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Staff training day and BBQ a roaring success!
Dental Care Ireland’s annual training day and summer barbeque was a fantastic event, and was enjoyed by all our hard-working staff from around the country
On Saturday, 30th June, the sun was shining and spirits were high as Dental Care Ireland staff from around the country gathered for our annual training day and summer barbeque at Dublin’s Morrison Hotel. These events mean so much to us, as they give us an opportunity to review the year we’ve had, see how we can get even better for you – our patients – and of course have some fun with our colleagues and friends!
Working for patients
We were delighted to see over 120 staff members at the event, many of whom travelled long distances to be there. The focal point of the activities was a full-day training session, which was facilitated by the great team in Horton Consulting along with our Group Clinical Advisor Dr Paul O’Dwyer. This action-packed agenda set the tone for the day and was a fantastic way to understand how we could enhance each room in our practices for patients’ benefit.
From the patient lounge and dentist’s room, to the hygienist’s room and managers’ office, the training explored different ways to expand current systems and improve the overall patient experience.
Everything we do is done with the patient in mind – from the greeting you get when you arrive, to the general atmosphere in the practices and ensuring that all our equipment and fittings are of the very highest standard. Of course, all this is done in with the friendliest, professional attitude. As part of the programme, Dr Paul O’Dwyer also provided an overview for staff on the importance of honesty and decency in the workplace.
Award-winners honoured
The highlight of the training day came with our annual awards, where we can honour those who have really gone the extra mile to give our patients what they need. We were delighted to see Sinead Dowling of our Carlow practice win the Chairman’s Award, while Ann Crosby of the Swords practice took home the “Above and Beyond” award. The Practice of the Year award was hotly contested and eventually went to the outstanding team in Knocklyon.
The day wasn’t all about work, however, and we all enjoyed a well-deserved barbeque, outdoor games and a DJ in the lovely summer sunshine. It was a great way to celebrate a brilliant year for Dental Care Ireland! We have accomplished so much in the year gone by, and we’re looking forward to even bigger and better things for the rest of 2018 and beyond.
Speaking at the opening of the event, Colm Davitt, CEO, Dental Care Ireland, said: “At Dental Care Ireland, we believe that excellence in dentistry is achieved through outstanding patient care, professionalism, training and innovation. As the country’s fastest growing network of established dental practices, it is the quality of our people that sets us apart.”
The future is looking bright for Dental Care Ireland!
To book an appointment at any of the 13 Dental Care Ireland practices around the country, please see dentalcareireland.ie/practices
Dental Care Ireland Supports 2018 Trinity DOVE Programme
Dental Care Ireland is proud to support the 2018 Trinity DOVE Programme, Dental Overseas Voluntary Elective (DOVE) 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.
Speaking ahead of the 2018 trip, Emma Mulville, DOVE representative, said: “The Trinity DOVE Programme provides an opportunity for us to make a really positive contribution to the communities that we visit. It also allows us to broaden our experience and knowledge in a very different dental setting. Our committee has worked hard throughout the year to raise funds to make it possible, and it is wonderful to have the additional support of Dental Care Ireland.”
Colm Davitt, chief executive, Dental Care Ireland, commented: “Dental Care Ireland is delighted to support such a worthwhile initiative. The programme has potential to make a real impact on the oral health of those people who need it most. We wish the students every success as they embark on what will no doubt be a rewarding and life-long learning experience.”
Free consultations for braces in Dublin this summer
Dental Care Ireland is offering free consultations for braces in Dublin this summer. If you are interested, please get in touch with us
Orthodontics (or braces) has become extremely popular all over Ireland. In years gone by, people assumed that only children could really benefit from wearing braces, as their jaws are soft enough to be corrected by orthodontic treatments. But as technology has improved, so too has the popularity of braces among people of all ages.
With that in mind, we are delighted to announce that our practices in Knocklyon, Swords and Cabinteely are offering free consultations for braces in Dublin until August 31st if you are looking to get a professional opinion on this specialised treatment.
These days, there are different types of braces that you can get. These include Invisalign braces, which work to straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for the patient’s mouth; and ceramic braces which are clear and “tooth-coloured” so they blend in with your teeth.
Of course, traditional metal braces are still an option, and are still used by children and adolescents. However, from an aesthetic point of view, these would not be as effective as Invisalign or ceramic braces.
