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Do you qualify for PRSI dental entitlements?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, personal, community dental experience
With the introduction of the new PRSI dental entitlements in 2017, Dental Care Ireland are pleased to offer a dental examination, scale and polish for only €15, to 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 will now extend to 450,000 self-employed workers around the country.
In the Budget 2017, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that he was going to reinstate a selection of dental and optical benefits once removed from PRSI workers during the recession. Therefore, as of the 28th October 2017, the new PRSI dental entitlements is available in all Dental Care Ireland practices.
Prior to this introduction, PRSI employees where only entitled to a free examination once per calendar year. Whereas with the new PRSI dental entitlements, PRSI employees and self-employed individuals are now entitled to a dental examination, scale and polish once per calendar year at a subsidised cost of €15.
“As someone who believes passionately that self-employed people deserve to be supported by Government and treated equally when it comes to tax and social insurance, I’m really pleased to bring in this reform. Self-employed people now join the 2.2 million other PRSI contributors who already enjoy these benefits,” said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. And we couldn’t agree more.
If you would like to book an appointment to avail of your PRSI entitlements before the end of 2017,
please click this link to your local Dental Care Ireland practice below to find their contact details or alternatively book your appointment online today. Ashbourne, Carlow, Castlebar, Greystones, Knocklyon, Swords, Tullamore, Cabinteely, Kells, Navan, NIDM or Callan.
Carlow dental practice a pillar of the community
Dental Care Ireland Carlow practice manager Sinead Dowling discusses how important the Carlow dental practice is to the community, and how the future is bright for the team
Dental Care Ireland’s practice in Carlow town, located on Tullow Street, dates back nearly 30 years, when it was established by Dr Richard Gillman as the Gillman Dental Clinic. After Dental Care Ireland took over the management of the Carlow dental practice in 2016, all of the existing staff were retained.
Well acquainted with the community
“I’ve worked at the practice for 10 years, and I’m one of the newer faces!” says Sinead Dowling, practice manager at DCI Carlow. “We have a great team here who are well acquainted with the Carlow community – we have two dentists, three hygienists and four dental nurses working here, as well as a visiting orthodontist and endodontist.”
It is clear from talking to Sinead that community means a lot to the whole team in the Carlow dental practice. “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!
Carrying on the same traditions
The DCI Carlow dental practice has been completely refurbished and was officially launched this week, and Sinead says the refurbishments have made a huge difference. “We’re carrying on the same traditions in a whole new, modern practice,” she says. “It looks like a new place but we’re still the same staff providing the same great service.”
What’s the atmosphere like in the Carlow dental practice? “As a team, we all get on really well,” says Sinead. “It was a bit challenging when renovations were happening, but now they’re finished it really makes a difference. We go for nights out together and really enjoy each other’s company,” she says.
A light-hearted atmosphere
“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!
Are there any trends that Sinead and the rest of the team have been seeing in recent times? “People are very aware of their overall oral health, and their teeth in particular,” says Sinead. “Our patients want aesthetically pleasing teeth for that ‘Hollywood smile’, and you can see that across the board. For example, white fillings are a lot more popular now, whereas silver fillings would have been the norm some years ago.”
People want the best
It is also clear that more and more people are looking for specialist treatments. “That’s why we have both an orthodontist and endodontist, who each come in to the Carlow dental practice on a part-time basis,” she says. “People want the best for their teeth, and of course we love to see that. It’s so important that people look after themselves in this way.”
The newly refurbished Carlow dental practice represents a boost for the town. “The recession wasn’t great for us, like so many towns around the country,” says Sinead. “But refurbishing our practice in this way is a great step for us, and it’s nice for the locals in the town to see, too. As I said, we know most of our patients on a first-name basis, so the atmosphere in the practice is just fantastic.”
‘We’ve got big plans!’
Sinead and her team are excited about what the future holds for Dental Care Ireland Carlow. “We’ve got big plans now,” she says. “We want to be the outstanding practice in the south-east, and we’re always looking for ways we can achieve that goal. Opening this newly refurbished practice is just one step on the journey!”
The DCI Carlow dental practice is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 9am to 7pm; on Tuesdays from 9am to 5.30pm; on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 5.40pm; on Saturdays from 9am to 12.40pm; and every lunchtime. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. See https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/dentist-carlow/contact-us/ or call 059-9141245
25% off Teeth Whitening
25% off Teeth Whitening
We’re offering you the opportunity to sparkle this Christmas with 25% off Teeth Whitening at our practices this December.
