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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

Family values key for Swords dentist

Practice manager Christine Downey of our Swords dentist is delighted that the practice has been officially opened

The recently-refurbished Dental Care Ireland in Swords has been operating since July 2016, but in reality the practice itself has been a vital part of the community for 30 years, when it was run by Dr David Patton. Having been known around the bustling village as Patton’s, patients are now very keen to come in and take a look at the refurbished building.

“This is a very long-standing practice in the Swords area, so patients are really happy to see a lot of our team are unchanged from when Dr Patton ran it. The refurbishment makes a big difference too,” says Christine Downey, practice manager at Dental Care Ireland Swords.

Friendly and accommodating

“I’ve only been working here for just over a month, but the team is so friendly and accommodating that it feels like a lot longer than that!” she says.

This Swords dentist has a great mix of experience and professional know-how. “We have three dentists, an orthodontist and a hygienist. Most of our staff are female, but we have one male dentist, Dr Graham Maguire,” says Christine.

“Graham and our principal dentist, Dr Orla McGeary, offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Orla was actually a co-owner of the practice with Dr Patton before Dental Care Ireland came on board in 2016, so she has that valuable link with our older patients.

Making a difference

Specialist treatments are also available at this Swords dentist. “Dr Susie O’Connell is our orthodontist, which is getting really popular lately in our practice,” says Christine. “Some of our nurses have also been with us for 20 years at least; it really makes a difference.”

Christine is proud of the range of treatments that the practice offers. “We offer everything, really,” she says. “General dental treatments are of course the most popular things we do for people, and whitening would be the most popular cosmetic treatment.”

What difference has Dental Care Ireland made to the practice in Swords? “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.

Quality is consistent

“People have heard of the Dental Care Ireland name, and it’s important that the practices look the same. That quality is consistent. We are in the process of getting signage finished for the exterior of the practice, which will also make a real difference.”

How important is patient service in the practice? “Our patients mean everything to us. We have promoted one of our nurses, Ann, to patient coordinator – her job is to look after the patient journey, every step of the way – from the treatment plan to costs and an explanation of the treatment itself,” she says.

Approach paying dividends

“This approach is really paying dividends: we have retained all our old patients after the rebranding and we’ve seen a huge amount of new patients come through the doors. We’re aiming to get a 10% rise in new patients per month; we’re already seeing an average of two new patients per day,” Christine says.

“We pride ourselves on looking after our patients: just recently we had a young girl in with us who needed to have extractions done. She was nervous about it and we recommended sedation in a hospital. But then she changed her mind and wanted Dr McGeary to perform the treatment in our practice with just a local anaesthetic because the trust was there,” Christine says.

Family-based practice

“We’re a family-based practice. We have had people coming here for generations and we’re now seeing their children come in to us. It’s all about stability and consistency: we have a lot of familiar faces here,” she says.

So, what’s it like to work in Swords? “Even though I’ve only been with this Swords dentist for a short spell, I’ve been working in the village for the last 13 years. It’s such a lovely place; the people here are really nice and friendly. Also, it’s a growing town with over 100,000 living here. It’s nice to have a sense of community as well as a bustling feel about the place,” she says.

“It’s such an aesthetically pleasing practice that we’re really excited about the future here in Swords,” says Christine. “We know that we’re going to grow even faster than we are at the moment. It’s very exciting for the whole team!”

The DCI Swords dentist is located in St. Brendan’s in Seatown West, Swords, Co Dublin. The practice is open on Mondays from 8am to 8pm, on 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. Call 01-8402971 or click the link above to book online

Back to school dental health: make sure you’re ready!

Back to school dental health can sometimes be overlooked but it is crucially important. Make sure your child’s teeth are kept healthy and strong by following these tips

Our long, hot summer is coming to an end, which means back to school time is approaching fast. There are plenty of boxes to tick to make sure your child is ready for the new term, and their back to school dental health is one of them!

It’s so important to make sure their teeth and oral hygiene is as good as it can be, which is why we are offering a free child’s dental examination with adult examinations for the month of August. But other than taking them to the dentist for their regular check-up, what can you do to make sure their dental health is excellent?

Mark your calendar

Firstly, it’s worthwhile to take a few minutes out of your day to plan dental visits in advance, so as not to interfere with your child’s school schedule. “It is a great idea to plan all orthodontic visits at the start of the school year to restrict interruption to teaching time, particularly in the case of students preparing for state examinations,” says Dr Paul O’Dwyer, Group Clinical Advisor at Dental Care Ireland.

Similarly, the start of the school year is a good time to update the family’s medical history, letting your dentist know of any allergies or recent hospital admissions.

Sports and dental health

Sports can impact hugely on back to school dental health. Approximately one third of 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. 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 on the market: stock mouthguards, which are inexpensive but can be cumbersome; boil and bite mouthguards; and custom-fit mouthguards. It is worth discussing your options with your dentist when you visit before the school year begins.

