I recently returned from a holiday to Kenya, specifically in the Nairobi area.
I wanted to see the animals, go on safari and so forth but whilst I was there I wanted to give something back and learn about the culture.

So for one day  before myself and a friend left we booked in with a local charity to go on a tour around Kibera, the proceeds from the tour guides is going towards building a new school. For more information click here.

I made a bit of space in my case for a few things that we probably take for granted.

I had managed to order some Colgate samples through the practice, and our hygienist Paul Fox donated some children’s’ toothbrushes. Of course we also gave a few cuddly toys for the younger ones as a toothbrush probably doesn’t look very exciting to a 2 year old!

 

Firstly a few facts about Kibera:

• Kibera is the biggest slum in Africa and one of the biggest in the world.
• There are approx 1.2 million slum dwellers in the Kibera in an area of 2.5 square kilometres.
• 75%  of the population of Kibera are under the age of 18 and 100,000 children living here are orphaned.
• Kibera is divided into 13 villages, including Kianda, Soweto East, Gatwekera, Kisumu Ndogo, Lindi, Laini Saba, Siranga, Makina and Mashimoni.

So the day of the tour came..

We met our guides and wandered through the market and into the heart of Kibera. There was literally so much joy, by western standards its heart breaking to see that people still live in conditions like this.

We then went to a nursery for working mothers and orphanage. The kids were literally adorable and just wanted to interact and be cuddled. I’ll admit the toys went down better than the toothbrushes, but hopefully they will get well used in the future. Toiletries are something we probably all take for granted yet something that is not a necessity if you are struggling to pay for for food.

The woman that runs the nursery also makes and sells jewellery to fund the centre and a women’s centre for those with HIV. The items donated were very much appreciated and she was very grateful. As you can see I enjoyed the cuddles too. The people in Kibera although that have little they are so friendly and welcoming it was a bit of a humbling experience overall, it really does make you think.

 

 

 

 

Meet the team

All our dentists adhere to the rules governing the profession under strict guidance from the General Dental Council (GDC) “Standards for Dental Professionals”.

 

Dr Dipesh KH Patel BDS MClinDent(Prostho) PGCert(Ed) Principle Partner with special interests in Cosmetic, Reconstructive and Sedation treatment GDC No: 071059Dr. Patel qualified from Guys Hospital, UMDS London and completed his UK VT training in North London and completed his research project at Harvard Dental School, Boston, USA. He further gained a more advanced restorative training at the Eastman Hospital in London.He completed his American National Boards Part 1 and 2 and California Bench Exams at UOP, Loma Linda, and UCLA. He went onto complete a 4 year Masters (MClinDent(Prosth) in Prosthodontic/Clinical Dentistry at Kings College , London. After several years in both general and pioneering aesthetic private practice he gained further surgical and implant training and experience from Specialists in implant dentistry from UK, ,USA, Sweden, France, Spain, Germany and South America. He has been practicing dentistry in the UK for the past 16 years, and currently teaches one day a week the undergraduate dental students at Guys Hospital, London. Dr Patel focuses his practice on comprehensive dental care and utilizes the state of the art diagnostic and minimally invasive technology in both Aesthetic and laser dentistry. He uses his technical and artistic skills to help work with his patients to create beautiful healthy, functional, aesthetic smiles.Dr Patel is always happy to discuss any concerns and you may have in an informal friendly and approachable way. He will endeavor to find the best solution for your oral health at a budget you can manage.
Dr Roma Patel BDS Principle Partner with special interests in Facial beauty treatments and Adult and Children’s Dentistry GDC No: 69659Roma qualified from Sheffield University in 1993 and was awarded the bachelor of Dental Surgery and the bronze medal in Paedatric care, as well as the best vocational trainee project in 1994. Roma aims to share her abilities and enthusiasim with others so she may help them improve their oral care. Her philosophy is to acheive health, function and confidence in the dental health of her patientsRoma is always happy to help with any queries or requests. With extensive experience and numerous qualifications, Roma is delighted to guide you through what cosmetic and facial aesthetic dentistry can do for you.Very approachable and always welcoming, Roma is here to make sure your experience at Ashford Dental is both enjoyable and exciting.”
Mr Gerard Balague Viladrich DDS MSc Implantology / Prosthodontics & Periodontics GDC No: 100989We are very pleased that he has decided to join our team as part of our on-going mission to improve our patient’s experiences.Gerard has a passionate interest in Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants, Soft and Hard tissue surgery, Root Recession coverage, Periodontal disease and dealing with nervous patients. We are confident you will be leaving him with a beautiful smile. Biography Gerard graduated as a Dentist in 2005 from the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya whilst obtaining a special distinction in Implantology. Gerard took up practice working within an NHS and Private practice located in Wales. Furthering his education Gerard then completed a Post-Graduate certificate in Implant Dentistry from the University of Warwick in 2007. For the next 2 years he would work within a London Practice whilst continuing his special interest in Periodontics and Implantology. In 2009 to feed his strong appetite for knowledge, Gerard enrolled in a 3 year full time MSc Implantology: Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics and Periodontology at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya . During this period he also completed an MSc in Research in Dentistry and Biomedicine as well as a Postgraduate certificate in Forensic Dentistry at the Universtat de Barcelona. If these amazing credentials weren’t enough he is currently a member of the Academy of Osseointegration. Gerard is also a Clinical teacher at the Primary Dental Care Unit as well as Oral Surgery Department at King’s College Hospital in London. He has also presented at conferences within Spain. Hobbies: Gerard enjoys playing the piano, tennis and travelling in his spare time.
Dr Alex Talahani BDS MSc Cosmetic and Family Dentist with special interests in Cosmetic and Smile Design GDC No: 82874Dr. Alex Tahalani’s innovative approach to cosmetic dentistry, means you can now have the smile you want created in a warm, friendly environment. Qualified in 2003 at the Royal London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Alex has spent much of his career educating himself both in the UK and USA. Graduate of the prestigious Hornbrook Group cosmetics institute in Chicago & Philadelphia, Alex has helped many of our patients restore their smiles. Alex is passionate about helping our patients smile with confidence. Whether it’s a small change or complete smile makeover, or just a conversation on what’s possible, Alex will gladly give you his time and help you achieve the smile you always wanted.
Dr Marco Carugati (Dip Dent Pisa) Dental Surgeon GDC No: 74087Marco was born on the island of Elba, Italy. He graduated with a degree in Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics from the University of Pisa, School of Dentistry in November 1997. Marco qualified as an Orthodontist from the Centro Studi e Ricerche di Ortodonzia La Spezia in March 2004 and was awarded a Diploma in Orthodontics from the University of Bourgogne in France. In addition, he has completed several postgraduate courses covering topics such as occlusion, endodontics and implantology. He has a special interest in endodontics and is an accredited trainer for a leading dental company.At present, he consults in various practices in Harley Street in London, Kent and Sussex, as well as in practices in Pisa and Milan. He also teaches and lectures to dental students at King’s College Dental Hospital in London, and he is involved in the organization of postgraduate courses for dentists. Marco’s interests include travelling, music, skiing and computing.
Dental Hygienist Mr Paul Fox He is an excellent hygienist who strives to provide clinical excellence within a caring environment.Not only will he address your problem but show you how to improve and maintain your gum health. We all hope you are as excited as we are that he has joined our growing team of Gum Guardians. Biography Paul trained at the Defence Dental School in 2000 where he achieved the Oral B Outstanding Academic Achievement Award Following this he worked within the Army in Germany, Northern Ireland and other parts across the U.K. Paul has worked with other specialists such as Orthodontists and Periodontal Specialists so can handle complex cases. Paul’s other responsibilities also included managing trainee dental nurses and auditing all military hygienists within Germany. Monitoring Hygienists meant Paul as the Lead Clinician annually reviewed working practices and clinical efficiency to ensure standards were maintained and good levels patient care was being carried out. As part of on-going training Paul has also recently qualified to carry out In-surgery tooth whitening. Paul is married with 3 children. Hobbies: He is keen on fitness and is an athletics coach.

