Dr. Mary Jean Sotack, DDS

07/26/2026

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Scientists May Have Found The Oldest Known Evidence Of Dental Treatment

A 59,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth discovered in Siberia is offering a remarkable glimpse into how our ancient relatives may have dealt with severe tooth pain.

The molar contained a deep cavity extending into the pulp—the soft tissue that houses nerves and blood vessels. Under high-powered microscopes, researchers identified microscopic scratch marks that are consistent with intentional drilling using a sharp stone tool, likely to remove decayed tissue and reduce pain.

Even more remarkable, the tooth showed signs of healing and continued use after the procedure, suggesting the individual survived and continued chewing with the treated tooth. Researchers also found wear patterns linked to toothpick use, hinting that Neanderthals may have practiced a basic form of oral hygiene.

If these findings are confirmed by future research, this could represent the oldest known evidence of invasive dental treatment ever discovered—pushing the origins of dentistry back tens of thousands of years and revealing that the desire to relieve tooth pain may be one of humanity's oldest shared experiences.

📖 Source: Zubova A, Zotkina LV, et al. Earliest evidence for invasive mitigation of dental caries by Neanderthals. PLOS ONE (2026).

07/18/2026

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One rejection after another nearly ended her dream—but it ended up changing dentistry forever.

In the mid-1800s, dentistry was considered a profession only for men. When Lucy Beaman Hobbs applied to dental schools across the United States, she was repeatedly denied admission—not because she lacked ability, but simply because she was a woman.

Instead of giving up, Lucy persuaded a practicing dentist to train her privately. She studied tirelessly, gained practical experience, and began treating patients, proving that skill—not gender—defines a great dentist. Her success eventually challenged long-held beliefs and changed attitudes toward women in dentistry.

In 1866, the Ohio College of Dental Surgery admitted Lucy and awarded her a dental degree, making her the first woman in the world to earn a dental degree. Her historic achievement broke one of the strongest barriers in professional education and inspired more dental schools to open their doors to women.

Today, women make up a large and growing part of the dental profession around the world—a legacy that began with one woman who refused to let discrimination define her future.

History wasn't changed by permission. It was changed by persistence.

06/27/2026

Registered Dental Hygienist Wanted – Join Our Dental Family!

Are you a compassionate, patient-focused Dental Hygienist looking for more than a job and looking for your home? We’d love to welcome you to our dental practice where relationships matter, teamwork comes naturally, and our patients are treated like family.

We’re seeking a friendly, motivated Registered Dental Hygienist who enjoys providing exceptional preventive care while building lasting connections with patients of all ages.

What We Offer:

* Supportive, close-knit team environment
*Well-equipped office
* Loyal patient base with a hometown feel
* Competitive pay based on experience
* Paid holidays
* Continuing education opportunities
* Flexible scheduling with an excellent work-life balance

What We’re Looking For:

* Current Dental Hygienist license
* Excellent communication and patient education skills
* Gentle, caring approach to patient care
* Positive attitude and team-oriented mindset
* Passion for helping patients achieve healthy smiles

If you’re looking for a practice where you’ll be appreciated, respected, and feel at home, we’d love to meet you.

To apply,
please send your resume to [email protected]
or contact us at 757-484-7503 to learn more. Or just stop on by!

04/23/2026

The youngest Mommy in our office. 💙💙

02/25/2026

If your child’s baby teeth have small gaps between them, that is usually a healthy developmental sign.

Primary teeth are naturally smaller than permanent teeth. The spaces you see are not “gaps to fix” — they are biological room reserved for the larger adult teeth that will erupt later. This is part of normal jaw growth and helps reduce the risk of crowding during the mixed dentition stage.

When baby teeth sit tightly together with no spacing, the jaw may not have enough room for the wider permanent incisors. Studies show that closed contacts in primary teeth are associated with a higher probability of future crowding. It does not guarantee braces — but it is an early risk indicator dentists monitor.

Early dental visits allow us to track jaw development, eruption patterns, oral habits, and airway health. Monitoring growth at the right time is far more effective than waiting until crowding becomes obvious.

02/14/2026

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More foam does not mean more cleaning.

Foam is mainly produced by surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Their role is to spread toothpaste evenly and create that familiar “clean” sensation.
They do not mechanically remove dental biofilm.

Actual plaque removal depends on:

• Controlled mechanical movement of toothbrush bristles

• A full 2-minute brushing time

• Proper angulation along the gumline

• Mild abrasives that help disrupt biofilm and polish surface stains

• Fluoride that strengthens enamel and supports remineralization

Foam enhances perception.
Brushing technique determines effectiveness.

Excessive lather can create a false sense of completion — causing some people to stop too early, leaving biofilm along the gumline.

Clean teeth result from controlled mechanical disruption combined with protective chemistry — not from the amount of bubbles produced.

01/01/2026

12/26/2025

A very Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year. Blessed holidays to all

12/15/2025

Christmas in July was this year’s theme with games and tons of fun. Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!

11/13/2025

Team building with Gingerbread