Chris has just completed module 2 of the Dawson Academy core curriculum - 'Treatment Planning Functional Aesthetic Excellence'. The focus of this programme is to help dentists predictably diagnose and treatment plan cases from the very simple to the more challenging.

Chris found this module particularly enjoyable and inspiring. He was able to practice the concepts taught on study casts of actual patients under the watchful eye of the course tutors Ian, Neil and Chris, who were always available to offer advice, wisdom and encouragement. Together with the skills Lucy has also learned on Dawson's nurses course, this should really help us take our standard of care to the highest level. Looking forward to module 3 in the New Year!

Lucy has just completed an intensive two-day dental assistant course alongside Chris at the Dawson Academy, designed to teach dental assistants the skills necessary to support their dentists in diagnosis and treatment planning and the provision of 'complete care'. A programmed approach to gathering patient information and records was the basis of the class.

Lucy learned about the concept of 'complete dentistry', how to take great dental impressions, pour study models, take a face-bow recording of the jaws, and then mount them on an articulator (man-made jaws). She also learned the assistant’s role in the complete care practice and examination. and how to take dental photographs. 

All in all this course will really give Lucy the necessary tools to help us provide the highest level of care for our patients which is what the Dawson Academy philosophy is all about!

Fantastic CPR training today from Dave for all the team at 91 Dental Care. We worked through 'real life' emergencies and feel very well prepared. Would thoroughly recommend and have already booked Dave to return same time next year!

Chris has just completed two and a half days of intensive training at the world renowned Dawson Academy at Thornton Hough on the Wirral. This is the first of 4 modules that Chris will complete as part of the Dawson 'Core Curriculum' training. The Dawson Academy UK is run by Dr Ian Buckle who has many years experience teaching advanced dental techniques to dentists from all over the world.

The Dawson Academy's motto is "Making Good Dentists Even Better", and their teaching focuses on predictable, comprehensive, aesthetic and functional dentistry, helping dentists learn how to care for their patients at the highest ethical and professional level.

The team have just completed a morning of in-house training today. Paul took the reins and gave detailed presentations on Health and Safety and Fire Safety. We also reviewed the General Dental Council Standards for the Dental Team. Every three months we set aside a morning for staff development to ensure we operate safely and comply with all the latest legislation, and train staff members in all relevant practice policies and procedures. 

Chris, Judith and Lucy have just completed an excellent day's training called 'Medical Emergencies in General Dental Practice' at Glan Clwyd Hospital. We refreshed our knowledge and skills, learning how to recognise and manage medical emergencies that could present in our dental practice. These included updating our CPR techniques and use of our automatic defibrillator which we have in the practice in case of a sudden cardiac arrest. Essential skills for us to have, but fingers crossed we'll never need to use them!

A huge thank you to all the patients who returned their survey. The results have been really interesting. Here are some highlights: 

- 97% of you rated our overall quality of service as 'excellent'
- 97% of you thought the dentists attitude compassion and friendliness was 'excellent'
- 97 % of you thought the way the dentist deals with your 
concerns/worries/questions was 'excellent'
- 97% of you rated your confidence in the skill of the dentist & quality of treatment provided as 'excellent'
- 97% of you rated the attitude, helpfulness & friendliness 
of the staff as 'excellent'
- 97% of you rated the overall value for money of the 
services you receive as 'good' or 'excellent'.

We had lots and lots of positive comments. Here is a taste:

• I don't believe you could get a better dental practice
• Overall service is excellent. Made to feel very relaxed.
• Cannot fault the service
• I love my dentist and the fact that I now have sparkly white healthy teeth that everyone comments on. I also like the friendliness of all staff and how important you are made to feel.
• Put at ease straight-away
• Best decision I made in changing dentist 
• All the fear is taken away from anticipated visits due to attitude of staff.
• Best dentist I have ever been to. I even had a tooth out a couple of years ago & I did not feel a thing & that's a first!!
• Wonderful service
• Friendly and always have time for you.
• Friendly staff, who come across as friends not dentists

It is feedback like this that really inspires us and makes our job worthwhile!

Paul attended an excellent course on Reception Skills with Ashley Latter yesterday in Manchester - nice people, good facility, learned lots. Ashley is very well known in the dental profession and had some great ideas on how to make our customer experience on reception even better. 

Here is Paul with the man himself!

After working as a dental nurse for 6 years, Zoe has decided that she would like to seek pastures new and spend more time with her family and young daughter Mia. Zoe has been with us from day one and many of our patients have got to know her well over the years and we are sure will be sad to see her leave. We would like however like to wish her well for the future.

Dentists Chris and Judith swapped their drills for paintbrushes to redecorate the outside of the practice. It now looks shiny and new once again! Click on the photos to take a closer look at their handiwork.

Judith and Chris were in Manchester yesterday at a great course run by the BDA featuring specialist periodontists Professor Ian Needleman and Paul Baker and specialist endodontist Howard Lloyd. The course was called 'Building Strong Foundations' and is designed to help us provide consistent outcomes in gum treatment and root canal treatment. This fits well with our philosophy of helping our patients keep their teeth healthy for their lifetime.

The clinical team have just completed three hours of in-house infection control training to ensure that we stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines from the Department of Health. We perform regular in-house training in a whole host of areas to make sure that our patients are treated safely in line with current recommendations.