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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.

Children’s Check-Up: When and Why?

Being a parent isn’t the easiest thing in the world, and that’s partially down to the sheer amount of care that goes into raising a child. We all know it’s not as simple as feeding them food and keeping them safe and entertained; it’s also taking them to their regular doctor and dentist checkups. Which leads to; how often should I book my children’s check-up? At Dental Care Ireland encourage that children come in for at least two checkups every year.

Why do children need bi-annual checkups?

Preventive Care Vs Treatment

As children grow, they can potentially experience problems such as misaligned bites, tooth decay, and teeth growing in crooked. By coming in for a regular children’s check-up, we can assess their teeth and catch problems before they become, well, problems.

Establish Good Habits

It’s common for children to be resistant to brushing their teeth. However, by bringing your children in for a regular children’s check-up, we can instill a desire and a habit to practice good oral hygiene which can carry through into adulthood. If you still hate flossing as an adult, it might be because you didn’t establish this good habit at a young age!

Determine Need for Braces

Not every child is going to need braces, but you won’t be able to tell without the help of a children’s dentist. Dental Care Ireland offer orthodontic services at several locations across the country that can determine if braces are necessary. This will help you get a head start on the orthodontic process, and you may even prevent future issues!

If you would like to schedule your child’s next checkup with us, you can contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice or book online today. Of if you wish to learn more about your children’s oral health, why not check out our Children’s Dentistry page. 

Ideal time to bring children to the dentist

With summer here and children getting off school, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring them to the dentist whether for their first visit, a regular check-up or an orthodontic consultation

It can be hard to get your children to the dentist at the best of times, but when they’re at school, it can be even more difficult for busy parents to organise. So when summer arrives, it is often easier for all concerned to make the time for a vital check-up.

First visit

It is recommended that infants should first be brought to the dentist when their first tooth appears which is generally when they are about six months old. It is good to get them used to the idea of a dentist from an early age. Dentists will also be able to advise you on how best to look after your young children’s baby teeth. They will also be able to spot the beginnings of any problems that may occur later.

We have written in the past about how to ensure your child’s first dental visit is a success and we believe it is crucial that children should feel comfortable and relaxed so that subsequent visits are also stress-free.

School children

Most national or primary level school children finish up at the end of June. You may then be going on holidays or they may be doing summer camps, so it is worth booking them in for a check-up before those things happen. That way, you won’t have to worry about it for the rest of the summer or be under pressure when school begins again in late August.

Ideally, of course, there would be regular free check-ups during school and the Irish Dental Association (IDA) has consistently urged to government to introduce more frequent dental screenings in Irish schools. The Health Service Executive (HSE) does operate the Schools Screening Services which aims to screen children in second, fourth and sixth class. However, the IDA points out that “due to restrictions in the public service, these target classes are not always reached”.

So it is worthwhile bringing your children yourself. Your dentist will then get an opportunity to assess what treatment is needed, if any, including fissure sealants or fillings. They will also be able to advise you and your child on how best to look after their first teeth, including what food and drink to avoid and how to brush properly. Often, children need to hear this not just from you as parents but from a professional.

As with most health issues, prevention is better than cure, so regular visits will allow dentists to spot potential problems and deal with them as early as possible. At this age – from four to 12 – regular dentists will also be able to monitor how your child’s mouth is developing and when – or if – they will need to see an orthodontist.

Teenagers

If your children have been used to going to the dentist regularly from an early age, it will generally be easier to get them to go when they become teenagers. However, as any parent will tell you, bad habits can begin to slip in when your children hit their teens.

It is up to you to encourage good dental habits, such as brushing regularly, flossing and having the right diet (as much as possible). It is also worth encouraging them to be independent and take care of themselves, which means going to the dentist for a check-up or to see a hygienist. However, as we all know, ‘ordering’ teens to do anything, let alone go to the dentist, can be counter-productive.

Teenagers, like the rest of us, care about their health and their appearance so will want to have strong, healthy teeth. So help them to achieve this by allowing them to make their own appointments with the dentist and taking responsibility for their own wellbeing.

However, you can also make an appointment for them and bring them to the dentist if that’s easier for all concerned. The important thing is to make sure they are getting regular check-ups.

Orthodontics

As well as good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, orthodontic treatment will probably be the biggest dental treatment your children will need. A majority of young people need to get braces fitted and the best time to do it is usually between the ages of 10 and 13, though it will depend on the child.

While braces were once unwieldy and sometimes uncomfortable, nowadays they are much easier to fit and to wear. Thanks to modern technology, people can now choose from traditional braces, tooth-coloured ceramic ones or clear Invisalign types which are custom-made for patients’ mouths and which blend in naturally so that they are not unsightly. We use all three kinds in Dental Care Ireland practices and we work with our patients – and their parents – to choose the most suitable type.