So, how do you know if you actually need orthodontics? A scientific paper from the January 2017 edition of The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dermofacial Orthopedics suggested that the perceived need for orthodontics versus the actual need for orthodontics was about equal. Simply put, this means that if you feel that you need orthodontics, then you probably do.
Dr Lian O’Dwyer, orthodontist with Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, says: “There are plenty of options if you’re looking to get braces in Dublin. 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. However, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy there is no age limit to treatment.”
It is important to remember that there is also a functional reason to get braces – it’s not just because they look good! For example, many patients may find that food is constantly getting stuck in between teeth that are damaged or mis-shapen. This tricky situation can itself lead to gum disease. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand the popularity of braces in Dublin and around the country.
Braces are safe, reliable and very effective. If you are interested in getting a free consultation in our Swords, Knocklyon or Cabinteely practices, 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 a free consultation for braces in Dublin, our practices in Cabinteely, Knocklyon and Swords 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
PRSI dental entitlements: claim for cost savings
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you want to check whether you are due PRSI dental entitlements, get in touch with us
It can be expensive to take proper care of your health. Unfortunately, when all is said and done, some people forego dental care in a bid to save money, which invariably causes issues down the line in terms of their oral and dental health. But thankfully, help is at hand.
Last year, the government introduced the Treatment Benefit Scheme which could be claimed by all those who qualify under PRSI, including self-employed individuals. This includes small business owners, farmers, tradespeople, freelancers, contractors, and professionals. We are delighted that PRSI dental entitlements are part of that rollout.
Now, everyone who qualifies 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 good step towards ensuring as many people as possible have good oral health.
A scale and polish is another way to describe a dental cleaning, whereby your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, leaving them clean and smooth.
Your examination covers the general health of your teeth, gums and mouth, whereby your dentist will be able to advise you on what you need to do (or need to keep doing) in order to make sure your oral and dental health is strong. These PRSI dental entitlements are great value, and will give you peace of mind when it comes to your mouth, teeth and gums.
Now there’s no need to suffer due to lack of funds. Reliable, efficient dental care is available at a seriously low price, so make sure you avail of it.
If you’re looking to book an appointment to claim PRSI dental entitlements, 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
Dentist jobs in Ireland: come and work with us
At Dental Care Ireland, we are offering a number of hygienist and dentist jobs in Ireland throughout our network of practices
It’s a good time to be a dentist in Ireland. With the government bringing in helpful entitlements for PRSI contributors and the self-employed, as well as a steady stream of informational articles and a sugar tax, awareness is up among the general public of the need to take care of their teeth and we are offering a number of dentist jobs in Ireland to reflect that demand.
Dedicated and reliable
At Dental Care Ireland, we’re on the lookout for dedicated, reliable dentists who can help grow our network and continue to provide the great service for which we’ve become known. As of June 2018, we have a network of 13 established general and specialist dental practices around Ireland and are committed to providing the highest standards of care to families across the country.
We use the latest technology and materials supported by scientific research, work in state-of-the-art practices and strive to maintain a local feel by retaining principals after rebranding existing practices.
Broadening our reach
Along with dentist jobs in Ireland, we are also looking for hygienists to join our team. Donna Paton, the President of the Irish Dental Hygienists’ Association, is the resident hygienist at our practice in Tullamore and says: “It’s an exciting time for Dental Care Ireland. We’re broadening our reach all the time, while keeping committed to doing a great job for people in their own communities. We want to keep an emphasis on dental health and hygiene, and we have a great platform on which we can achieve that goal.”
What is the strategy for Dental Care Ireland? Co-founders Kieran Davitt and his brother Colm, the Dental Care Ireland CEO, had some good insights they shared recently about the type of dentist jobs in Ireland on offer. “We look for clinics of a particular size, with three chairs or more. We want to work with the right people as the principal dentist generally stays on for up to five years. There really needs to be a personal fit to grow the practice.”
Easy transition
At Dental Care Ireland, the idea is to provide the best possible patient experience while also giving dentists a fantastic environment in which they can thrive. “We don’t want to turn places around 100%,” Colm says.
“We want as easy a transition as possible. We see potential in places that don’t have the time to market themselves, and where we can introduce a specialist. It’s even better if there’s two or three dentists in situ because it makes it easier. Dentist jobs in Ireland are in high demand, and our model reflects that.”
The network of Dental Care Ireland practices benefits from a solid investment strategy to ensure the environment is as modern and reliable as possible.
Investing in equipment
“We try and upgrade practices, investing in equipment. We price our treatments competitively – we want to give the best value to customers because they are demanding excellent treatment,” says Colm.
