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Emergency dentist opening hours this Christmas

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. Please see the emergency dentist opening hours for every practice at Christmas below

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but you still may need an emergency dentist over the festive season. Please see our Christmas opening hours below. From all of us here in Dental Care Ireland, have a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. We look forward to seeing you in 2019!

Ashbourne, Co Meath:
December 22nd: Normal Hour
December 24th: 10am to 2pm
December 31st: 10am to 2pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Ballsbridge (NIDM), Dublin 4:
Open until Thursday, December 20^th. Then closed until Wednesday, January 2^nd.
Cabinteely, Co Dublin:
December 22nd: Normal Hour
December 24th: 9:30am to 1pm
December 28th: 9:30am to 1pm
December 31st: 9:30am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Callan, Co Kilkenny:
December 21st: Normal Hours
December 22nd: 9am to 5pm
Sit-and-Wait Emergency Dentist Clinic (8:30 – 11am):
– 24th December
– 27th December
– 28th December
– 31st December
– 2nd January
January 3rd: Normal Hours
Carlow:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 27th: 9am to 1pm
December 28th: 9am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Castlebar, Co Mayo:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 9am to 1pm
December 27th: 9am to 2pm
December 28th: 9am to 2pm
December 31st: 9am to 2pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Claregalway, Co Galway:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 10am to 12pm
December 28th: 10am to 12pm
December 31st: 10am to 12pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Greystones, Co Wicklow:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 9am to 1pm
December 27th: 9am to 12pm
December 28th: 9am to 12pm
December 31st: 9am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Kells, Co Meath:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 9am to 2.30pm
December 27th: 10am to 4pm
December 28th: 10am to 4pm
December 31st: 9am to 4pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Knocklyon, Dublin 16:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 8am to 12pm
December 27th: 9am to 12pm
December 28th: 9am to 12pm
December 31st: 9am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Navan, Co Meath:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 27th: 9am to 2pm
December 28th: 9am to 2pm
December 29th: 9am to 2pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Swords, Co Dublin:
December 22nd: Normal Hours
December 24th: 9am to 1pm
December 27th: 10am to 2pm
December 28th: 9am to 1pm
December 31st: 9am to 2pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours
Tullamore, Co Offaly:
December 20th: Normal Hours
December 21st: 9am to 2.30pm
December 28th: 9am to 1pm
December 31st: 9am to 1pm
January 2nd: Normal Hours

If you want to book an emergency dentist appointment with any Dental Care Ireland practice or find out more information, please click this link.

Are you interested in teeth whitening for Christmas?

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you’re looking to avail of teeth whitening for Christmas, we’re here for you.

We have seen a huge increase in people who are enquiring about teeth whitening for Christmas, and indeed all around the country. It is a very popular treatment, and for good reason. Teeth whitening helps give people a better smile for the festive season!

It can be tempting to make the decision to opt for teeth whitening on a whim. However, at Dental Care Ireland, we recommend that the first step in deciding whether or not to whiten your teeth should be taken in consultation with your dentist. Our dentists will be able to give you excellent advice on your options.

Your dentist will first need to examine your teeth, mouth and gums to see if you have any outstanding treatment needs and to assess your suitability for teeth whitening.

If you decide to undergo teeth whitening for Christmas, the next step will be for your dentist to take impressions of your teeth. These will be used to make teeth whitening trays for use with a home whitening kit. You will then receive an appointment to try out the kit and get advice as to how best to use it.

Your dentist will also work closely with you to identify the shade of white you wish to achieve. It’s important to remember that teeth whitening can take approximately ten days to three weeks depending on the shade you have chosen.

Whitening your teeth involves a bit of time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Remember that your teeth may be a little sensitive after the treatment, but this generally resolves itself shortly afterwards. Most important of all, remember to keep taking care of your teeth afterwards!

If you’re looking to book an appointment for teeth whitening for Christmas, the Dental Care Ireland practices around the country can offer you the help you need. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours

DCI well represented in dentist awards

Congratulations and good luck to all of our dentists and practices who have been nominated for the 2018 Colgate Caring Dentist Awards

Thanks to our loyal patients throughout the country, Dental Care Ireland has received an outstanding 16 nominations this year in total for the showpiece dentist awards ceremony.