For more on the range of treatments available in Dental Care Ireland practices around the country, click here. To find a practice nearest you, visit our website here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/

Greystones dentist provides best care for your family

Greystones dentist provides the full range of treatments for young and old at its newly refurbished practice in the heart of the Wicklow town

Greystones dentist, which became part of the Dental Care Ireland group in April 2018, has built up a professional and family-friendly reputation in the Wicklow area since the practice was founded in 1980.

The practice offers a vast selection of general dental treatments, including check-ups, hygienist services, mouth guards and teeth whitening, as well as specialist treatments such as orthodontics, dental implants, and root canal treatment.

Founded

Our Greystones practice was established initially by well-known local dentist Mr. Gerard Kilfeather as Kilfeather Dental in 1980. It has grown significantly since then and now offers a wide range of general, cosmetic and specialist treatments to the residents of Greystones and the surrounding area.

The practice has also been newly refurbished and now has state-of-the-art facilities and the most up-to-date technology to meet the needs of all patients, from children and teenagers to adults and older people.

The team at Dental Care Ireland Greystones prides itself on offering a professional and caring dental service for all its patients. Led by principal dentist Mr. Gerry Kilfeather, as well as his daughter, Dr Gina Kilfeather, Dr Ed Madeley, and the practice dental hygienist Maria O’Rourke.

Also, note that all our practices, including our Greystones one, are offering 20% OFF teeth whitening treatments for May and June 2019. As a PRSI payer, you may also be entitled to an ‘Exam, Scale and Polish’ for only €15. Call us on (01) 2875133, and the team can check your eligibility for you.

Dental Care Ireland Greystones is conveniently located just off Greystones Main Street, with free parking in our private car park. Our Greystones practice is also fully wheelchair accessible, including a disabled parking space. To find us, check out this map on our website or call us on 01-2875133.

Book an appointment online in our Greystones practice, or call 01-2875133.

To find out more about our Dental Care Ireland practice in Greystones and around the country, go here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/

We are a VHI Direct Pay provider

At Dental Care Ireland, we want to ensure that the patient experience is second to none. That’s why we are a VHI Direct Pay provider

 

We want to make life easier for our patients. That means offering the very best patient experience, all the time. But the patient experience doesn’t just start when you walk into one of our dental practices; it starts from the very moment you research your visit. For that reason, we are delighted to be a VHI Direct Pay provider.

If you have a dental policy with VHI and want to use the option to direct pay, you need to contact VHI Dental and let them know that you will be attending a Dental Care Ireland practice. VHI will confirm your cover and will also get in touch with us to let us know the benefits to which you are entitled.

As a VHI Direct Pay provider, once this has been done, you can have an examination, a clinical x-ray and a hygienist visit without any cost with Dental Care Ireland. If further treatment is required, a treatment plan will be forwarded from our practice to VHI, and they will let us know if any benefits are due. After the treatment, you pay the balance and most of the cost will be paid directly by VHI to Dental Care Ireland, a VHI Direct Pay provider.

Remember, your dental insurance will still apply even if you don’t want to start a treatment straight away or if your benefits haven’t been confirmed. In these cases, you can fill out a pay and claim form, and will be reimbursed by VHI at a later date subject to benefit approval.

In order to use VHI Direct Pay, you must confirm your cover before your appointment with us. You’ll also need to get separate authorisation from VHI for every member of the plan and for each visit.

Dental Care Ireland is a VHI Direct Pay provider. Please note that your insurance contract exists between the policy holder and VHI. Dental Care Ireland not party to that contract and we will use the proposed benefits per treatment as an indication for your direct pay amounts. Should your plan benefits change, cover be withdrawn or ceased, the full liability for cost of the treatment will be with the individual member. To find out more about Dental Care Ireland, to book an appointment online or to check your PRSI dental entitlements, get in touch with us by clicking this link and choosing your local dental practice 

Celebrating our award-winning dentist!

We are delighted to announce that our Ashbourne practice is an award-winning dentist, having scooped the Most Attractive Practice gong at the Irish Dentistry Awards

 

At Dental Care Ireland, we make sure to always put our patients first. That means that the patient experience has to be outstanding, every step of the way. Part of that experience involves investing in our practices themselves, ensuring patients are comfortable and relaxed in a state-of-the-art environment.

So we were delighted to see our efforts pay off at the recent Irish Dentistry Awards, at which our Ashbourne dental practice was honoured as the country’s Most Attractive Practice! Our entire team at the award-winning dentist is delighted with the honour.

Commenting on the award, Dental Care Ireland CEO Colm Davitt said: “We are so pleased that our Ashbourne practice has been named as Ireland’s Most Attractive Practice. We make sure patients are our number one priority, and this is a fantastic recognition of the work all our staff do to make sure the patient experience is second to none.

