Thursday, June 30, 2011

Red Nose Day 20 years ago

Whilst looking through old photos to display at our open day tomorrow, I came aross these that may amuse you. They certainly made us chuckle!

These were taken at our Newbury practice (when the layout was very different) two years after Red Nose Day for Comic Relief was launched,

The two dental nurses we had at that time sponsored me to shave off my beard. So I did !

The colour isn't great as I've had to enhance 20-year old faded colour prints but you'll get the idea.


Hey Presto  !

 S M I L E !!


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Open Day Friday July 1st. Prize draw and more...

Few people relish a trip to the dentist, however we are hoping plenty of people will visit our Cheap Street practice for the open day tomorrow (July 1st).


The practice recently celebrated its 21st birthday and the open day is to mark the event and to show off new signage that helps new patients find the first floor dental practice in St. Mary’s House. There will also be a presentation of a £250 donation to West Berkshire Mencap.

A host of prizes, together worth over £1,000 have been donated by friends, clients and suppliers of Newbury Smilemakers, for our free prize draw, for those attending the open day between 2pm and 7pm.

These include a state of the art Braun toothbrush worth over £100, a meal for two at Fallowfields Hotel in Oxfordshire, (a real treat in store), photography, personal coaching sessions, business support and gym sessions and much more.
 Please join us for a glass!

“This open day is a chance to showcase the practice to our patients, who obviously have other things on their mind when they normally visit, together with supporters, suppliers and anyone who is curious about what we do or indeed the nervous patients we specialise in can even visit us, certain there will be no treatment!"


If you are reading this then take it as an invitation. RSVP on 01635 47757

“The team will all be here to answer questions and show people around and there will be a photographic exhibition showing how the practice – and indeed we – have changed over the 21 years and we have a patient, talented guitarist Matt Bullivant providing music during the event.”
For all the details please visit www.newburysmilemakers.com/openday

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

One of my top 3 photos

That is to say, of the photos I have ever taken, this one ranks amongst my top 3.

From time to time I like to write a blog post which has nothing ( too much) to do with my dental practice. Well almost. I found this photo from about 1971/2 whilst looking through old photos, some of which will be displayed in the practice on our open day on July 1st. Those will be more personal. This on the other hand is something else.

Background

I studied Dentistry in at the University of Manchester Dental School in the early 1970s.

During that time I began to explore photography as a hobby and bought my first serious camera and lenses, second-hand from another dentist working at the Dental Hospital- A Pentax ( probably a Spotmatic) system I recall.

Living in one of the halls of residence, I had the opportunity to use their own darkroom and develop and print my own black and white photos on 10x8 paper- For the photo geeks, probably on ISO 400 film (Manchester was always overcast or raining- well almost always anyway) and using Ilford paper.

One day while roaming the streets of Manchester looking for opportunities to take some candid photographs, I came across this scene on a briefly sunny day.

The chap in the photo was in a world of his own totally oblivious to me, sitting in a garage, amongst a row of terraced houses just behind the Manchester City football ground- Maine Rd.  I hope you like it too.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

7 year-old had no idea she's had an injection at the dentist

I'd love to share this with you from our Dental Hygienist. Mia is her 7 year old daughter.

Hi Richard and Chris,


Thanks for seeing Mia on Thursday. She got home, said her tooth was numb to Raymond, (Her Dad) he said, 'oh you had an injection'. She said ' no just some bubble gum stuff'. I didn't enlighten, just to let you know ,you certainly must have a painless tech, as she was totally unaware of even having an injection.

Thanks again.

Kind regards

Nicky


The "Bubble gum stuff" is a numbing gel we use before using The Wand anaesthetic method. It does really smell just like Bubble gum!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

You should watch this if you really hate going to the dentist?

I'm delighted to publish our first two video testimonials. I'd like to thanks Mark Oborn, one of the UK's leading specialist, dental, social-media marketing experts, for editing them and finalizing the production.

The first is from Michael, who I have been looking after for a few years. You would never guess it from his unscripted, calm and confident testimonial but when Michael first came to see us, he was almost in tears in the waiting room with a look of absolute terror on his face.

See his transformation!

The second is from a Newbury local social-media guru,  Nigel Morgan. Nigel runs a PR company and has been a journalist in a past life, so is not beyond seeing the downside of anything.

I would like to thank both Michael and Nigel.  I appreciate the time and candour that both of these patients were prepared to offer, on behalf of us here at Newbury Smilemakers.

If  you feel just a little more confident about taking that first step then please do call and speak to Chris Charon for sympathetic and knowledgeable advice on 01635 47757.

You can find much more information on our dentalphobia website, though remember, not all fear of the dentist is a phobia- we understand this too.

For the ladies- don't worry, we have now have two ladies who have volunteered to provide video testimonials for us so look our for these in the next few weeks.    If you care to follow this blog on the right hand side of this page, you will automatically be notified of each new blog post.
We will not contact you unless you wish us to.