Our practices in Callan, Kells, Greystones, Claregalway, Tullamore, Carlow and Castlebar are all in the running for ‘Dental Team of the Year’, while nine of our dentists have been shortlisted for ‘Caring Dentist of the Year’.

Commenting on the awards, Dental Care Ireland CEO Colm Davitt said: “We are so pleased to have received 16 nominations for this year’s Colgate Caring Dentist Awards. This is a fantastic reward for our hard-working, dedicated staff around the country, who always put our patients first in everything they do. These nominations represent the huge strides we have made in the last year, and gives us an outstanding platform on which to improve even further in 2019.”

The annual dentist awards, supported by Colgate and the Irish Dental Association, highlight excellence in the Irish dental profession, through the eyes of the patient. From regular check-ups or toothaches to emergency treatments, dentists nationwide are nominated by their patients for going above and beyond normal patient care.

We are proud that so many of our dentists and teams across the country have been nominated in these dentist awards, and it is a testament to our mission of always putting the patient first.

The overall winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 on Saturday, 1st December 2018.

Dental Care Ireland’s ‘Dental Team of The Year’ Nominees 2018:

Dental Care Ireland’s ‘Caring Dentist of The Year’ Nominees 2018:

Dr Maeibh McNamara, Dental Care Ireland Castlebar
Dr Eadin Lawless, Dental Care Ireland Tullamore
Dr Jenny Huston, Callan Dental
Dr Eimear Rowan, Callan Dental
Dr Martin McCarthy, Claregalway Dental Surgery
Dr Laura Kennedy, Claregalway Dental Surgery
Dr Sinead Cooney, Claregalway Dental Surgery
Dr Darragh Byrne, Claregalway Dental Surgery
Dr Niamh O’Mahony, Claregalway Dental Surgery

To find out more about Dental Care Ireland, to book an appointment online or to check your PRSI dental entitlements, get in touch with us by clicking this link and choosing your local dental practice.

PRSI dental scheme: how much will you save?

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you want more information about the PRSI dental scheme, get in touch with us

We all know that it’s an expensive time of the year, with Christmas on the horizon and plenty of things planned that will put a strain on your wallet. But did you know that looking after your teeth may be one of the best-value investments you will make?

The restoration of the PRSI dental scheme by the government last year covers those eligible for an examination (check-up) and contributes towards the cost of a scale and polish once per calendar year (January to December). This means that if you haven’t yet used your entitlements for 2018, you can still ensure your pearly whites stay just as bright throughout the festive season and into the new year!

The Treatment Benefit Scheme can be claimed by all those who qualify under PRSI, including self-employed individuals. This group includes freelancers, farmers, small business owners, tradespeople, contractors, and professionals. At Dental Care Ireland, we are delighted to be offering treatments under the PRSI dental scheme at all of our general practices.

If you qualify, you will be able to have an exam, scale and polish in any of our nationwide practices for just €15. This price applies no matter where you are in the country, and is a great way to make sure that your teeth are getting the care and attention that they need. This PRSI dental scheme is a brilliant incentive to see your dentist, especially if you have stayed away for a long time.

The PRSI dental scheme represents great value, and will give you peace of mind when it comes to your mouth, teeth and gums. Reliable, efficient dental care is available at an affordable cost, so make sure you avail of before the end of the year at one of our dental practices nationwide.

If you’re looking to book an appointment to claim PRSI dental cover, one of our practices around the country can offer you the help and care that you need. Dental Care Ireland practices around the country open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours for more information

Our Community… visit Castlebar

At Dental Care Ireland, we are proud to be an integral part of communities around Ireland. In this first edition of “Our Community”, we visit Castlebar, Co Mayo

Castlebar enjoys a central location in Co Mayo, and boasts plenty of heritage, history and scenic beauty. Castlebar is named after the Norman adventurer De Barrie, who founded a castle here in 1235. It later became a garrison town and is now one of Connacht’s main hubs.

Dental Care Ireland opened its practice on Station Road in Castlebar in March 2015. Formerly McHugh’s Dental Practice, it has strong links with the community and is well known among locals. Here, we talk to practice manager Michelle Stenson about the town, its attractions and why people should visit Castlebar.

