Roe Valley Dental Practice Newsletter

2011-05-19T00:29:00.000-07:00

I forgot to point out that at time of purchase(January 2011)I was, and probably still am, the ONLY practitioner in N.Ireland providing the PhotoActivatedDisinfection.
So, this is a highly innovative idea and treatment rationale.

2011-05-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Further information on the cost of the PhotoactivatedDisinfection it is 100GBP for 30mins.The uptake of this has been much less than I had anticipated disappointingly.
It is extremely effective but alas maybe not "sexy"enough or appealing enough when it seems that's what most people seem to be interested by!
Especially in root treatments it increases and almost guarantees the success of the treatment.
It also reduces the need for antibiotics which is a pervasive problem these days....it has even been linked to increase in body weight as gut flora balance is disturbed.

The Photo Activated Disinfection may not be sexy but it sure works and just might save your teeth!!!!

The weather has cooled off for a while and hopefully will improve and we can look forward to a lovely summer
Regards
DrWinifredPMcLaughlin

2011-01-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

HappyNewyear !
We are well into January now.
I just want to inform you of a new treatment- Photo activatedDisinfection treatment that I will be providing soon.This is a treatment that is only available privately but is very effective.
There are applications for periodontitis(gum inflammation),root treatments and childrens tooth decay amongst a few.
I will post more about it with the cost etc next week.
This is a very worthwhile and innovative treatment.

2010-12-21T00:20:00.000-08:00

HappyChristmas to everyone.Have a lovely holiday.

The practice is closed from Fri24thDec 12;30 to Tues 4thJanTwentyEleven.

With the weather being as it is -keep warm and safe!
Check the answering machine message for out of hours arrangements.
I wish you all Happy Holidays and a prosperous new year!
regards
Winifred

2010-11-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

The practice has had a "facelift"of sorts.......a complete chnge of colour to the exterior of the building.I hope you like it!
when I chose the colours I was a bit apprehensive as to how they would look but I am really pleased with the result...........It creates so much texture to the building.The door and window frames are now an attractive feature.

2010-09-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

I keep meaning to do these postings more frequently but time goes on......when I look at the date of last posting I am always surprised......c'est la vie.
The practice is very busy at present and since the last posting quite a few changes have occured.
At present,most importantly, I am proud to report that I have got the waiting time down for both treatments and routine checkups.Each is 4 weeks at longest.Patients in pain are seen, if not on the same day; within at least a week.
I am currently actively taking on new patients as well.
Karen has welcomely returned to work on reception.
Thanks for reading this.

2009-11-04T23:45:00.000-08:00

It is truly amazing to contemplate that it is almost a year since my last blog!!Another year has passed.........
The practice is bery busy at present and has been throughout the year.
I'm still accepting new patients both private,NHs exempt and NHS paying by request(those having a "history" with the practice).
I still aim to see genuine toothaches within 48 hrs if not the same day.
what's new?
I have had a defibrillator on the premises since June 2009.All relevant staff have had the training.
Various office equipment items have been purchased to ease day to day needs.

I still am very careful at selecting materials.I carefully choose any materials based on performance,longevity and consistency.I try the latest and newest products available but I do like to make sure your treatments are done with the best and cause minimal after problems.I am constantly involved in research and development of products.I make an educated and informed selection of these in your interests.In these days when time is of the essence I know that you want efficient ,competent and reliable treatment.

New Years resolution?.........to make more regular blogs!!!!
For the time being I look forward to a happy Hanukkah and Christmas and wish you the same!

2008-12-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

HappyNewYear to you all!I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and wish you all the best for 2009.I am having a restful time and should be rejuvenated and ready for the New Year!

I am not entirely resting of course and am working on strategies for next year.I'm also doing a lot of necessary tasks that get ignored whilst the practice is constantly busy.

So,enjoy the rest of the holiday and I look forward to seeing you all next year.

2008-12-08T00:04:00.000-08:00

As the end of another year draws near the latter half of the year has seen some rather significant changes within the practice.
We are not now accepting any new patients at all in the practice for the foreseeable future.Because of the innundation of NHS patients looking for a dentist(and my trying to accomodate them) this has created a backlog with established patients' care and treatment.
On treatment days(tues,wed and Thurs) I am working very hard to reduce this.
In the economic situation as it is times are difficult for all of us.I have been through times like these before and dentistry has an important role in these times.
The higher you think of us dentists and the greater regard you have for us at this time the better your world will be.In many times of economic difficulty public opinion and how they"treat" their dentists has a distinct correlation.Within the health services sector( both public and private) dentistry has always, more than any of the disciplines been a business with influence to the larger business community.
Holding your dentist in high regard is very important.Importantly,you will receive better treatment and also this provides and allows hope for improving situations.
Allow us to do what we do (or should do) best for the good of all.

