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Proclamation from City Of Las Cruces

Whereas thousands of people in southern New Mexico and far west Texas lack insurance for essential dental care, part of the over 100 million Americans without dental insurance; Whereas good dental hygiene is a cornerstone of health; Whereas over 200 dental offices nation-wide offer free care once a year during Dentistry From The Heart, giving more than $8 million worth of free dental care over 11 years and helping more than 60,000 people; Whereas Bright Star Dental is participating in this event for the sixth year, having provided care for over 800 patients in the first five years, amounting to almost $200,000 in free dental care; Whereas on Friday, February 3, Bright Star Dental will offer free dental care to adults, giving each attendee the opportunity to have a free cleaning or filling; Therefore the City of Las Cruces proclaims Friday, February 3, to be Bright Star Dental Dentistry From The Heart Day. 

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DFTH 2012 Press Release

Bright Star Dental offers free dental care on Friday, February 3 2012

LAS CRUCES - It’s not a good idea to neglect your teeth, but sometimes it’s hard to make room in a tight budget for getting a cleaning or a cavity filled. If that’s your situation, mark you calendar for Friday, February 3. For the sixth year, Dr. Brian Gilbert, the staff of Bright Star Dental, and community volunteers will provide free dental care during Dentistry From The Heart. From 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., they will give patients their choice of a free cleaning or filling on a first-come, first-served basis. About 200 people each year have received free dental care. The whole team at Bright Star Dental donates their time for their busiest day of the year, as do community volunteers and NMSU pre-dental students who assist and learn at the same time. Dr. Gilbert says, “We especially urge those who can’t afford care to attend. Any adult can take advantage of the services, but we really want to reach out to those in the community who wouldn’t be getting dental care otherwise.” The event is open to anyone aged 18 and over with a valid, government-issued photo ID. A brief health history is required, then patients must be prepared to wait their turn for care. The waiting area is outdoors, so bring a jacket or even a blanket if it is chilly outside. People attend from all over the Mesilla Valley, Deming and El Paso to receive free care. Wait times tend to be shortest for those asking for a free cleaning, which is done by the team of hygienists. Limited slots are available for fillings, done only by Dr. Gilbert, so it is best to arrive early if you need a cavity filled. Those who would like to receive dental care on February 3 must park at nearby Young Park on Walnut and take the free shuttle to the dental office, located at 2010 E. Lohman. The parking lot at the dental office will be unavailable for parking during Dentistry From The Heart. The shuttle will begin service at 6:30 am. Dr. Gilbert, who has been in practice in Las Cruces for over 21 years, supports the community with other charitable events as well. The Halloween Candy Buy-Back offers kids money for their excess Halloween sweets, which are then donated to Operation Gratitude to be sent to military personnel serving overseas. Each spring, Dr. Gilbert provides scholarships to five high school students going into health care. Another recent addition to the charitable events is a food drive benefitting Gospel Rescue Mission. Dentistry From The Heart is a national project which has provided free dental care to over 60,000 people since the first event in 2001 at over 200 annual events nationwide. Founded by Dr. Vicent Monticciolo of Port Richey, Florida, Dentistry From The Heart is now a non-profit organization that reaches thousands of patients each year in states throughout the country. More information is available at www.dentistryfromtheheart.org

For additional information on the Las Cruces Dentistry From the Heart event go to www.brightstardental.blogspot.com

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DR. BRIAN GILBERT CHOSEN AS EXAMINER FOR ACADEMY 

Dr. Brian Gilbert has been chosen to participate as an Examiner for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry's annual Accreditation Examinations in Madison, Wisconsin.

Dr. Gilbert was one of 20 Accredited Cosmetic Dentists from across the country selected to be part of an elite team facilitating the process of evaluating dentists from around the world who are applying to become Accredited members of the Academy.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care

The AACD began in 1984,when 60 dentists met to create an organization devoted to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. The AACD has matured into the world's largest organization for cosmetic dental professionals and now includes more than 6,000 dental professionals from 70 countries worldwide.

With the formation of the Accreditation credential, the AACD began offering the most stringent and respected postgraduate certification in cosmetic dentistry to both dentists and laboratory technicians

"It is an amazing and humbling process to be a part of," said Gilbert. "In reviewing the cosmetic dentistry cases submitted by doctors from literally all over the world, we are not only evaluating their work, but learning from their incredible skills in the process."