Describe the location of Dental Care Ireland in Castlebar.

We’re not quite in the middle of the town, which means we really benefit from low traffic density. We’re located close enough to McDermott’s furniture. The middle of town itself is about a five-minute walk away. There is lots of parking outside our practice, which is so handy. We’re on the road to Dublin, so it’s easy for people to find us.

Do you have a favourite coffeeshop and/or lunch spot?

Café Rua is a nice spot, as is McHugh’s for the tastiest sandwiches and hot chocolate in Castlebar. Gavin’s and the Irish House pub are also worth checking out – the Irish House does the best soup around!

What you recommend tourists to the area check out?

There are plenty of reasons to visit Castlebar. The Wild Atlantic Way is fantastic and it’s right on our doorstep. Lough Lannagh is an absolutely gorgeous lake with really nice walks. Turlough House is a little further out, but is also worth seeing. There’s a museum there with is popular with locals and tourists alike. As for restaurants, Lana serves great Asian street food.

Where are the good spots for a team drink after work?

Mick Byrne’s and McHale’s are pubs in the Main Street area – about a five-minute walk from our dental practice. Bar One is also popular with the younger crowd.

Do you go to see the local sports teams play?

It all revolves around the GAA up here: Breaffy and Castlebar Mitchels are the two local teams. If you visit Castlebar, it’s well worth catching a match!

Are there any famous people from Castlebar that you see about the place?

We see a fair few Mayo GAA players, like Aidan O’Shea. Enda Kenny also appears the odd time. Louis Walsh is from this area but I’ve never seen him here!

Is there something that everyone visiting Castlebar for the first time has to do?

There are no defined traditions, but I can’t recommend McHugh’s enough for its really great sandwiches and hot chocolates. There’s quite a bit of shopping in the town, with the likes of TK Maxx, Next and Penneys all here.

What makes Castlebar a great place to work/live?

There’s a really good town spirit here and people are so friendly. If you’re stuck, someone will help you out – it doesn’t matter whether you’re in the town for the first time or you’ve lived there your whole life. There has been a lot of work done to improve the town especially on Main Street and the tidy towns committee work very hard to keep the place looking great. It’s just fantastic to see Castlebar buzzing like it is.

You can book an online appointment in our Castlebar practice – and in any other practice around the country – quickly and easily. Just click this link for more information or call the practice directly on 094-9022317.

Nervous about braces? We can help

There are plenty of people around the country who are nervous about braces and orthodontic treatment in general. At Dental Care Ireland, we make sure your wellbeing is our top priority

The popularity of braces has boomed in recent years all around the country. Once upon a time, only children wore them, which tended to be made from metal and didn’t look appealing. Now, however, technology has improved and, with it, the look and feel of braces.

These days, people can choose from a tooth-coloured ceramic brace or even clear Invisalign types which are custom-made for patients’ mouths and which blend in naturally so that they are not unsightly.

However, even with these advances in technology and better options for patients, undergoing orthodontic treatment can be nerve-wracking for many patients. Simply put, they are nervous about braces.

At Dental Care Ireland, we understand that dental treatments can cause worry and stress for some patients, and that’s why our staff make sure that the patient experience is outstanding from start to finish.

It’s important to know that the use of custom-made braces means that pain and discomfort are much reduced, and in most cases eliminated. That said, we also offer sedation in certain dental practices for particularly nervous patients so that they are totally at ease as they undergo the treatment.

Dr Lian O’Dwyer, orthodontist with Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, says: “The best age for orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient. A specialist orthodontist will be able to advise you on the appropriate time to start any treatment and help you if you’re nervous about braces.”

Braces are safe, reliable and very effective. Rest assured, orthodontic treatment is also largely pain-free and will not cause you discomfort.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact our friendly team in any of our practices nationwide, who can talk you through your options, help you if you’re nervous about braces, and let you know what will work best for you after an initial consultation.

