Events/Seminars

June 2009 : We're Feelin' Green!
When in our office, take a look at our new patient bags!   In keeping with a commitment to become "greener", we are now using bags made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper.   Another area in which we are "green" is in waste management:   Belinda routinely collects our plastic items and takes them to be recycled.   We also have a paper-shredding vendor come and dispose of our paper waste, which ultimately is used to make more post-consumer recycled paper.   Also, our move to digital radiography has cut down on usage of film processing fluids, which treads softer on our environment.   Lastly, we utilize an amalgam separator, which removes the silver filling material from our wastewater, making our impact on the environment even smaller!

March 2009: Office Renovation Update
We are excited to be finishing up the major renovations undertaken over the last three months!   Check out the Before & After photos below to see the dramatic changes.   Thanks again to PointSouth Construction (Ron Butler), LS Interiors (Lizzy Summerlin and Shawnna Graham), Pazdan Smith Architects (Carleton Collins) and Home Environments (Melitta Kessner)--they did a wonderful job with our own Extreme Makeover! view before/after photos

February 2009: Dealing With Conflict
Sometimes, growing up ain't easy. Especially when it comes to knowing what to do when you are involved in a conflict. More especially when the conflict is with someone that you have to work with... every day. Colene's fifth article (but who's counting?) appeared in the February issue of Women Dentist eJournal, an online publication of the PennWell Group. She explores an avenue in which you may learn how to handle a sticky situation with respect and diplomacy, mixed with a tiny dose of humor!

Monster in the Shadows
Colene's fourth article has now appeared in print in this month's RDH Magazine, read primarily by Dental Hygienists worldwide.   This article, Monster in the Shadows , represents Colene's desire to bring to light a serious affliction that can rob a hygienist, or for that matter, any dental professional of their ability to earn a living with their hands.   Carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that can destroy the joint at the base of the thumb.   Please read Colene's account of her struggle to stay in the profession that she has grown to love.   Perhaps you may learn something that pertains to you.  View entire article

January 2009: Pardon Our Progress!
"Out with the old, in with the new!"   Our New Year's resolution for 2009 is to update the look of our office and improve patient flow around our front office area.   So, during a two-week Christmas hiatus, some major structural changes were completed at the front desk and reception area.   The reception area has been updated with new paint and furniture.   And, you will notice the reception windows are now more inviting due to an increase in the size of their openings.   Near the front desk, a sitting area has been added as a convenience during those times when several patients are checking out at the same time.   Also, the front desk proper has been expanded and modified to be more accessible for our patients with wheelchairs or walkers.   Lastly, a door has been added to the left of the front desk to aid in exiting this area.  

As the year moves on, you'll see more renovations occurring:   new carpet in the hallway, wallpaper removal and painting, and new laminate flooring in the operatories, followed by painting of most of the operatory cabinetry.   While we have planned the renovation to be as unobtrusive as possible with the care of our patients, we hope you will "Pardon Our Progress!" with any minor inconveniences!

Special thanks to Ron Butler Homes, Carleton Collins of Pazdan Smith Architects, and interior designers Lizzie Summerlin and Shawnna Graham for their hard work and expertise in "getting the job done!"

August 2008: Asheville: A Photographic Portrait
Colene's third article appeared in the July 2008 issue of Dental Economics magazine. Does she ever run out of stories to tell? We certainly hope not. Her new article, You're the Best...Today!, recounts some humorous anecdotes on how her bosses have figured out how to give a bit of praise at being the best to each employee...day by day. We all can't be the best all of the time, but when it's your turn, it sure does feel great!  Read the entire story here

May 2008: Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry Meeting
Dr. Gillespie recently attended the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry's (AACD) 24th Annual Scientific Session, Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry 2008. read more

May 2008: Help for Slavic Residents
For the past several years, Dr. Gillespie, Donna, and Rebecca have given an evening over to helping our local Slavic residents. read more/view photos

March 2008: Colene Appears in Leading Dental Magazine
Colene House, RDH, just won’t let her pen cool down! She has now been published twice in the last three months in Dental Economics magazine, the nation’s leading business journal for the dental profession! The latest article is entitled The True Meaning of TEAM and discusses the importance—and reward—of developing and maintaining good relationships in the office. Check out the link below for the entire article! Congratulations—again—Colene! read article

March 2008: Dr. Rick Dimsdale : A Plan 2 Years in the Making
Several changes have occurred in our practice over the last couple of years and I would like to take the opportunity to bring you up-to-date as the winds of change are blowing again! read more

February 2008: Gillespie Crew Seals Sandhill/Venable
Part of our yearly volunteerism effort includes participating in the Eblen Foundation’s Sealant Program. This multi-week project involves placing dental sealants on 2nd grade students... read more

