Dentist offers free exams and cleanings, raises money for environment

The monthlong promotion runs from 1 to 30 April.

“Among the great Karmas to be performed, charity is the greatest,” said Dr Shir, who is an expert in cosmetic and intricate dental procedures. “In these tough economic times where many families are hurting, the charitable contribution to nonprofits and their important missions has fallen significantly. This is an ideal time to repay the support I have received from the community and to give back to one of the most important causes in Santa Monica, Heal the Bay.”

The mission of Heal the Bay is to promote the importance of making Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy and clean, while fostering a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future.

Artistic Center for Dentistry subscribes to this philosophy and is doing its part to minimize its carbon footprint. The practice is a chartless and therefore paperless, thus helping to save trees. The office reduces waste by eliminating the use of plastic products. The center’s choice to use digital x-rays eliminates the hazardous chemicals that are used in their development from contaminating the waterways and also eliminates unnecessary radiation to its patients. The heavy equipment used is both dry and oil-less and therefore does not wastefully deplete water supplies. Oil-less machinery reduces the waste production of non-biodegradable materials that contaminate the oceans.

“Support from third parties, such as Artistic Center for Dentistry, are key to promoting greater awareness, broadening our member base, and generating funds to support our research, education, community action and advocacy,” said Natalie Burdick, Heal the Bay’s constituent development manager. “We are excited to be able partner with Dr Shir on a health program that offers free dental exams to members of our local community.”

“We are committed to improving the local environment in our community to create a cleaner, safe place to live and work. We understand the importance of making environmentally responsible decisions for a sustainable future,” Dr Shir said.

The mission of About Artistic Center for Dentistry is to create naturally beautiful smiles and enhance patients’ overall well being by using the latest dental technologies in a stress-free, Zen environment. Artistic Center for Dentistry offers all aspects of general and cosmetic dental services, including power teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, tooth restoration, root canal therapy, orthodontics and more. It uses digital x-rays with lowest radiation for patients’ safety. The center also offers a range of beauty and relaxation treatments that can bookend a patient’s dental experience, such as massage, foot reflexology, hand and facial treatments, and Botox and dermal fillers.

Dr Shir has served many well-known celebrities in addition to owning and managing several successful dental practices in Los Angeles County since 1993. She graduated from UCLA School of Dentistry in June 1993. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from UC Irvine.

The Consumer’s Research Council of America recently selected Dr Shir to be included in its 2010 edition of Guide to America’s Top Dentists.

“Receiving this designation is an honor,” Dr Shir said.

(Edited by Fred Michmershuizen, DTA)