Hometown Newspaper features Huszti Dental
February 23, 2013

Dentists Bill Huszti and Anna Chong-Huszti place a patient comfort a top priority at their Milford family practice.

Dentists Bill Huszti and Anna Chong-Huszti place a patient comfort  a top priority at their Milford family practice.  /  Hal Gould   Staff  Photographer


When the editor of the Milford Times called and asked to feature Huszti Dental care in it's business section we were happy to participate. The following interview as it appears in the Milford Times:


Q: Tell us about your business and what you do.

A: We pride  ourselves on providing dental care with leading-edge technology and a  personal touch. Because regular check-ups are such an important part of  maintaining a healthy smile we're able to stay in close touch with our  patients and community. Living, working and raising children in the  Huron Valley has had a large impact on our personal and professional  life.


Q: What are some of the products and/or types of services you offer?

A:  Family dentistry and cosmetic services have always been a big part of  our practice. For the last several years we've noticed a growing demand  for dental implants and “invisible” orthodontic treatments too. A big  part of the dental services we provide involve the use of high-tech  instrumentation.


Every day we reach for our computerized  anesthetic to keep our patients comfortable, a remarkably different  experience than the traditional syringe. Digital x-rays are another  favorite. Striking images are produced while using 80 percent less  radiation than conventional x-rays. Digital X-rays have had a  significant impact on our prevention plans by helping us identify  potential problems early. Early identification and early intervention  make treatment both easier and less expensive.


Q: What is your background in this area?

A:  Anna and I both knew we wanted to enter the health care field since we  were kids. I was born and raised in Michigan and graduated from the  University of Michigan with a Bachelors of Science degree in  microbiology and a Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology. When I  entered the University of Detroit Dental School I found myself studying  with smartest student in the class for the next 4 years. A week after  graduation I married her.


Anna called Toronto, Canada, home before  dental school. She was her high school valedictorian and received an  academic scholarship to the University of Toronto (Trinity College). At  The University of Detroit Dental School she graduated in the top of her  class earning a membership into the Omicron Kappa Epsilon national  dental honor society. Following dental school she received advanced  training through a hospital residency program with the University Of  Michigan & Veterans Administration hospitals in Ann Arbor, Michigan.


Q: Why did you choose the Huron Valley area?

A:  When we graduated from dental school we were newlyweds and visited many  communities to find a place to settle down. In the end it was the  people, schools and world-class parks that made us want to a part of the  Huron Valley. We look back after 20 years and couldn't be more pleased.  There's no place we'd rather work or raise our family.


Q: What makes your business unique?

A:  The average person finds health care and dentistry in particular a bit  intimidating. We hoped to change that. Ten years ago we built the  “Huszti Building” and a clinic designed specifically for patient  comfort. The building site was chosen for its relaxing views of water,  meadows and woods. In all, nine acres were preserved to feature  open-space views which can be seen from each treatment room. We turned  to a specialty architectural firm with award-winning credentials to  finish our clinic.


We call it “comfort by design” and it's all  about the details: blending aesthetics and environmental psychology to  optimize the patient experience. Recently we were honored to host  filming crews when our clinic was featured in a statewide television  campaign. It makes us feel good to offer something special to our  patients every day.


Q: What do you hope customers remember about the business after their first visit?

A:  We hope people feel special and feel great about their dental care  experience. After our patients first visit they receive an email survey  to let us know how we did. We share the results at team meetings and  display them on our website, too. In a business that provides a product,  you can apply objective standards for quality. In a service business  like dentistry our patients; experience is very subjective and is the  only thing that matters.


Of course we've had a lot of fun  celebrating the good reviews too. Health care providers are special  people and it's important to take time out to recognize the team that  works so hard to make it happen.


Q: Any funny or interesting stories?

A:  Shortly after the ribbon cutting of our new building it was our turn to  find a keynote speaker for the Milford Rotary Club luncheon. We were  fans of a wonderful photographer who had published a popular coffee  table book on the nature of Kensington Metropark, and he agreed to give a  presentation. The meeting was very well attended with the usual list of  business people and local dignitaries.


Our staff was proud to  show off our new clinic and led groups throughout the practice. The  tours were uneventful until Kim led a group to the patient bathroom, an  unlocked door and the keynote speaker in a rather compromising position.  Like a true professional he went on to give a great presentation and  received a standing ovation.


Q: What's in store for the future of your business?