If you are nervous about braces and would like to find out more about orthodontic treatment in our practices around the country, please get in touch. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours

Find yourself a new dentist in Dublin

It’s tough to find a new dentist in Dublin, but at Dental Care Ireland we make sure that your every need is catered for

Finding a new dentist in Dublin can be tough. We know the feeling: you’ve had the same dentist for years – maybe even decades – and you feel that the time is right to try out a new practice.

Perhaps you’ve been waiting for a specialised treatment that wasn’t on offer in your existing dentist’s practice? Or maybe you’ve moved house and the commute is too long? Or perhaps your dentist is retiring?

Whatever the reason, it can be difficult to find a new dentist in Dublin. It’s just not like shopping for groceries elsewhere – it’s more important than that. Trust is key. You need to know that your new dentist is reliable, friendly and understands the community. You know that when you find a new dentist in Dublin, that you probably won’t move again.

Research is key

Research is key to making a decision like this. It’s important to talk to family, colleagues and friends to see if you can get recommendations. You need to know that the dentist you approach is operating in a modern, state-of-the-art practice, offering the very treatments, and giving you the best possible patient experience.

What if you found a dentist who ticked all those boxes? And better yet what if that dentist was part of a network that ensured that those boxes were ticked every time, in every location? That’s exactly what patients get with Dental Care Ireland.

At Dental Care Ireland, patients are our top priority, which is why we want the entire patient experience to be an easy, enjoyable one. We are open at times that suit your busy work schedule and our online booking system is quick, simple and effective – a one-stop-shop to ensure that you can book an appointment at a time that suits you.

Remember to make sure to check if you qualify for PRSI dental entitlements – if you do, you can avail of an exam, scale and polish in any of our practices for just €15.

If you’re looking for a new dentist in Dublin, get in touch with us and we’ll take care of you.

To find out more about Dental Care Ireland and to find your new dentist in Dublin, get in touch with us by clicking this link and choosing your local dental practice

Another fantastic year for Dental Care Ireland

At Dental Care Ireland, we want to ensure that all our patients have a quality experience and can access any dental treatment

It’s been a fantastic 12 months for Dental Care Ireland, as we officially opened five new practices in our nationwide network, launched exciting new partnerships, featured strongly at the Sensodyne Sensitive Dentist of the Year Awards, and all the while made it easier than ever for new and existing patients to see us by introducing the ability to book online and reminding people to save money by using their PRSI dental entitlements.

Once again, we have greatly expanded our dental network, officially opening practices in Kells, Co Meath, Carlow town, Swords and Knocklyon in Dublin, and Greystones, Co Wicklow since September 2017. We are committed to offering state-of-the-art dental care with a strong community focus around the country.

“People have heard of the Dental Care Ireland name, and it’s important that the practices look the same. That quality is consistent. Obviously the refurbishment has created a buzz among our staff and patients, but it’s also been fantastic to have the support of the other practices around Ireland,” says Christine Downey, practice manager of our Swords dental practice.

But furthermore, we feel it is important to put a continued emphasis on healthy living and good oral care. With that in mind, we are proud to have recently launched a charity partnership with Diabetes Ireland, through which we can raise funds towards Diabetes Ireland’s regional community support services, as well as increasing awareness about the importance of oral health care for people with diabetes.

Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor, Dental Care Ireland, said: “People with diabetes can be more prone to oral health problems such as gum disease, dry mouth, poor healing and oral infections. In most cases, mouth complications can be easily treated, but a thorough dental health routine is an essential part of learning to live with the condition.”

But our work in the community does not stop there. We are also proud to be supporting the 2018 Dental Overseas Voluntary Elective Programme at Trinity College Dublin. The annual initiative, run by the School of Dental Science, will see 22 fourth year dental students travel overseas this summer to provide voluntary dental care in some of the world’s most impoverished locations.

This year’s destinations include Tanzania, Guatemala, Cambodia, Egypt, India and St. Vincent.

Earlier this year, we were delighted to partner with broadcaster and mum Karen Koster on our “First Dental Visit” campaign, whereby we offered a free dental visit to all patients under five for the month of March. It’s so important that children are acquainted with the local dentist at an early age, to make sense of what can be a strange environment!