To avail of the offer simply contact your local Dental Care Ireland Practice. Gift Vouchers are also available to purchase for Christmas at all our Practices.
- Please contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice for prices and more details.
- In some cases, for example if you have never visited the practice before or it has been some time since your last visit, you will be required to have an examination before going ahead with the treatment.
- Your dentist may advise that for best results, a Scale & Polish is recommended before going ahead with the treatment.
- Children under 18 are not permitted to avail of tooth whitening procedures.
- Teeth Whitening offer available until 31/12/2017.
- Gift Vouchers valid until 31st December 2018.
*This offer is available in all our practices with the exception of the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine.
*This offer is not redeemable in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
To book your Teeth Whitening or purchase a Gift Voucher, please contact your local Dental Care Ireland Practice.
Our dentist in Cabinteely making a real impression
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, personal community dental experience. Our dentist in Cabinteely puts that plan into practice
Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely, formerly known as Park Clinic Dental, is our dentist in Cabinteely. Park Clinic Dental was previously owned by Dr Vincent McDonagh, who still works at the practice today as principal dentist. Dental Care Ireland took over the running of this practice in June 2015, and offers a range of dental treatments, including orthodontics and root canal procedures.
Dr Brendan O’Connor is a dentist in Cabinteely Dental Care Ireland, and also works with VHI and the Beacon Hospital. He particularly enjoys the community aspect of the work in Cabinteely. “It’s great to meet so many people from different walks of life in Cabinteely. It’s really rewarding in particular to work with small children, young adults and older patients,” he says.
“Of course, helping people get rid of aches and pains is one of the best parts of the role, and it’s also interesting to work in a relatively small team here in the practice.”
Working as a dentist in Cabinteely is clearly very rewarding in terms of getting to know the community, and it’s a part of the job that Brendan relishes. “Honestly, no two days are ever the same in Cabinteely. I just love the variety of the work here,” he says.
“As I mentioned earlier, there’s a broad demographic that comes to this practice – from older patients to teenagers – which means our team get to know the whole spectrum of the community.
“In the time I’ve been here, I’ve built up a great rapport with our clients. Part of that is also down to the fact that we have a personal, dedicated service and we’re in a strong community setting.”
If you want to book an appointment with our dentist in Cabinteely, please call our practice on 01-2853666 or book an appointment online. Our dentist in Cabinteely is open on Mondays and Fridays from 9-6; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-7; on Thursdays from 9-7.30; on Saturdays from 9-1; and every lunchtime.
Practice Profile: Kells dental practice in great shape
Kells dental practice manager Sandra Crosby discusses her work, what she looks for in staff, and how patients are the team’s number one priority
Dental Care Ireland’s practice in Kells, Co Meath, located on the town’s Bective Square, was officially opened in September 2017, and features state of the art facilities and equipment. Sandra Crosby, practice manager in Kells, says that it’s an exciting time for the practice.
“Our principal dentist, Dr Maura McGuinness, ran this practice for three decades before Dental Care Ireland took over the running of it in May 2015,” she says. “Maura’s still very much here and continues to treat many of her patients. I suppose the main advantages for her are the reduction in administrative headaches, in terms of managing the practice and marketing it to a wider audience.”
Dental implants are becoming very popular
The staff has grown a lot since Dental Care Ireland took over. “We have ten staff here in Kells – five dental nurses, three dentists, one hygienist, and myself,” says Sandra. “We also host an implantologist here once a month. Dental implants are becoming very popular. I’ve been working here for nearly 15 years – and 12 years before Dental Care Ireland’s arrival.”
What is like to have seen Dental Care Ireland partner with the practice? “One of the best things about Dental Care Ireland’s input is investment – we now have a state-of-the-art practice. That really works well considering we already had a great rapport with the community.”
Challenging but interesting
What does a practice manager do? “My job is challenging but interesting – I’m involved in the administration of the practice, and its overall management. That involves upskilling staff and regular meetings and updates, and lots of day-to-day activities. With Dental Care Ireland on board, we can employ more people and can avail of a bigger budget, so it means more work for me!”
It’s great that the Kells practice can take on new staff, so what does Crosby look for in new hires? “We look for enthusiastic, positive people who are easily motivated. We want everyone to be a good fit, and for that they need to be on the same page. We have a great mix of both young and more experienced staff, and it really is a pleasure to come in to work every day.”
Patients are the primary focus
As in all Dental Care Ireland practices, the welfare and satisfaction of patients is of primary concern. “We want to make sure that the patient experience is top quality from the moment someone comes in the door to when they leave and even afterwards,” says Sandra.
