What's New

Jumping For Joy!

September 2015

We are very excited to announce the addition of Dr. Joy Magtanong-Madrid to Better Living Through Dentistry! Dr. Joy is a friend and colleague of Dr. Lee's and they have been teaching together at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry for the past four years. The addition of Dr. Joy to our practice means that we will be able to increase appointment availability and flexibility in order to better serve our patients. We're confident that patients will love Joy's warm and friendly personality and find her to be a highly skilled dentist and a genuine, caring individual who shares the same values as the rest of our team at here at Better Living Through Dentistry. Welcome aboard, Dr. Joy!

Dr. Natasha Lee Elected Secretary of the California Dental Association

August 2014

Dr. Lee has been involved as a volunteer leader with the California Dental Association since she was a dental student. Today, she was elected and installed as Secretary of the California Dental Association. She is the youngest dentist ever and only the fourth female dentist to hold an officer position in the CDA, the state professional organization that represents 26,000 dentists and is committed to championing better oral health for all Californians. Dr. Lee is extremely honored to serve as a role model for other women dentists and work to improve the profession of dentistry.

Welcome Baby Peyton!

January 2014

Our Registered Dental Hygienist, Nghi Thu has given birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl named Peyton! Nghi Thu will be on maternity leave for a couple of months and will return in March. Even though Peyton has no teeth yet, mom can't wait to teach her how to brush and floss. Nghi Thu and all of our hygienists are here to help educate expectant moms about oral care for themselves and for their little ones. Congrats Nghi Thu!

CDA Cares Provides Dental Care to the Underserved

Last weekend, members of the Better Living Through Dentistry team volunteered again with the California Dental Association Foundation's CDA Cares event, this time in San Jose. Volunteer efforts and donations helped treat over 2000 underserved patients and provide $1.5 million dollars in pro-bono dental care to people in need to alleviate dental pain and infection. Good job, team!

Delta Dental of California Expected to Cut Reimbursement to Dentists for Patients with Delta Plans

March 2013

The California Dental Association has reported that Delta Dental of California intends to cut payment rates to contracted dentists for care provided to patients with Delta Dental plans by 8-12% in 2013. This information was confirmed to us directly by Delta's Professional Relations Manager. Delta has made similar cuts in many states in the past year. Reimbursement rate reductions can often affect the quality and level of service patients receive from dentists who are contracted with plans when reimbursement rates drop below the the cost of providing care to patients. In addition, when dentists contract with low reimbursement plans it often means that dentists make up for contracting with these low reimbursement plans by charging their other patients more. We believe that the fees we charge for our services should be equal for all patients and that every patient deserves the highest level of service, safe, quality dental care and the best in dental materials and labs. Therefore, as of April 1, 2013 we will no longer contract directly with Delta Dental. Patients with Delta will still be able to use their plans in our office and we will continue to file all claims and handle all paperwork for all Delta patients. Please see the Delta Dental page on our website for information about using your Delta plan in our office or call us for more information.

Remote Area Medical Event

April 2011

I'm extremely proud of all of our team members whovolunteered with me on April 9th and 10th at the Remote Area Medical event at the Oakland Coliseum. Over 3000 volunteers provided no-cost healthcare to thousands of underserved bay area residents, some of whom waited overnight to assure their place in line to receive dental fillings, extractions, medical exams, and prescription glasses. Great job Nghi-Thu, Stephanie, Charlene, and Angela!

Dr. Lee Travels to Fiji with Her Dental Students

March 2010

Dr. Lee served as a faculty advisor on a dental mission trip organized by the dental students at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. Years ago, one of the graduates of Pacific visited Fiji and was touched by the hospitality of the people of Fiji but saddened by the impoverished oral health conditions. He set out to raise money and build a community center in Moala Village and created a make shift dental facility in one of the rooms where dental volunteers arrive once a year to provide care to the villagers. They say that the people of Fiji are the friendliest people on earth and Dr. Lee certainly believes it after spending a week with the amazing residents of Moala Village.