Blog
Invisalign Open Day in Cabinteely; You’re Invited!
Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely are hosting an Invisalign Open Day on Thursday 2nd of November and you’re invited!
Have you been considering Invisalign but the time has never been right? Well, with our Invisalign Open Day offers, now is your chance!
What’s on offer?
Dr Alex Lite is our Invisalign provider at Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely. On Thursday 2nd of November, he is offering 50% off Invisalign consultations, as well as 5% off Invisalign treatment! In addition, Dr Alex will be able to show you digital before and after results of your Invisalign treatment using his amazing iTero scanner! These offers are available for one day only, so make sure to book your appointment online now!
About Invisalign:
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that can effectively and discreetly straighten your teeth. It is comfortable and almost unnoticeable, making it an extremely popular method of teeth straightening.
Invisalign is designed to fit your lifestyle rather than disrupt it, whether you’re busy with work, school or travel. These virtually invisible aligners can correct a range of concerns, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, gap teeth, open bite and crowded teeth.
What is the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces?
Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth, whereas traditional braces use metal wires and brackets. Not only is Invisalign more comfortable, it is also more aesthetically pleasing for those who are image-conscious. They also require fewer dental visits compared to traditional braces.
Our Invisalign Open Day has limited availability, so book your appointment online today! Alternatively, you can call us directly on (01) 268 9566 to book your appointment or ask any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you!
Improving Smiles in the West of Ireland
Dental Implants are now available in the West!
Up to now, people who needed or wanted dental implants had to travel out of the West of Ireland for treatment. However, thanks to Dental Care Ireland practices in the West, it’s now possible to get this procedure in your own locality. Dental Care Ireland practices in Tuam, Claregalway, Westport and Castlebar now offer dental implants for people who have lost teeth, whether it’s due to injury, decay, or other factors.
Dr Ricardo Trindade carries out implant dentistry in these four practices. He qualified in dentistry in his native Portugal and followed this up with practice and further study in the UK and Sweden. He has been working with implants for 19 years and is also deeply involved in implant research in Sweden having gained his PhD from the renowned Sahlgrenska Academy, the world-renowned pioneering centre in implant dentistry. He has a passion for his work and takes great pride in providing quality care for his patients. Dr Trindade understands that every patient has unique needs and aims to provide tailored dental implant treatment plans that meet those specific needs.
Dr Trindade now brings his expertise and experience to the West of Ireland operating out of our four Dental Care Ireland practices here. Dr Trindade wants patients to have a renewed confidence in their smile and lose the awkwardness of missing teeth.
People are living longer than ever, and while regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can’t keep up. If you’ve lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.
An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium; the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. And the best part? They’ll look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. With the installation of artificial teeth that closely match real ones, eating and speaking with ease will be the same as before you lost your teeth.
If you are interested in dental implants, Dr Trindade can assess your suitability and talk you through your treatment with an easy to book consultation. Ready to take charge of your oral health and feel good about your smile? Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Book your consultation today in Westport, Castlebar, Tuam or Claregalway and avail of the expertise of Dr Trindade.
(098) 28753 | westport@dentalcareireland.ie
(094) 902 2317 | castlebar@dentalcareireland.ie
(093) 60333 | tuam@dentalcareireland.ie
Dental Care Ireland Claregalway
(091) 798 333 | claregalway@dentalcareireland.ie
Meet an Orthodontist
Dr Heraclio Alves Barbosa Junior, also known as Leo, is the Orthodontist at Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne. He graduated in 1996 as a general dentist, and right after he got accepted into the Orthodontics Program in Brazil. Today, he has more than 20 years of experience in Orthodontics and treats patients of all ages in our Ashbourne practice.
Below, Dr Leo has told us about his role as an Orthodontist.
What does an Orthodontist do?
Orthodontists specialise in aligning and straightening your teeth. This is done with various orthodontic treatments, such as traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces.
What is the difference between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
Well, Orthodontists are still Dentists, but an Orthodontist has specialised in moving teeth through orthodontic treatments. Just like a General Dentist, I work with patients of all ages, but the majority of my patients tend to be young people as this is usually when people seek orthodontic treatment. However, people of all ages do receive orthodontic treatment.