“A dentist can custom fit your child’s mouthguard to ensure that it is accurately adapted to the mouth and stays in place securely. As the child’s teeth develop and change, it is important to check each year that their mouthguard still fits,” says Paul.

Maintain good habits

The start of the school year is a great time to take a look at your daily schedule to ensure you’re fostering strong dental care habits. Make sure your child brushes their teeth regularly, flosses once a day after dinner, and changes their toothbrush every three months or after an illness.

“For younger children just starting school, parents will still need to provide assistance with brushing, whilst at the same time encouraging them to manage their own brushing routine,” says Paul.

This is also the right time to evaluate what goes in your child’s lunchbox – avoid fruit drinks, fizzy cans, chocolate and smoothies, and replace sugary snacks with vegetables, cheese or fruit.

Get younger children used to the dentist!

Younger children may still be getting used to the idea of visiting the dentist, so bringing them before school starts is a good plan so they have a decent bit of time to acclimatise to what can still be a strange environment for them. Dental practices are very bright and clean, and it’s important your child isn’t rushed in and out of the practice too quickly.

It is also worthwhile checking if your child’s school has a dentist on call, to ensure that someone is on hand quickly if an accident occurs. If you follow these tips, your child’s teeth will be in great shape!

Dental Care Ireland is offering a free child’s dental examination with adult examinations for the month of August. Get in touch with one of our practices around the country to enquire about back to school dental health and to book an appointment. 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. Terms and conditions apply to offer

Local dentist in Carlow a key part of the community

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, community dental experience. If you need a dentist in Carlow, we can help

Our long-standing practice on Tullow Street in Carlow town has gone from strength to strength since a state-of-the-art renovation last year. Now, we are delighted to announce that the practice will be shortly taking on a new dentist and hygienist.

This July, dentist Roisin Phelan will be joining the Carlow practice, and will also be available for appointments in Tullamore. Furthermore, hygienist Claire McLoughlin is set to start in Carlow. Roisin and Claire will be valuable additions to our team, as we look to give our patients the very best experience.

Our Carlow practice is a vital part of the community, something that practice manager Sinead Dowling really values. “We’ve all been working here for a good amount of time, and we know all our patients on a first-name basis. There aren’t too many people we don’t recognise, to be honest. And that’s a great thing!” she says.

A key Dental Care Ireland strategy is to retain existing staff when we take over the management of a dental practice. Even though the practice in Carlow has been fully refurbished, the dental team have been operating in the town for nearly 30 years!

“We’re carrying on the same traditions in a whole new, modern practice,” says Sinead. “It looks like a new place but we’re still the same staff providing the same great service.”

The dentist in Carlow also has an orthodontic service led by Dr Angus Burns which caters for both adults and teenagers.

“In terms of a patient experience, we try to keep things light-hearted while staying professional,” says Sinead. “Some people can be nervous coming in to see us, so it always helps to greet people with a smile and try not to be too clinical. That really helps people to relax, as does the fact that we know them all to start with!”

There’s no doubt that Roisin and Claire will fit in seamlessly with the team in Carlow.

Here at Dental Care Ireland, we pride ourselves on offering a fantastic, professional service with a smile. Our practices are an established and trusted part of the local community, and benefit from the very best, state-of-the-art training methods. If you’re looking for a dentist in Carlow, you know where to find us.

If you want to book an appointment with a Dental Care Ireland dentist in Carlow, please get in touch with our team. The dentist is open from 9am to 7pm on Mondays and Thursdays; from 9am to 5.30pm on Tuesdays; from 9am to 5.40pm on Wednesdays and Fridays; and from 9am to 12.40pm on Saturdays

Dentist in Ashbourne providing a valuable service

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, community dental experience. If you need a dentist in Ashbourne, we can help

Our state-of-the-art dentist in Ashbourne celebrated its first anniversary recently, and welcomed its 5,000^th patient. It was a fantastic occasion for the practice, which has reinforced its position as a cornerstone of the community in the lovely Meath town.

Our practice in Ashbourne is made up of experienced, local dentists operating in a pristine environment, as a key Dental Care Ireland strategy is to retain existing staff when we take over the management of a dental practice. It’s so important for us that people recognise and trust our reliable staff members.

Audrey O’Brien, practice manager in Ashbourne, says that it’s an exciting time for the practice now that it has been open to the public for a sustained spell of time.

“The people are so brilliant here, and it’s a pleasure to come into work every day. I run the day-to-day management of the dentist in Ashbourne for Dental Care Ireland, making sure that patients and staff are where they need to be at all times,” she says.

“We’re a young group, and we’re all women!” says Audrey. “We have a hygienist, receptionist, two dentists, two nurses, and myself.”

The practice will also be starting a full orthodontic service in autumn 2018, led by specialist orthodontist Dr Ciara Ennis and catering for both adults and children.

The practice is a point of pride for the staff, which you can see in this virtual tour of the practice. It’s important that patients can have a look before they pop in to see the team.

If you want to book an appointment with a Dental Care Ireland dentist in Ashbourne, please get in touch with our team. The dentist 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.