17/10/2005 - The Dentist Salisbury is winner of best patient care award

The Dentist Salisbury's mission statement is ‘to offer a first class service, in a calm and friendly environment’ But did this practice live up to expectations? The judges answered with a resounding yes!

 

“So what makes this practice so special? They offer a 24 hour telephone service but also call patients the day after their treatment to make sure all is well.

 

Patients are asked to give feedback on their experience and those who are to be sedated are questioned so a service tailor-made for them can be provided. Every new patient receives a comprehensive welcome pack giving information on services, treatments and prices. They are also sent appointment reminders via post e mail and text message.

 

The practice is well versed in dental technology too, using digital radiography and intra oral camera to demonstrate findings and explain treatments.

However, the basic creature comforts are not overlooked - blankets and pillows are offered during treatment, tea and coffee is available in the waiting room, free tooth cleaning products, relaxing music and scented candles all help to make the patient feel relaxed and pampered during their visit.. There is nothing the team at the dentist won’t do for their patients – even take a puppy for a walk whilst its owner spends time in the chair!

 

The patients’ comments, all with similar sentiments show patients have overcome their fears and actually enjoyed their treatment, thanking Aly and her team for an exceptional service….. “

 

(See our testimonial page for patient comments)

The British Dental Association (BDA) Good Practice Scheme

The Dentist Salisbury signs up as members of the British Dental Association good practice scheme.

The BDA Good Practice Scheme is a practical self-audit tool to help practices comply with current legal requirements and nationally recognised standards of good practice. Practices are required to meet 97 standards and to gather 52 pieces of evidence to demonstrate compliance with these standards.

First, practices identify those areas where good practice standards should be in place. The commitment to good practice is ongoing and successful practices are awarded a plaque to demonstrate membership of the Scheme and a commitment to quality, comfort and safety in dentistry for both patients and staff.

Our Commitment to you under the Good Practice Scheme.

1. To provide dental care of consistently good quality, for all patients.
2. To provide care that meets your patients' needs and wishes.
3. To make your patients' treatment as comfortable and convenient as possible.
4. To look after your patients' general health and safety while receiving dental care.
5. To check for mouth cancer and tell your patients what you find.
6. To follow the BDA's guidelines on infection control.
7. To take part in continuing professional development to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date.
8. To train all staff in practice-wide work systems and review training plans once a year.
9. To welcome feedback and deal promptly with any complaints.
10.All members of the practice know of the need to ensure that dentists are working safely.

11/07/2005 - Natasha Fillingham, Practice Manager wins National Award

Throughout the year the British Dental Practice Managers Association (BDPMA) have invited nominations from practice owners and their teams and we are pleased to say that this year they received more entries than ever before. We believe that this is indicative of the growth and development of our profession and a reflection of the ever-increasing acceptance that practice management is being recognised as the highly skilled profession we all know it to be.

Initially, the nominations were weaned down to five finalists. To truly appreciate why each of these ladies achieved the accolade of being one of our 2005 finalists. You will see that although each finalist achieved success through her own unique approach, as a group they also shared many common attitudes like a passion for the team ethic, the importance of delegation of responsibility and the provision of great training and development.

The Citation

It takes skill and expertise to turn around an ailing practice but it takes tremendous vision to create something outstanding from absolutely nothing. But that is exactly what Natasha Fillingham did.

Natasha was appointed practice manager in June 2004 with a remit to fulfil just one objective; to create the practice of dreams within three months.from nothing.

Natasha single-handedly turned dreams into a remarkable reality. With apparent effortlessness, attention to detail and boundless energy a vision came to life with the construction of walls and floors, siting of equipment, installation of systems, painting, decorating, lighting and fitting of furniture. A practice was born!

Natasha created a marketing plan with a common theme that ran throughout the practice incorporating staffing, uniforms, advertising, ambience, and approach to patient care. Its brand image is evident throughout with its logo, a no-frills tooth fairy, offering a calm environment for anxious patients. Innovative touches like scented candles, patient refreshments, a comments book and a separate washroom with products for patients to use prior to seeing the dentist, differentiate this practice.

Natasha's constant drive to meet and exceed patient's expectations has created a culture of ongoing innovation. Her team share a three year vision that embraces their long term professional and personal goals and short term targets along the way keep everyone focussed and motivated.

Natasha has created something special and she has spun a culture and infrastructure to ensure it continues in the longer term.