“We all know about teething and tooth fairies when it comes to our children’s dental health, but otherwise I think there can be a tendency to wait until a problem arises before seeking advice,” says Karen. “At the baby and toddler stage in particular, it is so helpful to speak to a dentist and find out what you should or shouldn’t be doing to prevent potential issues from the outset. I am sure most parents will agree that it is a challenge to get any toddler to brush their teeth, but it’s all about establishing a routine and hopefully encouraging a habit for life,” Karen said.

Furthermore, we received an incredible 13 nominations for in the Sensodyne Sensitive Dentist of the Year Awards, which were held in the RDS last December. It is this commitment to quality and outstanding patient care that sees us honoured by our peers and of course our loyal patients!

At Dental Care Ireland, patients are our top priority, which is why we want the entire patient experience to be an easy, enjoyable one. Online booking is quick, simple and incredibly effective – a one-stop-shop to ensure that you can book an appointment at a time that suits you.

Remember to make sure to check if you qualify for PRSI dental entitlements – if you do, you can avail of an exam, scale and polish in any of our practices for just €15. Get in touch with us today to see if you have dental cover!

To find out more about Dental Care Ireland, to book an appointment online or to check your PRSI dental entitlements, get in touch with us by clicking this link and choosing your local dental practice

Mouthguards for kids: look after their teeth!

At Dental Care Ireland, we want to ensure that all our patients have a quality experience and can access any dental treatment. That’s why we offer mouthguards for kids

The new school term is now well underway, and children are getting involved in different sports all around the country. It’s an exciting time for them, as they get to have fun and compete with their peers, but of course their health is paramount.

While playing sports, it is essential that children take care of their teeth, and that’s why mouthguards for kids are so important. Gone are the days when children would lose teeth after a playing field collision due to a lack of protective equipment; now there are a number of types of mouthguard that can help protect their teeth from damage.

Approximately one third of all adult dental injuries are linked to sports, and studies have shown that the chances of injury are almost twice as high when a mouthguard is not worn. Mouthguards for kids make sense! As such, it is crucial that your child wears a mouthguard while playing contact sports such as rugby, soccer, Gaelic football, hurling or hockey.

There are three different types of mouthguard available in Ireland today: stock mouthguards, which are inexpensive but can be cumbersome on your child’s teeth; boil and bite mouthguards, which are moulded in a basic way to your child’s teeth and jaw structure; and custom-fit mouthguards, which are the most expensive but also the best in terms of comfort and protection.

It is worth discussing your options with your dentist when you visit before the school year begins so that you can choose the best one for your child.

If you would like to enquire about mouthguards for kids in our dental practices around the country, please contact our team. Please refer to our opening times and locations on the website

We provide quality braces in Ashbourne

At Dental Care Ireland, we want to ensure that our patients have a quality experience and can access any dental treatment. That’s why we offer the very best quality braces in Ashbourne

Orthodontic treatment has become extremely popular throughout Ireland – no longer is it the preserve of young children and adolescents; now, people of all ages are interested in getting the treatment done to fix irregularly shaped teeth and, ultimately, to get a better smile.

Our dental practices in Co Meath and indeed all over the country have seen interest in orthodontics among people of all ages, and our specialist orthodontist Dr Ciara Ennis offers all types of braces in Ashbourne from our fantastic location on High Street in the heart of the town.

But what type of braces should you get? Of course, it’s important to know the differences between the types when it comes to orthodontics. First off, Invisalign braces straighten teeth using a number of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made for each individual patient’s mouth; while ceramic braces are clear and “tooth-coloured” so they blend in with your teeth.

It is important to remember that there is also a functional reason to think about orthodontics – it’s not just because they look great and leave you with a brilliant smile! For example, many patients may find that food is continually getting stuck between teeth that are damaged or mis-shapen. This can itself lead to gum disease. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand the popularity of braces in Ashbourne and around the country.

Braces are safe, reliable and effective in correcting teeth. If you are interested in learning more about getting braces in Ashbourne, please contact our friendly team who can talk you through your options and what will work best for you after an initial consultation.

If you would like to enquire about braces in Ashbourne, please contact our team. The dental practice is open from 9am to 5.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays; from 9am to 7.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and from 8.30am to 5pm on Fridays