January 2008: Asheville: A Photographic Portrait
The first high-quality coffee-table book about our great city has been published! Our practice is proud to be featured in such a publication. read more/view cover

November 2007: Colene Appears in Leading Dental Magazine
Colene House, who has been practicing dental hygiene for 36 years (almost 20 of those in our office!) has just been published in Dental Economics magazine, the nation’s leading business journal for the dental profession! Her article is entitled Whatever it Takes and relates some of Colene’s humorous experiences in successfully enrolling her patients to practice good home care effectively. Please follow the link below to read her wonderful article in its entirety! Congratulations, Colene! read article

August 2007: Dr. Nigel Morgan Arrives!
As originally planned, Dr. Lambert has left our practice to take over his father-in-law's practice in Waynesville. We are excited for him and wish him the best in his new endeavor! In his place, Dr. Nigel Morgan has joined our practice to continue the same level of care and expertise you expect from us. read entire welcome letter (PDF)

April 2007: Slavic Dental Clinic
In April, Donna, Rebecca, and Dr. Gillespie volunteered an evening to help provide dental treatment for some of our local Slavic population. read more/view photos

March 2007: Honduras Presentation at Ira B. Jones Elementary
At the request of Principal Marsha Lipe, Dr. Gillespie and his amigo, physician Dr. Rob Anderson, gave a presentation of their Honduras excursions to the K - 5 th grade classes of Ira B. Jones Elementary School.   The school is a participant in Empty Bowls , a fundraising and awareness program for the fight against hunger, and needed a few health professionals to show the kids the connection between health and nutrition. Created several years ago by an art teacher, the program involves the students   handcrafting bowls of pottery, then selling them for donations which will be sent on to help fund the feeding of those in need.   Drs. Gillespie and Anderson showed photos of their several trips to Honduras to convey that many of the health problems in the third world have their origin in the lack of proper nutrition and clean drinking water. read more/view photos

February 2007: Children’s Dental Health Month
It was that time again, and Donna corralled us in the direction of the main campus of the A-B Tech Dental Clinic. read more/view photos

January 2007: Dr. Gillespie Receives Fellowship
Dr. Gillespie has received his Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). The ICOI was founded in 1972 by a group of innovative clinicians who believed dental implants were an alternative to removable dentures. Devoted to providing implant education to the entire dental team to better serve its patients, the ICOI is not only the world’s largest dental implant organization, but is also the world’s largest provider of continuing dental implant education, with members in more than 80 countries. As the global leader in implant education, the ICOI is an association of general dentists, specialists, researchers and industry representatives.

October 2006: Lecture to North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement
In mid-October, Dr. Gillespie lectured at the UNCA Reuter Center's College for Seniors on the topic of Oral and Systemic Health: Exploring the Connection. read more/view photos

September 2006: Graduation from World-Renowned Implant Institute
At the end of September, Dr. Gillespie graduated from the world-renowned Misch International Implant Institute, co-sponsored by Temple University, one of the country's oldest and most well-respected dental schools.   The Misch Institute's unique approach to provide the most progressive and documented information and extensive hands-on experience has awarded its graduates with experiences they will use throughout their careers.   The advanced implant surgical program completed by Dr. Gillespie is recognized by the Academy of General Dentistry and he will use this training to better serve our patients' surgical needs.

May 2006: Slavic Dental Clinic
Donna and Rebecca joined Dr. Gillespie one evening in May to help provide dental work for the needy Slavic people of Buncombe County. read more/view photos

March 2006: Sealants for School Children
In March, Dr Gillespie and a team of enthusiatic experts "descended" on A-B Tech to apply protective sealants on 2nd grade children from Weaverville Elementary School. Assistants and Hygienists gather together to give of their free time to help make sure these children have the opportunity to benefit from this priceless service.

Joining Dr. Gillespie were Rebecca, Yvette (accompanied by her daughter, Krista), Donna, Colene and Barbara. Together they helped to place almost 150 sealants on 52 super kids! What fun! In addition, our newest hygienist, Belinda, was there every other Friday during the Spring. What a trooper!

January 2006: Honduras Mission
In January, Dr. Gillespie, Donna and 25 other volunteers from Asheville spent a week in Honduras doing missions work. read more/view photos

October 2005: Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief
Dr. Gillespie and 10 friends traveled Gulfport, Mississippi, to perform disaster relief work for a week. read more/view photos

Facial Rejuvenation Seminar
September 2004 marked the month for Asheville’s First Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation Seminar at the Diana Wortham Theatre. read more/view photos

Asheville's Extreme Makeover
In August, 2003, Asheville had its own edition of the hit television show, Extreme Makeover! read more/view photos