“DCI is a highly ethical company that wants to be high quality in everything we do. We don’t go for a low cost model with low quality. We offer a premium service – and a full range of those services.”
Stress is reduced
Stress is the enemy of all professionals, including dentists! At Dental Care Ireland, we eliminate that stress so dentists can do what they do best. “For dentists, administration is removed as we appoint a practice manager and support the growth of the practices. With that, stress is reduced as there isn’t as much full responsibility for everything,” says Colm. “Our dentists can get on with what they do best – looking after patients. It’s a great time to join our network!”
If you would like to know more about our hygienist and dentist jobs in Ireland, please feel free to contact us on careers@dentalcareireland.ie
Are you looking for an emergency dentist in Dublin?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, community dental experience. Our strong presence in the capital means you will never struggle to find an emergency dentist in Dublin
We all lead busy lives, and sometimes we can’t fit everything into a 9-5 schedule. That includes going to the dentist. We understand that issues can occur with your teeth at any time, and that’s why we can help with an emergency dentist in Dublin operating outside normal business hours.
The practice formerly known as Swords Dentist is our local dentist in Swords, and is conveniently located in St Brendan’s, Seatown West. The practice has been newly refurbished, and if you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Dublin, opens late on both Mondays (till 8pm) and Tuesdays (till 7pm), as well as opening early at 8am from Monday-Friday.
Our practice in Knocklyon, previously owned by Dr Vincent McDonagh, is conveniently located in Knocklyon Shopping Centre and is staffed with four dentists including orthodontist Dr Lian O’Dwyer.
Our Knocklyon practice is open early at 8am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and till 6pm on Tuesdays, till 6.30pm on Mondays, and till 7pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It is also open on Saturdays from 8.30am to 12pm.
Our next emergency dentist in Dublin is Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely, formerly known as Park Clinic Dental. Dental Care Ireland took over the running of this practice in June 2015.
Our Cabinteely practice is open late on Mondays and Fridays till 6pm, till 7pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and till 7.30pm on Thursdays. It is also open on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
At Dental Care Ireland, we look after the community by keeping flexible hours. We know that it doesn’t always suit to go to the dentist from 9-5, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need us.
If you need an emergency dentist in Dublin, please get in touch with our team in Swords, Knocklyon or Cabinteely. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours
Do you need root canal treatment in Dublin?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you need to get root canal treatment in Dublin, please get in touch with us
Root canal treatment is a specialised treatment that helps to save or repair a tooth that has been significantly damaged or infected. This treatment involves opening up the tooth at the crown, removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the canals and filling the canal system.
The common causes affecting the pulp are a cracked or broken tooth, a deep cavity which regularly has food stuck in it, repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma that has been sustained by the patient. The term “root canal” itself comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth’s root.
During the treatment itself, the canal system is filled with a substance known as gutta percha which has a rubber-like consistency and prevents another infection in the canal. The crown of the tooth is then filled with tooth-coloured filling material.
It’s important to remember that you won’t feel any pain during a root canal treatment because your dentist will numb the area with anaesthetic. Depending on the severity of the treatment needed, root canal treatment can be done over one or more visits.
This treatment is usually very successful, and generally causes no issues afterwards for patients. We offer root canal treatment in Dublin at each of our four practices in the capital: in Cabinteely, Knocklyon, Swords and the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
It is important that if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in any of your teeth, that you see your dentist straight away for a consultation. Don’t worry, not every toothache means you’ll need to get root canal treatment, but it’s important to be vigilant to avoid serious issues in the future.
At Dental Care Ireland, our reliable, friendly and professional team will be able to advise you on your options.
If you’re looking to book an appointment to get root canal treatment in Dublin, our practices around the city 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
Make a success of your child’s first dental visit
Your child’s first dental visit is a hugely important step towards making them feel comfortable and secure in what is a new environment
The old notion of the dentist as someone to be feared is thankfully long gone, but that doesn’t mean that everyone goes to their local practice completely free of nerves. These nerves generally derive from difficult trips to the dentist in childhood, or from exaggerated scare stories heard through the grapevine.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your child’s first dental visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, so they can be properly introduced to an environment that is both safe and friendly.
How do children’s teeth differ from adults’ teeth?
Children’s teeth differ from adults’ teeth in size, colour and consistency. Generally, children’s teeth are smaller, thinner and whiter than adult teeth, which are bigger, darker, more dense and a little more yellow. Given the size and state of children’s teeth, it is important they get the care they need as early as possible to ensure their oral and dental health are as good as can be.
