What’s happening?

As the evenings start to draw out, it’s that time of year that we are filled with a little bit more optimism!  Traditionally, we look to brush away the cobwebs with a good spring clean at home.  But why not use the opportunity to give your teeth a treat too!  At Island House, our Dentists and our Hygienist, Karen Easton, are available to give the teeth a good check-over and a thorough clean.

On Thursday 12th March, the practice welcomed Jason Stokes for an evening discussing cross-infection control.  Island House prides itself on keeping up-to-date with all advances in dentistry, and our staff of 14 including dentists, our hygienist, nurses and reception staff were in attendance.  Mr Stokes is a well-respected local dentist who tours the lecture circuit educating on a whole series of topics.  Of all possible topics, this is one of the most dreaded by speakers as can be the most difficult to keep the audience awake with!  However, despite this, Jason gave an excellent and informative presentation to a very attentative and interested audience.  The evening started with a task high-lighting the importance of thorough hand-washing.  All of us were asked to wash with a special gel that, when examined under a UV light, showed those areas that were not being cleaned to the maximum.  Mr Stokes then entertained us with an insight into the latest update in cross-infection regulations which is set to come out soon.  The lecture concluded with a thought-provocking discussion on the risks and considerations that need to be made in the event of a needle-stick injuries. 

Update from Mike Smith in New Zealand.
Partner of the practice, Mike Smith, has returned to New Zealand for a three year sabbatical to study for an MSc in Periodontology (the study of gums and their surrounding tissues).  In the first of several reports, Mike lets us know how he is settling in.  Mike writes:

‘I might be a long way away but it is great to talk to Mark and the team to catch up on the latest goings-on.  Even if I often ring in the middle of the night!  We all miss Woodbridge a lot at the minute but the kids are settling in at school and it being summer here has helped (although it has not a very good one - it’s not just in England that happens!).  We love to keep up-to-date with news from home.  I was even reading about Woodbridge in one of the national newspapers on-line the other day. 

My course is going well, although it is very hard studying again at my age.  I am learning a lot, or rather learning that I don’t know a lot!  I have regular patients to see and lots of assignments to work through which are keeping me busy.  But biggest of all, I have a huge thesis to prepare, which I hope will be on bone grafting. 

All in all, there is lots to do but never enough time to do it all.  I guess nothing changes – or at least I hope that not too much will have changed when we get back home.

A big hello (Kia Ora) to all my friends and patients, please do say hi if you are ever in Dunedin.

Mike