Features

Jane Renehan identifies 10 weak spots that frequently occur in dental instrument decontamination processing. The question – Dear Jane… Our practice infection prevention and control (IPC) protocol on decontamination of dental instruments is due for an annual review. We would be grateful for any advice that you can offer.  From your experience, what are the … Continued

Ed O’Flaherty discusses the journey of opening a new state-of-the-art dental practice in Dublin and how embracing challenge and innovation allowed Seapoint Clinic to redefine dental excellence. Opening our new, state-of-the-art dental clinic in Dublin has been a journey of overcoming challenges and realising a vision. In this article, to help you in your potential … Continued

Jacqueline and Bernadette Ffrench discuss LIFT Ireland and how it’s promoting smile-worthy leadership from within. Picture the scene: it is January 2024, several different auxiliary dental team members are seated around the oval table in the alumni room at Trinity College, Dublin. Yvonne Howell, course director of dental hygiene and two of her students from … Continued

Lisa Grogan explains how connection can improve the patient experience and elevate your dental practice. In the busy nature of a dental clinic, it is easy to lose sight of one vital element – connection! As a dental coach and psychologist dedicated to helping dental professionals thrive, I want to emphasise the importance of fostering … Continued

Anneka Guray discusses how mentor training for the IDHA came about, how useful it can be and how mentoring is practised. In late 2023, the Irish Dental Hygienists’ Association (IDHA) began its mentoring programme journey. Our past president Linda Phelan’s concept was four years in the making. Her vision was to empower members, arming them … Continued

  There’s always two sides to the story. Siobhan Kelleher sheds light on how dental professionals can foster better relationships with company representatives. In the dental industry, there exists a relationship between the dental team and company representatives who provide products and educational resources. While some dental team members may take these relationships for granted, … Continued

Jane Renehan answers a reader’s question relating to the Health Information and Quality Authority’s new radiation audit procedures. The question – Dear Jane… How do HIQA’s new radiation audit procedures differ from the previous Dental Council clinical audit criteria? What has changed for practice owners and dentists?  Answer Legislative changes in recent months assigned the … Continued