What initially attracted you to become an Orthodontist?
I began studying dentistry because I’ve always wanted to help improve people’s smiles, and make them smile more! I realised that orthodontics has a big role to play in this. You often see patients’ confidence completely transform after orthodontic treatment, which is really amazing.
What is your favourite part about being an Orthodontist?
As I said, I love helping people achieve the smile they want and deserve. Ultimately, this really is my favourite part about being an Orthodontist. The joy of giving a patient a new smile is really enjoyable.
What advice would you give to patients who are considering orthodontic treatment for themselves or their children?
Start as soon as possible! When it comes to orthodontic treatments, early intervention is key. While orthodontics are effective for people of all ages, it’s certainly easier to treat younger patients. This is because they are still growing, and so the teeth and bone structure is easier to align. It’s worth at least booking a consultation to consider all of your options.
What are the main benefits of orthodontic treatment?
There are many benefits to orthodontic treatments, mainly aesthetics, confidence and function. Aesthetically, patients opt for orthodontic treatment to straighten their smile and close any gaps that may bother them. This, in turn, tends to boost a patient’s confidence.
When it comes to functionality, orthodontic treatment is great as it helps to properly align the teeth in the mouth, meaning the bite function is improved, and oral health is improved as teeth become easier to floss and clean!
Are you interested in orthodontic treatment in Ashbourne? Book your consultation with Dr Leo today online or by calling our practice directly on (01) 835 0344.
Dental Care Ireland Wins Award 2023
Smiles All Around: Dental Care Ireland Wins Employer of the Year Award 2023. We’re celebrating! Over the weekend, Dental Care Ireland achieved a remarkable milestone that reflects our commitment to excellence and the exceptional teamwork that defines our organisation – We won ‘Employer of the Year’ at the Irish Dentistry Awards.
Dental Care Ireland employs over 500 team members across 33 general and specialist practices nationwide. In 2015, we acquired our first-ever practice in Castlebar, Co. Mayo and have continued to grow rapidly ever since.
Building on the strong foundations of the principal dentists, we invest in developing not only the dental practices, but also the existing teams under the Dental Care Ireland brand, resulting in exponential growth along the way.
Job Opportunities Abound
Dental Care Ireland’s growth also means we regularly have exciting career opportunities available. Whether you’re an experienced dental professional or just starting your career, there’s a place for you in our expanding family. We currently have openings for dentists, dental nurses, and hygienists right across the country.
Our careers page is the go-to destination for those interested in joining our team. It offers comprehensive information about the available positions and the benefits of working at Dental Care Ireland.
The Bottom Line
Dental Care Ireland’s ‘Employer of the Year’ award at the Irish Dentistry Awards isn’t just a trophy on the shelf. It’s a symbol of our unwavering dedication to our employees and our commitment to delivering exceptional dental care to our patients.
In an industry where skill, care, and compassion are the cornerstones of success, we have added another crucial element: valuing our employees. Our growth story is a testament to the fact that when you put people first, success naturally follows.
Get in Touch!
Dental Care Ireland currently has vacancies available for a number of positions across the country, including specialists and support staff. If you wish to read more about the available positions, please visit the careers page here.
If a suitable position is not advertised, don’t worry! We love hearing from people who are keen to join the team, and new positions are created frequently as the company grows. If you would like to get in touch about working at Dental Care Ireland, please email us on careers@dentalcareireland.ie.
Tooth Friendly Lunchboxes
A nutritious meal at lunchtime plays an important role in your child’s energy and focus at school. Dr Jennifer Collins, Clinical Director at Dental Care Ireland, has some tips on the types of foods you’re packing in your child’s lunchbox to maximise their oral and overall health.
“Packing a tooth-friendly school lunchbox doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming as long as you plan ahead in terms of shopping and chopping!” She tells.
Below, Dr Jennifer has outlined some tooth friendly lunchbox ideas.
Personalised Bottle with Tap Water
Fluoridated tap water is the best for developing teeth. Commercial bottled waters don’t always have regulated fluoride levels (or any at all), so it’s best to drink water that comes from your kitchen tap. If your children are very young, a themed cartoon water bottle makes the transition away from sugary juice boxes even easier.