“I also want to thank the brilliant team in Mortar and More for their outstanding work in making sure the Ashbourne fit-out went so smoothly. This gives us another platform from which we can keep improving!”

The annual dentist awards highlight excellence in the Irish dental profession. From regular check-ups or toothaches to emergency treatments, dentists nationwide are nominated for going above and beyond normal when it comes to patient care.

Audrey O’Brien, practice manager in Ashbourne, says that it’s an exciting time for the award-winning dentist. “The people are so brilliant here, and it’s a pleasure to come into work every day. I’m so glad for the whole team – we’re over the moon that we have received this honour amidst really stiff competition.”

To find out more about Dental Care Ireland and the award-winning dentist in Ashbourne, to book an appointment online or to check your PRSI dental entitlements, get in touch with us by clicking this link and choosing your local dental practice

Dental Care Ireland puts children’s dental health first

Recent bad news surrounding children’s dental health highlights the importance of good dental care from an early age. For that reason, Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide will be offering a free first dental visit to all patients under five for the month of March

In January 2019, it emerged that approximately 84,000 children and adolescents were waiting on a public dental assessment or treatment around Ireland. The Irish Dental Association described these figures as “shocking” and said that children on waiting lists could end up in pain with swollen or infected gums and may need antibiotics or even operations to alleviate pain and treat the issues.

In response, the HSE said that up to one million children up to including the age of 15 are eligible for free dental services. But clearly demand is outstripping supply and something needs to be done to address children’s dental health and this enormous waiting list.

Free first dental visit

It is depressing to read figures like these, which very much emphasise how important it is that children see their dentist from the earliest possible age, and regularly thereafter. For that reason, Dental Care Ireland is doing its part for children’s dental health, with practices nationwide offering free first dental visits to all patients under the age of five for the month of March.

If your child visits their dentist at the optimal time (generally when the first tooth appears when they are six months old), then it stands to reason that they will be comfortable and relaxed in what is initially an unfamiliar environment.

Crucially, at your child’s first dental visit you will be given an insight into how you can ensure your child’s dental and oral health stay as good as possible. Given children’s teeth are smaller, thinner and softer than adult teeth, it is important they are seen very early so that your dentist can spot any tell-tale signs of issues that may develop at a later date.

Ensuring a stress-free visit

There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your child’s first dental visit goes as smoothly as possible.

First of all, go at a time that suits both you and your child. This way, you’ll minimise any stress and put your child at ease. It’s important your child is well rested and fed, and also that you aren’t rushing or vexed. Children can pick up on your mood so ensure you leave yourself plenty of time so that both of you are in good form.

Dental practices are very bright and clean, and it’s important your child isn’t rushed in and out of the practice too quickly. You’ll want to give them a bit of time to acclimatise to this new environment.

Checking for tell-tale signs

At Dental Care Ireland, we make sure that parents are present at a child’s first dental visit, so that you can hear about what the initial examination consists of as well as pick up some tips for maintaining dental health at home. The dental examination usually involves counting the child’s teeth to see how many have appeared so far.

Dentists are also looking for a growth pattern to establish a foundation for what’s present and seeing if there are any tell-tale signs of issues that they can advise on to prevent them becoming a problem.

Overall, the visit should be good fun and enjoyable for the child, so that next time they visit, they aren’t apprehensive.

What take-home messages do you need?

After this first dental visit, you will gain plenty of insights into how your child should brush their teeth, general dental and oral health tips and dietary insights so the whole family can minimise sugary food and drink intake.

If you follow these simple tips, you will greatly increase the chances of both a successful first dental visit for your child, as well as subsequent visits to come. Make sure you always put your children’s dental health first.

Dental Care Ireland prioritises children’s dental health, and is offering free first dental visits to all patients under the age of five for the month of March 2019. If you’re looking to book an appointment in one of our practices around the country, we can offer you the help and care that you need. Dental Care Ireland practices around the country open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours for more information

Bright, new practice for dentist in Navan

Dental Care Ireland Navan practice manager Jessica Tobin is delighted that the dentist in Navan has undergone such a successful relocation

 

Even though Dental Care Ireland Navan just relocated at the end of January 2019, the practice has deep roots in the community. “Our initial location in Navan was originally a doctor’s practice, and then our own Dr Bill Cosgrave took it over 47 years ago,” says Jessica Tobin, practice manager at Dental Care Ireland Navan.

“He was in his 20s then, and now in his 70s he’s still a huge part of this practice. Even now he still lectures and just received a fellowship in dentistry,” she says.

Great reputation

“Because we’ve been around for so long, we are well established in the community with a great reputation. Dental Care Ireland took over the running of the practice in summer 2016, then we relocated to this lovely, bright practice at the end of January 2019.”

