A Day in the Life: Behind the scenes at our dental practice

10 / 04 / 2024

A Day in the Life: Behind the scenes at our dental practice

At Lighthouse Dental Practice, Dr Tocca and his highly skilled team of dental professionals spend each day focused on combining their vast clinical expertise to offer patient-led care and deliver the best outcomes for every individual who walks through our doors. We offer the same care that we would expect ourselves or our family members to receive.

In the following article, we provide an insight into the daily workings of our dental practice and how this coincides with and demonstrates the care and attention we offer to each patient.

The morning routine

Our day typically begins with the dental team gathering for a morning huddle before the day’s preparations. We review our schedule for the day, discuss each patient’s needs, and ensure that all equipment is ready for the day ahead. Time is taken to set up each treatment room, ensure that all materials are stocked up for the day, ensure all equipment is clean and sterile, and patient records are organised in advance. This sets the tone for seamless patient care.

Welcoming smiles

As patients begin to arrive for their appointments, they are greeted with a warm welcome by our friendly and professional reception team, Hannah Taghdi and Jasmine Orriss. Having a welcoming atmosphere is vital in easing any patient anxiety and adopting trust. As our patient, you will be made to feel comfortable from the moment you walk through our door. Our reception team are responsible for welcoming patients, taking any phone calls, discussing and arranging follow-up appointments, talking you through our dental care plans, liaising with dental laboratories, and organising the dentists’ diaries to ensure the continuous smooth running of the practice.

During appointments, each patient undergoes a thorough examination by the dentist or hygienist. This involves examining the health of your teeth, gums, and surrounding soft tissues and includes any concerns or goals that you may have regarding your overall oral health. You will always be assigned to the dentist that best suits your individual needs. Dr Tocca, Dr Ranson, and Dr Margariti all welcome their patients with the same warmth and enthusiasm, and each has extensive knowledge in dentistry to help you achieve your desired outcomes.

Chairside manner

As the day progresses, you will always find our practice lively with activity. Our dental nurses work tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare treatment rooms between each appointment, sterilise instruments, and, as you will see, provide chairside support during procedures. Lighthouse Dental Practice is proud to employ a knowledgeable and hard-working team of dental nurses, all of whom have an excellent chairside manner to make you feel comfortable during your appointments. Suzanne, Naomi, Kayla, and Macey share many years of experience between them, and always proudly deliver an exceptional service. Our nurses also provide oral hygiene information and post-treatment care.

Based on the initial assessment, personalised treatment plans are developed for each patient. These plans consider your oral health status, lifestyle factors, and preferences for the outcome achieved. Whether you require routine cleaning or complex dental procedures, our focus is always on what is best for you.

During procedures, total attention is paid to patient comfort and well-being. From using gentle techniques to providing pain management options, every effort is made to make sure you have a positive experience. Patients are encouraged to communicate any discomfort so adjustments can be made accordingly.

There is always a strong focus on infection control and compliance in line with regulatory guidelines. Staff members meticulously follow protocols for sterilisation, waste management and disinfection to maintain a safe and clean environment for all.

Keeping patients informed

Our dedicated team of dental treatment coordinators, Hannah Waller and Jane Feagan, will contact you and either offer a face-to-face discussion or telephone consultation to ensure that you understand the treatment being offered to you, and the process that will be involved. Our experienced team will be available throughout every stage of your patient journey to look after all your needs and answer any questions that you may have. Empowering patients with knowledge about their oral health enables them to make informed decisions. Day to day, you will find Hannah and Jane following up with new and existing patients, offering courtesy calls to patients with outstanding treatment plans, and dealing with paperwork for finance plans and monthly routine care plans.

Education of patients and professionals

Education plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. Our patients are educated about proper oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and the importance of regular dental visits. Prevention is emphasised with proactive measures such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants recommended as appropriate. Our hygienists, Roberta Coe and Summer Halfhide, will always offer invaluable information about taking the best care of your oral health during your routine oral hygiene visits.

Equally, education in the form of ongoing professional development is a priority for all dental professionals. Dentists and staff participate in training sessions, workshops, and continuing education courses to stay updated on patient care practices, rules and regulations that comply with governing bodies, advancements in dental technology and any new techniques that offer even higher standards of patient care and comfort. Core professional development involves mandatory amounts of ongoing education within a five-year cycle. Within these five years, dentists must complete 100 hours of CPD, hygienists and dental technicians 75 hours, and dental nurses and other professionally registered team members must complete 50 hours.

Attention to detail

Our dental professionals spend a significant amount of time writing thorough patient notes following each appointment. Accurate records provide a comprehensive history of your dental health, including past and present treatment plans, medications, allergies, and medical conditions. This information enables us to provide personalised care, make informed treatment choices with you, and anticipate any potential risks or complications. Your dental records serve as a roadmap for developing treatment plans and help to ensure continuity of care throughout the practice and beyond. Dentists have a legal and ethical obligation to maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records and proper documentation ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

Keeping accurate dental records also facilitates good communication and collaboration with other service providers if patients require a multi-disciplinary approach to their ongoing care. In keeping comprehensive records, we can ensure that every person involved in your care journey can provide coordinated treatment. Our dental treatment coordinator, Hannah Waller, spends a substantial amount of her workday liaising with referral providers and patients and arranges appropriate referrals if they are required. You will be kept up to date at every stage of this process, and Hannah is always pleased to use her knowledge to answer any questions that you may have about your dental care and associated referrals. Accurate and accessible records ensure continuity of care regardless of changes in providers or settings, and we always aim to provide seamless care transitions.

Personalised care

Throughout your entire visit, you will receive personalised attention and care. The dental teams take the time to listen to your concerns, address your needs, and build long-term professional relationships built on trust and respect.

After treatment, you will receive clear instructions for post-procedure care. Follow up appointments are scheduled as needed to monitor your progress and allow for optimal outcomes. Our treatment coordinators will follow up with you by telephone or email to check that you are happy with your treatment, and if you have any questions following your appointment. Continuity of care is maintained through keeping comprehensive patient records, allowing each member of the dental team to track your oral health history and provide outstanding ongoing treatment, tailored to your requirements.

As you depart, you will be thanked for choosing our practice’s services, and if applicable will be reminded of your next appointment. A friendly farewell leaves a lasting impression and reinforces our commitment to patient-centred care.

You can stay updated regularly on our website and social media pages. We ensure that you are always kept in the loop with any practice updates and exciting news. Hannah Taghdi, our dental receptionist, also focuses on marketing coordination to offer regular news and updates about the practice and dentistry.

Wrapping up the day’s work

At the end of each day, the team reflects on their accomplishments, reviews the diaries for the next working day, and ensures that all administrative tasks are completed. It is a dynamic and fast-paced environment where the team must be adaptable – attention to detail and a commitment to patient satisfaction are paramount.

In summary, the daily workings of Lighthouse Dental Practice revolve around providing exceptional standards of care and attention to every patient. From the moment you walk in until the time you leave, we will treat you with compassion and professionalism, and demonstrate a clear dedication to your overall oral health and well-being.