Kimmage

Fall in Love with Your Smile: Teeth Whitening

This Valentine’s Day, let’s not just celebrate romantic love, but also embrace the beauty of self-love. Join us as we explore how to unlock the radiance of your smile, not just for February 14th, but for every day that follows. Let us help you to radiate confidence and charm with a smile that captures hearts and leaves a lasting impression.

Am I a suitable for teeth whitening?

Finding out if teeth whitening is right for you starts with a thorough check-up with your dentist. Generally, professional teeth whitening is recommended for patients with healthy teeth and gums, free from issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or hypersensitivity.

What does the teeth whitening treatment involve?

Your dentist will work with you to establish your desired shade of white. Customised whitening trays will be created based on impressions of your teeth. These trays, along with a special whitening gel, will be provided for at-home use.

How long does the treatment take?

Teeth whitening typically involves using the trays and gel at home for approximately one hour per day over seven to 14 days, depending on your desired shade outcome.

How white will my teeth go?

The achievable shade of white varies based on your teeth’s initial color. Your dentist can provide insight into the likely outcome before beginning the treatment.

Will I feel pain or sensitivity?

It’s common to experience some sensitivity during the whitening process, but this usually subsides after treatment. Using a sensitive toothpaste before and during whitening may help alleviate discomfort, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

Does the teeth whitening treatment whiten crowns, veneers, or fillings?

No, teeth whitening only affects natural teeth. Restorations like crowns, veneers, or tooth-coloured fillings won’t whiten. If you have such restorations on your front teeth, you may consider replacing them after whitening to match your new tooth shade.

Are teeth whitening results permanent?

Results vary from person to person and may be influenced by lifestyle factors like smoking and consumption of staining foods and drinks. Annual touch-ups or as-needed applications of whitening gel can help maintain your brighter smile.

How can I maintain my brighter smile?

Consistent oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is key to preserving your whitened teeth. Additionally, avoiding smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and scheduling regular dental visits for cleanings and check-ups are essential for long-term oral health.

Book yourself in for a teeth whitening treatment at one of our many practices all over Ireland.

Christmas Opening Hours 2023

Our Christmas opening hours are listed below, along with details of emergency clinics during the holiday period. All practices will return to normal opening hours from Wednesday, 3rd of January 2024.

We’d like to wish all our patients a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

Ashbourne, Co. Meath

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne, see here.

Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: 08.00-12.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ballincollig, see here.

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (Northumberland Dental Care)

Thursday 21st December: 07.30-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 07.30-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 07.30-17.30

For contact details of Northumberland Dental Care, see here.

Ballyowen, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-13.00
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen, see here.

Beechwood Dental, Ranelagh, Co. Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-20.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-20.00

For contact details of Beechwood Dental, see here.

Cabinteely, Dublin 18

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-19.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely, see here.

Callan Dental, Co. Kilkenny

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 08.30-11.00 emergencies only
Thursday 28th December: 08.30-11.00 emergencies only
Friday 29th December: 08.30-11.00 emergencies only
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.00

For contact details of Callan Dental, see here.

Carlow Town, Co. Carlow

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-19.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-11.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-11.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.40

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Carlow, see here.

Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Castlebar, see here.

Claregalway, Co. Galway

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-15.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Claregalway, see here.

Cork City, Co. Cork

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: 09.00-17.00
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 30th December: 09.00-14.00
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Cork, see here.

Douglas, Co. Cork

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-19.45
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-19.45

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Douglas, see here.

Drogheda, Co. Louth

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-16.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 11.00-15.00
Friday 29th December: 08.30-16.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Drogheda, see here.

Dundrum, Dublin 14

Thursday 21st December: 07.30-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-16.15
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Dundrum, see here.

Ennis, Co. Clare

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: Closed

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Ennis, see here.

Greystones, Co. Wicklow

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-16.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-13.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: 09.00-13.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Greystones, see here.

Kells, Co. Meath

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-13.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kells, see here.

Kilbarrack, Dublin 5

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-19.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: 10.00-14.00
Saturday 30th December: 10.00-14.00
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kilbarrack, see here.

Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-16.30
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.30-15.30
Thursday 28th December: 09.30-15.30
Friday 29th December: 09.30-15.30
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny, see here.

Killarney, Co. Kerry

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-17.00
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-13.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

Kimmage, Dublin 6W

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-13.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-20.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Kimmage, see here.

Knocklyon, Dublin 16

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-19.30
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 09.00-16.00
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: 09.00-16.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-19.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, see here.

Limerick, Co. Limerick

Thursday 21st December: 09.30-17.30
Friday 22nd December: 09.30-17.30
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.30-16.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.30-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Limerick, see here.

Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-15.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Molesworth, see here.