Dr. Gilbert, the first Accredited Dentist from New Mexico, was Accredited by the Academy in 1996. Currently, Dr. Gilbert is the only Accredited Member of the Academy in Las Cruces and the El Paso region of West Texas. At present, there are less than 400 dentists worldwide who have achieved Accredited Member status.

Dr. Gilbert has been in practice in Las Cruces for 22 years. His practice, Bright Star Dental, provides general dental care as well as cosmetic dental procedures. Dr. Gilbert and his staff host a free dental care day each February, give scholarships to graduating high school seniors going into the healthcare fields each May, sponsor a fund raising event for the Gospel Rescue Mission each summer and host the annual Halloween Candy Buyback each November.

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Miss New Mexico Pagaent

LAS CRUCES, NM, November 12, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Brian Gilbert of Bright Star Dental,  dentist in Las Cruces, NM , is honored to be chosen as a judge for the Miss New Mexico USA pageant. The Miss Universe Organization produces the internationally-recognized Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions.

"To be asked to judge the Miss New Mexico USA pageant is a great honor. It is a privilege to judge such a well-known competition and to help crown someone who is fully capable of being an ambassador to represent New Mexico throughout the state, as well as nationally and internationally. It is always a pleasure to take an active role in my community," said Dr. Brian Gilbert, Las Cruces, NM dentist.

The Miss New Mexico USA pageant looks for ambassadors to represent New Mexico throughout the state, as well as nationally and internationally. The winners will be young women who possess the entire package of poise, personality, intelligence and beauty. They automatically and instantly become role models, and Dr. Gilbert, cosmetic dentist in Las Cruces, is honored to be able to help find an appropriate role model for his community that possesses the entire package.

Additionally, Dr. Brian Gilbert's life-changing work has received nationwide attention. He is a recipient of the coveted Grace Ogle Award for Leaders in Organized Dentistry, the American Academy of Periodontology Award for Outstanding Achievement in Periodontics, the Pierre Fauchard Academy Certificate of Merit, and the Alpha Omega Award of Excellence in Scholarship. Dr. Gilbert, Las Cruces cosmetic dentist, is also the only accredited cosmetic dentist in Southern New Mexico and the El Paso region of West Texas.

Dr. Brian Gilbert and the entire Bright Star Team are also active in supporting the city of Las Cruces by means of numerous community service projects throughout the year. Each February, Dr. Gilbert, sedation dentist in Las Cruces, and his team host "Dentistry from the Heart" - a day of free dentistry for the entire community.

In addition, in May, Dr. Gilbert awards the Bright Star Dental Healthcare Scholarship to four high school seniors. Each student receives a $1000 scholarship to continue their studies in college in any field of healthcare. To learn more about Dr. Brian Gilbert, Las Cruces sedation dentist, patients are encouraged to visit the practice's website for more information, as well as door-to-door driving directions to Bright Star Dental.

Patients turn to Dr. Brian Gilbert, cosmetic dentist in El Paso, TX, for all of their dental health care needs. Further proof of his continual efforts to provide patients with exceptional care can be seen through Dr. Gilbert's acceptance of being a judge for the Miss New Mexico USA pageant, in addition to an array of awards and community events sponsored by Bright Star Dental.

About Bright Star Dental: Dr. Brian Gilbert maintains a level of expertise that is unmatched by any other dentist in Southern New Mexico or El Paso, TX. A gifted practitioner, instructor, and presenter, Dr. Gilbert has received worldwide recognition for his work and is regarded as a preeminent professional in the cosmetic dentistry field.

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HCBB Follow up release

Image: Dr. Brian Gilbert of Bright Star Dental counts out the cash for a trick-or-treater who turned in 24 pounds of candy during the Halloween Candy Buy Back.

BRIGHT STAR DENTAL NETS 572 POUNDS OF CANDY FOR THE TROOPS

Bright Star Dental in Las Cruces reports another successful Halloween Candy Buy Back took place on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Children and families brought 572 pounds of candy to the dental office to be exchanged for dollar bills. Excited children left with the money firmly in hand, several noting that they planned to use the money for a purchase they have been saving up towards. In addition to children who had received more treats than they could eat, adults also brought candy that wasn’t distributed on Halloween.

The candy will be shipped to Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that distributes care packages to military personnel serving overseas. Bright Star Dental also hosts the annual Dentistry From The Heart free dental care day, scheduled for February 3, 2012, and provides five scholarships to graduating high school seniors going into the healthcare field. For more information, go to www.brightstardental.blogspot.com.

