Save a life. Know how to spot a stroke victim

This was passed to me by a very old friend.  Someone I have known since I was about 7 or 8 years of age, I guess.

He is my very close cousins's closest friend. That cousin, not quite 60, had a stoke just over 2 weeks ago and then a second one a few days later. He survived and is still in hospital having tests. He has lost the use of his left side but fortunately has full mental and speech faculties. This is still a devastating blow to him and his family, naturally. He was, it seems a reasonably healthy individual before the stroke. It happened out of the blue.

This is the message passed to me:

kind regards to all

Richard Charon

You may have received this already but it can’t do any harm to know

Stroke has a new indicator
They say if you e-mail this to ten people, you stand a chance of saving one life. Will you send this along?
 

Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue

I will continue to forward this every time it comes around!

STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters..... S. T. R.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) ...she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Jane's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Jane passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today.)R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

I have done my part. Will you?

Our Expansion Plans

I am delighted to announce that we are on the point of signing a lease for the premises immediately adjacent to Newbury Smilemakers, with an entrance on the first floor at 57 Cheap Street, above Bravos Hairdressing Salon and two steps from our premises.

This will give us:

1) A new consultation area, particularly suited to anxious and phobic new patients who can talk over their problems and discover the best potions for them to overcome their fears and receive the dental care they want. Also a discreet lounge area for all patients to discuss their treatment options with us.

2) More storage and admin areas - Unexciting but essential for us with an improved rest area for our team.

3) An education/training seminar room.

The work to create these new areas will be undertaken in December/January

More details will follow, as they become available

A lovely new Invisalign Smile

A very happy Laura

Before

 

After

Find out more about Invisalign®

Laura did and now she has a confident smile

BEFORE

AFTER

If you'd love an even smile without wires or train track braces

Please call us on 01635 47757

to book a free initial discussion

Protect yourself and your children from dental injuries

Rugby, Hockey, Judo and even football. School and college terms are approaching. It is time for protecting your offspring ( or yourself!) with a custom-made gum shield. 

Shop-bought ones are cheap. That's it. Just cheap. They don't work and they are not better than nothing. 

Dental injuries are painful, upsetting disfiguring and likely to have lifelong consequences. including multiple and potential expensive dental repairs, often over many years.

Oh and a correctly fitted, custom mouthguard , made form a professinally taken accurate impression of your teeth and mouthy can also protect from concussion too. 

There are a wide range of colours to choose from too or mix n'match!

Call us for more information. 01635 47757

Not all toothache is caused by bad teeth

There are many reasons for toothache or pains around the face and jaws. Most commonly it is due to a bad tooth (decayed) or poor gum health - sometimes an abscess in the tooth or the gum may be involved.
However, a little dental detective work may reveal a less obvious problem but readily fixable problem
Today I received this story from one of my regular patients.

"After suffering with discomfort on he right upper side of my mouth for probably in excess of 2 years possibly more, I spoke to Richard about it, I did not know how really to describe it other than a tenderness/aching sensation which I could not pinpoint to any one tooth just a generalised area, it was not constant but usually worse at the end of the day, I suppose I began to just put up with it because I had no idea what it was but it was really annoying and was getting me down.  Richard suggested that it could be connected  with my 'bite' being wrong, after he had  ruled out any other likely cause. We went ahead with the procedure to adjust my bite to correct it  and the relief was almost instant. Now I rarely get the aching sensation, and if I do it is much less severe or long lasting than previously, if it gets to a level where it becomes less tolerable I know I can return to have things checked out in case more adjustments need to be made. So if you think something is wrong but don't know what it is then this is something worth considering having checked out."

So if you have an uncomfortable tooth don't delay - call today on 01645 47757.

City and Guilds Level 4 award

July 2011

I am delighted to announce that I have achieved a City and Guilds Level 4 award in
"Preparing to Teach in the Life-long Learning Sector" after a short-course at Newbury College last spring.  This is a basic, recognised teaching award designed for people running skills or educational workshops, on a part-time basis, which I took to support the teaching courses I run for other dentists and their teams in Inhalation Sedation for anxious dental patients.


Richard Charon BDS

Somnowell: Introducing A new anti-snoring solution service

Somnowell is a high quality solution for snoring, sleep apnoea, TMD and bruxism (tooth grinding).
Invented, by a consultant orthodontist, this is not a cheap, shop-bought plastic or internet solution but a perfectly crafted and tailored individual solution, intended to be for long-term use.
The solution to these health issues can have many beneficial life-changing results. The testimonials on the Somnowell website are very impressive.
If you think you or someone you know might benefit and you are within striking distance of Newbury, please contact us on 01635 47757

Teeth Cleaning Heaven!

