Monthly Archives: February 2016

How Chewing Gum Can Save Us Money

1Chewing sugar-free gum could save the NHS £8.2 million a year.

A study published this week in the British Dental Journal has revealed that up to £8.2 million of costs to the NHS could be saved if twelve year olds across the UK were to increase their chewing of sugar-free gum as part of a good oral health routine to help prevent tooth decay.

While brushing for two minutes, twice a day is still the best way to keep our teeth and gums healthy, clinical research has shown that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating or drinking helps neutralise plaque acid and can reverse the early signs of tooth decay.

This research, conducted by the York Health Economics Consortium and Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth University, with support from The Wrigley Company Ltd, is the first of its kind in the UK.

I would like to add the following points:

This research had the support of the Wrigley company – a well known manufacturer of chewing gum – so, one could be forgiven for thinking that the results are biased. However, the benefits of chewing gum, particularly after meals and drinks, are proven.

Also, this survey was limited to 12 year olds. However, the benefits apply to us all.

We don’t generally recommend that children under the age of 7 chew gum although this is very much at the discretion of all parents.

Whilst I do agree with the report, it focusses only on the cost savings whilst omitting the distress that children with toothache suffer.

Something that I am all too aware of during my travels to Morocco.

Jas Sandhu

2The diagram above shows how tooth enamel is at risk from acid after food and drink, and how long it takes the acid level in the mouth to return to the safe zone. The pH is the measure of acidity. Below 5.5 is acidic enough to soften tooth enamel. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating can quickly lower the Ph and, therefore, the amount of acid that attacks the teeth.

3

Congratulations to Sophie who, at the age of only 19, distinguished herself in her Radiology exam this month.

“I have been very impressed with the level of care and treatment and the practice. Thank you so much. Also, to learn of your missionary-type trips to morrcco’s needy children. May God bless you and the team. Your travels. Your health and all that you do. You are giving more than just dental treatment.”

Thanks you so much

Nigel M

Thank you Nigel

Stairlift update

Planning for our long-awaited stairlift has finally been approved. However, only verbally. So, all
we are waiting on now is the approval in writing. Of all the stairlifts we’ve looked at – and that’s a
lot – we were most impressed by those supplied by Age UK. However, should any of you have any comments or recommendations, please do contact me.

Again, thank you for your patience.

Jas Sandhu

“The Road To Morocco”

4Is it ironic that we, as a dental practice, are selling ‘sugar’ to help prevent its harmful effects? Probably, yes. But, all of the funds we raise will go towards helping the children in Morocco.

And, so far, the sale of our home-made cakes has raised a massive £316.66. As Jas is a trustee of The Dental Mavericks, he has set a fundraising target of £3000.

Our total funds raised so far are nearly £2000!

So, watch out for more cakes and other silly events in the next few weeks.

5

 

Thank you all so much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Steph.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

7Our core values are those values that help to guide us. Our compass, if you like.

At our last meeting, we agreed that not all of us felt aligned with our old values. So, now, we

have updated them and agreed on the following:

  • Integrity8
  • Play
  • Ubuntu
  • Kaizen

Please feel free to ask us about them. What they stand for? Why we chose them? And how they

can help you? For now, I think that the photo on the next page explains why we all agreed on

‘Play’.

You’ll find us in the front row.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks for reading.

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2016

A year that’s shaping to be a special one already:181201653935396_January-3

Firstly, on New Year’s Day, (just as Jas predicted), Nikoletta gave birth to Evi. Both of them are doing very well although Nikoletta still won’t be returning to the practice until April for some strange reason.

And, secondly, we’re Moving! To Morocco!!181201653935396_January-5

Now that we have your attention, we wish you all a Very Happy New Year.

 

 

 

181201653935396_January-10

Okay, we’re not actually moving. That would be silly. But, in February, Jas is taking some of us to Morocco.

Jas was recently made a trustee of The Dental Mavericks, a charity that he co-founded in 2010. 181201653935396_January-8And one that is going from strength to strength. To date, they have treated 3043 children in the Rif and Atlas mountains.

And now, he has arranged for some of us to travel with him to treat the Berber children in a village called ‘Kilea’. The demand for dental treatment is so high here that he thinks we may see around 500 children.

So, no, we’re not moving. But, for one weekend in February, The High Street Dental Practice will be travelling ‘en-masse’ to Morocco.

To help treat these gorgeous children. And, to help make a difference.181201653935396_January-9

But, don’t worry. Kate and Lindsey will still be here manning the fort for you.

Did you know, 2016 is:

The 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth?

The 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter?

The 200th anniversary of Charlotte Bronte’s birth?

The 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London?

The 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death? And,

The 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings?181201653935396_January-12

Thank you so much for entering our christmas raffle. You raised a total of 696 pounds. All of which went to ‘Crisis’. Here’s a letter we recently received from them…

For all your support, thank you. And once again, Happy New Year.

 

 

181201653935396_January-16Many congratulations to our lucky winner

For all your support, thank you. And once again, Happy New
Year.

