2020 - Dentistry

THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

advanced crowns, bridges and cosmetic rehabilitation, together with oral surgery and dental radiology. Many patients come with a number of problems, requiring a combination of specialists working closely together, supported by an outstanding nursing and clerical team, with an award- winning clinic manager, Trudie Imrie, at the helm. Changing expectations Since we opened, we have noticed a shift in patients’ expectations, often fuelled by sensational makeover shows and by social media. It is important for us to recognise and manage unrealistic expectations, to avoid disappointment with what are often very challenging and complex dental problems. This requires truthfulness and transparency in both our assessment of the current situation and the anticipated final outcome. Taking time to explain all of this and how we might not meet the expectations of the patient is essential. Another challenge is coping with the multitude of new technologies bombarding the dental market every year. All promise great things, but often fall short of supporting clinical evidence. At Blackhills Clinic we only practise evidence-based dentistry, unless involved in fully regulated clinical trials or research, and this means that our results are predictable and stable. Marketing challenges With two customer groups – the referring dentists and the patients themselves – communication and advertising can present some issues. Careful design of our website and social media feeds, together with adverts in both the professional dental journals and selected monthly magazines likely to appeal to our patients, all work to ensure optimal promotion of the clinic.

Specialist Clinicians Adela and Marilou discussing a complex case

three clerical staff and our manager, all working in a purpose-built clinic, equipped to the highest standards, including a state-of-the-art CT scanner. Over the years, we have developed our team philosophy, based on a totally patient-centred approach: listening and understanding the needs and expectations from the outset. By definition, almost every patient referred is complex, having a dental problem their own dentist cannot manage. This includes missing and failing teeth requiring dental implants, complicated root and gum treatments,

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A totally patient- centred approach: listening and understanding

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Computer-designed, laser printed titanium mesh

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