As regards Roe Valley dental Practice I will keep you posted as to what is happening.If you are an NHS patient be very careful not to allow your registration to lapse because if it does you will not be accepted back other than as a private patient.Your registration lasts 15 months from each time you sign an NHS form.

For now I wish you all a happy and good Christmas and New Year.

2008-10-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

As I have said in previous blogs the practice is very busy and the waiting time has just got too long.I have no option but to do something about this.My responsibility is primarily to my existing patients and their interests.The action I have taken is that from tomorrow 16/10/2008 we will not be accepting any new NHS patients.
I will continue my commitment to the NHS.There is only so much one person can do and to maintain my standards and obligation to the patients of the practice I have no other choice.I hope you understand and the care of existing patients should be not be impaired in any way.If anything I should be able to reduce the waiting time and this aspect should improve.
thankyou.
Dr W.P.McLaughlin

September News

2008-09-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well all the schools have returned for the autumn term and the transitional time at the practice is starting to settle.
The "open days" have proved a success, in one way, in that on those days I can offer an appointment at short notice.However, there are not going to be any more for a while as I attempt to get the waiting time down and make inroads into the treatment that needs doing.
It is extremely busy at present and those of you that phone looking for an appointment will know this.The demand for treatment is vast at present.
The reason for this is that very few dentists are taking on any new NHS patients in the immediate area except myself.I still maintain my commitment to the NHS for various reasons.The NHS contract for dentists is about to change also and I want to participate in these changes which will involve a pilot study prior to implementation.
I have had extensive experience within both the NHS and Private Dentistry.I have developed the private side of the practice since I started working in Limavady.
Government funding for dentistry has flaws and is outmoded but it is constant,reliable and one only has to ask to receive so I won't be turning my back on that in any way.My commitment remains unwavering.In these days of uncertain economics I would consider it unwise to shun a system that has funded my professional education and within which I have spent most of my practising career.One hears the NHS described as "poor" by some but I don't consider this so at all.It is actually a system of abundance in that if the demand is there the money and supply is as well.I have received grants that have funded expensive tems of equipment that I otherwise would have delayed purchasing.
These are facts to be borne in mind in these uncertain times.
I have other tactics in mind and as you know I constantly adapt my working ways to the current climate so I will continue to do this.
Karen Hill has replaced Elaine on reception.
I endeavor to try to reduce the waiting time and appreciate your help and patience in the matter.I hope also you understand my ethos for the practice and this may go some way to clarifying this.
Just ask me if you have any queries regarding any of this and I will be more than happy to elucidate.

2008-08-04T00:28:00.000-07:00

After all those blogs that are out there somewhere in cyberspace......another one!The practice is going through an exciting transitional time at the moment and I will keep you informed as to developments.I plan to do a weekly blog if there is news to tell otherwise at least once a month.
Plans for the audit are well under way now.
Keeping you posted.

Latest News

2008-07-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Well there have been a few problems with my posting newsletters.That's my story anyway and I'm sticking to it!Suffice it to say that 2 years on the practice staff lineup has not one of the originals left.Shock, horror to some but not for me.The only constant since acquiring the practice has been my ever changing ways.This is an essential to maintaining health in many ways

.Elaine has left recently and so it is a whole new ball game so to speak.

However it is a very exciting time for the practice and I am looking forward to it all with much relish.I feel enthused,positive and very good.

On a relevant note I am still accepting NHS patients.In N.Ireland imminently we are going to be running some pilot studies to improve and find a workable system for NHS treatment access.I intend to participate in this if there is one in Limavady.

Also I am doing an audit within the practice shortly also.I intend doing a three year review of a study I did (this is a surprise....you'll never guess......)three years ago!

So despite the lack of blogs lots has been happening.

Those other messages are out there somewhere!!!!!!!!

2007-03-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

Well we are well into the year now!A few significant developments recently to let you know about.
We have now got a water cooler in the waiting room but more importantly now offer a dental insurance scheme that I have researched at great length before selecting this particular one.
We have the private fees as always and still offer NHS treatment to exempt patients,children and those who specifically request.This is something different in that it is an insurance scheme(with Dencover) that is totally flexible.There is a monthly payment that covers for treatment and maintenance(examinations and scale and polishes) and is very good value for money.
I want to offer as much choice to the patients of the practice as possible and this scheme offers just this.Ask for further details at your next visit to the surgery.

At the moment the waiting time for appointments is longer than I would want so I am working intensely to reduce this.As an interim measure we are making routine examination appointments for the beginning of April onwards.
I still aim to see patients of the practice in pain on the day they contact.
For the time being as well we are not accepting new patients or patients of other practices in pain until the waiting time is reduced.I will update you as things progress.
Be assured I am doing all I can to improve this situation.