A full history of SAAD can be read here http://www.saad.org.uk/history-of-saad/

Our principle Dr Dipesh Patel and his nurse Anna have recently updated their sedation training. As conscious sedation is a team exercise it is important for both dentist and nurse to attend this together and receive training in parallel.

This course acted as a refresher and ensures we are kept up to date with the current techniques used. The course is taught by the best known names in Dental Sedation within the UK.

The course consists of theoretical and practical instruction in all aspects relating to the latest guidelines of conscious sedation techniques.

Below is the course content for Dentists from the  SAAD website. (http://www.saad.org.uk_)

Course Content

• Aspects of anxiety and pain control, treatment planning and patient assessment. The use of behavioural management, selection and appropriate use of drugs for sedation techniques.
• Physiology, anatomy and pharmacology relevant to Conscious Sedation.
• Organisation of the dental team, medico-legal aspects of sedation, record keeping, psychological and physiological monitoring of the sedated patient.
• Revision of the requirements of the General Dental Council in relation to the provision of Basic Life Support. Current UK Resuscitation Council Guidelines will be provided.
• Clinical cases of various conscious sedation techniques are assessed and practitioners may have practical experience of Relative Analgesia.

For Dental nurses the course content differs consisting of 3 core areas.

KNOWLEDGE: anatomy and physiology pharmacology patient assessment sedation equipment sedation techniques (oral/RA/IV) monitoring management of complications medico-legal aspects ATTITUDES: care and support flexible approach calm, decisive and purposeful manner keeping up to date

SKILLS: preparation for sedation patient preparation and care assisting with induction of sedation monitoring during treatment recovery emergency care

 

Below are the course certificates:

 

Have you met you new hygienist Paul Fox?

Paul has been with the practice since September and is settling in well within his surgery. We are glad how quickly he has become part of the Ashford Dental Care Family.

His working hours are 8:30 till 5:30 every Friday. He also works one Saturday morning session a month.

Since Direct access on the 1st May 2013 it is now possible for hygienists to work within their own remit without prescription from a Dentist.

Full details from the General Dental Council are listed here:

http://www.gdc-uk.org/Dentalprofessionals/Standards/Documents/Direct%20Access%20guidance%20final%20April%202013%20FINAL.pdf

 

We at Ashford Dental Care are proud to introduce

Mr Gerard Balague Viladrich 

DDS MSc Implantology / Prosthodontics & Periodontics
GDC Reg No. 100989

We are very pleased that he has decided to join our team as part of our on-going mission to improve our patient’s experiences.

Gerard has a passionate interest in Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants, Soft and Hard tissue surgery, Root Recession coverage, Periodontal disease and dealing with nervous patients.

We are confident you will be leaving him with a beautiful smile

.

For dental practices wishing to work with us and refer patients to us for treatment, please follow the hyperlink below and click periodontal referral form to start the download.

PERIODONTAL REFFERAL FORM