A Doylestown native, Dr. Knight graduated from Central Bucks East High School and earned a BA in Biology from the University of Delaware. Dr. Knight received her DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and following graduation, completed a General Practice Dental Residency at Abington Memorial Hospital. Dr. Knight joined Dr. Vida in private in 2004 and together they established Vida and Knight Dental Associates in 2007. In 2017 Dr. Vida retired and Dr. Knight bought and renamed the practice, Lindsay V. Knight, DMD & Associates, PC.

Dr. Knight takes great pleasure in education and the process of learning. That is why she regularly attends a wide variety of continuing education classes. She was also a Dentist on Staff at Abington Memorial Hospital, teaching residents in the Dental Clinic for many years.

Dr. Knight believes very strongly in the connection between herself and her patients. She always has her patients best interests in mind. She very much appreciates their trust and works hard to provide the best quality service possible in a friendly and comfortable environment.

Dr. Knight currently lives in the Doylestown area with her husband, daughter, and pets. Her hobbies include competitive horseback riding, traveling, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.

We are excited to say that Dr. Lada Fishman has returned to our practice as our associate dentist. Dr. Fishman previously worked with us as a dental assistant. In 2012 she was accepted to NYU College of Dentistry and moved to New York City. During the next five years she graduated dental school and completed a one-year general practice dentistry program in Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn. Dr. Fishman received her BS in Science from Temple University.

Dr. Lada Fishman was born in the former Soviet Union, and as a small child her family decided to move to Israel. At the age of 18 she immigrated to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, PA. Dr Fishman discovered the world of dentistry by accident, but she quickly realized that dentistry was a lifelong passion.

Dr. Principato grew up in Haddonfield New Jersey and has been practicing General Dentistry since 1984. She received her A.S. in Dental Hygiene in 1977 from the University of Pennsylvania, her B.S. in Dental Hygiene in 1979 from Fairleigh Dickenson University and hr D.M.D. in 1984 from Temple University of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Elizabeth S. Bendik is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She then completed her general practice residency at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City followed by her endodontic training at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Bendik has been practicing endodontics since 1992 at Easton Endodontic Associates in Easton, PA. She is now pleased to bring her experience and passion for excellence in the field of endodontics to the office of Dr. Lindsay V. Knight and Associates. Dr. Bendik is an active member of the American Association of Endodontists. In her free time, she enjoys photography, travel, gardening and pickleball.

Chris has been an integral part of our dental team since 1976. Along with being the office manager she is our patient treatment plan coordinator. She prides herself on being your patient advocate. She will answer all you dental questions and review your dental finances so that you are comfortable with all of your dental decisions. Chris has an extensive working knowledge of how our office runs, from all front desk responsibilities to chairside assisting. Chris is x-ray certified and loves treatment planning with our patients. She is a member of AADOM and feels it is very important to attend continuing education courses to keep current in all the changes in dentistry. Chris enjoys spending time with family, yoga, scuba diving, skiing, rollerblading, biking, hiking, her motorcycle and anything to do with the great outdoors.

Christine grew up in New Jersey and then moved to Bucks County area with her husband, two teenage daughters and two dogs. Christine graduated from Glassboro State College with a BA in Home Economics/Retail Fashion Merchandising. She worked in New York City for a number of years before she decided to change her focus and become a full-time mother. After staying home for 10 years she decided to start a new career in the health care field. She loves learning about all the new aspects of dentistry and is constantly looking for new courses to expand her dental knowledge. When she is not working or studying, Christine enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, cooking and reading.

Jen was born the youngest of four in Drexel Hill, PA and grew up in Richboro, PA. She graduated from Council Rock High School and received a degree in Fine Arts from Bucks County Community College. Deciding to switch careers, Jen started Dental Assisting in 1999 and joined our practice in 2015. Jen is known for her empathy with patients and her quick sense of humor, which often puts patients at ease. When she is not working, Jen loves to spend her time with her family and friends, reading, cooking, being outdoors and mostly, rekindling her love of painting. Jen lives in Perkasie with her husband Pete and two extremely spoiled cats, Baby Doc and Taz Man.

Loulie came to the practice in 2010 with over 22 years of dental experience having been an Expanded Function Dental Assistant in both Pennsylvania and Tennessee. She enjoyed working at Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital room with special needs patients. Along with being hard working and kind, Loulie is always up for seeing a dental challenge through to a beautiful result. She was born and raised in Warminster, PA, graduating from William Tennant and Harcum College. She now lives in Chalfont with her husband, two sons and their dog, Winston. Loulie loves running, gardening and going to the beach.

