News

Parliament Street Dental Merges into Dental Care Ireland

Parliament Street Dental Merges into Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny. At Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny, we have some exciting news! We are pleased to announce the merger of Parliament Street Dental into Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny, 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 new talented members of our team: Dr Maeve O’Flynn and Linda Maher-Dunne (who you might already know from our practice!).

The merging of locations will ensure enhanced dental care for the Kilkenny community. Local residents can expect continued exceptional service from familiar faces in one central located facility. Situated on William Street, Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny provides a convenient and accessible space for patients, equipped with modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. Patients can look forward to an expanded array of services ranging from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry, as Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny combines the strengths of both practices. Integrating the Parliament Street staff into our Kilkenny branch assuring that we maintain the highest level of care while providing a positive experience for each patient.

Welcoming New Team Members

Dr. Maeve O’Flynn, alongside Dental Hygienist Linda Maher-Dunne, have seamlessly transitioned to our Kilkenny location, and they’re just as excited as we are about this new merger! Dr. O’Flynn expresses her enthusiasm stating, “I am delighted to continue serving our patients at Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny. This merger allows us to enhance our services and provide an even higher standard of care to our community. Our team is excited about the positive impact we can make in this new chapter.” For existing patients of both Parliament Street Dental and Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny, the transition will be smooth and seamless. Our commitment to continuity of care and maintaining the relationships built with patients over the years remains our top priority.

Dr. Maeve O’Flynn: Qualified from UCC and worked in a community dentistry and general practice in Cambridge, UK. She gained much experience in all aspects of dentistry and was awarded the Greer Walker award. She returned to Ireland and worked for the HSE before going on to establish her own practice on Parliament street in 1994.

If you have any further questions or would like to book your next appointment with Dental Care Ireland Kilkenny, please call us on (056) 776 3786 or email kilkenny@dentalcareireland.ie

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.

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.

Dealing with Dental Emergencies During COVID-19

Dental emergencies can be alarming on the best of days, let alone when the world is dealing with wrap of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We’re here to answer some common queries about how to handle dental emergencies, from toothache tips to saving a knocked-out tooth.

Q: What do I do if I have a toothache?

A: If you or your child is experiencing a toothache, it is best to rinse the mouth with warm water first to clean it out thoroughly. Gently use some dental floss to remove any stubborn food or debris from between the teeth. If the pain persists, call your local Dental Care Ireland practice to arrange an emergency dental appointment.

Q: How can I stop a toothache?

A: A suitable over-the-counter pain relief remedy can help to ease discomfort, as recommended by your pharmacist. If the pain persists, contact your dentist as soon as possible to arrange an emergency dental appointment.

Q: What do I do if I’ve knocked out of tooth?

A: Retrieve the lost tooth and call your local Dental Care Ireland practice straight away to arrange an emergency dental appointment. You should hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root.

Q: How should I store the tooth that has been knocked out?

A: Place the tooth in milk, or carry it in your mouth, between your teeth and the inside of your cheek. If stored correctly, there is a chance that the tooth can be replanted in the gum. Do not store the tooth in regular tap water or mineral water.

Q: What do I do if my child has knocked out a baby tooth?

A: Baby teeth are not typically replanted in the mouth. However, it is still important for your dentist to assess the damage, particularly as the permanent successors may be affected by the injury.

Q: Are there symptoms to look for when a tooth is knocked out?

A: When a tooth is knocked out, look immediately for any symptoms of severe head injury such as bleeding from the nose or ears. It is also essential to check for tongue, cheek or jaw lacerations. If any of these symptoms are present, call 112 or 999 immediately.

Q: What do I do if I chip a tooth?

A: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Call your local dental practice for further guidance on what you should do next.

Q: What should I do if my tooth changes colour?

A: If a tooth starts to change colour, it could be a sign of nerve damage. Even if it is a baby tooth, it is best to call your local dentist who can advise you further.

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie.

Patient Information: COVID-19 (23rd March)

In the best interests of our patients, team and community, we will be suspending all non-urgent dental treatments until March 31st. Most of our practices will still continue to provide emergency dental care to patients.

Should you or your family require urgent dental care at this time, please contact your local practice to schedule an appointment. Our team is available to answer your dental questions and concerns. You can find contact details for each practice on our website.

Due to the nature of dentistry, our standard infection control processes are designed to protect both patients and staff from the risk of contracting contagious diseases at all times, and especially when facing a situation like the current COVID-19 outbreak. Please be assured that we are receiving daily updates from both the HSE and the HSPC and are adhering to all the current guidelines to allow us to continue to provide the best possible care to you and your family.

If you have an appointment scheduled with us for routine dental treatment, our team will contact you directly to re-arrange. We appreciate that you may have further questions, so please do not hesitate to contact your local practice and we will be more than happy to help.