A:  Lately we've been expanding our hours to accommodate our patients' busy  schedules. To maintain a high level of service we anticipate additional  staff will be required in the near future. Our patients love the  benefits of high-tech for their dental health. We also feel strongly  about this so we'll continue with our annual investments in technology.


In  the next month we're installing new flat-screened monitors for patient  viewing and upgrading our intraoral cameras. They asked us to reach out  more with social media so we've been more active on Facebook and our  blog, too. Community involvement has always been important to us. In  recent months we've promoted “National Children's Dental Health month”,  held a “pink out” for Breast Cancer Awareness Day and led kids in warm  ups at Johnson Elementary's “fun run.”


Huszti Dental Care has been  a proud sponsor of the Kensington Challenge race for years. Last  September “Team Huszti Dental” turned out in force to participate and  help raise funds for local youth fitness. We're looking forward to the  New Year and always excited to see what the future brings.

How to live with sensitive teeth

By Ron Bernas • May 21, 2025
A new patient came in to Huszti Dental Care recently for a cleaning appointment. He had not been to the dentist for many years — and only came because his wife insisted — because his teeth are very sensitive and he didn't think he could handle the exam. "They hurt when I drink something cold and they hurt when I drink something hot. Sometimes even chewing and even brushing my teeth set it off," he said. This is not uncommon. While sometimes a hidden cavity, an old filling, a chipped or cracked tooth can cause pain. It could also be a recessed gum that exposes the root. When you tell us your teeth are sensitive, these are the first things we look for, because they are easily fixed. But there are other causes of sensitive teeth and there are ways to make you feel more comfortable. First the causes: If you don't have any of the issues listed above, you may be brushing your teeth too hard. Or you may be using products to whiten or bleach teeth. These actions can expose your dentin — the layer of your teeth just beneath the enamel. Dentin is not as hard as enamel, so it is naturally more sensitive. Grinding your teeth at night can also cause sensitive teeth. One thing we can't do much about, though, is that teeth sometimes get naturally more sensitive as you age. But don't worry, there are many ways to combat tooth sensitivity. Desensitizing toothpastes or mouthwashes can help a great deal. If you're brushing at least twice a day — and you should be — use one of the American Dental Association-approved desensitizing toothpastes. You'll know it by the ADA logo on the box. Not all are alike, so if your first choice isn't doing the trick, try a different one. And always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and don't push too hard: It's the brush, not your muscle, that does the cleaning. Use fluoride rinses and toothpaste with fluoride in them. You can also receive professional fluoride treatments from Huszti Dental Care. If you are using tooth-whitening products — especially any home remedy you saw on social media — you may want to lay off for a while to see whether that is the cause. Many of these products are highly acidic and can damage the enamel. (This was, in fact, the case with the patient who prompted this post and he said he would stop using them to see if it makes any difference.) Are you grinding your teeth at night? You probably don't know since you're asleep. But we can determine whether you are by the wear pattern on your teeth. We might suggest wearing a mouthguard at night to protect the enamel. Other things to consider are cutting down on acidic drinks like pop and wine. You can also use a straw, which effectively bypasses the teeth. As always, it is important to let us know. We can help you find the cause of your sensitive teeth and the solution!

Keeping your young athletes' teeth safe

By Ron Bernas • March 28, 2025
Spring is here and with that comes sports season for the kids. Team sports like baseball, soccer, softball, lacrosse and track and field all offer great exercise for kids, not to mention lessons in teamwork and self-esteem. But injuries are also part of the game, so to speak. Huszti Dental Care, as a family focused dentist in Milford, see's lots of sports injuries — in both children and adults — and while they may feel like the end of the world, they really aren’t. Especially if parents take some simple steps to protect their children’s precious smiles. The most important way to protect your teeth is to have your child use a mouthguard during both practice and games. These are readily available at sporting goods stores, even drug stores, but you should have a chat with us to see whether you’re getting the right one for your child and their sport. We suggest you don’t purchase the inexpensive, one-size-fits all mouthguards, as one size does not fit all. Because of this they can be uncomfortable, which means your child won’t want to wear it, and it can’t protect their teeth in their sports bag. The boil-and-bite mouth guards are still inexpensive but provide much better protection because they can be formed right to your child’s bite, which keeps it in place, doing what it is meant to do. If your child is in a particularly aggressive sport, a custom-fit mouth guard may be the best option. It costs a little more but they are worth the cost especially for older athletes who have all their adult teeth and have maybe even had some costly orthodonture. You may not consider helmets a way to protect you child’s teeth, but they can protect the jaw or mouth from any blows, especially in contact sports. Not to mention protecting the child’s head, as well! Huszti Dental Care is your dentist in Milford- we can help. Ask us about it at your next appointment or give us a call. We’ll help you choose what’s best for your child — or yourself — and their teeth.

