As another year comes to an end, we are reflecting on what sort of year it has been.
Rewards after a tough start to the year.
Early on we struggled with staff shortages, relying heavily on locum staff. We are indebted to our dental team, who in spite of ever-increasing responsibility, workload and professional governance remain cheerful and willing. We know you also appreciate their efforts, from the frequent positive feed back we get in our patients’ comments book:
-
- “first class service all the time”
- “always good, friendly and efficient”
- “all round excellent service”
- “everybody pleasant and professional”
- “professional, friendly staff”
- “excellent care”
…to quote a few.
New beginnings.
In the Spring we took on a Dental Nurse Apprentice and what a good decision that has proved to be. Fliss is sailing through her training, quickly learning the skills she needs and is a great asset to the Practice.
Professional development.
In May, six of us represented the Practice, attending the Association of Dental Implantology Conference in Edinburgh, ensuring we stay at the forefront of expert opinion and evidence in this field.
A Summer event.
Every year we take a day away from the surgery to do something completely unrelated to Dentistry but for the purpose of building on the relationship within the team.
On a glorious day this summer, we spent the morning in a Taiko Drumming work shop, where we had to really co-ordinate as a team to synchronise the sound we produced, then we spent the afternoon in three teams, competing to build and then fly the most robust kite!
Let’s just say there were no winners that afternoon but we were all winners!
And things just kept getting better.
Fresh out of university, full of enthusiasm and brimming with confidence and competence, we recruited Damian in July. Dually qualified as a Hygienist and Dental Therapist, he quickly endeared himself to both team members and patients and has already made a huge contribution to the Practice.
Now our team is complete.
Our final recruit joined us just a few weeks ago. Not a rooky though, Jacqueline brings with her years of experience as a Dental Nurse and comes with glowing references. She is very welcome and we are looking forward to getting to know her better.
Practice tweaks.
Having been here 22 years, in a Victorian building there are always repairs, maintenance and upgrades to perform. We try to be sympathetic to the building whilst endeavouring to make the environment as comfortable as possible for our patients.
This year we have replaced our window blinds; re-upholstered dental chairs; added a second stair rail; installed air conditioning; updated our computers and telephone system.
Inevitably changes cause disruption and we appreciate your patience whilst work is ongoing. We are always keen to use local companies wherever we can and generally find them very obliging when it comes to working around our opening times to minimise any disruption.
Social responsibility.
We are trying to do our bit towards the war on plastic waste, though much of what we do is strictly governed by the Department of Health. They require much of our equipment and supplies to be classed as single use and disposed of as clinical waste and incinerated, even the drinking cups for the water cooler in our waiting room!
We can still make a difference though. We have replaced plastic cups for paper and extended our general waste collection to include a recycling bin.
We stock environmental tooth brushes within our sundry sales. https://www.tepe.com/uk/about-tepe/sustainability/good/
Also we have signed up to the Colgate Oral Care Recycling Programme, and are a public collection point for oral care products and packaging.
https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/brigades/colgate-uk
Finally.
We are satisfied with what we have achieved this year and looking forward to a well-earned Christmas break.
If you need us over the festive period, check out our seasonal opening times on our Website https://www.stpaulsdentalpractice.co.uk/ or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/St-Pauls-Dental-Practice-405162456176565
and remember …
This is your dental practice and we will always consider suggestions for improvements. If you have an idea please mention it to us and we’ll see if we can add it to our achievements in 2020.
