Dr. Michael A. Dingman is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Dingman then completed a General Practice Residency at the Buffalo Veterans Administration Medical Center. After completion of his residency, he served as an associate dentist in a general practice office for five years.
Dr. Dingmans attention to detail and designated time with his patients is remarkable. He has a strong commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. He engages in continuing education courses on an ongoing basis and has advanced training in mini-implant placement through Imtec. Dr. Dingman is a member of the American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association and the Eighth District Dental Society.
Melanie is the most recent member of the Colden Dental Care team, although not new to the field of dentistry. She is a graduate of Buffalo State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities. Melanie began her dental career as a receptionist in 1993, ultimately advancing to dental office management. She is cross-trained in dental assisting and offers a wealth of knowledge to patients regarding insurance benefits. Melanie worked with Dr. Dingman when he was an associate dentist. Since that time, he has remained her familys dentist trusting his passion, dedication and excellence. She enjoys camping, gardening, boating and fishing with her husband David and adorable yellow lab, Sherman.
Melanie is committed to providing a seamless transition from the reception area to the treatment bay. She values the opportunity to build trusting relationships with patients in a family-centered atmosphere. Her warm greeting, pleasant personality and patient-focused approach create a welcoming environment.
Oakley joined the Colden Dental Care team in 2012. She is a graduate of Erie Community College, School of Dental Hygiene, where she earned an Associates Degree in Applied Science. Oakley also obtained education in the administration of local anesthesia and delivery of nitrous oxide inhalation sedation while at Erie Community College. She currently maintains both her dental hygiene and local anesthesia/nitrous oxide analgesia licensure. Oakley is from this area and grew up in East Concord, NY with her two older brothers on the familys dairy farm. She and her husband Derek recently welcomed their first baby, Lenox David.
Adrienne has been an invaluable asset to the Colden Dental Care team since 2007. She developed an interest in healthcare and discovered the specialty of dentistry is the perfect fit. Adrienne has advanced her skills as an exceptional chairside dental assistant. She appreciates the opportunity to assist Dr. Dingman in providing the highest quality of dental care, while establishing positive patient relations. She has a background in banking, working as a bank teller. Adrienne also has culinary training and a Certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts. She loves creating fun and edible works of art!
Strict sterilization practices are followed in this bay with one side dedicated to the processing of used instruments while the other is designated for instruments that have completed the sterilization procedures. The instruments are packaged in pouches with indicator tests that confirm appropriate levels of sterilization immediately after processing. Furthermore, weekly monitoring and compliance testing is completed and sent out to be processed at an offsite sterilization monitoring center. All instruments undergo this sterilization protocol prior to patient use.
Since the x-rays are digital, patient exposure to radiation is minimal. Our practice philosophy, with respect to radiation exposure, coincides with the ALARA principle, as low as reasonably achievable.
The use of digital x-rays also provides the ability to enhance the images thereby improving the diagnostic potential. The images can be magnified, sharpened, measured, colorized or displayed as a negative. Immediate viewing of the x-rays is also possible which reduces patient chair time during dental procedures.
The intra-oral camera captures images in the mouth and brings the smallest details into brilliant full-screen high-resolution focus. This technology enables earlier diagnosis and more conservative treatment plans.
At Colden Dental Care, an intra-oral camera is available in each of the treatment bays. The captured images are displayed on a monitor in the treatment operatory enabling patients to finally see the same views as the dentist. The images clearly reveal any pathology of the teeth or soft tissue, such as cavities, cracks, fractures or soft tissue abnormalities.
Our patients appreciate the opportunity to visualize treatment needs via this modality. Most patients have found that it provides a better understanding of treatment recommendations, enabling more informed choices.
All patient records are contained securely within Dentrix and can only be accessed after personnel have entered their unique password. All computers in the office are connected via a common network, creating a more unified approach to treatment.
Our office also uses digital radiography, which eliminates photochemical wastes such as developers, fixers and cleaners. These chemicals contain heavy metals that may pollute water supplies thereby posing health risks. Digital radiography also eliminates lead from the environment, which is contained within conventional film.
Our office is equipped with a diode laser that can be used in non-cutting mode to decontaminate tissues. It can also be used in cutting mode for precise removal or recontouring of soft tissue. The use of this laser nearly eliminates bleeding at the site, significantly reduces post-operative discomfort and accelerates patient healing.
Our office is also equipped with Diagnodent, a diagnostic laser that is utilized for the detection of decay and is proven to be over 90% accurate. Even very small cavities can be discovered with this technology, enabling early diagnosis and conservative treatment.