Do you  just hate the thought of having their teeth cleaned? Even though having teeth cleaned professionally is an important part of your well-being and health routine?

If so. We may well have the answer.  Happy Air Sedation.

We are nationally known for our expertise with this simple sedation technique, mainly used to help people with dental anxiety BUT even if you are not normally anxious about visiting the dentist (and well over -50% of people are), Happy Air Sedation, will totally transform your experience of having teeth cleaned.

You will be aware of the treatment but will not mind a bit about it. You will feel calm, relaxed, with a "far-away" sensation. Your arms and legs are likely to feel warm and floaty and you won't care less about having your teeth cleaned. Your mouth, teeth and gums will be much less sensitive too. Does thois sound like an improvement to what you are used to or have been putting up with?

Happy Air Sedation will provide such a different experience for you and you will recover within a few minutes and be ready to leave the practice after 30 minutes, with a totally clean and sparkly smile.
 
The science bit...

By the way, it is very important to maintain healthy gums. It will mean fresher breath and much more.
As many people now know, more adults lose teeth from poor gum health than through tooth decay, so keeping healthy gums helps keep your teeth for life.  More than that, connections are now being made between gum health and your heart and even strokes, possibly more besides.

So why wait.? Call us today to discuss this option. 01635 47757

I just wish I'd found Newbury Smilemakers earlier

Another terrific testimonial received 24th July 2011.

Dear Richard & Chris,

As promised, please find below my testimonial for the treatment I had last week:

'Having had a stubborn wisdom tooth removed a few years ago, I wasn't particularly looking forward to having another one extracted. Until I met Richard & Chris at Newbury Smilemakers!  They put me completely at ease about the treatment and, with the help of Richard's 'Happy Air', the treatment went amazingly quickly and smoothly. In fact, I couldn't believe it when Richard said it was over - I'd only been there a few minutes! Post-op has been great too - no swelling and I've barely needed the painkillers!  I just wish I'd found Newbury Smilemakers earlier - I'll definitely be going back and recommending them.'

Hope it isn't too long and can be used for the website.

See you again next time I need any dental treatment.

Thanks,
Emma

Are you still wondering whether to to take the plunge to come to see us for your dental health needs, smile makeover or just to find an empathetic and experienced dental team?  Why not pick up the phone and speak to Chris on 01635 47757. ( PS It is our day of today, Monday 25th July, so please wait until tomorrow !)

Our latest testimonial

Here is one I received via Linkedin from an ex-BNI member in Newbury, Ian Morgan.

Dear Richard,
I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.

Details of the Recommendation: "A superb dentist who specialises in pain free dentistry. If you are nervous of going to the dentist then look no further; I cannot recommend him highly enough."
Service Category: Dentist
Year first hired: 2008
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

Thanks Ian, this is very much appreciated and indeed a little unexpected which makes it even nicer

"To anyone who dreads the dentist as much as I do…"

A dental phobic's story

"To anyone who dreads the dentist as much as I do…"

The following testimonial is long but worth reading.  I received it in 2003 but it is still worth reading if you or someone you know, dreads a dental visit, please read on and then  go to this link.

Background

Marie is a moderate to severely anxious patient. Fearful of needles. We dentists see these people daily.

 Perhaps you are that way inclined too?  We discussed how we might be able to help her, including the option of using Relative Analgesia (Inhalational Sedation / Happy air) at a free,  after-hours (chaperoned) consultation, to discuss her dental fears and offer the alternatives for her.



Her immediate reaction to the mention of "happy air" was - "Oh No!"  I asked what she was saying no to.  " I don't know but I don't want it"  she replied.   I said " What is it that you don't want" ........and so on for a few moments. 

I then said. "You know this happy air is nothing like the old-fashioned gas that puts you to sleep and makes you feel horrid. In fact you would be quite awake but relaxed.
Do you think you would like that ?

"Well the rest as they say, is history.  We arranged a short, no treatment, trial run for her and at a further session began her treatment plan.
  Afterwards she was so grateful and surprised (and told me so) that I asked if she would write a few words to explain to others what she had experienced  Here is what she wrote. More than a few words though..

21st November 2003


To anyone who dreads the dentist as much as I do…..I am a 32yr old Insulin Dependant Diabetic who is petrified of Dentists, not just scared, I’m the sort of person who would do or go through anything else so long as I don’t have to go near a dentist. From an early age I have always hated them, would do anything to get out of going near one, unless I was in agony.  At the age of 18, I had three days and nights of pacing the floor, swirling my mouth with whiskey and eating pain killers like sweeties, anything I could get my hands on to kill the pain.

