Dentist in Castlebar looking after the community

Dental Care Ireland practice manager Margaret Robinson discusses why the community means so much for the dentist in Castlebar, Co Mayo

“We have had patients coming here since the year dot, and they keep coming back.” These are the words of Dental Care Ireland Castlebar practice manager Margaret Robinson, who stresses the importance of the community to the team in the vibrant Co Mayo town.

Dental Care Ireland took over the running of this Castlebar practice in March 2015, but its ties in the community go back nearly 40 years. “I’ve been working in this dental practice for over 30 years – we’re a huge part of the town and everyone knows us,” says Margaret.

“Since Dental Care Ireland have come on board, we have overseen a complete refurbishment with more comfortable surgeries, seats and a fantastic waiting room, and overall a much more modern feel. Many of our staff have been here for decades.”

This dentist in Castlebar employs 11 staff. “We have three dentists, a dental hygienist, a lab technician, a student nurse, three qualified nurses, and other administrative staff. It really is a great atmosphere – we socialise together and get on really well. Our staff turnover is very low because once you start working for this practice in this beautiful town, it’s very difficult to leave.”

Since Dental Care Ireland have come on board, patients have seen an improved experience all round. “Along with the improvements to the actual practice itself, we also offer flexible opening hours, including early openings, opening at lunchtimes and late on certain weekdays,” says Margaret. “We also offer good treatment plans, and cater for PRSI entitlements and medical card holders.

“When patients come in, we always greet them with a smile. This practice is built around patients. Castlebar is a small town, so that familiarity we have with the community really helps. We are lucky to get Christmas cards in the festive season, and make sure to support families who lose loved ones with bereavement cards. That’s the kind of practice we are.”

The dentist in Castlebar has certainly fostered a special atmosphere. “We don’t want people to feel nervous when they come in here, so we add little touches to put them at ease. We have a couple of iPads for children, we get in new books every month so they’re in good condition, and we light a candle every single day. It makes it so nice and relaxed – comfort for the patient is paramount.

The practical benefits don’t end there, as the whole community is catered for. “We are wheelchair-friendly here in Castlebar, as we want easy access for everyone. That makes a huge difference,” says Margaret.

Dental Care Ireland Castlebar offers a variety of treatments, including x-rays, hygienist treatments, fillings and extractions, as well as specialised treatments like root canal treatment and teeth whitening. It’s a formula that leads to patient loyalty. “I see patients in here that we’ve treated since they were children, and they are bringing in their own children now!” says Margaret.

“I’m from Castlebar myself, and I just love working in this town. We have a great mix of experienced and younger staff who know their business but at the end of the day, primarily want to ensure that our patients are happy with our service. That’s what it’s all about.”

This approach is paying dividends, as this dentist in Castlebar is attracting a lot of new business, alongside its regular patients. “Sometimes it feels like we are catering for ten new patients a week,” says Margaret. “Just today I’ve taken the details of four new patients. It’s really busy here, and we thrive on that.”

The DCI Castlebar dental practice is located on Station Road in Castlebar town, and is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8am to 7pm, and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8am to 5pm. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. Click this link or call 094-9022317