At the Dental Spa we all truly believe in our Practice Vision:
“Our aim is to achieve excellence in dentistry, using the best materials, best techniques and best practice”
It is a pretty bold statement; it clearly doesn’t just happen by accident and we all have to actively participate in the pursuit of excellence. The GDC lay down some formal requirements for Continuing Professional Development, but I’m not convinced this is enough. It is all well and good to go along to a lecture and get your certificate; however, until it impacts on improving the care offered to patients, then it has limited value.
A group from the practice attended The Dentistry Show at the NEC last week and it was a fascinating insight into the state of play of dentistry at the moment. Technology is racing along at a phenomenal rate; materials and equipment are changing almost daily, although it is important to always understand how a new composite or an updated digital camera will improve care. In amongst the lectures, demonstrations and sales pitches, it was really good to meet up with plenty of old friends and have a good honest chat – that is always the best way of finding out what is going on and much more fun than a lecture.
This week the whole team have enjoyed an excellent day with Jane Maylor from the Denplan Academy. I feel it is important to engage the whole team and work together, because everyone has a role in looking after our patients. Of course, the real joy in working with Jane is that she makes it all enjoyable – it is much easier to learn if you are smiling and it was an excellent day.
Remember we are aiming to achieve: “an environment where all patients and staff are treated with dignity and respect, in a practice enjoyed by all”.