NewYearUpdate

2007-01-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

The New Year has started off well.There have been a few problems with failed appointments.This is one of the problems of being booked ahead as much as I am.At the moment this is not just as I would like and I am aiming to reduce this over the next few weeks.
Having to then rebook apponitments really adds to the time to complete a course of treatment.
So,I'm sure you will appreciate my efforts to correct this situation.

2006-12-31T05:31:00.000-08:00

Well,2006 is drawing to a close.The end of my first year of being practice owner of the RoeValleyDentalPractice!Quite an achievement..... in many ways,BECAUSE................ it took me so long to get around to it!!!!
Mid forties ,in fact ,nearing the 50 side of the forties now.......I knew I had it in me!
I hope patients and the like and others involved with helping me view that it has been a successsful year for the practice.I certainly do and I am very pleased with the way things have gone.
I am looking forward to 2007 because this truly is when things should start to consolidate and there should be a reaffirming stability emerging.
Not that things are in any way unstable but with all the transition and flux that buying a practice involves things can be unsettled.

As you will probably have noticed if you have visited the practice recently I am working on my own in the surgery at the moment and this will be continuing for the foreseeable future.I did review the situation and gave the matter much thought before coming to my decision.

I am planning on decorating the waiting room at Easter time and various other things are planned.

All that remains is to wish everyone a very HappyNewYear and let's hope that it certainly is one!

The practice reopens on Tuesday 2nd Jan after a very much needed restful and quiet Christmas holiday.

Winifred P McLaughlin

2006-11-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well,it is drawing near the end of the year in which I bought the practice and what a phenomenal year it has been in many ways.

There seems to have been so many changes in the nine months.
The practice is very busy at the moment and we are making appointments for routine treatments for next year already!
however I do try to see anyone in pain in the same day or at least within 24 hrs.If you are in pain please contact the surgery as early in the day as possible so we can facilitate this.
Those of you that have been in recently will notice that Kelly is no longer with us.I am on my own now and plan to review the situation after Christmas.

Another change that has relevance to the workings of the practice is that I am sending denture work to a lab out of the town.This is a lab well known to me and it mmeans that I can offer better and different options on my denture work.It does however mean that repairs can usually take a couple of days instead of the same day service.
The lab that I am sending work to is Dental Crafts in Londonderry owned byTrevor Hughes.

With December almost here,I plan to try to update this newsletter more frequently.I would like to say once a week but realistically it will probably be once a month unless there is something of relevance or interest that necessitates different.

Another bit of relevant information is that there will be no dentist in the practice on Fri 8th and Monday 11th of December.I am having these days off(I hope well-deserved.)Elaine will be here to answer the phone,make appointments and give general advice should anyone have a problem.

I also can be contacted should there be any urgent matters.

We have our first Christmas lunch as the RoeValley Dental Practice to look forward to on the 22nd!

Happy Christmas and many thanks for my first year in practice as a practice owner!

Roe Valley Dental Practice Newsletter

2006-09-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

Roe Valley Dental Practice Newsletter

It has now been a few months since the website has been up and running, so to speak.The summer has been good and we have been busy in the practice.
On matters of whats happening within the practice:
Elaine is now back from extended sick leave.Paul has done exceptionally well in his exams and as a result is now off to university to study dentistry!
I was very grateful to have Paul and Daryl helping out in the summer.
Kelly has also started on the dental nursing course.

We have our Christmas Meal booked.This year I have asked Mike and Pat from Limavady dental Lab to join us.

On scientific matters there is no earth shattering news in the dental world at the moment.I continue my heavy involvement in continuing professional education and development.
I still get asked questions (and have been asked recently) about the toxcicity of amalgam fillings.This is an recurring matter that causes some unease.There is absolutely no evidence that amalgam is in any way harmful.In the practice I use the encapsulated form so that exposure to amalgam is minimal.

I am also going to make a point of updating this newsletter more frequently and also of including varied subject matters of interest.

Any comments etc are more than welcome.

Welcome to our brand new website!

2006-07-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday 9th July 2006 and I am just putting the finishing touches to the website with the web designer Stuart pilkington.Stuart has been a great help to me with the technical details.
So we should be going live with this during the next week or so.

Since purchasing the practice in April one of the things I wanted for the practice was a website.For those of you that know the practice it is quite a departure for the practice.For those of you that know me it is just another departure!!!!!!

I have the chance to really make my own mark on the practice as I can really express myself fully in writing.
When you visit me in the dental chair,I sometimes have time for talk but most of the time Im just concentrating on doing a good job for you.Some of you might even find me a little austere and in actual fact lacking in talk at times!This comes with my formal approach to things.I am only like this because I am constantly looking for ways to make the experience better for you.When you do get to know me you will realise that I also have my humourous side!

As this will probably be your first visit to the website....you are very welcome and I sincerely hope this gives you a little bit more insight into the practice and lets you get to know me a bit better.

Let me know any commments you may have on it.