The result… I stuffed a towel in my mouth and kept forcing the tooth until it gave way, yes I pulled my own tooth, only it was the wrong tooth! Needless to say I had to give in and visit my dentist. It wasn’t a memorable visit!  Since then I have had numerous problems and have done my best to get around them any way I can, so long as I don’t have to get in that chair. 

In December 2002 my teeth started playing up again, after 6 weeks of eating pain killers, again like sweeties I had to admit to myself I needed help, So in January 2003 I started looking for a dentist, I was getting married in June and didn’t want everything spoilt because I was in pain, but I had told myself there was no way I was going to let a dentist near me unless he knocks me out..I found a dentist purely by chance, flicking through the yellow pages, it advertised they could help people with severe phobia’s, with different type of treatment. I thought this is my man he can knock me out and I won’t know a thing about it!

 

We’ll call him Mr. Richard Charon!!   I emailed them first to see if there were going to be able to help me, advised them straight away that I was a diabetic, but this didn’t put them off, Richard and his wife/partner Chris told me not to loose hope,  there are many things that can be done and why not come in for a chat to see how you feel.  

The minute I walked in the door I was greeted by Chris, she was lovely, so kind and reassuring, she knew it had taken a lot for me to even walk up the steps and through the front door.  Then Richard appeared and I braced myself, as I knew he’d want me to sit in that bloody chair!
 
But no, he sat down in reception with me and we just chatted about everything and anything and gradually moved onto my medical history, because I have a disintegrating jaw bone I explained to Richard that I had already lost a number of teeth including my top front ones and in place is a plate.

I am very insecure of this because I was only 23yrs when told I would loose my front teeth and then lost them at 27yrs, as there was nothing more to be done. 

However…The downside of being a diabetic… It’s not safe to be sedated as your blood sugar levels could change dramatically, causing even further problems.  Richard said we could look at the "Happy Air", laughing gas, as I call it,.
He said we could try it out first just to see how I felt, he wouldn’t do any treatment but just wanted me to see how relaxed I could feel.

 

I decided to book my next appointment for the following week, I knew if I left it any longer I would back out.  The day of my treatment dawned and I was petrified, I wasn’t in pain anymore as the infection had been cleared by antibiotics so I thought what the hell, cancel, you don’t need any treatment, your fine, you never have to see them again there’s plenty of dentist’s around. But I sat myself down and thought long and hard about it, these were nice people, a nice dentist you don’t find many who are willing to help you all the way, I was running late so I called and spoke to Chris and explained how nervous I was, she told me not too worry, she would be here when I arrived and would help me all the way.

I walked into reception and Chris instantly knew I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible, she sat me down and promised me I would be ok, she said the gas & air really does work you won’t feel a thing.   She said I’m not lying I’ve had it done myself. Richard came into reception to check I was ok and then brought me into the treatment room, there was no turning back now I was in the dreaded chair! 

 

The little breathing piece was put over my nose and Richard explained how he wanted me to breathe so that he could ensure the equipment was working correctly and that I was receiving what I needed. I felt ok because Richard talked me through everything he did, he explained exactly what would be happening, how I would start to feel. He said you will start to feel nice and warm, like your snug in your bed, your toes may tingle a little bit, which is quite normal.
  I kept on breathing the gas and air and felt, well quite frankly wonderful, Richard could have shoved 10 more needles in my mouth and I couldn’t have cared less, I was so relaxed just lying there. 

My treatment completed Richard said its all over Marie, just lie there and relax, your not receiving any more of the magic mixture just some oxygen to clear your head.  Within a minute or two I was sitting up in That Chair, which was now like my best friend! 



  After a few minutes Richard was right I did feel warm, felt a little floaty aswell not drunk just dreamy but it was a nice feeling, before I knew it the injections had already been done and I had gone through them without screaming, bursting into tears or having a panic attack.


Richard was wonderful, I was very emotional and on the verge of bursting into tears, but he reassured me everything would be OK, we would look at every option possible to find what suited me best. Richard them managed to examine all of my remaining teeth without too much protesting from me.

I felt fantastic, yes my mouth was numb on one side, but hey I had just had a tooth removed. 

Do I still have a fear of Dentists, well probably yes, somewhere deep inside me, it won’t disappear overnight, and no doubt there will still be a few nerves there the next time I have treatment but whilst I know Richard can help me I will happily attend any check up or treatment session needed. So long as my happy gas is their if I need it.