Karen has been practicing Dental Hygiene for over 20 years. She began working for the practice in 1996. She grew up in the Montgomery-Bucks area and is married with three children. On her days off, Karen is busy taking care of her family. As a clinician in the practice, it is her responsibility to treat and care for the dental concerns and needs of our patients to the best of her ability. It is very important to her as a hygienist, that patients receive the best quality of care. She brings an extensive knowledge of periodontal disease and oral health while gently treating her patients. Continuing education is a valuable component of her dental hygiene care and is currently a member of the Great Philadelphia Dental Hygiene Study Club. This additional training informs her of new dental trends and provides her with innovative knowledge to aid her in treating her patients. Karen loves working as part of our practice and would love to have you come and meet the team.

Robin has been a practicing Dental Hygienist in Doylestown for over 25 years. She began working for the practice in 2007. A native of Bucks County, Robin grew up in Pipersville. She graduated from both Central Bucks East High School and Middle Bucks Vocational Technical School with a certificate in Dental Assisting. She then went on to study dental hygiene in advanced periodontal therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. She continues to broaden her dental hygiene knowledge through yearly continuing education programs. Robins career life time goal is for all of her patients to achieve optimal dental health by understanding Periodontal Disease and how to prevent it through proper brushing and flossing. When Robin is not working, she is an active member of her church as a singer in the praise band and a preschool Sunday school teacher. She also enjoys working as a sets and props coordinator for the Palisades Middle School for the past 12 years. She loves volleyball, biking, boating, kayaking and hiking with her family and friends.

Lori is a dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist with over 20 years of experience who joined the practice in 2018. She holds licenses in not only Dental Hygiene but in Dental Anesthesia and as a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

Lori strives to provide the highest standards of care to her patients with a strong emphasis on education to help improve not only their oral health but their overall health as well. She hopes to make each patient experience comfortable and enjoyable with her gentle touch and her caring spirit. Lori is married with two children and she loves spending time with her family and friends.

Nicole grew up in New Jersey and then moved to Bucks County with her husband. Nicole is a graduate from New York Citys French Culinary Institutes, Pastry program. She worked in New York City, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for almost 15 years before changing caeers. In 2016 Nicole changed her career path to include dentistry. Customer service is her specialty. She enjoys learning about all the new aspects of dentistry and patient care. When she is not working, Nicole loves spending time with her husband, two dogs and horse.

Paige is a San Diego native who is new to the Bucks County area. Paige completed the dental assisting program at Practical Dental Assisting of Virginia in 2019. Before entering the dental industry she worked in the lumber industry for 10 plus years. When she uprooted her life she decided to change her career and entered the health care field. She joined the practice during the pandemic of 2020. She loves meeting patients, challenging herself and exploring the different facets of dentistry. Paige is super friendly, a quick learner and feels like she has been part of the team for years. When she is not in the office, Paige enjoys exploring Pennsylvania, crafting, fishing, practicing roller derby and spending time with loved ones.

I am a Medical Technologist, Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and Dental Assistant. I grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and I graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with my BS-MT, in 1983. I received my MT(ASCP) in 1983.

Dr. Cindy Kaufman grew up in Syracuse, NY and now considers Bucks County her home. She is a graduate of Smith College and The University of Maryland Dental School and she completed her General Practice Residency at Abington Memorial Hospital. After working in private practice for more than twenty years, she took an early retirement from general dentistry to focus on her health and explore other interests. She is happy to report that a convincing phone call from Dr. Knight has brought her back to hands-on dentistry where she has now joined Dr. Knight and Associates as a member of the hygiene staff. Dr Kaufman is also a public speaker in the field of mental health and has been a longtime advocate for better education and support in that realm. In her time off, Cindy likes to hike, read, pursue her love of writing, and hang out with her deliciously rambunctious parrot, Marty.

Most people should visit a dentist at the minimum of twice a year (once every six months). Others with conditions such as gum disease or excessive cavities should be seen more frequently. In order to maintain a healthy smile, it is vital to have professional cleanings and regular check-ups. Your dentist will examine your teeth and provide an evaluation of existing dental problems and proposed treatment. Call the dentist immediately if you are experiencing a dental emergency.

Ideally, we recommend the use of an electric toothbrush. However, if you choose to use a manual toothbrush, use one with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth. Brush up on the lower teeth, down on the upper teeth and the outside, inside and chewing surface of all of your front and back teeth. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse.

