Stephens Dentistry Celebrates Dental Hygiene Month

November 3, 2022

In addition to Halloween, October was also designated as Dental Hygiene Month, a time when we celebrate the fantastic work done by dental hygienists. It’s a time to raise public awareness of the hygienic practices that are needed to maintain our oral health.


What Our Hygienists Do

At Stephens Dentistry our hygienists play a vital role in treating our patients and representing our dental office. Just some of the services they perform include:

  • Promoting overall oral health and oral hygiene education
  • Periodontal scaling and root planing
  • Detection of cavities and gum disease
  • Performing teeth whitening
  • Applying fluoride treatment

A recent national survey found that the overwhelming majority of dental hygienists were satisfied with their careers, and at Stephens Dentistry we’re more than satisfied with our team of outstanding hygienists. Thank you to Lauren, Grace, Florcy, Vanessa, and Teresa!

We want to express our gratitude for the fantastic dental services each of them provides at Stephens Dentistry. That’s ultimately why we are grateful for all the work our dental hygienists complete within our practice and caring for our patients most of all.


Welcome The Newest Additions To Our Team

Dental Hygiene Month is also an appropriate time to introduce and welcome the newest dentists added to our team at Stephens Dentistry: Dr. Marcos Montoya and Dr. Rares Raibulet.


Dr. Marcos Montoya

A native of Glenview, Dr. Montoya grew up in a medical family: his mother is an internist and his aunt is a dentist. While pursuing his undergraduate studies in molecular and cellular biology at the University of Illinois at Champaign, he decided to shadow his aunt at her Chicago dental practice. While there he discovered a love for the “vibe” of dentistry and the excitement of working in a dental practice where you can get to know the patients you’re treating.


That new-found love of dentistry led him to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and as a member of our team at Stephens Dentistry Dr. Montoya enjoys providing total patient care, with an emphasis on nutrition, pain management, and sleep. He fervently believes that our bodies have tremendous healing capacity when healthy nutrition is coupled with a consistent sleep pattern.


Dr. Montoya and his wife Magali have two beautiful daughters, Sofia and Olivia, and in addition to his dental practice he has a passion for ice hockey which he has played since age five. Despite the demands of his professional life, he plays the game every week and also makes time to coach younger hockey players as well.


Dr. Rares Raibulet

Dr. Raibulet was born in Romania but grew up in Indianapolis and now loves his new home in the Chicagoland area. He did his undergraduate studies at Indiana University-Purdue University and received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Midwestern University in Downers Grove.


Dr. Raibulet’s attention to detail applies not only to his skills and technique but also to his “bedside manner.” His commitment to his dental practice is evident through the great amount of time he has devoted to continuing education to expand his knowledge and skills in cosmetic dentistry, implant placement, oral surgery, and root canal therapy.


Outside of dentistry, Dr. Raibulet and his wife Nedina and their daughter Liv enjoy traveling, trying new culinary experiences, sampling new coffee shops, and spending quality time with their families. Along with Dr. Robert B. Stephens – or Dr. Bob as he is known to his patients – our dentists at Stephens Dentistry are dedicated to providing the very highest quality dental care to our patients, in a caring and nurturing atmosphere.



It’s an honor to welcome the new hires to be part of the team at Stephens Dentistry. Congratulations on joining our team and we look forward to working with you for years to come!


Discover The Best Dentists In Evanston and The North Shore

While October is Dental Hygiene Month, dental care is a year-round process. In addition to your twice-daily brushing and flossing routine, regular cleanings and dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health.


If it’s been some time since your last cleaning and checkup, contact us at Stephens Dentistry to schedule an appointment. To ease any anxiety you might have regarding a dental visit, we offer a tranquil and judgment-free approach so you can have the best dental experience possible.


We look forward to serving you and doing all we can to promote your dental health. Please contact our front desk to schedule your next appointment.

June 24, 2025
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and transformation. As your body adapts to nurture new life, your needs evolve—including your dental care. At Stephens Dentistry, we’re passionate about supporting expectant mothers through every stage of this journey. Understanding the connection between oral health and pregnancy is not just important for your smile, but for the wellbeing of both you and your baby.  How Pregnancy Impacts Oral Health Pregnancy brings about a surge in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which can have a profound effect on your gums and teeth. Many women notice changes in their oral health during pregnancy, including increased sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding gums. These shifts aren't just uncomfortable—they can also signal conditions that need attention to safeguard your overall health. Pregnancy Gingivitis: What You Need to Know One of the most common dental issues during pregnancy is pregnancy gingivitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , up to 60–75% of pregnant women develop gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This occurs because hormonal changes heighten the body’s response to the bacteria in dental plaque. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis—a more serious gum infection that can cause tooth loss and has been linked to health risks beyond the mouth. Oral Health and Birth Outcomes The importance of oral health during pregnancy goes beyond comfort and aesthetics. Research has shown a significant link between maternal gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. A systematic review published in the Journal of Dental Research found that women with periodontal disease may be more likely to deliver prematurely or have babies with low birth weights. Although more research is ongoing, the potential connection means that taking care of your gums and teeth is an essential part of prenatal health. Why Dental Care Shouldn’t Wait Some expectant mothers worry about dental treatments during pregnancy. The good news is that routine dental care—including cleanings and necessary treatments—are not only safe but recommended during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists confirms that preventive dental work is important and can be performed safely, especially in the second trimester. Delaying care can allow small problems to become bigger ones, and untreated infections can pose a risk to both you and your baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, scheduling a dental checkup beforehand is an excellent way to get ahead of any issues. Practical Tips for Expectant Mothers Maintaining oral health during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to keep your smile healthy throughout your pregnancy: Brush and Floss Regularly: Aim to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This helps remove plaque and reduce your risk of gingivitis. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutritious foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which support both your oral and overall health. Manage Morning Sickness: If you experience vomiting, rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash rather than brushing immediately afterward, as stomach acid can soften tooth enamel. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and can also help combat dry mouth, which is common in pregnancy. Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Let your dental team know you are pregnant so they can tailor your care. At Stephens Dentistry, we take extra precautions to ensure your comfort and safety during each visit. Learn more about our preventive dental services . Recognizing When to Call Your Dentist While mild gum sensitivity is common, it’s important to reach out to your dentist if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, or pain. These symptoms could indicate an infection that needs prompt attention. If you develop a dental emergency during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist—timely care is always the best choice for both you and your baby. Supporting Your Health at Stephens Dentistry At Stephens Dentistry, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized dental care for every stage of life—including pregnancy. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest guidelines and safety protocols to ensure you receive the best care possible. For more information on how we support our patients during pregnancy, visit our dental care for families page. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and your smile should be a part of it. Prioritizing your oral health is a gift to yourself and your growing family. If you have questions or want to schedule your next dental visit, contact our office —we’re here to help you every step of the way.
April 29, 2025
Discover the lifelong benefits of restorative dentistry at Stephens Dentistry. Protect your oral health and enhance your smile. Schedule an appointment today.
a man holding his jaw in pain
April 1, 2025
Identify common dental emergencies with Stephens Dentistry. Get essential first aid tips to manage urgent situations effectively. Contact us today for expert advice.
a man sitting in a dentist's chair smiling
March 4, 2025
Explore the latest cosmetic dentistry trends at Stephens Dentistry in Evanston to enhance your smile. Schedule a consultation today for a radiant transformation.
More Posts