“That starts with a welcoming smile from the moment the door opens, as we know that some people get nervous coming in to the dentist. It’s about showing empathy, and caring for patients.
Little things count for a lot
“We like to offer practical help to patients too – we check their entitlements, such as PRSI benefits, before they even come in. Little things count for a lot as well – we keep candles burning to foster a calming atmosphere, and have stress balls in surgeries. Those things add up for patients, and we know they really appreciate them,” she says.
It is clear from talking with Sandra that working in Kells has changed a lot in recent months and years. “In the last few years we have seen plenty of changes in Kells. There has been serious growth in the town, with a new healthcare building and more and more companies moving here. There are great places to rent and we’ve seen a big increase in patient numbers, especially since our new facility opened last August,” says Sandra.
Best-class services
“In the future, we want to continue to offer best-class services, and are looking to increase our dental implant treatment offering. We already offer patients extended opening hours, and our staff really appreciate the connection we have with the community. It’s an exciting time for the Kells practice!”
Dental Care Ireland Kells offers over 100 hours of surgery time and emergency appointments every week. The practice is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am to 7pm; on Wednesdays from 8am to 6pm; on Thursdays from 8am to 5pm; on Fridays from 9am to 5pm; on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm; and every lunchtime. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. See https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/dentist-kells/ or call 046-9240783
Dental Care Ireland offers orthodontics in Knocklyon
Increasing interest in orthodontics in south Dublin and around the country has seen this specialist treatment introduced by Dental Care Ireland
Orthodontics is defined as the treatment of irregularities in the teeth and jaws. In times past, this treatment was generally confined to children in their teenage years, but this is no longer the case. Interest in orthodontics has risen hugely around Ireland in recent times, and we are pleased to say that we now offer orthodontics in Knocklyon.
Dr Lian O’Dwyer, our resident orthodontics specialist, says that the treatment varies, depending on the patient. “The best age for orthodontics varies from patient to patient. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, there is no age limit to treatment. We are definitely seeing an increasing number of adults availing of the benefits of orthodontics in Knocklyon.”
The technology surrounding the treatment of orthodontics has improved hugely over recent years. The introduction of self-ligating brackets made from ceramic or even titanium has resulted in more controlled, faster, less forceful orthodontic movement of teeth and much more discreet treatment, which has in turn increased the popularity of orthodontic intervention in adults.
It is important to remember that orthodontics isn’t just about cosmetics. There really is a functional side of the treatment. For example, many patients find that some crooked teeth may lead to food regularly getting stuck. This in itself can lead to gum disease. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand the popularity of orthodontics in south Dublin and around the country.
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.
Orthodontics is a safe, reliable and very effective treatment. If you are interested in orthodontics in Knocklyon, 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 want to book an appointment to talk about orthodontics in Knocklyon, please call our practice on 01-2853666 or to book an appointment online. Our Knocklyon dental practice is open from Monday to Saturday.
Dental Q&A: Co-founders Colm and Kieran Davitt
Dental Care Ireland CEO Colm Davitt and his brother, clinical advisor Kieran, set up DCI to fill a gap in the market – and its stellar growth has been a vindication of their belief and hard work
What was your working background before setting up Dental Care Ireland?
Kieran Davitt (KD): I worked as a general dentist in Galway for 20 years, so I suppose it made sense to bring me on board. There was a serious element of trust with Colm as obviously we’re family. My initial role was in an advisory capacity as we looked at practices we could bring on to join the network. The role has been broad but largely it’s been in an advisory capacity.
Colm Davitt (CD): The idea for DCI came from my own professional background in healthcare. My brother Kieran was in the dental sector, and we saw a great opportunity to provide a high-quality dental network.
Did you view it as a risk in the beginning?
CD: It was a logical opportunity but like any business starting up, it was a big risk. But luckily our expectations were borne out and it’s gone really well. Our dreams were realised!
KD: The context is important – big changes had happened in the dental industry when we started in 2014. There had been huge cuts to the PRSI scheme and medical cards, and we had the after-effects of the recession and cuts to private dentistry. Things were getting busier for both general and specialist dentists. I felt they should be improving and doing things better.
We exceeded expectations in the first 12 months – it was about adapting quickly. There was no real breakthrough moment. It’s been slow, steady growth.
How did you convince dentists to come on-board in the beginning?