Navan, Co. Meath

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: Closed

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Navan, see here.

Rathfarnham, Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-17.00

Sligo Town, Co. Sligo

Thursday 21st December: 08.15-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.15-16.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.15-17.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Sligo, see here.

Swords, Co. Dublin

Thursday 21st December: 08.00-16.30
Friday 22nd December: 08.00-14.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.00-16.30

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Swords, see here.

Tuam, Co. Galway

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: Closed
Wednesday 3rd January: 09.00-16.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Tuam, see here.

Virginia, Co. Cavan

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-15.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-14.00 emergency only
Friday 29th December: 11.00-15.00 emergency only
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Virginia, see here.

Waterford City, Co. Waterford

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-18.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: 09.00-17.00
Friday 29th December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Waterford, see here.

Westport, Co. Mayo

Thursday 21st December: 09.00-18.00
Friday 22nd December: 09.00-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: Closed
Thursday 28th December: Closed
Friday 29th December: Closed
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 09.00-18.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Westport, see here.

Wexford Town, Co. Wexford

Thursday 21st December: 08.30-19.00
Friday 22nd December: 08.30-17.00
Saturday 23rd December: Closed
Sunday 24th December: Closed
Monday 25th December: Closed
Tuesday 26th December: Closed
Wednesday 27th December: 10.00-15.00
Thursday 28th December: 10.00-15.00
Friday 29th December: 10.00-15.00
Saturday 30th December: Closed
Sunday 31st December: Closed
Monday 1st January: Closed
Tuesday 2nd January: 08.30-19.00

For contact details of Dental Care Ireland Wexford, see here.

If you experience a dental emergency while your local Dental Care Ireland practice is closed during the Christmas period, you can contact an emergency service below:

Leinster:

Dublin Dental Hospital: (01) 6127391
VHI SwiftCare Dundrum: (01) 4482450
St James’s Hospital A&E: (01) 4103000
Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, Co. Meath: (046) 9078770
NEDOC, Navan, Co. Meath: (046) 6850750
Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore: (057) 932 1501
Wexford General Hospital: (053) 9153000
Caredoc (South East & South Wicklow): 0818 300 365 or (059) 913 8100
Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny: (056) 7785000
Midoc: 1850 302 702

Munster:

Cork University Dental School & Hospital: (021) 4901100
University Hospital Limerick: (061) 301 111
Midoc: 1850 302 702

Connacht:

University College Galway: (091) 524222
Sligo University Hospital: 071 9171111
Caredoc Sligo: 0818 365 399
Westdoc: 1850 365 000

Ulster:

Caredoc (West Cavan): 0818 365 399

Fortfield Dental Joins Dental Care Ireland Kimmage.

We have an exciting update to share about our Kimmage, South Dublin, practice! Fortfield Dental has merged with Dental Care Ireland Kimmage, promising an exciting new chapter in dental care for the local community.

This merger brings with it not just an expansion of services, but also two talented and dedicated new dentists: Dr Nicola Barry and Dr Briony Kells.

Why the Merger?

The merger of Fortfield Dental and Dental Care Ireland Kimmage is an exciting development in the healthcare landscape of South Dublin. Both practices have a strong legacy of providing exceptional dental care to the local community. This merger represents the union of two well-established practices with shared values and a common goal: to provide the highest standard of dental care to their patients. By merging our practices together, we can offer an even broader spectrum of services and access to cutting-edge dental technology, ensuring patients in Kimmage receive the best possible care.

Meet the New Faces

One of the most exciting aspects of this merger is the introduction of two outstanding dentists to our Kimmage practice. Dr Nicola Barry and Dr Briony Kells are both highly accomplished professionals who bring their unique skills and expertise to the team.

Dr Nicola Barry: With years of experience under her belt, Dr Barry is known for her gentle and compassionate approach to dentistry. Her commitment to ensuring that patients feel comfortable and at ease during their dental visits is truly commendable. Dr Barry’s expertise spans a wide range of dental services, making her a valuable addition to the team.

Dr Briony Kells: Dr Kells is another remarkable dentist who has joined Dental Care Ireland Kimmage with the Fortfield Dental merge. Her passion for staying at the forefront of modern dentistry is evident in her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Dr Kells is known for her thorough and patient-centered approach, making her an ideal choice for anyone seeking comprehensive dental care.

A Smooth Transition for Patients

For existing patients of both Fortfield Dental and Dental Care Ireland Kimmage, the transition will be seamless. The commitment to continuity of care and maintaining the relationships built with patients over the years remains a top priority.

If you have any further questions or would like to book your next appointment with Dental Care Ireland Kimmage, please call us on (01) 490 9153 or email kimmage@dentalcareireland.ie

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.

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.