For four decades, Dee has been the heart and soul of our team, bringing expertise, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our patients. Dee shares her journey and the lasting impact she’s had on our practice.
You’ve been with Triangle Dental for 40 years—what are some of the biggest changes in dental care that you’ve seen during that time?
Over the years, our practice has undergone significant changes to enhance patient care and comfort. The first major shift was introducing the Denplan payment plan in 1986, making us one of the pioneering practices to help patients budget for their dental treatment and provide coverage for emergencies, both at home and abroad. We’ve since expanded our offerings with dental finance, which has become a popular option, enabling patients to access a wider range of treatments.
Technology has also played a key role in our evolution. The computerisation of patient records, along with digital x-rays and scans, has not only increased efficiency but also improved patient comfort. Patients appreciate being able to see their teeth enlarged on a big screen, helping them better understand their dental issues and treatment options.
Dental treatments have also advanced significantly over the years. Dental implants now provide a more permanent solution for missing teeth, significantly enhancing a person’s quality of life by boosting self-confidence, and restoring their ability to chew and speak comfortably. Invisalign has revolutionised teeth straightening with its virtually invisible aligners, a far cry from the metal braces of the past. Additionally, teeth whitening has become a standard and popular treatment, giving patients the brighter, more confident smiles they desire.
Can you share a memorable story or moment from your years at the practice?
My absolute favourites are when a team member has a baby. Since the first birth in 1985, we’ve celebrated 82 new arrivals—34 girls and 48 boys—with hopefully many more to come. As a former nursery nurse, my love for babies runs deep, and each new addition to our extended family brings me immense joy!
How has your role at the practice changed over the years?
My role has expanded significantly as the practice has grown. When I first joined, we had a team of just 10, and now we’re 32 strong. Along with this growth, there has been a considerable increase in the compliance and regulations we must follow, particularly from the Care Quality Commission, the General Dental Council, and Denplan. Managing these aspects while supporting a much larger team has certainly made my role more complex and dynamic over the years.
What makes the team at this dental practice special?
What makes the team at this dental practice truly special is our shared commitment to patient care and the close-knit, supportive environment we’ve cultivated over the years. We genuinely care about each other and our patients, which creates a positive, welcoming atmosphere that everyone can feel.
What did you do to celebrate?
I celebrated with a party at the practice, surrounded by the wonderful people who have made these 40 years so memorable. It was the perfect way to reflect on the journey and share some laughs and memories with the team that has been such a big part of my life.
What has been the most rewarding part of working with patients over the past 40 years?
The most rewarding part of working with patients over the past 40 years has been the relationships I’ve built with them. I’ve had the privilege of seeing multiple generations of families come through our doors, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to watch children grow up, bring in their own families, and trust us with their care. Helping patients achieve healthier, brighter smiles and seeing the positive impact on their confidence and well-being has been truly brilliant.