Let's talk about fluoride

By Ron Bernas • February 7, 2025
Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that has been added to public water supplies for nearly a century. In 1944, Michigan's own Grand Rapids was the first city in the world to take this step. Today, 70% of the world's population living in more than 133 countries benefit from the practice of adding low-levels of fluoride to the water their residents drink. Decades of research has shown that fluoride reduces cavities, increases oral health and has no realistic downsides. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control put the addition of fluoride to water systems — along with vaccines, recognition of smoking's health hazards, motor vehicle and workplace safety regulations — in the top 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th Century. It's safe, inexpensive, and effective in preventing tooth decay no matter what the economic status or access to care. And yet, remarkably, probably part of the trend of distrust in public institutions that has roiled the United States for many years, removing fluoride from the water is on the table. Here's what you need to know. In the early 1900s, oral cavities were commonplace among the population. Yet dentists noticed that there were some areas of the country where they were not. Researchers looked into the issue and found that, in some parts of the country, fluoride was naturally present in the water supply. They also noticed that many people who lived in those areas had discolored teeth. It turned out fluoride — more accurately really high levels of fluoride — were responsible for that too. After much study, scientists and doctors determined that a very low level of fluoride in water would prevent cavities and all the issues that come with them. In the United States, the recommended ratio is 0.7 milligrams fluoride per liter. Individual states can set their own levels, up to the maximum level of 4.0 milligrams per liter. Some people have suggested there are side effects from hip fractures to bone cancer to delays in brain development in fetuses and young children. All studies have proven there is no relationship to these concerns and fluoride at low levels. In some countries where fluoride naturally occurs at very high levels people can develop a condition whereby their bones become very brittle. There are no areas in the United States where that is a concern, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. While it may be good to question some institutions and long-held beliefs, questioning the efficacy of fluoride in public water supplies should not be one of them. It would be irresponsible to remove it.

5 things you should know about cavities

By Ron Bernas • January 20, 2025
Cavities: Chances are everyone you know has one — probably even more than one. But for something that is so widespread, people don't know a lot about them. As a family centered Milford dental office we have many years of experience to share. Here are five interesting things (really!) about cavities and two tips for keeping them at bay. 1: A cavity, which dentists call "dental caries," is decay in a tooth. They are caused when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that breaks down tooth enamel. Though often painless, they can cause sensitivity, pain and, if left untreated, visible holes in the tooth. 2: People have known about cavities, and the treatment of them, for a long time. Fillings — what dentists put in the cavity to stop it from getting worse — have been found in cadavers that date back 10,000 years. Those fillings have ranged from beeswax to gold to silver and tin. Today's cavities are mostly filled with a resin that can be matched to the color of your teeth. No more unsightly metal! 3: It isn't the sugar causing the cavities, it's the acid your mouth produced by bacteria that has to break down the sugars. It's best to limit sugar intake and acidic foods and drinks like pop. And don't think you're OK switching to diet pop — the acid in those drinks contributes to cavities. 4: Because saliva plays an important part in preventing cavities, dry mouth puts you at risk for cavity growth. That's another reason to stay hydrated — but drink water, not pop. And let the hygienist or dentist if you are taking any medications or have any conditions that make your mouth dry. 5: Leaving cavities untreated can lead to other health problems. Early detection is key — that's why dentists take x-rays of your mouth — to catch and treat a cavity before it becomes a more painful issue, like an abscess, a broader infection or even tooth loss. Bad oral hygiene has also been linked to heart disease, so visit Huszti Dental Care twice a year. And now our dentists in Milford want to share two tips on how to prevent cavities. You know what they are: 1: Brush well. 2: Floss regularly. It's that simple to keep cavities away, so do the smart thing. If you’re concerned about cavities, contact our Milford dental office to schedule a checkup—we’re here to help. Your mouth and your whole body will thank you.

