Mhari has her blog back - change is good

This last week has been fantastic and fantastically busy. As Talking Points was in the south I tried to get some clinical lists in to keep control of the waiting list I have. The girls in our office are fantastic and make sure they have a list of people who want to be seen earlier, what days and times would suit and how they want to be contacted. I am lucky enough to be booked up 6 weeks ahead just now.

My regulars know this and book their recall sessions in advance, up to 9 months. As a rule, even if you aren't that busy, always ask people if they would like to be seen earlier. Make a list of people, what days suit and times. It means if you walk in on a Monday to messages cancelling for the Tuesday you can bring appointments forward and provide and efficient service as well as filling the book well.

I was inspired on Friday, my day off, listening to Wyman Chang, Tif Quereshi and James Russell. I could see myself and especially dually qualified hygienist therapists being well utilised when using whitening, inman aligners and composite bondings. I loved meeting Eddie Lynch and can see why he is such an influence in dentistry. And a wonderful humble man to boot. We are both looking at a new caries detection system which has the potential to become an essential piece of equipment in every practice. I will keep you posted on my trials.

The emails I have received about the Talking Points tour have been encouraging and to have the Deputy Chief Dental Officer Sue Gregory attend in London and say that she loved the talk was amazing to say the least. My talk is focused on change of behaviour and opinion in the team to develop better preventative practice together. I am looking forward to the second of the 3 weeks, taking me to Leeds, Falkirk and Newcastle.

Change is constant in dentistry, and should be part of the dental team to bring about improvements and ideas which will keep us all ahead of the game. Saying "I am old school" is no longer a good thing believe me. Cutting edge and evidence based care lines, individually planned to each patient is what we should aim for, not familiarity. So go ahead, look as a team at what you are doing and say "is there a better way?" to each other. The answer might be just the thing your practice needs.