A Splash Of Humanisation

“The Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth”

By Chris “Dr Smile Maker” Branfield

A Splash Of Humanisation

Hello again. I hope that you are well.  Yet another busy month, as per usual.  My book has now been published and we had a little book launch party type of thing to say thank you to people and celebrate with family, friends and colleagues.   

The book is ultimately aimed to help people and give a little hope.  It was quite therapeutic and emotional to do as I reflected on the last 25 years or so of learning and always looking for better.  Also reflecting on the success stories, many of them life changing and reflecting my team’s core values.  

We have all the fancy stuff with implants, teeth straightening, lasers, 3D scanning, CADCAM, computer controlled, pain free anaesthetic delivery and so much more but probably as important or more so is a BIG SPLASH of humanisation. 

Making A Difference In Morocco

Last week I was back in Northern Morocco  with my charity, Dental Mavericks.  5 days of really hard work but really fulfilling and worth it.  This year I went with Gillian my practice manager (her 5th trip) and Nadene our lead nurse (who was on her first trip and plans to return). We saw over 1200 children in total and took hundreds of abscessed teeth out to get rid of pain and infection.  Every child we saw was taught about the importance of a good diet and how to brush their teeth as well as receiving fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth.  Every child got a toothbrush and toothpaste.  In addition, we did something new for us.  We did SDF therapy, loads of it. 

Pictured above: children waiting and goody bags at the ready.  Also pictured right the Castle Park Team with knitting for needy, young children and families. 

SDF,  What Is SDF?

Well, SDF stands for Silver Diamine Fluoride.  It a liquid that is applied to tooth decay to stop it in it’s tracks. Apparently it has been used in Japan for about 80 years but I only came across it this year and I’m a bit of an anorak.   

It is a quick and easy technique to try and stop and is very good at preventing decay, probably even better than traditional fluoride varnish or gel.  The draw back is that it stains decay and even early decay black.   

We are collecting data and working with Kings College London and Harvard University on the use of SDF.  Now, if we do not remove the decay we cannot place conventional fillings to restore form and function.  What SDF does is allow us to see many people in an attempt to stop disease and prevent further disease, pain and infection. 

A Massive Thank You

A big thank you to everybody who has donated and supported Dental Mavericks over the last 8 years.  It’s been incredible.  Above is some knitting done by our patients and a local Knit and Natter group who are very prolific.  All this stuff goes directly to where there is need. 

Everybody who goes on the missions is self-funded, so it is 100% charity with no idle men with fat salaries.  Proper grass roots humanitarianism.  I’m really proud to be part of it.

We know all too well that what we do is but a mere drop in the ocean.  However, without that missing drop the ocean would not be the same…. Mother Teresa

Until next time.  Take care and be good. 

Chris Branfield is Principal Dentist at Castle Park Dental Care, Castle Villa, 28 Castle Road, Cottingham, telephone 01482 772550. He has been in dental practice for 25 years and has a special interest in life changing, pain free dentistry with dental implants, rapid teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. And, not only that Chris is founder member and trustee of Dental Mavericks charity- ending the daily dental pain of Moroccan kids. For more patient success stories and Chris’ humanitarian work go here now www.castleparkdental.co.uk