​Compassion, service and excellence. Those are key words Dr. David Cappuccio likes to use to describe how his business, Seneca Ridge Dental at 3626 Seneca St. in West Seneca, keeps putting healthy smiles on the faces of his patients. We recently had an opportunity to meet with Dr. Cappuccio to discuss the latest trends in dentistry and his team’s efforts to promote dental health.

What is it about dentistry that made you want to open your own practice?

Ever since being accepted into dental school I had aspirations of practice ownership. Through providing dental care to underserved rural patients in New York’s Southern Tier and through an expansive and rigorous associateship, I gained valuable clinical and administrative experience in the dental field. Having completed an MBA in 2017, I felt empowered with excellent dental experience, as well as a foundational business background to run a dental practice. The ability to help care for patients’ dental needs with autonomy and integrity was what was most attractive about practice ownership. I am so thankful that, with the support of my family, I was able to make the leap of faith required to start Seneca Ridge Dental.  

Based on your experience, what is the secret to good dental health?

I have to apologize for the boring answer here, but there isn’t really a secret. In my experience, I find that the people who have the best outcomes when it comes to establishing and maintaining exceptional oral health are the patients who are accountable for their overall health. These patients have learned that oral health is a proxy for systemic health, and therefore invest the time and energy required. Good home care habits, a healthy diet, and a general concern for a healthy lifestyle tend to lead to great dental outcomes. We attempt to educate our patients so that they will have the best chance of achieving their oral health goals, while performing the highest quality dental procedures possible. 

What do you want people to know about your company’s mission/values?

Seneca Ridge Dental has spent time as an entire staff establishing a roadmap for why we are doing what we do on a daily basis. In order to do this we needed to recognize the values that were most important to us, and then derive a mission statement that served those values.  Compassion, service, excellence, diversity and retention are the five key values of our practice. At Seneca Ridge Dental, we believe in providing you with the best possible dental care using state-of-the-art technology and modern best practices. We foster an environment of love and support with our employees, laboratory experts, distributors and all other integral members of the practice. We attempt to improve the lives of the people we serve, always showing gratitude and respect. We are empowered to care for the underserved and to give back to the communities that enrich our lives.

How does Seneca Ridge Dental give back to the community it serves? 

Last year our practice started the J.D. Cappuccio Memorial Scholarship, which honors the life and achievements of my father, Dr. Joseph Cappuccio. The scholarship award of $1,000 is available to any high school student in the Western New York region who answers the question listed on our website. We look at this scholarship as a way to give back to our community, as well as remember my Dad, who passed away in 2009. Additionally, we will frequently provide free or heavily discounted dental services to patients who we determine are deserving of such a gift. We hate to have financial barriers come in the way of quality dental health. Lastly, I volunteer through the Remote Area Medical (RAM) organization and through the University at Buffalo Dental School by providing free dental care to those in need. 

Many people fear going to the dentist; what is the atmosphere of your office like and how do you help patients overcome that fear?

Dental anxiety is certainly a factor when trying to help patients with their oral health needs.  The key to our ability to provide compassionate care for patients who may be afraid is that we practice servant leadership. Essentially, we try to serve the needs of our patients without pretense. We find that holding our personal wants and needs secondary to the needs of others enables us to provide compassionate care. Additionally, I try to serve the needs of my employees rather than asking them to serve a production goal or the bottom line. I think that looking externally and meeting the various needs of our patients allows us to derive more satisfaction in our work. This entire mindset is evident when you walk in at Seneca Ridge Dental. Many phobic patients have turned the page on those fears because of the unique atmosphere that is fostered here. 

With your extensive knowledge of dental procedures and services, what is it that you like most about dentistry?

As I have progressed in my career I’ve found that providing “life-changing dentistry” is the most rewarding and enjoyable. Ninety-nine percent of dentists can do fillings, 75% perform root canals and maybe 30% place implants. But a small percentage of dentists are providing dentistry that significantly alters the quality of life for their patients. Implant dentistry and orthodontics are frequently the types of cases that provide our patients with the “wow” moments. The most rewarding parts of our work are the patients that feel compelled to give our staff members hugs and the handwritten notes or calls expressing sincere gratitude for our services. 

If you could offer one general piece of advice to your patients about their teeth, what would it be?

The health of the oral cavity is related to many facets of a patient's life. People with straight white teeth are generally better received at job interviews. People with bad breath don’t do well in social situations. People with sleep apnea often feel fatigued and lethargic. As a dental practice, we can hopefully help you address any concerns you may have. Our advice is simple; we are here to help you achieve the best version of yourself, and we invite you to come to our office to start you on that path. 