CD: We got a little funding from contacts and then got some more. We saw a few practices on the market that fitted our key criteria and we agreed terms. After we developed a network of 5 or 6 practices, people were speaking highly of us and we became credible in the eyes of dentists. Our practices all have potential even if some are faster growing than others.
In the early days Kieran was crucial to getting deals over the line. As a dentist, he could talk their language. Our first deals were landmark deals!
KD: At the start there was an element of apprehension, but when dentists realised what was happening was beneficial for staff, they became convinced. The first practices took some time. It helped that I was a dentist myself. After that, word of mouth really helped us as dentists spoke to each other.
CD: We had never worked together before, so working with Kieran on Dental Care Ireland has been so interesting. He’s someone I completely trust and has my best interests at heart. That’s so important; we don’t row! We also have similar personalities which helps. It’s a pleasure to work with him.
What is the Dental Care Ireland strategy?
KD: Dental Care Ireland looks for clinics of a particular size, with 3 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.
CD: We are opportunistic. If we see the right practice we’ll go for it. We’re not overly concerned with targeting specific geographical areas.
KD: When we look for a practice, first and foremost we’re looking for ones that are well run. We don’t want to turn places around 100%. 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 2 or 3 dentists in situ because it makes it easier.
What does joining the DCI network mean for dentists and their patients?
KD: 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. Dentists in practices we take over don’t have to worry about administrative concerns – they can focus on clinical work, and they love that. There is more and more red tape coming up all the time, so they appreciate the ability to hand things over to us. It frees them up.
We want to give good quality dentistry – we upgrade practices, and also offer training and seminars. Better trained staff are happier, as are customers. Everyone reaps the benefits.
CD: 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.
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. Patients get convenient hours, better services and treatments, and state-of-the-art refurbishments. This all leads to a better customer experience.
What does the future hold for Dental Care Ireland?
CD: We have a goal of 20-30 practices over the next few years but the opportunity could be even bigger. We could expand into other healthcare sectors beyond dentistry in 5-7 years. We are definitely a couple of years ahead of where we thought we’d be at this stage!
We’ve grown so much in two years, but the idea would be to become the largest dental group in Ireland, with at least one or two practices in each county. We want to be the best in each area and for our patients to completely trust us.
For more information on Dental Care Ireland and to visit one of our practices, see dentalcareireland.ie.
Back to School Dental Tips
Take some time to read this fantastic article from LifeStyle on RTÉ with Dental Care Ireland’s very own Group Clinical Advisor, Dr Paul O’Dwyer. In this piece, Paul outlines 5 top back to school dental tips that you should bear in mind.
Practice Profile: Brand-new Ashbourne practice off to a strong start
Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne practice manager Audrey O’Brien talks about life in the practice, and working in Ashbourne itself
Dental Care Ireland’s practice in Ashbourne, Co Meath, located on the town’s High Street, was officially opened in May 2017, and features best-in-class fittings and features. 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.
Great experience “Even though we officially opened in May, we’ve been operating for a year now, and it’s been a great experience. The people are so brilliant here, and it’s a pleasure to come into work every day. I’ve worked in Ashbourne before, and I run the day-to-day management of the practice for Dental Care Ireland, making sure that patients and staff are where they need to be at all times.”
The practice employs seven people, and the make-up of the staff reflects a theme in dentistry today. “We’re a young group, and we’re all women!” says Audrey. “We have a hygienist, receptionist, two dentists, two nurses, and myself. What we have here in terms of our staff make-up really does mirror what’s happening in dentistry in general – a significant majority of dentistry graduates are female, which I think is fantastic.”
Always bright But what about the treatments on offer in the Ashbourne practice?
“We offer the standard dental treatments here, along with whitening treatments. It’s a really nice place to work – we’re on the ground floor here; we have a great aspect and it’s always bright, even if it’s raining outside. It’s the kind of place that would cheer you up once you step inside. Our patients say it doesn’t really feel like a traditional dentist’s office, and we like to hear that!” says Audrey.
“We even have a virtual tour of the practice that patients can have a look at before they come in so they know where they’re going!”
Positive impression It’s clear that the staff have made a really positive impression on the community in Ashbourne. “We always try to be nice and friendly so that our patients can have the very best experience possible. Just the other day we heard back from a woman who had brought her mother to us to get dentures. They were both over the moon at how she was treated. We love to hear that kind of feedback – it means a lot to know that you’re making people feel comfortable and secure.”
Ashbourne is a fast-growing, vibrant town, so what does the future hold for Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne? “We’ve got a number of plans in the works,” says Audrey. “We are planning to introduce orthodontic treatments soon, as there is a large market for them in the area.