Fresh Veggies and Whole Fruit
Crispy, fibrous fruits and vegetables are great for teeth and gums. When your child chews them, they dislodge plaque residue that’s been there all morning. Apples, carrots, grapes, etc. are all great choices. If your child is craving something sweet, throw in a few berries or melon.
Whole Grains
Processed and bleached breads are full of the types of carbs that lead to more plaque buildup on teeth, and more plaque means more cavities. Consider transitioning your kids to whole grain bread or mixing things up a bit by making sandwich wraps with wholegrain base.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Cheese is great at neutralising acidic pH levels in your child’s mouth. It’s also packed with calcium for stronger teeth and bones. You can cube this to make it easier to eat for small fingers.
Yoghurt with Berries and Nuts
Yogurt is chock full of calcium, which is great for oral health. A plain Greek yoghurt is ideal, since flavoured yoghurt is often loaded with sugar and other additives. Add some tooth-friendly fruits like strawberries and blueberries and crunchy chopped nuts like almonds for your little one to mix in. However, it is a good idea to check first to see if there is a no-nut policy in your child’s classroom.
Don’t forget to book your child’s back-to-school dental exam! Dental Care Ireland has 33 practices nationwide.
Brace Yourself for Back to School!
The summer holidays are coming to a close and it’s almost time to return to school. For parents this is a very busy time of year, from shopping for school supplies to organizing backpacks and lunch boxes. With all that there is to prepare, it can be easy to forget to book your child’s orthodontic appointment. Early intervention is key when it comes to orthodontics, so back to school time is the ideal time to start your child’s orthodontic journey.
Early Intervention
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, early intervention is key and can contribute to a healthier, more confident smile in the long run. By identifying dental issues such as overbites, underbites, crowding or gaps at an early stage, orthodontists can guide the growth of the jaw structure, leading to improved bite function and a straighter smile. While these dental issues can be addressed with orthodontic treatment in adults, it is much easier and effective to correct these concerns from a young age.
Routine
Forming good habits and a good routine from a young age is important with anything, but especially when it comes to orthodontics and oral health. Back to school time is when we reintroduce a stricter routine to our children; from bed times to meal times. This can lend itself very well to orthodontic treatment, as keeping up a good oral hygiene routine and regular orthodontic appointments are a crucial part of treatment. Introducing these new routines is easier done at a stage when routine is kept regular, such as back to school time.
Dental Practices Nationwide
Dental Care Ireland has 33 practices nationwide, 12 of which offer orthodontic treatments for kids and teens, meaning you are sure to find an orthodontic practice near you. Below, you can find our practices that offer orthodontic treatments for kids and teens. Contact our reception team today to book your consultation!
Ashbourne, Co. Meath (01) 835 0344
Cabinteely, Dublin (01) 268 9566
Cork City, Cork (021) 4502139
Dundrum, Dublin (01) 298 1133
Greystones, Co. Wicklow (01) 287 5133
Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny (056) 776 3786
Kimmage, Dublin (01) 4909 153
Knocklyon, Dublin (01) 493 6909
Lucan, Dublin (01) 621 2399
Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (01) 661 5544
Navan, Co. Meath (046) 902 1372
Virginia, Co. Cavan (049) 854 3030
Meet a practice manager
A Practice Manager holds a crucial role in each Dental Care Ireland practice. They are responsible for the day-to-day running of the practice, to provide excellent service to our patients and to manage their practice’s team.
Una Hennessey is the Practice Manager of Dental Care Ireland Kimmage. Below, she tells us a little bit about her role.
How long have you been a Practice Manager?
Well, I had been working at the Kimmage practice for many years as a Dental Nurse before progressing on to Practice Manager over 15 years ago, and I’ve been Practice Manager here ever since.
What do you enjoy about being a Practice Manager?
The flexibility of my role is great. Keeping a busy dental practice running day-to-day involves a lot of various tasks, meaning each day is quite different. This keeps my role exciting and certainly keeps me busy!