Seneca Ridge Dental, located at 3626 Seneca St. in West Seneca, is now accepting applications from local high school seniors for the second annual JD Cappuccio Memorial Scholarship.

A $1,000 scholarship is offered annually by Dr. David Cappuccio, owner of Seneca Ridge Dental, in honor of his father, Dr. Joseph D. Cappuccio. The late Dr. Cappuccio served as chief resident adviser to Strong Hospital family practice residents and was an advocate of evidence-based medical practice during a time when anecdotal patient care was still mainstream. His contributions to the medical field have had far-reaching influences among healthcare providers across the globe. 

Dr. Joseph Cappuccio was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age seven and overcame a series of health complications throughout his life. The challenges related to diabetes and its associated conditions such as retinopathy, heart and kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy and hypoglycemic attacks were ever-present obstacles. Despite these challenges, Dr. Cappuccio was able to achieve a great deal of success.

“Through this scholarship we remember the life of my father and his ability to excel in spite of his medical challenges,” said Dr. David Cappuccio.

Thmwee Paw, a graduate of Hutchinson Central Technical High School in Buffalo who is now attending Canisius College, was the 2019 winner of the scholarship. Paw overcame great adversity to immigrate to the United States, from Burma, with her mother in 2011.

Information regarding the 2020 scholarship can be found at www.senecaridgedental.com/scholarships.html. Applicants will be asked to write a one-page, single-spaced response to the following question: How has an experience with a healthcare provider positively impacted you or a loved one's life, and how has that experience affected your career aspirations? 

To be eligible for the scholarship, the high school student must reside in Western New York. All scholarship applicants and their families are also entitled to special promotions and savings when they visit Seneca Ridge Dental. The winner will be notified on June 15.

Apply for the Seneca Ridge Preferred Plan today!​

Teeth last a long time if you take care of them...

It may seem counterintuitive but cavemen did not have many dental issues. The notion of a caveman with healthy teeth contradicts popular sentiment of our primitive ancestors, but according to fossil discoveries, this is the case. Fossils of hominids which were dated prior to the advent of agriculture did not have noticeable dental issues. Despite possessing very little knowledge of dentistry and hygiene techniques, there were few instances of cavities in our early ancestors. Scientists hypothesize that the reason for the absence of identifiable dental issues is attributed to the lack of processed foods and carbohydrates available prior to the expansion of farming. Naturally occurring sugars are very rare and would not be a part of early man’s diet. With less sugar available for consumption, there was less prevalence of pathogenic bacteria which cause the breakdown of enamel which causes cavities.  

“Hunter-gatherers had really good teeth,” says Alan Cooper, Ph.D., director of the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA. “[But] as soon as you get to farming populations, you see this massive change. Huge amounts of gum disease. And cavities start cropping up.”

According to Cooper and his team, the gradual shift in human diets from meat, nuts and vegetables to carbohydrates and sugar effectively altered the makeup of bacteria in the mouths of modern men and women, National Public Radio reported.

Researchers examined the teeth found in 34 prehistoric skulls and determined that, specifically as ancient man took to tilling the fields and focusing on agriculture in favor of hunting, particular forms of harmful bacteria began to infiltrate human mouths.
Disease-causing pathogens specializing in devouring carbohydrates helped deteriorate human teeth.  The introduction of pre-processed sugar and flour in the late 19th century during the Industrial Revolution hastened the decline of teeth.
“What you’ve really created is an ecosystem which is very low in diversity and full of opportunistic pathogens that have jumped in to utilize the resources which are now free,” added Cooper.

Techniques from ancient dentistry

While Cooper’s study suggests that prehistoric man enjoyed greater oral health due to diet, another report published in PLoS One has revealed more information about possible early dentistry techniques.

Led by Federico Bernardini and Claudio Tuniz, of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy, researchers in Italy and Australia made remarkable discoveries while examining the remains of a 6,500-year-old human jawbone, Medical News Today reported.

Specifically, a tooth found with the jaw near Trieste in Slovenia hints at possible methods used to fill cavities by dentists during earlier times. The tooth, which is a left canine, was found to have traces of beeswax in the crown.

“This finding is perhaps the most ancient evidence of prehistoric dentistry in Europe and the earliest known direct example of therapeutic-palliative dental filling so far,” said Bernardini.