Don't let dental care take a backseat during the holidays

By Ron Bernas • December 4, 2024
The holidays are here and with them come parties, late nights, foods and sweets that can put your oral hygiene routine on a back burner. Here are some tips on how to keep that from happening. It's easier than you think. Stay consistent with your routine — D on’t forget the basics: brush twice a day and floss. Bring travel-sized toothpaste and a toothbrush with you to events to help you keep your routine on track. Be mindful of sugary treats — Cookies, pies and candy canes are everywhere from office kitchenettes to parties, but they can lead to tooth decay if you’re not careful. Eat them in moderation and pair them with water to rinse away the sugars and acids that build up and cause decay. And sure, those cookies only come around once a year, but also eat other things — fruits, nuts, crunchy vegetables. Drink plenty of water — Holiday beverages like hot cocoa, wine and sweet alcoholic drinks can take a toll on your teeth. Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated but also washes away lingering food particles and reduces acidity in your mouth which can lead to decay. Don’t skip dental appointments — With all the hubbub of the holidays, it’s easy to forget routine dental checkups. Many of our patients who have come to us for years are now away at college and have to fit in a dental visit while home between semesters. Don't skip those appointments! A professional cleaning can help remove any buildup that might have accumulated during your festivities. All of us here at Huszti Dental Care understand that the holidays can be so busy that people tend to slack off on their dental care. But keeping on top of things like exercising, eating well — and taking care of your oral hygiene — will ensure your teeth are in great shape before the New Year.

United against breast cancer

By Ron Bernas • November 13, 2024
Healthcare workers are united in one cause: Keeping you healthy. Whether they are general practitioners, specialists, nurses or dentists, they all work together to ensure their patients are healthy and will remain that way. Huszti Dental Care's staff celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by donning bright pink scrubs. They reminded female patients to get mammograms and urged male patients to nudge their wives and significant others to do the same. Students at University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry — where the Drs. Huszti's daughters are working to follow in their parents' footsteps — also brought attention to the cause with their own pink scrubs. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide and awareness is crucial for early detection, prevention and treatment. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, highlighting the importance of education and outreach efforts. Breast cancer awareness campaigns, such as those held every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, play a vital role in informing the public about the disease, its risk factors, and ways to detect it early. It's that early detection that is the key to improving survival rates, as treatments for breast cancer have a higher chance of working when started in its earliest stages. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, are vital for women, especially those over 40, as they can identify cancer before symptoms develop. Self-exams can also help women understand the normal look and feel of their breasts, making it easier to spot changes, but they should not be considered a substitute for professional screenings, Awareness campaigns also focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and understanding risk factors, such as family history, genetic mutations and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise. Research into breast cancer is ongoing, with new treatments, therapies and ways to minimize recurrence constantly being developed. Support for breast cancer patients and their families is another key aspect of awareness. Many organizations provide resources, counseling and financial assistance to help those affected by the disease navigate the emotional and financial challenges it can bring. Overall, breast cancer awareness saves lives, and that's why our office participates in this important effort every year. By educating people, encouraging early screenings and demonstrating support, we hope we are able to reduce the impact of breast cancer and continue to make strides toward a cure.

Finding the right mix of work and play

By Ron Bernas • October 4, 2024
Who says dental school is all hard work? Not Olivia and Sophia Huszti, who are working their way through University of Detroit Mercy’s School of Dentistry. (The same place their parents met many years ago.) While dental school is truly a great deal of work in the classroom, there is also a lot of work outside the classroom. Upperclassmen take it upon themselves to meet members of the first-year class to offer friendship, support and some tips for handling the studying and the stress of dental school. In addition, many students participate in local chapters of national organized dental associations. Still, the sisters know there has to be a little time for fun. The photographs here are from a recent event the sisters threw to meet the new students and blow off a little steam watching the Detroit Lions. The event was a membership meeting of the Detroit Mercy chapter of the American Student Dental Association, “a national, student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students.” That’s according to the webpage on Detroit Mercy Dental’s website. The ASDA’s goal is to introduce students to organized dentistry in the hopes that they will be involved during their career. It provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy. The chapter has monthly meetings where members learn about issues that affect dentistry and organizes workers to staff the free dental clinic they partner on with St. Vincent de Paul as well as other events that serve the community and allow the students to hone their skills with patients.

