We now have three hygienists working at Old Court House: We now have links with a new gum disease specialist working in Leatherhead, a Mr Richard Snoad.
The practice attended the BDA Southern Counties Postgraduate Day on Friday 13th May, held in Croydon. Topics covered for the dentists included endodontics (root filling), periodontal disease, implants and orthodontics. While the rest of the team addressed infection control and further training opportunities.
The team then arrived at the annual grand dinner and barn dance in their cowboy attire as pictured. We then spent the following morning discussing how to practically apply the information and advice gained to our daily routine.
We have a further training day arranged for October at Liphook. This day will be used to discuss current topical issues and update individual training needs identified through our appraisal system.
Home bleaching has been available at the practice for the last 3 years despite an ongoing wrangle with the Office of Fair Trading regarding European legislation and correct licensing of peroxide products used in the mouth.
Our defense bodies are happy for us to supply these products to our patients so long as they are fully informed of the regulations involved with using peroxide at this 10-17% concentration.
An impression appointment is needed to make the close fitting trays and the dentist will give instruction on using them and administering the gel. Patients will be asked to sign a consent form and will be given an instruction sheet to take home.
Some patients may suffer some cold sensitivity during and immediately after treatment. The colour returns to normal after 12-18 months and re-bleaching is often necessary.
Funding is ever restricted within the NHS system to deliver the sort of care that we would like to provide ideally. We have set up a monthly plan at an affordable £13 a month to enable us to provide a comprehensive preventative care approach.
This includes two 15 minute visits a year with both the dentist and hygienist to give preventative help and advice on tooth brushing, dietary counselling and maintaining good dental health. Fluoride treatment, fissure sealants and cleaning are included as well as 50% off the cost of custom-made sports mouthguards.
It is our intention to continue to provide NHS dentistry for under 18s for the next 3 years until 2009 but this is dependent on the local PCT placing a contract with us and not cutting services. However the goal-posts are always changing politically so this situation may change in the future – hence the need to start providing an affordable and viable alternative.