It’s fair to say that experience and local know-how is at the heart of this dentist in Navan. “Dr Maura McGuinness has been here for a year, but prior to that she was in our Kells practice for 30 years, and Dr David Kelly has been here for 13 years,” says Jessica.

“I’ve been working with Dental Care Ireland for three years – initially I was based in Kells, where I now live, but I relocated a little while ago. I grew up in Navan so I’m very familiar with both towns!”

Community benefits

There are a number of staff in our dentist in Navan who can cater for the community’s needs. “We currently have 12 staff working here in Navan – there are three dentists, a hygienist, a receptionist, six dental nurses and myself, the practice manager,” says Jessica.

“We mostly focus on general dental treatments, but one of our dentists does perform minor orthodontic treatments for routine braces work. An orthodontist will be starting with us soon, which is great for the whole team and community,” she says.

Ideal location

The new dental practice has caused quite a stir around the town. “Since we opened the new practice we’ve had lots of interest from locals, and plenty of walk-ins. We’re right in the middle of town beside the shopping centre, close to lots of local businesses with plenty of parking, so it’s ideal,” says Jessica.

“We’re very involved with the community – we offer services to retired nuns and priests just up the road in Dalgan Park, for example. It’s fantastic to be able to give something back.”

The team spirit generated by the staff really helps. “We get on really well as a team. We have regular nights out and just had lunch recently to celebrate the move to the new practice. We’re all different age groups here so it’s a great mix that helps morale. We interact really well together,” she says.

Everyone leaves happy

The primary goal of every Dental Care Ireland practice is to ensure that the patient experience is as good as it can be. So, what does this dentist in Navan do to help put patients’ minds at ease?

“For starters, we’re child-friendly as well as patient-friendly – and look to establish a good rapport with all our patients,” says Jessica. “We’ve been here so long that our staff know most of the patients anyway, so we know if they have special needs or if they need to come to see us at a particular time.

“We have two iPads for children as well as a TV in reception, so people are generally relaxed when they see us. Sometimes patients want to know exactly what’s happening and we are happy to tell them. Others don’t want to know and that’s fine too. Regardless, everyone leaves happy from here. That’s what we want to see!”

Bright, clean and spacious

The patient experience is definitely helped by the new practice. “It really makes a difference – it’s on a corner and the sun is always shining in. It’s so bright and clean, with a spacious reception area. We’re wheelchair-friendly too and have the price list up so people know exactly how much everything costs. We like to be as transparent as possible. We’re just a seven-minute walk from the old practice, so it’s just around the corner,” says Jessica.

It’s a great new addition to a bustling town. “Navan has gotten so busy in the last few years, it’s great to be here. There are lots of nice places to see and it’s full of familiar faces. I love working here.”

The new Dental Care Ireland practice in Navan is located at 15 Watergate Street in the heart of the town. The dentist in Navan is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 8am to 8pm, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 3pm. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. Call 046-9021372 or click the link above to book online

Ashbourne dentist a real part of the community

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, community dental experience. If you are looking for an Ashbourne dentist, we can help

 

Our Ashbourne dentist is located on the Co Meath’s town’s High Street, and opened its doors in the summer of 2016 as Dental Care Ireland’s flagship dental practice. The practice was an instant success among the community, and celebrated welcoming its 5,000th patient after just 24 months.

Its appeal has been recognised by being shortlisted in the most attractive practice category for the 2019 Irish Dentistry Awards, which take place on March 1st.

Our Ashbourne dentist follows the Dental Care Ireland tradition of retaining existing staff after the rebrand, to ensure that we keep our links to the local community. It’s so important for us that people recognise and trust our reliable staff members.

We offer a number of dental treatments in our Ashbourne dentist, from root canal treatment and dental hygiene services, to orthodontics and general treatments like fillings and crowns. We’re delighted that our dental practice is led by Dr Cliona O’Brien, Dr Claire Burns, Dr David McGibney and hygienist Paula Lyons.

Audrey O’Brien, practice manager in Ashbourne, says that it’s a fantastic time for the Ashbourne dentist. “The people are so brilliant here, and it’s a pleasure to come into work every day.”

The practice itself is a point of pride for the staff, a feature that has proved very popular with patients. It has even starred in a video we made offering tips to make sure your child’s first trip to the dentist is a successful one!

Here at Dental Care Ireland, we pride ourselves on offering a fantastic, professional service with a smile. If you’re looking for an Ashbourne dentist, you know where to find us.

If you want to book an appointment with our Ashbourne dentist, please get in touch with our team. The dentist is open from 9am to 5.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays; from 9am to 7.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and from 8.30am to 5pm on Fridays.