franklin Day spent a lot of time in the service of others. He was known for providing care to a lot of students who had dental issues without charging them. After retirement he taught at Lane Community College working with dental hygiene students. Outside of dentistry, he was very active in Kiwanis and his son's scout troop.

Dr. William B. DeLage was originally from Baton Rouge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and blues music. He also served in the military and was stationed at Fort Lewis, assisting soldiers who were returning from Vietnam. 

 

Links to Obituaries Below:

Dr. G. Franklin Day          Dr. William DeLange          Dr. Lewis Blue

Is Interest Working for You or Against You? Financial Tip by Financial Freedom for Dentists - Reprinted July/August 2024 LCDS & SWDS Newsletter

Is Interest Working for You or Against You?

Financial Tip Provided by Financial Freedom for Dentists

Compound interest can be a key for dentists to generate long-term wealth, however, it can also be a hindrance to wealth generation when you take on large amounts of debt early in your career. Here are 5 ways to minimize the impact of interest on your debt:

1. Obtain a fixed rate. This eliminates the risk of rates continuing to rise.

2. Compare your Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and rate of compounding. This is how you can compare what you will be charged in interest rather than just looking at the simple rate.

3. Shorten loan terms. This will directly save money on interest, but payments may be higher.

4. Increase your payments. By making extra payments you will directly save on interest.

5. Pay with cash whenever possible. For example, buy cars with cash and carry credit card balances.

Read more about this and other strategies at www. financialfreedomfordentists.com/insights Advisory services are offered through Financial Freedom for Dentists, LLC, an SEC Investment Advisor. The information contained herein should in no way be construed or interpreted as a solicitation to sell or offer to sell advisory services where legally permitted.

All content is for information purposes only.