We will be updating our Patient Information page on a regular basis to keep our patients up to date on any changes to these dental emergency services.

Thank you to all of our patients for you continued support and understanding at this time. Please stay safe and follow all guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Colgate Caring Dental Awards: We’ve Been Nominated!

Colgate Caring Dental Awards 2019

Congratulations to all of our dentists and practice teams who have been nominated for the Colgate Caring Dental Awards 2019.

Thanks to our patients across the country, Dental Care Ireland team members have received a staggering 28 nominations this year!

The annual awards, supported by Colgate and the Irish Dental Association, highlight excellence in the Irish dental profession, through the eyes of the patient. From regular check-ups or toothaches to emergency treatments, dentists are nominated by their patients for going above and beyond normal patient care.

The overall winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in Dublin’s Burlington Hotel on Saturday, 7th December 2019.

Good luck to all the nominees!

Dental Care Ireland’s ‘Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year’ Nominees 2019:

Dr Claire Burns, Dental Care Ireland, Ashbourne
Dr David McGibney, Dental Care Ireland, Ashbourne
Dr Darragh Byrne, Dental Care Ireland, Claregalway
Dr Laura Kennedy, Dental Care Ireland, Claregalway
Dr Martin McCarthy, Dental Care Ireland, Claregalway
Dr Sinead Cooney, Dental Care Ireland, Claregalway
Dr Gerard Kilfeather, Dental Care Ireland, Greystones
Dr Suzanne O’Connor, Dental Care Ireland, Knocklyon
Dr David Kelly, Dental Care Ireland, Navan
Dr William Cosgrave, Dental Care Ireland, Navan
Dr Orla McGeary, Dental Care Ireland, Swords
Dr Amita Bhagwat, Dental Care Ireland, Tuam (Abbeytrinity Dental Practice)
Dr John Barry, Dental Care Ireland, Tullamore
Dr Aoife Farrell, Callan Dental
Dr Jacqueline Clune, Callan Dental
Dr Jennifer Huston, Callan Dental
Dr Omar El Baradie, Callan Dental
Dr Roisin Brady, Callan Dental

Dental Care Ireland’s ‘Colgate Caring Dental Team of The Year’ Nominees 2019:

Dental Care Ireland, Ashbourne
Dental Care Ireland, Knocklyon
Dental Care Ireland, Carlow
Dental Care Ireland, Cabinteely
Dental Care Ireland, Castlebar
Dental Care Ireland, Claregalway
Dental Care Ireland, Tuam (Abbeytrinity Dental Practice)
Dental Care Ireland, Tullamore
Dental Care Ireland, Navan
Callan Dental

Mind Your Mouth! Charity Partnership Announcement

Dental Care Ireland Partners with National Diabetes Charity

Dental Care Ireland, a new network of local dental practices nationwide, today launched a year-long partnership with Diabetes Ireland, the national diabetes charity: Mind Your Mouth!

In Ireland, it is estimated that 250,000 people are living with diabetes, 50% of whom are unaware of their condition. Diabetes is a lifelong condition and if untreated can lead to complications, including oral health problems such as gum disease.

The aim of the partnership is to raise funds towards Diabetes Ireland’s regional community support services, as well as increasing awareness about the importance of oral health care for people with diabetes.

Speaking at the launch of Mind Your Mouth, Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor, Dental Care Ireland, said: “People with diabetes can be more prone to oral health problems such as gum disease, dry mouth, poor healing and oral infections. In most cases, mouth complications can be easily treated, but a thorough dental health routine is an essential part of learning to live with the condition.”

Throughout the year, Dental Care Ireland staff across the country will work with the team at Diabetes Ireland to develop a number of fundraising and awareness initiatives, including a dedicated oral health web section, oral health information talks, and a sponsored “brushathon” to coincide with World Oral Health Day in March.

According to Jennifer Brennan, fundraising manager at Diabetes Ireland: “We are delighted to partner with Dental Care Ireland for the coming year. This partnership gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes and oral health amongst our members, supporters and the diabetes community. The funds raised through this partnership will also enable us to continue to provide much needed information, care and a range of services to help improve the lives of those affected by diabetes.”

Colm Davitt, chief executive at Dental Care Ireland, commented: “We look forward to working closely with Diabetes Ireland to develop an oral health education programme for people with diabetes and their families, while also raising much needed support funds. It is a fantastic opportunity for our staff members to fundraise in each of our local practice areas, and also to share their specialist knowledge and expertise.”

For information on diabetes and oral health, visit www.diabetes.ie/oralhealth or www.dentalcareireland.ie

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, 30^th 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 Hosts Annual Training Day

Dental Care Ireland’s annual training day and summer barbecue was a fantastic opportunity to improve the patient experience at DCI practices around the country.