I really enjoy meeting people from all walks of life on a daily basis, I think this suits my personality and is something I genuinely do enjoy. I also consider myself quite lucky to be working with a great team of Dentists, Nurses and Hygienists, and of course all of the background staff who have been so supportive since our practice joined the Dental Care Ireland group in November 2021.
How have you found being part of the Dental Care Ireland group?
As I mentioned, the support I receive from Dental Care Ireland is great. There is so much I need to be on top of as a Practice Manager, and having background support has really made it easier for me to thrive within my role.
Being part of a nationwide dental group is fantastic. It allows me to work with other Practice Managers and share tips and tricks with one another on how best to run our practices. We have access to various education and support events throughout the year, which again is great support to me within my role. I am really excited to be involved in the planning and growth of the practice as we evolve with Dental Care Ireland as a whole.
What goals do you have for your future as a Practice Manager?
I’ve always had an interest in further education, so this is something I plan on perusing. With my background as a Dental Nurse, I am already registered with the IDC and hold a Distinction in Dental Radiography, which I received in 1998. But as I said, I always have an interest in furthering my education and skills! I believe this is important no matter what role you’re in and is great for both professional and personal growth.
I’m always happy to try out new ideas and suggestions. I think it’s important as a Practice Manager to be receptive of new ideas, whether these come from team member or patients of our practice. I’m also excited to grow the team and encourage a positive and happy workplace. I think this really is an important goal for any Practice Manager to have.
What advice would you give to other Practice Managers?
My advice to other Practice Managers would be to trust yourself and use the skills and experience that you have acquired over the years and put them to good use. No matter what your background is, I believe all skills are valuable and transferable, so trust them and use them! Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance, there is always someone on hand to help. We are part of a team for a reason, and it’s so important to help each other and ask for help when you need it.
If you are interested in working with Dental Care Ireland, you can browse our careers page here.
Dental Care Ireland Dundrum, a merger of two practices
In the dynamic field of dentistry, continuous growth and innovation are essential to provide patients with the best possible care. In April this year, Bellavista Dental in Churchtown and Glenville Dental in Dundrum joined forces to create Dental Care Ireland Dundrum. This merger marks an exciting new chapter for these two practices, promising enhanced services, increased convenience, and a commitment to patient care.
A Unification of Excellence
The union of Bellavista Dental and Glenville Dental under the banner of Dental Care Ireland Dundrum combines the expertise and experience of two esteemed dental practices. Both Bellavista Dental and Glenville Dental have built a solid reputation for providing exceptional dental care and personalized service to their patients.
By merging together, these practices have pooled their resources, knowledge, and skills to create a dental practice that aims to set new standards in oral healthcare. Patients can now expect a comprehensive range of dental treatments, advanced technology, and a team of highly qualified professionals dedicated to their oral health.
Enhanced Services and Advanced Technology
Dental Care Ireland Dundrum is committed to offering an expanded array of dental services to cater to the diverse needs of patients. Whether it’s routine check-ups, root canals, or cosmetic dentistry, patients will have access to a wide range of dental care options all under one roof.
Moreover, this merger brings forth the integration of cutting-edge dental technology. Dental Care Ireland Dundrum is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced treatment techniques. By leveraging these advanced tools, the dental team can deliver more accurate diagnoses, efficient treatments, and improved patient comfort.
Continuity of Care and Patient Convenience
One of the primary goals of Dental Care Ireland Dundrum is to ensure a seamless transition for existing patients of Bellavista Dental and Glenville Dental. The merger emphasizes a commitment to preserving the trusted relationships between patients and their dentists. Patients can continue their treatment plans with their preferred dentist, with the added benefit of access to an expanded range of services and resources.
Dental Care Ireland Dundrum is committed to maintaining a patient-centric approach, ensuring that every individual receives the highest standard of care and attention. Open communication channels, personalized treatment plans, and a compassionate dental team create an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and well-cared-for.
To contact Dental Care Ireland Dundrum, please phone (01) 298 1133, email dundrum@dentalcareireland.ie, or visit our website.
Vaping and Oral Health: What Do I Need To Know?
E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young adults and teenagers. The use of e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. While this may be the case, there is mounting evidence to suggest that vaping still poses significant risks to oral health. Below, Dr Jennifer Collins, Clinical Director of Dental Care Ireland, discusses the harmful effects vaping has on our oral health.