Welcome to this Christmas edition of our newsletter

181201653944533_December-1A major drawback of visiting us is having to negotiate our stairs. To all of you for whom walking is a difficulty, we do understand. Which is why we’ve been desperately trying to install a stairlift for the whole of this year. Who would have thought it would be so difficult?

The problem has been getting permission from the owners of our building – necessitating a structural survey. And, being a listed building, we also need permission from the council. Including, amongst other things, a detailed scaled drawing of the planned stairlift! So far, we have submitted the info required and are now waiting on a decision.

I am really sorry for the delay. Just don’t be surprised if you find me using it.

Jaspal Sandhu

“I was really impressed at my visit yesterday. The care, respect and kindness I was shown was wonderful not only by the dentist but reception staff too. Never have I experienced such treatment before and I will definitely be informing all my friends”

Thank you Mrs G

‘CRISIS’ at Christmas

181201653944533_December-8This Christmas, our practice will be supporting Crisis as our chosen charity by means of a raffle.

Tickets are just one pound and the lucky winner will receive this Christmas hamper from Marks and Spencer worth £100.

The lucky winner will be announced on Monday the 21st of December. And all proceeds will go directly to ‘Crisis’.

Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time of year for a person cut off from their family and home.

Crisis provide companionship and support to tackle loneliness and isolation, and help people take their first steps out of homelessness. To find out more about what they do, click here.

It’s our hope that, with your help, we can help them make a difference.

181201653944533_December-13

Murphy’s Law states that:

“Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong and at the worst possible moment.”

In the past, we’ve found that this is especially the case at Christmas. Hopefully, we won’t need to see you for the wrong reasons. But, just in case, we will be open on all non bank-holiday days as

shown below:

Thursday 24th December 8.00 – 1.00pm

Friday 25th December Closed

Monday 28th December Closed

Tuesday 29th December 8.00- 5.30pm

Wednesday 30th December 8.00 – 4.00pm

Thursday 31st December 8.00 – 1.00pm

Friday 1st January Closed

Saturday 2nd January 8.00 – 1.00pm

However, should you have any need to contact us out of hours, please make a note of our

emergency number: 07826 000465

You’ll get straight through to Maggie. However, I have allowed her to have some sleep this Christmas. So, if she can’t answer your call, please leave a message and she will get back to you as soon as she’s woken (sobered) up.

Our Christmas hamper,

proudly on display at

reception. It’s currently

under 24 hour surveillance

just in case any of the girls

get too tempted.

181201653944533_December-14Speaking of Maggie. As many of you will know, she is our practice manager, receptionist and nurse amongst other things. Well, on the 7th of December, Maggie reached the ripe age of 50! So, please understand if she seems just a little bit less ebullient than her normal self. And, if you are visiting us soon, feel free to pass on your birthday wishes. She won’t mind being reminded.

Maggie receiving the ‘Working with Jas’ award. I can’t imagine why. Indian Head Massage with Lindsey Many of you will already know Lindsey, one of our hygienists. But did you know that she is also a qualified complimentary therapist? Lindsey has a special interest in treating migraines, headaches, sinus problems and a host of stress-related conditions. Our patients are now beginning to see the benefits of Indian Head Massage which combats stress by rhythmically massaging away the ever increasing tensions and strains of modern day living. It soothes, comforts and rebalances the energy flow to produce a feeling of peace and tranquillity. The therapy is particularly beneficial either before or after any dental treatment that you may require. Each session lasts 1 hour and costs £45. If you’d like any more info, please give us a call.

181201653944533_December-16“I see Lindsey once a month for an Indian Head Massage. I do a lot of driving with my job and am a bit of a migraine sufferer. Lindsey’s treatment really helps with the stress and the knots in my neck and shoulders and the migraines are now virtually non-existent! Lindsey makes me feel very relaxed and the treatment is enjoyable especially the scalp massage ” Juliette. “I often arrive for an Indian Head Massage with Lindsey feeling tense and stressed following a hard week at work. I always leave feeling relaxed and lighter. I’d recommend Lindsey’s Indian Head massage to anyone ” Garry.

On a final note, at the end of every year, I ask all the team to nominate that one person who, in their opinion, is worthy of the Team Member of the Year Award. Well, the results are in and the winner was….. Debbie Topley.

Here are some of the comments I received:

She is kind, generous and consistent.

She makes a great friend & colleague.

She always makes time for us and is reliable.

She is marvellous with her patients, dedicated to giving gentle care, and showing great kindness and patience.

She always has time to help, listen and resolve any concerns the rest of the team have.

She is great fun and always appears happy and calm, taking everything in her stride.

Busy as she is, she still finds the time to think of her colleagues.

She’s so supportive as a colleague and friend.

She’s great fun especially after a few Mojito’s!

She is an excellent dentist.

And makes fantastic cake!!

For those of you who know Debbie, you’ll know exactly how true these comments are. Well deserved Debbie.

181201653944533_December-18Lastly, we would like to thank you all for your continued support and faith in us and our practice. We really do appreciate it and we will do our best to make sure that we continue to earn it in 2016.

Merry Christmas and the very best of wishes for the New Year.

Thank you.