Collaboration was the key theme at Dental Care Ireland’s annual training day and summer BBQ on Saturday, 30th June in Dublin’s Morrison Hotel.

With over 120 staff members in attendance from practices across the country, the event was designed to bring together the entire DCI team for a day of practical training and peer discussion.

Horton Consulting’s Laura Horton and Michael Bentley led an action-packed agenda, with in-depth presentations on how to enhance each room in the practice. From patient lounge and dentist room, to hygienist room and managers’ office, the training explored different ways to expand current systems and improve the overall patient experience. As part of the programme, Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor at Dental Care Ireland, also provided an overview for staff on the importance of probity.

Founded by Colm Davitt, former CEO of Affidea, and his brother Dr Kieran Davitt, a Galway-based dentist, Dental Care Ireland acquires established, high quality practices in local communities, with a view to helping them reach their full potential. To date, it employs 175 staff across 13 general and specialist dental practices in Dublin, Meath, Carlow, Mayo, Offaly, Wicklow, Galway and Kilkenny.

To book an appointment at any of the 13 Dental Care Ireland practices around the country, please see dentalcareireland.ie/practices.

Karen Koster launches ‘First Dental Visit’ campaign

Throughout the month of March 2018, Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide will be offering a free first dental visit to all patients under five.

TV broadcaster and mum Karen Koster was joined this week by Kate O’Riordan (age 2) to launch Dental Care Ireland’s ‘First Dental Visit’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of establishing a good dental health routine from an early age. Throughout the month of March 2018, Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide will be offering a free first dental visit to all patients under five.

Speaking at the launch, Karen Koster said, “We all know about teething and tooth fairies when it comes to our children’s dental health, but otherwise I think there can be a tendency to wait until a problem arises before seeking advice. At the baby and toddler stage in particular, it is so helpful to speak to a dentist and find out what you should or shouldn’t be doing to prevent potential issues from the outset. I am sure most parents will agree that it is a challenge to get any toddler to brush their teeth, but it’s all about establishing a routine and hopefully encouraging a habit for life.”

According to Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor at Dental Care Ireland, “Despite the fact that they will eventually fall out, the importance of deciduous or ‘baby’ teeth cannot be overstated. A good primary dentition helps your child to establish strong biting and chewing patterns, develop speech, and hold healthy space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.

“Baby teeth are just as prone to cavities as permanent or ‘adult’ teeth. Teaching children to look after their baby teeth from an early age, will pave the way for a healthy adult mouth. Early attendance at the dentist is the cornerstone of good dental health, and a successful first dental visit can make all the difference.”

5 tips on a successful first dental visit

1. When to visit

The ideal time to bring your child to the dentist is before the age of two, and preferably when the first tooth arrives. This gives you, the parent, an opportunity to ask dietary and hygiene questions, and seek professional advice on best maintenance.

It also allows your dentist to establish a baseline record of your child’s dental health and development, safe-guarding the establishment of good dental health and preventing the premature loss of vital baby teeth through decay.

2. Appointment time

For a first visit, it is particularly important to ensure that your child is as relaxed as possible. Ideally, pick a time of day that suits you both, so that nobody feels too rushed, tired or hungry.

It is best if the appointment time does not interfere with nap routines, sports schedules or even a favourite programme!

3. Talk about teeth

It helps to be mindful of the language used in preparation for a dental visit. For example, use positive words and phrases such as check-up, counting teeth or looking at the mouth, rather than referring to unfamiliar terms such as extractions or fillings.

In advance, it can also be a good idea to introduce baby and child-friendly books or songs about brushing teeth or trips to the dentist.

4. Establish a brushing routine

As the first baby teeth arrive at approximately six months, it is often a good idea to introduce the concept of oral hygiene at this time. For very young infants, merging a brushing routine into bath time is an excellent way to inspire a regular dental health regime for the future. Incorporating supervised brushing into your child’s usual every day morning and evening schedules is key.

For 0-2 year olds, brushing with a toothbrush and water is best. From 2-7 years, children should brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. A useful tip is to bring along your child’s tooth brush to their dental check-up, so that the dentist can see that they are using the correct size and strength for their teeth.

5. What to expect

Depending on the child’s age, they can either sit on a parent’s lap for the examination, or else sit on the chair by themselves.

The dentist examines the child’s mouth and gums, in order to identify any issues such as decay, crowding problems, or developmental anomalies. If needed, they may take an X-ray. They will then polish the child’s teeth and offer the parent preventative hygiene and dietary advice.

Many dental practices now offer child-friendly waiting areas or surgeries, as well as post-visit rewards.

Throughout the month of March 2018, Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide will be offering a free first dental visit to all patients under five. Click here to book an appointment