Lovely vibe “Ashbourne is a young town, but there’s a lovely vibe about the place. There are some really good restaurants and new businesses alongside us on the High Street, and it really seems like the place is feeling the positive effects of the recovery.”
So what sets the Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne practice apart from the competition? “As I said before, it’s all about the way you treat customers, as well as the professional expertise you have,” says Audrey. “Patient care is absolutely paramount, and that’s something that starts from the moment someone walks through the door to when they leave. Our staff are nice and gentle, and that’s what our patients want. That will never change.”
Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne is currently offering 20% of all whitening treatments until the end of August. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. See https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/dentist-ashbourne/ or call 01-8350344
Supporting local dentists around the country
In May 2017, Colm Davitt, chief executive of Dental Care Ireland, talked to Irish Dentistry magazine about our network of local dentists across the country and his ambitions to support dentists’ businesses.
What exactly is Dental Care Ireland?
Dental Care Ireland is a new Irish-owned dental group. We set up two years ago, and to date, we have a network of 11 general and specialist practices across the country.
Essentially, we acquire long-established, high quality practices in local communities, with a view to helping them reach their full potential. Our aim is to free principal dentists from administrative burden, allowing them to focus on clinical dentistry.
We invest in upgrading the practices with the latest facilities and technology, as well as providing support in areas such as operations, finance, quality and compliance, IT, HR and marketing. Our vision at Dental Care Ireland is to provide a network of quality dental practices in every single county over the next five to 10 years.
How do you differ from other corporate practices?
Apart from being Irish-owned and -managed, our model is a new concept for dentistry in Ireland. What sets us apart is the fact that all of our dentists are established, local practitioners with a loyal patient base. We work closely with the incumbent dentists to build on the traditions of each individual practice, while ensuring a consistent service for patients across the entire network.
The Irish dental market is very different to the UK and other countries, and we believe that our combined experience and relationships give us a unique understanding of the sensitivities that exist in this country.
What can dentists and their teams expect when they sign up with Dental Care Ireland?
We work with dentists at various life stages and with different career ambitions. By joining Dental Care Ireland, they can expect to be valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their goals.
We basically reduce the management and administrative side of running a business significantly, and give dentists the clinical freedom to focus on their patients. In some cases, we also work with dentists who are seeking to reduce their clinical time commitment.
Each practice is upgraded, depending on individual practice requirements, to include new, state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology. We also support the development of new services and treatments, education and training for staff, as well as more convenient opening hours for patients. We are very sensitive to clinical freedom and to the individuality of each practice and location.
How did you get involved in the dental industry?
I was previously CEO of a leading diagnostic imaging group called Euromedic Ireland (now Affidea), where I gained particular expertise in acquisition through a ‘buy and build’ strategy. This background also gave me a good understanding of the sensitivities involved in running a healthcare organisation and working with healthcare professionals.
My brother and business partner, Kieran, is a dentist based in Galway. Together, we came up with the Dental Care Ireland concept, which would combine Kieran’s clinical expertise and my track record in business development and healthcare management. The balance of both these skillsets has been pivotal to our success.
So where did the idea for Dental Care Ireland come from?
We first looked at international trends towards group dentistry elsewhere. We also explored the challenges facing younger dentists with regards to setting up, such as prohibitive costs and increased compliance.
Since the majority of practices in Ireland are independently owned, we saw an opportunity for a new model here. The model that we developed is very much focused on high quality clinical care, based in the local community. Our marketing tagline is ‘your local practice’.
What kind of practices do you look out for or like to work with?
All of our practices have a long-standing reputation and loyal patient base in their local area. We look for dentists who are committed to remaining with the practice for at least the medium-term, and generally, our practices have a minimum of three chairs.
Our dentists join Dental Care Ireland for a variety of reasons. For some, it is part of a managed retirement plan. For others, they just want to focus on their patients rather than the business, and others have career or family commitments that prohibit them from managing the business side of the practice.
We want to have a national network right across the country, so we are open to considering all locations if the opportunity is right.
What do you hope for the future of Irish dentistry?
I hope that younger dentists will be supported to pursue their career ambitions and that all patients will have access to high quality, convenient dental services.
The restoration of some publicly funded benefits would greatly help many patients across the country and improve the oral health of the nation. I would like to see Dental Care Ireland at the centre of positive developments in the sector in the years ahead.
Note: This article first appeared in the May 2017 issue of Irish Dentistry. It is reprinted here with kind permission