More information

Richard Charon

Friday, June 10, 2011

Two more great prizes

Thanks to their generosity, I can announce two more great prizes for our open day on Friday July 1st. You'll find us here.

One for the ladies  .... From Curves Ladies Gym in King St West, (Near the KIng Charles Tavern)
These are for two free consecutive sessions for the month of July- Start to tone up in time for your summer hols! These sessions avoid a joining fee so are worth over £150!

One for the social media types. Mike Samuels, professional photographer has offered a "headshot" photo for your website/Twitter/Facebook/Linkedin accounts etc etc  valued at £50.

Remember you can only win if you come along!

Thursday, June 09, 2011

West Berks Mencap Donation

Just to let you know we have had a fantastic response from my e-mail, seeking prizes for the free draw at our open day on Friday July 1st.  A huge thanks to all who have donated.

The final newsletter/invitation, which was posted today to a selected group of our clients and will be circulated to selected local businesses too. Some of you ( the first to step up) do get a mention on page 2 !

Here is my blog post about it, to which I have added additional names of those who have donated prizes after the newsletter was printed. I'd be happy to accept any additional ones, if it suits you. By the way I'd also love you to follow my blog too!

I am planning a little PR regarding the open day and our 21 years in Newbury with Nigel Morgan, so hope to get a story in the Newbury Weekly News as well.

West Berkshire Mencap

We also have plans for one or two extra surprises on the day AND we also have decided, in view of the generosity of the donations of our business friends already, that as a practice we would like to make a donation of  £250 to West Berkshire Mencap. This is the first time this has been announced.

Once again thank you so much for your support ( you know who you are)  which is hugely appreciated.


I will blog a full list of donations when they are all in and counted.



Richard Charon

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Summer Newsletter & Open day & FREE PRIZE DRAW

We are delighted to announce that our latest newsletter is now on-line (for the first time)




We are equally delighted to announce that we are holding 

AN OPEN DAY
When?
On Friday 1st July
What time?
2pm to 7pm 
Where?
55-6 Cheap St
Newbury

Please join us for a glass of bubbly (or coffee)/soft drinks 
and a chat 

PLUS

A valuable Free Prize Draw

Plus .... ???

Come and say hello if you are a client or even if you have just been considering calling us!

Due to the enthusiasm and generosity of local businesses (so far), we can offer some fantastic prizes worth well in excess of £500 in total. There are more details in the newsletter, which also went to print today to go out to our patients and local businesses too.


Now Even More Prizes!

We have been delighted with the response of local business to our request for prizes.
We know this is a win-win situation for everyone. We get the prizes to give away, the lucky winners take away something of real value for them or someone they know and the businesses have a chance to impress and deliver their service to a potential new client or customer .

Please see our newsletter  (page 2) for the first set of terrific prizes on offer.

Go on click the link - don't miss out!

Now we can also offer
Additional Prizes
in our
Free Prize Draw

From Mike and Barbara Davis of the
Newbury Natural Therapy clinic

One Osteopathy treatment with Mike Davis D.O.
One Chiropody treatment with Barbera Davis
Both are located on the top floor, above us at
 St. Mary’s House Cheap St, Newbury.

&

Paul Tebble of Crescent Signs, Faraday Road, Newbury 
who produced our new external signage. is offering
a "Printed Stretched Canvas Frame", up to the size of A1, printed with a
digital photo of your choice…… valued at £100!
http://www.crescentsigns.co.uk

We'll let you know if any more are on offer.
In fact if you sign up to this blog on the right or to our facebook page
Facebook Group

you will automatically be updated.


We hope to see you there and good luck in the prize draw
from the 
Newbury Smilemakers Team


Look out for our latest video testimonials coming VERY soon







Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Review of our best testimonials this year

I have just been reviewing some testimonials from this year and have gathered half a dozen together.
I'm bowled over by their generosity. I hope you will be too.


Our dental care has had an impact on the quality of his life !
“During my recent routine check-up at Richard Charon’s practice, as Richard was doing his meticulous inspection round,  he paused to marvel at his own previous handy work, the bridgework reconstruction of my upper front teeth, which he did for me over 10 years ago. …..and as he gave me the ‘ALL OK’, the occasion made me think of the impact that the bridge had made on the quality of my life. Remembering the bad old days of the partial dentures I used to have, with all the usual problems of food getting under the plate, and the denture’s annoying track record of breaking just before an important event or occasion, so as if to cause maximum possible embarrassment. The contrast with Richard’s reconstruction of my front teeth has been ‘10 years of trouble free normal life’ with teeth that feel and look as if they were my own natural teeth.”
 “I first found Richard when he was in practice in Reading at my local and nearest surgery. ( During the 1980s) But when he moved to his own clinic in Newbury, I had no hesitation in making the much longer journey so that I would continue to benefit from his skills and level of care which had made such a major impact on improving my dental health.
This experience made me wonder why do people just go to their nearest dentist irrespective of the range of services, skills or quality of care a dental practice may offer, yet most of us happily spend more time researching, travelling for miles and chasing for things a lot less important in life, like when we shop for new sofa!
Needless to say, I soon persuaded my wife to switch her dentist and she too is now delighted with the level of care and service she is getting at Richard’s Clinic with real visible improvements of her teeth.”
S.B.