Nicotine harms your oral health
E-cigarettes contain a liquid mixture of nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. When heated, the liquid turns into an aerosol, which is then inhaled. Nicotine is one of the most harmful chemicals found in e-cigarettes. It can cause a range of oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth loss. Nicotine also reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal from infections, injuries or dental procedures. This is why we advise you to avoid vaping after a dental procedure.
Nicotine can also cause yellow staining on your teeth. While this type of staining is usually associated with tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes can also do this to your teeth. If you wish to keep your smile pearly white, it is best to avoid vaping.
The flavourings used in e-cigarettes also pose a risk to oral health. Many of these flavourings contain chemicals that can irritate the mouth and throat. Some flavourings can also damage the enamel on the teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity and cavities.
Vaping can lead to dry mouth
Another issue with vaping is that it dries out the mouth. A dry mouth can lead to a host of oral health problems, including bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. When the mouth is dry, there is less saliva to wash away harmful bacteria, food particles, and other debris. This can lead to a build-up of plaque and tartar, which can cause cavities and gum disease.
Vaping is not a healthy habit
While we are only beginning to learn about the adverse effects of vaping for your oral health, it is becoming evident that vaping is not as safe as we may have initially assumed. However, e-cigarettes are certainly better for your oral health than tobacco cigarettes. This makes vaping a good segway for those trying to quit smoking, but it’s certainly not a good decision to start vaping from scratch! Unfortunately, we are seeing young people and teenagers beginning to vape even if they have never smoked before, which is not a trend we want to see.
Finally, if you do vape, make sure you are drinking plenty of water, keep up a good oral health routine, visit your dentist regularly, and do consider cutting back or quitting; your mouth will thank you for it!
If you would like to book a check-up with your local Dental Care Ireland practice, you can find our contact details here.
6 Ways to Protect Your Children’s Teeth This Easter
“It’s common knowledge that sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay, and unfortunately Easter eggs are full of it! However, there are effective steps you can take to help protect your child’s teeth this Easter,” says Dr Jennifer Collins, Clinical Director of the Dental Care Ireland group.
Before we all get stuck into our chocolate eggs over the Easter break, here are six ways you can protect your child’s teeth this Easter…
Save treats for after meals
“It’s not just the amount of chocolate and sweets we eat this Easter. The frequency and timing of consumption is also important when it comes to protecting our teeth,” says Dr Jennifer Collins.
Instead of grazing on Easter eggs throughout the day, enjoy some chocolate as dessert straight after a meal. Saliva production increases during meals, which helps to rinse away sugary food particles and can reduce the risk of cavities.
Don’t let it linger
As well as frequency of snacking, the length of time sugary food stays in your mouth can affect tooth decay. Avoid treats that tend to linger in the mouth, such as hard or sticky sweets, as they will do the most damage. These types of sweets can often be found in Easter treats, such as caramel or marshmallows.
Wash it down with water
After eating Easter treats, it is important to drink plenty of water to rinse away the sugar. The water will help to dilute any acid attacks caused by sugary snacks.
Where possible, avoid drinks that are packed with sugar. Fizzy drinks are the obvious culprit, but fruit drinks and smoothies which are often viewed as healthy can also be high in sugar and be bad for your teeth.
Try a mouth-cleansing snack
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples and celery will stimulate production of saliva, which in turn helps to wash away chocolate and other sugary foods.
Alternatively, a small piece of cheese eaten after chocolate will help return the mouth to its natural acid balance and reduce the chances of developing tooth decay.
Remember your routine
As teeth may be exposed to more sugar and acid over the Easter period, maintaining a basic dental care routine at home is key for all the family. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and drink plenty of water.
After eating an Easter egg, a good tip is to wait 30 minutes before brushing. Some acidic foods soften your enamel, so if you brush right after eating them, you can risk hurting your enamel further while it is still sensitive.
Schedule an Easter check-up
The Easter holiday is a good opportunity to schedule a dental appointment if you have not already done so this year. Prevention is better than cure, and regular check-ups will help to avert future problems.
Contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice.
