a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e D E N T I S T S
Paul HR Wilson
Bath Dental Clinic 01225 333848 www.bathdentalclinic.co.uk
IAN BELLAMY
Aquae Sulis Dental 01225 339767 www.aquaesulisdental.co.uk
Chris Park
Little Dental Co @ Larkhall Dental Rooms; 01225 431231 www.littledental.co.uk
Circus House Dental & Implant Centre; 01225 952362 www.bathsmile.co.uk
How would you best define modern dentistry? Dentistry has changed dramatically over the 20 years since I qualified. We are in the era of regeneration of damaged oral tissues. At Bath Dental Clinic we can now regrow lost bone, gum tissue and even stimulate damaged dental pulps. We also have the facility to image tissues using 3-Dimensional CT scanning and 3D printing is on the way. Dentistry is now about improving quality of life.
How would you best define modern dentistry? Modern dentistry is the ability to use the latest technical advances to benefit our patients - from bioactive materials that help to repair teeth, to 3D imaging. These techniques allow us to make a major impact on our patients’ lives by restoring their teeth to give a natural, healthy appearance.
How would you define modern dentistry? For anyone who has not had any dental work it’s a combination of education, prevention and minimal intervention. For those who have already had dental treatment the focus shifts towards function, preservation and longevity. We have some incredibly skilled clinicians and technicians, all of whom have a plethora of new materials with which to work. This enables us to be ahead of the game with the ever increasing aesthetic demands that you rightly place upon us.
Did you always want to be a dentist? I attended a dental technician course after I finished school and this triggered my interest in dentistry.
What have been your career highlights so far? I have two highlights. One has been opening Bath Dental Clinic. It has been the culmination of 20 years of postgraduate training, and I have assembled a remarkable team who are patient-focused and strive for excellence. Our clinic has been carefully planned to be a calm and inviting place, where state-ofthe-art specialist dental care is delivered. The second has been publishing a textbook with my mentor, the late Professor Crispian Scully CBE, who sadly passed away recently. The textbook is used by dental undergraduates in the UK and worldwide. What might we be surprised to learn about you? To reduce my carbon footprint, I sold my car and bought a folding bike. I commute to Bath Dental Clinic by bike and I use it for travelling within Oxford where I am a part-time consultant at The John Radcliffe Hospital.
What makes your practice different? In addition to the latest dental techniques, we put our patients’ interests first. This involves taking time to find out what our patients want, to explain all of their options and to deliver care in the most considerate way. Why are some people scared of going to the dentist? Despite the innovations in dentistry, people are still having bad experiences. This can be traced back to treatment they received as children but repeated bad experiences only negatively reinforce these fears. We want to try to end this cycle with gentle care. Do you just offer dentistry at the practice? An exciting development is that we’re now offering Facial Aesthetic treatments with our Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner. This fits well with some of the other treatments that we provide.
What might we be surprised to find out about you? I have always had a sweet tooth and, as a result, was scared of going to the dentist as a child. It was far from ideal at the time but now helps me empathise with my patients. What excites you most about your job? I have recently partnered up with an amazing charity, ‘Teeth Team’, to help reduce the number of children requiring hospital admissions for teeth extractions. I look forward to working in conjunction with some of Bath’s junior schools to ensure that those most in need receive assistance from an early age.
George Mexias
What do you enjoy most about your job? One of the things I enjoy most in dentistry is how it is always evolving and how traditional technique merges with new modern developments. I always want to stay up to date, and advance my skills in new techniques mainly related with implantology. What are you like as a patient? Terrible, but luckily I have several close colleagues who I can call on should I need treatment; I know I must be the worst patient of their day! Describe your ideal day? A mix of surgery, consultation and final treatment appointments. About 90% of my work is dental implants, and I enjoy this surgery. It’s also rewarding that my patients are always surprised at how straightforward the process is. Did your mum ever have to tell you to brush your teeth? She still does when I visit her. What might we be surprised to learn about you? I recently acquired my private pilot’s license and I love to spend my spare time in various small airports around the UK. Next year I hope to be able to fly myself to Greece.
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 93