HCBB 2011 Release

Image: Janessa Massey, 6, receives cash from Dr. Brian Gilbert for bringing candy to the Halloween Candy Buy Back. Photo by Cheryl Fallstead.

BRIGHT STAR DENTAL OFFERS KIDS CASH FOR CANDY ON NOVEMBER 1

LAS CRUCES - Kids love Halloween and can’t wait to wear their costumes and knock on neighborhood doors to collect as much candy as they can. While parents are happy to indulge their kids for this one night of fun, they worry that too much of a sweet thing on a regular basis will lead to a variety of problems. They have every right to be concerned about the connection between too much sugar and cavities, obesity and diabetes.

That’s where Dr. Brian Gilbert of Bright Star Dental comes in. The day after Halloween, kids can bring their bags of excess candy to Bright Star Dental, 2010 E. Lohman, Las Cruces and trade it in, getting a crisp dollar bill for each pound of candy. The candy is then boxed up and shipped to an organization that provides care packages for military personnel serving overseas.

“We’re holding our third Halloween Candy Buy Back because we care about children’s dental health. Eating too much sugar isn’t healthy for our bodies or our teeth. We want kids to enjoy a few treats, brush and floss, then bring the rest of the candy to Bright Star Dental. Then we’ll ship it to Operation Gratitude, to send to military personnel serving overseas. It’s a win-win deal!” says Dr. Gilbert.

Parents, grandparents and kids are invited to bring those sacks of extra sugary treats and trade it in for a few bucks. Kids - or even adventurous adults - are encouraged to wear their costumes to the event. Everyone who attends may also write a note of encouragement for our troops overseas.

Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about two percent annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids teeth are being cared for more than ever. Too much candy, as well as hurting children’s teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken teeth and damaged braces.

Families who attended last year were pleased to find a way to allow kids to have their Halloween fun, then have a way to get rid of all that candy with no whining or arguments. Kids walked out with handfuls of cash - and their healthy smiles intact. Plus, they all knew it was going to a good cause.

Candy will be collected at Bright Star Dental, 2010 E. Lohman, on Tuesday, November 1, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.  Over the last two years, Bright Star Dental has collected hundreds of pounds of candy that has brightened days for overseas military personnel.

The Halloween Candy Buy Back is part of a national campaign promoted by Operation Gratitude, which says on their website that last year they received over 125 tons of candy and plan to send over 60,000 Holiday Care Packages to military personnel this year.

The City of Las Cruces is proclaiming November 1 to be Bright Star Dental Halloween Candy Buy Back Day at the October 17 city council meeting.

Bright Star Dental provides general dental care as well as cosmetic procedures and has served the Las Cruces area for over 20 years. Dr. Gilbert and his staff also host a free dental care day in February and give scholarships to graduating high school seniors going into the health care field and sponsor a fund raising event for the Gospel Rescue Mission each summer.

For more information, go to www.brightstardental.blogspot.comor call (575) 520-5511. To learn more about Operation  Gratitude, go to www.opgratitude.com.

RELEASE-BSD

Image: Dr. Brian Gilbert of Bright Star Dental presents a check representing the cash donations made during their month-long food drive to Bill Wheeler, the executive director of Gospel Rescue Mission. A total of $1,125 and 297 pounds of food were donated.

Bright Star Dental food drive benefits Gospel Rescue Mission

The totals are in for the Bright Star Dental food drive benefitting Gospel Rescue Mission. Patients, staff and the public donated 297 pounds of food in the month-long drive that will be used to create food boxes and feed the hungry at the mission. In addition, $1,125 in cash was donated to help with other needs at the shelter.

Dr. Brian Gilbert, owner of Bright Star Dental, said, “It was amazing. We just put the word out and people began bringing in food and cash. We’re so glad to be able to play a part in supporting Gospel Rescue Mission.”

In 2010, Bright Star Dental held a silent art auction and food drive, with all proceeds going to Gospel Rescue Mission.

Bill Wheeler, the executive director of Gospel Rescue Mission, came to Bright Star Dental to receive the donations. He was very grateful for the generosity of the public in helping them to support the needy in the community.

Gospel Rescue Mission served 39,963 meals in the first half of this year, up over 3,300 meals from the same time last year. In addition, they served 774 more hot meals in July 2011 than in 2010. The mission provides hot meals three times a day and food boxes to anyone in need.

While the Bright Star Dental food drive is now over, Gospel Rescue Mission can always use your help. Donations are gladly accepted at the facility located at 1050 W. Amador. Fresh fruits, vegetables and meats as well as non-perishable items are needed.