Cosmetic dentistry isn't just about making you look better

By Ron Bernas • September 13, 2024
Aside from twice-yearly checkups, the most common reason people make appointments with Huszti Dental Care is to address issues that make them uncomfortable with their smile. We're proud to be known as the go-to cosmetic dentist in Milford. It could be uneven teeth, maybe discoloration or maybe you chipped a tooth and don’t like the way it looks. It's called cosmetic dentistry and our patients are surprised at the number of options they have to bring their smile to its fullest. And they are even more surprised at the low costs of many of them. And we should say they are relieved to learn nearly everything can be done in our Milford Road office. Take tooth contouring for instance. This is a procedure where a dentist takes a special tool and reshapes the tooth by removing some of the enamel. Why do this? Well maybe one of your teeth is larger, making for a non-symmetrical smile. Or maybe you have chipped a tooth and you would like to fix that. Some people have teeth that overlap near the bottom and that, too can be addressed through tooth contouring. It’s simple, painless and can be done in one appointment without any follow-up. Gum contouring is a similar procedure except that the dentist removes gum instead of enamel. This addresses what some people call a “gummy smile” and can fix an uneven gum line or an overgrowth of gums. This procedure is done by a periodontist — we have one right in our office — and will require local anesthesia to numb the area, and you may experience mild soreness, but it’s temporary and quickly goes away. One of our most popular cosmetic dentistry services is teeth whitening. Many patients come to us after an over-the-counter product to bleach their teeth yields an uneven or disappointing result. (Spoiler alert: They usually do!) Our products are better, quicker and last longer — provided you take care of your teeth. We also offer clear braces that realign your teeth quicker than traditional braces. Our patients say none of their friends and family notices their aligners, but they all notice the results! Lastly, porcelain veneers can cover broken, undersized or permanently discolored teeth to make them symmetrical and bright. So if something is bothering you about your smile, let us know next time you are in. Chances are we have a solution that will give you a more confident smile and leave you wondering why you didn’t take care of it before!

Innovations mean more patients can have dental implants

By Ron Bernas • July 26, 2024
Missing teeth can impact your life in many ways, but the longest lasting might be the hit your self esteem takes. Implants are a common way of addressing tooth loss, but for many patients they were out of reach. A new procedure that is growing in popularity — and available at Huszti Dental Care — may work for patients who had been denied the benefits of an implant in the past. Zygomatic dental implants have been around for a few years, but they are becoming more widespread in the field. These implants are a revolutionary option that can give you back your beautiful smile, especially if you’ve had issues with traditional implants due to bone loss or other challenges. So, what exactly are zygomatic dental implants? Think of them as a special type of implant designed to anchor to the cheekbone — or zygoma — rather than the jawbone. This unique approach is useful for people who might not have enough healthy jawbone left to support standard implants. By anchoring into the cheekbone, which is often more solid in some patients than jawbone, zygomatic implants offer a stable foundation for replacement teeth. It's important to note that this type of implant is only for upper teeth. The process is not as frightening as it may sound. It starts with a detailed consultation where experts at Huszti Dental Care will assess your needs and determine if a zygomatic implant is right for you. If they are, the implants are placed into the cheekbone. After some healing time, patients return to have the new teeth fitted. This is a much quicker and less invasive procedure than the bone grafting that often is needed with traditional implants. Huszti Dental Care patients love these implants. They look, feel and work like real teeth and will have you smiling in a shorter period of time. If you think you might be a candidate for this treatment, give us a call. Patients who have had significant bone loss and were told they were not candidates for implants in the past have had success with the procedure. You'll be glad you called.

White Coat Ceremony marks big step in dental education

By Ron Bernas • July 8, 2024
Huszti Dental Care founders Bill Huszti and Anna Chong-Huszti celebrated along with their daughters as their oldest, Olivia, second from left, participated in the White Coat Ceremony at Detroit Mercy Dental. A landmark event in many healthcare education programs, the White Coat Ceremony, for Olivia, means her journey through dental school is halfway over! The ceremony is meant to remind the students about the importance of their chosen field and calls on them to uphold the high ethics and standards of care required by the field. Together, the students recited an oath that binds them to the highest degree of patient care. Students will now be able to work with patients at the Detroit Mercy Dental Center, which provides patient-centered care and comprehensive dental services in a state-of-the-art facility. Most patients at the center are part of the student clinical program where student doctors provide treatment under the supervision of licensed faculty dentists. Services are provided at a reduced rate, making costs more affordable for the patient. "Today was a big milestone for me as I received my white coat from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry," Olivia said. "I couldn't be more excited to take another step toward joining my parents at Huszti Dental Care and fulfilling my dreams of walking in their footsteps." Olivia is a strong student who also gives back to the school, volunteering her time at many events, attending conferences and was class president her first year. Even though Olivia's parents also graduated from University of Detroit Mercy, this was their first White Coat Ceremony. That's because the school did not begin the tradition until after they graduated. It won't be their last, though: Their second daughter, Sophia, is right behind Olivia at the same school. Her White Coat Ceremony will come next year around this time. Congratulations to Olivia and the whole Huszti family!
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