Your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head should be replaced every three months or as soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing and that can be followed by a dental rinse like Listerine. It is important to carefully brush a minimum of two to three times a day and floss daily.

For areas between the teeth that a toothbrush cant reach, dental floss is used to remove food particles and plaque. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon that is used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. It is very important to floss between your teeth every day.

Pull a length of floss from the dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss tightly around your fingers. Guide the floss between the front and back of all teeth making sure you reach up and under the gum line pulling out any food particles or plaque. Unwrap clean floss from around your fingers as you go so that you have used the floss from beginning to end when you finish.

Floss at night is optimal to make sure your teeth are clean before you go to bed. When you first begin flossing, your gums may bleed in areas or become sore. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, please call our office.

The teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups help minimize and avoid cavities and other dental problems. Consumption of foods that contain carbohydrates, especially sugars should be decreased. These foods can include candies, cookies, chips, and sugar containing beverages. Healthier foods, such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, help promote stronger teeth.

Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting from the breakdown of the carbohydrates we eat by the bacteria that live inside the plaque in our mouths. Carbohydrates, especially the highly refined carbohydrates know as simple sugars, feed the bacteria inside the plaque causing them to produce acids that break down the minerals that comprise our teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of filling materials, restoring the tooth to a healthy state. In some cases, nerve damage can result from severe decay and may require a root canal in order to remove the infected portion of the tooth. Avoiding unnecessary decay requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing at least twice a day, regular dental check-ups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene helps avoid unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.

The deep pits and grooves that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of all bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.

Tooth sealants protect these susceptible pits and grooves by sealing the heathy tooth structure therefore preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth and areas prone to cavities. They generally last for many years but may need to be replaced if they become worn.

Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and more resistant to decay. We all know that brushing with a fluoridated and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. Dentists can evaluate the level of fluoride a patient is generally getting and recommend supplemental fluoride, or similar anti cavity products, as necessary.

Gum, or periodontal, disease is a progressive inflammatory process that leads to bleeding gums, bone damage and potentially tooth loss. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, bone and soft tissue are lost creating pockets around the teeth that will trap even more infection if not properly treated. Additional indicators of gum disease are consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Without treatments such as more frequent cleanings, deep cleanings under the gums or surgery, teeth may be lost. While there is a component of genetic inheritability, gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing.

Daily brushing and flossing help to prevent the build-up of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem. Make sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem. Some people can feel discomfort or pain when eating cold or hot foods or brushing and flossing. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. However, tooth discomfort is caused by other factors such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, or a worn filling. These problems can be cause by gum disease, tooth grinding, over aggressive brushing with an abrasive toothpaste, a highly acidic diet, gastric reflux or bulimia

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.

A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions.

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root. Do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Place the tooth a cup containing milk preferably or water. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

A childs first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with the dentist and staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow the child to sit in a parents lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.

The primary, or baby, teeth play a crucial role in dental development. Without them, a child cannot chew food properly and has difficulty speaking clearly. Primary teeth are vital to development of the jaws and for guiding the permanent (secondary) teeth into place when they replace the primary teeth beginning around age 5 or 6. Since primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into place, infants with missing primary teeth or infants who prematurely lose primary teeth may require a space maintainer in order to prevent problems such as crooked or mispositioned teeth. Missing teeth should always be mentioned to your family dentist.

The way your child cares for his/her primary teeth plays a critical role in how he/she treats the permanent teeth. Children and adults are equally susceptible to plaque and gum problemshence, the need for regular care and dental check-ups.

A childs teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as 4 months of age, the primary or baby teeth push through the gumsthe lower central incisors are first, then the upper central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3, but the place and order vary. Teething is painful. Rubbing sore gums gently with a clean finger, the back of a cold spoon or a cold wet cloth helps soothe the gums. Teething rings work well but avoid teething biscuitsthey contain sugar that is not good for baby teeth.

Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 21. Adults have 28 secondary (permanent) teeth32 including the third molars (wisdom teeth).

Cavities are caused by the acids that are produced when the bacteria inside the plaque in our mouths consume and metabolize carbohydrates. Especially sugars or simple carbohydrates. The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize cavities and other dental problems.

Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed all night. This happens because sugar in the liquid mixes with bacteria in dental plaque, forming acids that attack the tooth enamel. Each time a child drinks liquid containing sugar, acids attack the teeth for about 20 minutes. When awake, saliva carries away the liquid. During sleep, the saliva flow significantly decreases and liquids pool around the childs teeth for long periods, covering the teeth in acids. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your childs mouth.