When should your child see the dentist for the first time?
Your child’s first dental visit should happen when the first tooth appears. This generally occurs when they are six months old.
What can you do to make the first visit as easy as possible?
There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your child’s first dental visit goes as smoothly as possible.
First of all, go at a time that suits both you and your child, to make sure it’s a stress-free visit. Make sure they have had a sleep so they’re well rested, and also that they’re not hungry or cranky in any way, such as first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you’re rushed or stressed, your child will pick up on that and probably won’t be happy as a result.
You’ll want to give your child a decent bit of time to acclimatise to what is a new and 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.
Parents are present at all times during the child’s first dental visit to put them at ease, and to hear about what the examination will entail, as well as take-home tips. The dental examination usually involves counting the child’s teeth to see how many have appeared.
Dentists are also looking for a growth pattern, to establish a baseline for what’s present and seeing if there are any tell-tale signs of issues down the line that they can advise on to prevent them becoming a problem.
Overall, the visit should be fun and enjoyable for the child, so that next time they visit, they aren’t scared or apprehensive.
What take-home messages do you need?
After your child’s first dental visit, you will gain some valuable insights into brushing techniques, some oral and dental health advice in general and dietary advice so your child isn’t eating or drinking too many sugary foods and drinks. This is particularly important as it will hopefully establish good dental habits for life.
Your dentist will want to closely monitor your child’s dental health, progression and growth in the months and years to come. If you follow these simple tips, you will greatly increase the chances of both a successful first dental visit for your child, as well as subsequent visits to come.
If you’re looking to book an appointment in one of our practices around the country, we 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
Do you need soft food ideas for braces?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you need soft food ideas for braces, or information on any other dental matter, please get in touch with us
As we’ve seen in previous blogs, orthodontic treatment is becoming increasingly popular with both adults and children, as technology improves to make braces less noticeable, more effective and more comfortable for people. But there are also practical, day-to-day realities when it comes to orthodontics, particularly when you get them fitted and are getting used to them. One thing you need to have are soft food ideas for braces.
Of course, it is important that you steer clear of hard foods like nuts and hard sweets which may damage braces when you’ve just had them fitted, regardless of whether they are made from ceramic, steel or Invisalign. But the reality is that many foods could be classified as “hard” so what are the best soft food ideas for braces?
Dairy products such as yoghurts and cheeses are great for braces, as well as soups, mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s important to be creative – just because meats tend to be hard on your teeth doesn’t mean you can’t have, say, tender shavings of meat or meals like lasagne or quiche.
You may have to forgo rashers on weekend mornings, but smoked salmon and scrambled eggs are both healthy and will be very soft on your new braces.
If you need any more information about your new braces, we are pleased to let you know that all our Dublin practices – in Knocklyon, Swords, Ballsbridge and Cabinteely – have an orthodontist on hand to help if you are looking for specialised treatment.
Braces are safe, reliable and very effective. If you are interested in learning more, 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’re looking to book an appointment to get braces in Dublin, our practices around the city 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
PRSI dental cover: make sure you claim
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you want to check whether you are due PRSI dental cover, get in touch with us
Last year, the government introduced the Treatment Benefit Scheme which could be claimed by all those who qualify under PRSI, including self-employed individuals. This includes small business owners, farmers, tradespeople, freelancers, contractors, and professionals. It is said that this treatment benefit extends to 450,000 self-employed workers around the country, and we are delighted that PRSI dental cover is part of that rollout.
Now, everyone who qualifies will be able to have an exam, scale and polish in any of our nationwide practices for just €15. This is a fantastic development, but what exactly does PRSI dental cover encompass when we talk about an exam, scale and polish?
Simply put, a scale and polish is another way to describe a dental cleaning, whereby your dentist will remove plaque (a thin, soft layer of saliva, food and bacteria) as well as tartar from your teeth, leaving them clean and smooth so plaque is unable to stick to them and giving you a better chance of keeping them clean.
The plaque and tartar are cleaned gently without causing any damage to your teeth or gums, and the vast majority of patients do not experience any pain or discomfort during these treatments.
Your examination will cover the general health of your teeth, gums and mouth, whereby your dentist will be able to advise you on what you need to do (or need to keep doing) in order to make sure your oral and dental health is strong. This PRSI dental cover is great value, and will give you peace of mind when it comes to your mouth, teeth and gums.
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