Praise indeed from another dentist via a happy patient

and here is another we received in March 2011

Restored her faith in Dentists We received this lovely testimonial from one of our patients. Addressed to my wife Chris who runs the practice and is our Treatment Coordinator too.
Hi Chris,
Just to say thanks again to you and Richard for having a go at fixing that
for me yesterday and for explaining about the veneers. Sounds like that is
next course of action. Just a shame I didn't find you earlier as I may have
been able to save my teeth from being in the state they are now! I know you
now have a complaints procedure but I'm not sure if you have a 'compliments'
one. In case you do then thanks again for helping to restore my faith in
dentists and making it much easier to visit the dentist! (the happy gas is
also fabulous!)

Zara

What about this from Feb 2011

300 mile - 7 hour round trip to see your dentist

Would you travel a 300 miles a  7 hour round trip to see your dentist?
This lady did. She wrote a short testimonial whilst filling in a customer satisfaction survey.
In addition to ticking "Very staisfied" in all boxes , she said " Been here 22 years with the practice. I live in mid Wales and travel to Newbury for this fabulous Service".  So that is a 7 hour round trip. I guess we are doing something right.... 8-).
She is not alone. Sadly this lady sensibly decided to seek help nearer home rather than undertake the 276 mile round trip especially as her teeth and gums are meticulously looked after by her. But she will still return to see our hygienist !! This is what she said in May 2011

Warm praise for us and our Hygienist Nicky Smith
Dear Richard,

I said I would send an email and here it is....................

The decision to transfer to a more local dentist has been difficult to process. Travelling from Norfolk to Newbury, now that we're retired, is not a good idea. The cost of petrol, combined with the potential difficulties of needing a series of appointments in the future, has really forced me to look locally. I have had a first appointment with the more local dentist - who cares for all three generations of my brother's family. I feel very confident and comfortable with him, both personally and professionally.

He was HIGHLY complimentary about the standard of dentistry I've received during the years that you have been my dentist. He was impressed with the healthy state of my gums and teeth and doesn't need to see me for another year! I'd like to thank you for all the wonderful work you've done to keep my teeth, gums and mouth so healthy. I have felt comfortable during appointments and have every confidence in the professionalism of your skills and the team that you've carefully created.

Chris is a wonderful Customer/Practice relations manager. I have enjoyed the brief chats we've shared either side of appointments. I've also valued the way you and Chris have worked as a team during "big" procedures . On such occasions, I knew I was in very safe hands as you work exceptionally well together.

As I've frequently said, Nicky is the best hygienist I've ever encountered. She did a wonderful smarten up job on my mouth during my recent appointment and the work she did on the gum infection did the trick! Nicky has a light touch which is gentle on the mouth and patient. As dental hygiene work can be done annually, I will continue to make appointments with Nicky.

It is with reluctance that I sign off as I'd continue to choose you as my dentist if distance made it viable. I am very grateful for the years of your excellent dentistry that I've been privileged to receive.

Warmest regards to you and The Team,

Ros Nicholls


How would you feel if you were able to send us a heartfelt testimonial like these?

Do these help to make your mind up visit?

            Why not pick up the phone for helpful and friendly advice? 
01635 47757

Richard Charon

Saturday, June 04, 2011

Jordan's 15 mins.of fame

No sorry not THAT Jordan.

Jordan Poulos is 11 years old and we have known him before he was born so to speak. The son of  close friends, (yes they are patients of ours too) , Jordan had his "15 minutes of fame" on BBC Radio Berkshire this morning. Speaking to Nicki Whiteman  Footie mad, he has been a regular Reading Royals fan since he was knee-high to a grassopper.

Amazingly Jordan, aged 11, will be taking penalties at the charity match tomorrow at Madjeski Stadium when he will be part of the Reading Legends team v. Tottenham Hotspur Legends,shooting against professional goalies for chariity.

Jordan's dad said " It is a charity match to raise funds for Paul Turner, who until recently was a Reading FC physio. Unfortunately, he developed a rare virus that has virtually blinded him and curtailed his career.
I successfully bid for Jordan to be part of the action "


Here is the link to the radio show:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00h1k7q/Nicki_Whiteman_04_06_2011/
Jordan’s interview starts at 1 hr and 25 minutes into the show.
Want to sponsor him per goal he scores?
Let me know.

Friday, June 03, 2011

Open Day July 1st. Prize draw

Our Invitation to You
 
 An Open Day 
on 

    Friday 1st July 2011 2-7pm 


Please join us for drinks and a chat
to celebrate 21 years in Newbury 
and our new signage!



Free Prize draw 
Top of the range Oral B electric toothbrush RRP over £100

  plus other prizes
to be won

RSVP so we can cater ! 

chris@newburydentist.co.uk

01635 447757