As 2011 comes to a close, Orthodontic Specialists of Florida would like to remind you to take full advantage of your insurance plan!
Do you have a HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Savings Account) plan? Knowing the difference can help save you money.
HSA balances can roll over from year to year and continue to grow tax deferred. Money in your flex plan must be spent by the end of the plan year or you lose it.
As a friendly reminder, keep a copy of all paperwork associated with you or your child's treatment. In orer to receive full reimbursement, you may need to show a copy of any receipts of statements you've received, as well as any contracts and a record of payments made over the course of a year. Be sure to call to schedule an appointment to utilize these funds by the end of the year.
HSA/FSA plans may vary, so be sure to contact your employer's human resource department for any exclusions.
To check your OSOF account balance, go to www.Florida4Braces.com, and click on "My Account."
Also, be sure to notify your office of any insurance changes for 2012.
National Orthodontic Health Month
October 7th, 2011
The month of October brings some exciting things—Fall starts, the weather cools down, we get to dress up in fun costumes and carve pumpkins. But did you also know that October is National Orthodontic month?
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida would like to take some time to share the benefits of a healthy smile, ensuring you are getting the most out of your orthodontic devices and treatment plans.
Many Halloween treats can wreak havoc for those with braces and can potentially harm your treatment time. Below are some tips to get you through this Halloween and to keep your beautiful smile both safe and happy!
*Avoid treats that are sticky, hard, chewy or crunchy (it can get stuck in your braces!)
*When in doubt, eat chocolate! (The kind that melts in your mouth.)
*Eat Halloween candy in moderation, but make sure you brush AND floss after you eat!
*Schedule routine visits to make sure you are on track with your orthodontic treatment plan.
If you have any specific questions or concerns in regards to what type of food you should avoid, or if you should experience a problem, please contact your local Orthodontic Specialists of Florida.
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida is a preferred provider for Disney cast members and their families. Each month OSOF visits a different location to educate cast members on orthodontic treatment options, including braces and Invisalign. Check out some pictures from our last Disney on-site event.
“Smile, You’re Hired”
August 24th, 2011
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida’s “Smile, You’re Hired” campaign was extended to all of their 33 offices in the state of Florida by offering Invisalign for $199 per-month, to adults looking to reenter the job market in 2011, with a new smile and first-impression during the interview process.
“We decided to test market ‘Smile, You’re Hired’ in Tampa, only because we wanted to tread lightly on the issue of employment in the state of Florida, but what we’ve found is that almost 60 percent of our patients to date are adult patients who are seeking reemployment in 2011, and are looking for an affordable monthly payment, and discreet way to improve their smile,” said Alan D. Shoopak, D.M.D., founder and owner of OSOF. “My staff and I are seeing a steady flow of these types of new patients on a weekly basis, and we feel the greatest reward when someone stops back in from our 'Smile, You’re Hired' program, and they’ve recently landed a job.”
As reported in Tampa by WTSP’s Kathryn Bursch, a CBS affiliate, the number of adults coming into Orthodontic Specialists of Florida to improve their smile, thereby improving their impression during interviews, as America goes back to work in 2011 is increasing, and will hopefully continue to do so as this program is now extended throughout the state.
“We want to encourage others to chip in as well, and help America get back to work in 2011, even if it’s just 50% off neckties by a department store, or an individual helping a job seeking friend with a resume,” added Shoopak.
Smiling is possibly the interview skill most persuasive to employers, yet most overlooked by applicants. Take it from someone who has interviewed hundreds of people for jobs at my offices throughout Florida. The best advice I can give is, "don't forget to smile." Even the normal stress that comes with an important job interview can make us look tired, nervous and defeated if worn on our faces. But separate studies have shown that smiling is a universal sign of happiness, and that happy people are more attractive to others. It's true. And when you smile, you also influence the mood of those around you. That's why smiles are contagious. They're also good for you. According to Dr. Mark Stibich, a smiling PhD in health behavior from Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, smiling relieves stress, boost your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, releases endorphins and even makes you appear younger. That's worth smiling about. For all these reasons, as an employer, I value positive, resilient people who handle stress with aplomb and bring the benefits of positivity to the workplace. So, smile.
Back to School Supply Drive with FOX 13 Care Force
August 17th, 2011
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida and The FOX 13 Care Force have teamed up with Office Depot to help collect school supplies for needy children. Thousands of students across the Bay Area are homeless or can’t even afford basic school supplies. On August 23 and 24, stop by any Bay Area Office Depot, purchase extra supplies like pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, crayons and even backpacks, and drop them in the “Stuff the Bus” bins located in the participating stores.
Each location will also have two different pre-filled bags ready to purchase for donation; one valued at around $5 and another valued at approximately $10.
All of the donated supplies will be distributed by each county’s education foundation.
