Newsletter Volume 1
We have decided to improve our communication and will from now on keep you informed on what is happening at Orpington Dental Care and also on important developments in Dentistry. We will do this through Newsletters, which we will E-mail to you if you are on the Internet, or post if not. We are also in the process of developing our website where all our Newsletters will be published as well as other relevant information. If you are interested to receive our Newsletter or other information via email, please send us an email with your name and address to dentists@orpingtondentalcare.co.uk
We are directing our first Newsletter at our patients who have registered with us since we became independent as we are also sending you your membership cards. You may need them when using emergency treatment or when you claim on your insurance.
We did not want to forget about patients registered with us when we were still NHS. Some of you might have found another place to go, some not. Some of you still might want to join or is interested to know what we have to offer. We were overwhelmed with the response from our NHS patients when we went independent. As we spend more time with each patient, we obviously will have to stop registrations at some stage. We have reached 80% of our target so the good news is that it is still not too late to join. We include with this Newsletter a copy of our original letter with the reply slip if you would like to join now.
Since we converted to independent status we have upgraded the practice to give our patients more options and thus a better service.
· Nervous Patients and Children: We have kept our sedation clinic with the highly competent anaesthetist Dr Andre Von Backstrom [MBChB], if you would still like to have your dental work done under sedation. We have now added additional services like laughing gas, which we have found very effective in calming both children and adults. In addition Johan and Helen are both qualified to use Clinical Hypnosis. Johan belonged to the Hypnosis Society in South Africa and presented lectures on his use of hypnosis with children. If you have severe dental or needle phobia you could enquire about more extensive treatment from Bettie Hough [wife of Johan and mother of Helen] who is a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist at a 20% reduced price for plan holders. Bettie’s website is www.breakfree.org.uk if you would like to have more information on the services that she provide. By the way, did you know that Johan and Helen are father and daughter?
· Intra Oral Cameras: We are now using intra oral cameras in our surgeries. You therefore now have the option to view what is happening in your mouth, which will enable you to make more informed decisions in conjunction with your dentist about treatment.
· Digital Enhanced X Rays: This helps to minimize radiation and enable us to show you on the screen what is happening. We can now also store all our patients’ data including the X-Rays on the computer for better and more efficient safekeeping.
· “Lumineers”: This is the most significant advancement in 4,000 years of dentistry. Lumineers are a new type of Contact Lens Thin Veneer that is applied with a new revolutionary procedure. In contrast with the old style of veneers, there are no removal of sensitive tooth structure, which means there are no drilling and no injections. It revitalizes even crowns and bridges. If you have chipped or stained teeth or spaces let us help you to achieve that beautiful smile you have always dreamed of.
· Latest Materials and Techniques: We still provide the entire preventative and restorative aspects of dentistry but are able to give more attention to cosmetic dentistry. As we spend more time with each patient we can advise you now on teeth whitening, implants, and anything else you would like to know. We are using the best and latest materials as well as the most modern techniques to help you achieve more attractive and healthy teeth and gums and to keep your teeth for life.
· Drop in Centre: As a facility to all people in our area, we have established a Drop In Service for anyone who has an emergency or even if you would like to have a second opinion. You do not need to be registered with us to do so, but we do hope that you will be so impressed with our service that you will register.
· Credit Facilities: In addition to our extended payment scheme where you can spread payments over 4 months interest free, we have also now negotiated on your behalf credit facilities over a longer period.
· Pleasant, Relaxing and Safer Environment: In addition to more attractive and hygienic wooden flooring and comfortable new chairs which we have acquired last year, we have now also installed a TV showing informational videos and a coffee machine for your comfort. We have installed extra equipment for even Better Cross Infection Control.
News Snippets:
· Ame Erwee: We are happy to have Ame back at the practice after six months maternity leave and wish her and her beautiful baby boy all the best.
· Christelle Snyman: She has joined Orpington Dental Care as our new Hygienist. She is a bubbly friendly person and came highly recommended as a true professional.
· Wrinkle Removal Without Surgery: Our Anaethetist, Dr Andre Von Backstrom, a man of many talents, now offers facial injections for the correction of fine lines and wrinkles and dermal fillers for deep furrows and lips. He is available on Thursdays, so please call if you want an appointment.
· Our website www.orpingtondentalcare.co.uk is now finished where you are able to access more information.
Remember: "The more Care, the Less Repair"
We hope to see you soon.
HELEN LOUBSER & JOHAN HOUGH Principal Dentists
AME ERWEE & TONY FRANCISCO Associates
February 2006
