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Hoag & Dotsch Travel to Costa Rica for Advanced Invisalign Training

2/2/2007

Hoag & Dotsch in the news! The following article appeared in the February issue of the Shoreline Journal. You can find the article in the Healthy Living section.

Shoreline Dentists Travel to Costa Rica to Bring
Latest Technology to Their Patients

Hoag & Dotsch learn latest techniques at Invisalign Technical Training Center

SHORELINE, Wash. – January 8, 2007 –What do Shoreline, Washington, and Costa Rica have in common? The answer is Invisalign®, thanks to Drs. Hoag and Dotsch.

In addition to over 785 miles of breathtaking coastline, and over 5% of the world's biodiversity, Costa Rica is the home of the Invisalign Technology Center, where the treatment programs defined by certified dentists and orthodontists are developed in preparation for creating the invisible aligners.

Invisalign is a revolutionary method for straightening teeth without traditional metal braces. Using a series of custom-molded—and virtually invisible—aligners, Invisalign moves teeth quickly and effectively, without the inconvenience and restrictions of metal braces.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners can be removed when needed, allowing patients to eat the foods they love and maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. When worn, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, allowing the patient's beautiful smile to shine through.

"I wanted a more beautiful smile, but really didn't want the discomfort and appearance of metal braces," stated Kristine Russell, a long-time patient of Hoag & Dotsch. "Invisalign was simple, discreet, and it worked great. I absolutely love the results."

Drs. Michelle Dotsch and John Hoag of Shoreline's Hoag & Dotsch dental practice are two of the area's leading cosmetic dentists, specializing in Invisalign. Recently, Drs. Hoag and Dotsch were invited by Invisalign to attend a 3-day session at the Costa Rica training center in which they gained in-depth training on the complete Invisalign process—from taking initial impressions to creating the finished aligners. At this session, the doctors were able to see first-hand the technical process which puts into action the treatment programs they design for their patients.

"Because of the high volume of Invisalign cases we have in our practice, we have been assigned an Invisalign technician who is dedicated to working with us and helping us achieve the beautiful smiles we design for our patients," stated Dr. Dotsch. "This trip was a great opportunity to meet our technician in person and see first-hand the technical process that takes place once we submit our treatment plans."

Hoag & Dotsch is the leading provider of Invisalign in the Shoreline/Edmonds area. Of the twelve doctors who attended this training session, Drs. Hoag and Dotsch were the only doctors from Washington.

In Costa Rica, the doctors were able to review the computerized process of creating the virtual smile. The Invisalign custom molded aligners are created based on the doctor's recommended course of treatment to design the custom smile for each patient. These computerized tools allow the doctor to determine exactly how each tooth should be moved and aligned individually with each aligner to achieve the desired result. The doctors also attended lectures on ways to improve treatment processes and achieve better and more predictable results.

Meeting their dedicated technician in Costa Rica allowed Drs. Hoag and Dotsch to better understand the process for creating the aligners after the impressions leave their office and for the technician to better understand how the doctors work, their preferences, and their treatment philosophy. The end result is more accurate work reflective of what the doctors strive to achieve for their patients.

"Invisalign truly is amazing in terms of the results it achieves for patients in a way far more convenient and comfortable than traditional metal braces," stated Dr. Hoag. "As cosmetic dentists, Invisalign is one of many treatment options including veneers, implants, and all porcelain restorations, that we can recommend to our patients to help them achieve their ultimate smile."

About Drs. John Hoag and Michelle Dotsch

Dr. John Hoag and Dr. Michelle Dotsch attended dental school at the University of Washington where they each received their Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1994. They are members of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Washington State Dental Association, the Seattle-King County Dental Society, various professional study clubs and the Academy of General Dentistry. Both Dr. Dotsch and Dr. Hoag regularly attend continuing dental education lectures and hands-on courses to update and expand their knowledge and have accumulated over 700 hours of continuing education in esthetic and restorative dentistry.

About Hoag & Dotsch

Hoag & Dotsch provide full-service cosmetic and restorative dental care in a relaxing, state-of-the-art dental facility. The practice is located at 17900 Linden Ave. North, Shoreline, WA 98133 . The practice is currently accepting new patients. New patients may book their appointment by calling (206) 542-4344. The practice is open Monday - Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information on Hoag & Dotsch, visit www.hoagdotsch.com.

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