Bright Star Dental, located at 2010 E. Lohman in Las Cruces, also holds the annual Halloween Candy Buy Back (scheduled this year for Nov. 1 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.), Dentistry From The Heart in February, and funds scholarships for five graduating high school seniors planning to study health care. For more information, go to www.brightstardental.blogspot.com.

BSD Scholarship Winneres release
 

Images: Scholarship recipients with Dr. Brian Gilbert and Lorena Ruiz of Bright Star Dental. (L - R) Dr. Brian Gilbert, Jaron Cadena, Amber Lalla, Jessica Rhodes, Nathaniel Hill, and Lorena Ruiz.

Bright Star Dental Healthcare Scholarship awarded to four local seniors

Dr. Brian Gilbert and Bright Star Dental are again supporting graduating seniors from the Las Cruces area who are planning careers in healthcare. The students were each selected as recipients of the Bright Star Dental Healthcare Scholarship. Each of the students will receive a $1,000 scholarship from Bright Star Dental. Scholarships were awarded to one student from each of the Las Cruces Public Schools high schools and Mesilla Valley Christian.

Scholarship winners are Jessica Rhodes, Mesilla Valley Christian; Amber Lalla, Mayfield High School; Jaron Cadena, Las Cruces High School; and Nathaniel Hill, Oñate High School. Each student was also presented with a plaque from Bright Star Dental.

Lalla plans to attend Notre Dame University as she works towards her medical degree. Rhodes has been accepted by Pepperdine University and plans to earn her doctorate in physical therapy. Cadena will attend NMSU and then UNM for his graduate work as he studies to earn a doctorate in pharmacy. Hill plans to become an oncologist and hopes to own his own practice in the future.

Dr. Gilbert awards these scholarships each year in an effort to support students who plan a career in healthcare and as part of his goal of giving back to the Las Cruces community. His other charitable activities include Dentistry From The Heart and the Halloween Candy Buy Back. Dr. Gilbert has provided dental care in Las Cruces for over 20 years.

“We are very impressed with the quality of applications we received this year. Selecting the winners was not easy,” Dr. Gilbert said. “I encourage these students, after they complete their studies, to return to Las Cruces and be part of the medical profession here. I hope that they will want to give back to the community as well.”

Bright Star Dental is located at 2010 E. Lohman in Las Cruces. Additional photos of scholarship recipients and their essays may be viewed at www.brightstardental.blogspot.com.

DFTH 2011 Release

Images - photos by Cheryl Fallstead:

• The Bright Star Dental team lines up for a group shot during the 2010 Dentistry From The Heart.
•  Dr. Gilbert and a member of the Bright Star Dental team provide free health care to a patient during the 2010 Dentistry From The Heart.

Bright Star Dental offers free dental care on Friday, February 11

LAS CRUCES - Want your smile to look even better for Valentine’s Day? Good news! For the fifth year, Dr. Brian Gilbert, the staff of Bright Star Dental, and community volunteers will be up bright and early on Friday, February 11, to provide free dental care during Dentistry From The Heart. From 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., they will give patients their choice of a free cleaning, filling or even an extraction on a first-come, first-served basis.

About 200 people each year have received free dental care and Dr. Gilbert and the team are eager to serve even more folks. The whole team at Bright Star Dental donates their time for their busiest day of the year, as do community volunteers and pre-dental students who assist and learn at the same time.

Dr. Gilbert says, “I’m excited that this is our fifth year and that we may meet our goal of reaching 1,000 patients served. This is our first Dentistry From The Heart in our new facility and we should be able to work even more efficiently here.”

The event is open to anyone aged 18 and over with a valid, government-issued photo ID. A brief health history is required, then patients must be prepared to wait their turn for care. The waiting area is outdoors, so bring a jacket if it is chilly outside. Last year people whiled away their wait reading a good book, visiting with others, or even knitting. People attend from all over the Mesilla Valley, Deming and El Paso to receive free care. But wait times are not incredibly long and those getting a cleaning, which are done by the large team of hygienists, are usually seen within an hour.

Those who would like to receive dental care on February 11 must park at nearby Young Park on Walnut and take the free shuttle to the dental office. The parking lot at the dental office will be unavailable for parking during Dentistry From The Heart.

Dr. Gilbert, who has been in practice in Las Cruces for over 21 years, supports the community with other charitable events as well. The Halloween Candy Buy-Back offers kids money for their excess Hall

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