Bernardini and Tuniz used a variety of tools, including synchrotron radiation computed micro-tomography, accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to prod more deeply into the tooth.
Due to the condition of the tooth, researchers believe the person who received the filling may have been near-death or perhaps already dead by the time the procedure was completed.

“If the filling was done when the person was still alive, the intervention was likely aimed to relieve tooth sensitivity derived from either exposed dentine and/or the pain resulting from chewing on a cracked tooth,” wrote the study’s authors.
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Teeth have weathered erosion for thousands of years. Our teeth are resilient if they are taken care of properly. Make sure you take the proper measures to protect your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss frequently, limit sugary treats and carbohydrates, and get treated for dental health issues before your oral health deteriorates. Ensure you make regular appointments to see your dentist and dental hygienists.

Call us today to set an appointment!

If you were to make a list of common but irrational fears, the top three might be spiders, needles, and going to the dentist. Now logically this list may not make much sense as spiders are usually harmless, needles are used to save lives, and dental care is crucial to good oral and overall health. I have heard stories of people and their experiences with dental care which lead me to believe these fears are completely rational. I have heard of dentists who do not explain the procedure and just start drilling, patients who see a new dentist for every visit, and dentists who are so focused on efficiency that the patient’s comfort is not considered. It makes sense why people may be fearful of going to a callous, cold, or inconsistent dentist. For patients who worry about poor quality dental care it is completely logical to be afraid of going to the dentist.
Conversely I enjoy going to my visits to the dentist. Instead of fear for going to the dentist, I fear missing an appointment. The only difference between the “dental-phobic” and the “dental-philic” (like me) is the experience each has as a patient. For anyone unhappy with the dental care they are receiving, I suggesting looking for a dentist with the following important qualities.  Finding the right guy or gal to care for you may be a turning point in your oral health care journey.
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1. Consistency
As a patient it is absolutely imperative that you see the same doctor at every visit. Some practices will have an assortment of dentists hired on a salary basis. Seeing multiple dentists improves the chance that there is a miscommunication or error in translation between each doctor. A misunderstanding of a treatment plan can have adverse effects for a patient. In addition seeing a new doctor at every visit adds to the anxiety that a patient will feel during a visit. It is much better to develop a good relationship with a single dentist who understands your medical situation completely. I suggest either attending a practice with a single dentist or checking with a larger group to see if they rotate doctors depending on a schedule.

2. Availability
Almost everyone has a busy and constantly changing schedule.  It can be challenging to fit a dental appointment into an already busy schedule. The challenge compounds when the dental practice does not have flexibility in scheduling. Patients at many practices are forced to set appointments many months in advance and pressured to stick to that time even when their schedule starts to fill up. It’s critical that a practice allows patients to set appointments at times that work for them. I personally struggle with this problem as I don’t often know when I will be free to go to an appointment. Offices with friendly and receptive patient coordinators can handle changes in a schedule and accomodate the needs of their patients.  Look for employees who answer the phone with a kind and upbeat voice who are looking to serve you. Some offices may allow you to schedule online, or at least request appointments.

3. Pain Free
This is the issue which may be considered the most fear inducing. When a dentist performs a procedure, no discomfort or pain should be felt. There is no excuse for a dentist to continuing to perform procedures while you are in pain. While researching dental practices, check ratings and reviews of doctors at the practice to see what other patient’s experiences are. If reviews claim that the dentist works forcefully or disregards the comfort of the patient, it may be a good idea to steer clear. In addition prior to having a procedure always ask what type of anesthetic will be used. For some minor procedures some dentists will make the choice to withhold anesthetic. If you are known for having sensitivity of the teeth or would just feel more comfortable with a pain reliever be sure to ask your dentist. Most dentists have multiple forms of local anesthetic with different times of onset, and duration of action. In addition if you ever feel discomfort or need a break during a procedure make sure to let the doctor know. Kind dentists will understand your concerns and cater to your needs.