I couldn’t believe it, I told Richard it was amazing stuff and I felt amazing. I walked out to Chris on reception and could have hugged her, she never lied to me, she promised it would be OK and it was.
I felt so good I went back to work in the afternoon although this was against Chris and Richard's advice.

Marie

If you feel that we could help you too, then please go to this link.
or call us on 01635 47757 for a free discussion. Don't wait until you are in dire trouble or dental disaster strikes !

A huge confidence changing smile

For at least a dozen years I have used the following strap-line:

Changing Smiles - Changing Lives

Here is a lovely testimonial from one of our patients who recently completed her smile transformation that proves it.

Here is her new smile: 

For the technically-minded:  I used a combination of the hi-tech. Invisalign® (virtually invisible) smile alignment system, first of all and once the teeth were correctly aligned, I replaced an old tired crown, made one new crown and replaced an old "Maryland" adhesive bridge. The two middle teeth have had nothing done to them except to realign them.

and here it is close-up

Now are you ready for the "Before" picture to appreciate the transformation?

It really is the same person. First of all though, this is what she had to say:

I have to thank Richard for the huge confidence changing smile he has given me. 

For 20 years you wouldn’t get me smiling in any photo’s and if you did, I would look at them cringing, but now after the Invisalign and other additional treatment, you can’t stop me smiling! 

A massive thanks to Richard, Chris and their team…..absolutely brilliant is all I can say, and I will be recommending them to my friends, family and colleagues.

Jeanette

What a terrific testimonial, I think you'll agree. Well here is the before smile revealed ...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

 and after again

I do hope you are as wowed as she was and our team is too. Here is an extra wow for you- check out and like the video. Thanks.

If you would like to see what can done done to transform your smile, what not call us in Newbury on 01635 47757

Richard Charon

Our Open Day & West Berkshire Mencap donation

I must offer a huge thanks to my team for their efforts in setting up and running our open day to celebrate our 21 years in Newbury and our new signage and window box display.

 The fact that some kind soul deliberately set off our fire alarms in the morning, whilst we were trying to get ready and another kind soul, possibly the same one, pinched our little balloon display outside, to flag up our location, destined for our grandson later, did not spoil the day.
 though.


 
Well 13 turned out to be a lucky number, since that is the number of prizes donated that were drawn and will be passed on by post next week.

By way of thanks to the donors (bar one whose gift came on the day), I ran a continually looping PowerPoint from my i-Mac in the corner of one room, to provide some free advertising/ exposure for the Raffle Prize Donors , well over £1000 worth in all!

Last but by no means least, thanks to Chris Reeves from West Berkshire Mencap who was on hand to receive our own gift of £250 and to local photographer Mike Samuels for the following picture.

Left to right: Chris Reeves: Richard Charon, Chris Charon: front row, Gosia Bednarz and Kate Cidral

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 !!

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

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.

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!

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

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!

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

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?

Richard Charon at Newbury SmileMakers

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.

http://www.michaeljdavisdo-newbury.co.uk/osteopathsnewbury.html

http://www.findanosteopath.co.uk/90169

&

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

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

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.

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

New Signage

I have just made a video on Animoto called "New Signage quick peek"

Huge thanks to Paul Tebble and his team of Crescent Signs in Newbury for an outstanding piece of work

Paul Tebble

Crescent Signs Ltd

Tel: 01635 48606

I am also working on our latest newsletter to be published in June and I will be announcing the date of our celebration open day and prize draw soon too. (Possibly Friday 17th June)

Dispatches - The Truth About Your Dentist - Channel 4

Dispatches - The Truth About Your Dentist - Channel 4
23rd May 2011

It certainly is not the truth about this dentist!

There are over 24,000 dentists working in the UK profession in over 10,000 practices.
Tonight's programme featured less than 6 practices and less than 10 dentists who allegedly were “gaming the system.”
If these allegations are true, we are as shocked and upset as you are.
Programmes like Despatches are there to expose the malpractice of all in the professions and business – bankers, politicians, business leaders, celebrities, healthcare professionals and others.
They do so in order to sell programming and advertising – so the more outrageous the better – if you dig deep enough you will always find a story.

Here at Newbury Smilemakers we are very proud of our team, our standards of customer service and clinical care.

We hope that watching the practices and individuals featured in the Despatches programme will have demonstrated the investment that we make in our dental practice, the care that we extend to our patients and the difference that we provide.

The truth about us is that we do care.

(with thanks to Chris Barrow as I missed the program!)

#dentistry Relaxing and playing grandad- or will be soon after successful course yesterday in #Newbury www.theracoach.blogspot.com