4. Affordability
The issue of affordability is a pressing concern for many patients. Some patients who already may be afraid of going to the dentist stay away because of the financial implications. Health care in general is known for being expensive, and dental care is no exception. For many cost is a limiting factor to getting high quality oral health care. Patients unable to find a dentist who is able to accommodate their financial limitations turn to lower quality alternatives. This is not an ideal solution because of the long term impact of using a lower quality alternative. A poorly performed procedure can be ineffective, temporary, or possibly harmful to your oral health. Instead I would suggest researching financing programs available to patients at dental offices. Some dental practices have discount programs which lower the cost of procedures. Additionally many offer financing programs which allow payments to be made over a longer period of time which is less financially burdensome for patients. If you do not have health insurance the financial problems are compounded. Not only are you completely responsible for paying all bills and fees, but you are actually penalized by being charged a higher rate for procedures than insurance patients are entitled to.. If this describes your situation there is some good news you can take solace in, some practices have a policy which matches the insurance rate for procedures. If a practice has this policy you are not penalized for not having insurance. Overall I would suggesting looking for excellent care with programs that address the financial needs of the patient. If lower quality alternatives are chosen, the problems could persist costing the patient more in the long run. Those who may be afraid of going to the dentist should know this, going in for cleanings decreases the chance you will have serious dental issues which require in-depth procedure. In other words if you go to see your dentist regularly, you won’t have to have expensive and invasive procedures.

5. Personality
The personality of a dentist is another important characteristic to monitor. When looking for a quality dentist you should look for someone who treats patients with respect and kindness. As a patient you should feel like your dentist actually cares about you as a person and wants to give you the best oral health. It will benefit you to find a kind, personable dentist who is willing to explain procedures and give you some discretion with health choices. In addition it would be ideal to find someone who puts you at ease during procedures. I know that I personally feel much more relaxed after speaking with my dentist before he starts a procedure. I am sure I would have more anxiety before a procedure if my dentist had a cold personality. I would have a negative experience if the dentist started working before explaining the issue and his method of treatment. For someone who has a pre-existing fear of going to the dentist, these actions may scare the patient from continuing their care.    

If you are worried about getting dental treatment or in general think your dental experience can improve I would suggest looking for a dental practice with some of characteristics I find important. Of course some may find other characteristics more important and instead find dental practices emphasizing other qualities, but my positive dental experiences can directly be linked to the previously mentioned qualities. I find that my dentist, Dr. David Cappuccio, fulfills the qualities I look for in a dentist and does a great job of truly caring for me.  He and his team at Seneca Ridge Dental are committed to serving the needs of their patients. To anyone afraid of going to the dentist, I would say do not lose hope. Maybe you simply need a change to a dentist who will prioritize your specific needs and address your concerns with honesty and compassion.

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Recently my dental hygienist was sharing a story about how her daughter threw a party when her and her husband left town for a weekend.  I laughed and remembered back to high school when I, regrettably, did the very same thing. The hygienist and I were considering how many “not so smart” things her daughter did, from replacing the vodka and gin she stole from her mom with water, spilling beer and not covering up the smell, leaving ringlets on some surfaces, and of course having cars parked on the street a half mile in either direction.  My dental assistant was also engaging in the conversation and what she ultimately said really resonated with me. “I always thought doctors were these really smart and serious people, but I guess you remind me that you’re just a person too.”
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Just a person.  What a neat way to put it.  Sometimes I think we can struggle to relate with patients and to our staffs as we go on about periapical radiolucencies, antibiotic prophylaxis protocols, or periodontal attachment fibers.  While we make our patient’s heads spin with our dental explanations, we also have many opportunities to relate with patients on personal levels. Whether it be noticing an emblem on an article of clothing, paying attention to a business name in an email,or simply observing someone’s jewelry, there are many cues to drum up conversation.  The personal connection with our patients is actually what drives case acceptance. Patient’s will not accept your proposed treatment if they don’t know you, or trust you.

Along the same lines, and probably equally important, is being a “person” to your staff.  My dental assistant and I have only worked together for about one year now. I think we have a fantastic working relationship.  She knows what I need for each procedure that we do, she is attentive to patients, and she has an infectious laugh that brings happiness to the entire office.  I find it interesting to think about how nervous she got when she first started working with me. Once we formed a closer relationship, she told me how I used to be “scary.”  She reminded me that assistants working with new doctors don’t know what to expect and only want to do the best job they can. She’s absolutely right. It took time for me to become a person to her.  Once I did, she felt more comfortable, her productivity improved, and her motivation soared.
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The point of sharing comes down to this; simply because you are a doctor, people have certain notions about you.  The key is to reinforce the positive notions and put to rest the negative. Being “scary” because you’re working with someone new is obviously not something you want creeping into your workplace.  You could be labelled as domineering, or intimidating. So make an effort to be friendly, take interest in your staffs interests, be available to address their needs. If they trust you, they will work hard for you, and at the end of the day, isn't that all we can ask for?  

Moral of the story: be a person.