NHS availability gives Cardonald dental patients much to smile about
(Image: Neil Scott, Associate Dentist at Cardonald, Glasgow)
Lead clinician, Dr Neil Scott, expresses it more succinctly: 'Our focus is preventative treatments,' he says. 'People generally want a dentist who is competent, caring, communicative, and can provide a comfortable experience – someone they trust and have a good relationship with, and if they want to do something different by way of a specialist treatment, we have the expertise in-house to be able to offer that too.
'Dentistry used to be perceived as a reactive service; you waited until you were in pain before you visited the dentist. Now the emphasis is pro-active to the point of being able to prevent the need for treatment. This is especially important with children, and we encourage children to become familiarised with the setting and performance part as early as possible. Trust should be at the heart of all dentist-patient relationships.'
Part of the Glasgow headquartered Scottish Dental Care, within the last year Cardonald Dental Clinic has attracted more than 1,000 new patients mainly through word-of-mouth referrals - the majority of which are NHS patients. And there is still capacity for more.
For those who choose private care, the group is partnered with Denplan, the UK's leading dental payment plan provider designed to spread the cost of treatments and cover the cost of emergency treatment away from home in the UK or abroad.
Existing patients meanwhile, come from the local area and much further afield – proof, if it was needed, that dentistry is all about relationships, and when you enjoy a good relationship with a dentist you know and trust, you will happily go the distance to remain with the same practice, even if you move out of the area.
Modern dentistry is driven by technology, which requires substantial investment. This clinic's five surgeries are bright, yet comfortable and not overly clinical, minimalist, and basking in the spotlight is a very stylish recliner, while the addition of discreet screens signals a new era of digital dentistry.
Impressive as it is, the technology here delivers real benefits. 'My favourite piece of kit is our digital intra-oral scanner,' says Dr Scott. 'This allows us to keep scans for future comparison and show patients their own teeth in a way that helps them see and understand the problem and value the outcome.
"But it really comes into its own for taking impressions – no more pink gloop and plaster models. In addition, digital scanning makes design and laboratory processes quicker, easier, and provides a more precise result.'
He continues: 'Technology is also empowering for patients. It breaks down the mystique, which in turn, helps to minimise any anxiety and allows us more time to chat with patients and better understand or identify any concerns they may have, for which there could be a solution.
"For example, a patient's teeth may not require general dental treatment, but if their teeth are crooked or badly discoloured it can have an adverse effect on their confidence and lifestyle. Teeth straightening and whitening are simple solutions that can give a patient's morale a huge boost and allow them to smile again without feeling self-conscious. Corrective and cosmetic treatments are seeing increased demand.'
Technology also empowers the practice and saves time spent on paperwork – any forms that need to be filled in are sent to patients in advance as opposed to completing forms when they arrive at the practice. 'Our prime focus is spending time with patients, not paperwork and procedures,' he stresses.
In the past, studies have consistently shown a relationship between age and dental anxiety, with younger age groups (16-24 years) showing higher levels compared to older age groups.
'Preventative dentistry and modern treatments are effectively reducing anxiety,' says Dr Scott. 'Nowadays, with numbing jelly and modern anaesthetics there is no need for pain.' A dentist's waiting room can be an excellent anxiety barometer… and in this practice's waiting area, calmness reigns supreme.
There are numerous challenges in running a dental practice in 2025, including an ever-evolving economic landscape, technological shifts, staffing, on-going training, and patient expectations.
Conversely, there is also the potential for improvement and opportunities for new technological advances such as tele-dentistry – using information technology like video conferencing and online platforms to provide dental care remotely and enable patients to consult with dentists without being physically present.
Does Scotland need more dentists? Dr Scott replies: 'In addition to more dentists, I think we need more people with a health mindset pro-actively working to prevent disease, which in turn reduces the need for treatment.
"The challenge of funding an NHS dental service has caused some dentists to move to exclusively private practice and the new payment system recently introduced by the Scottish Government aims to address this - and is an improvement - but it is not enough, and its effectiveness remains uncertain.'
Dr Scott concludes: 'Being part of Scottish Dental Care expands our access to resources and expertise and helps younger dentists gain experience and training, and the way in which we work allows us more time to facilitate most requirements in-house and spend more time with patients.'
Cardonald Dental Clinic is here to welcome patients old and new – for more details call 0141 882 9800 or visit www.scottishdentalcare.co.uk
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Could the ringing in your ears be trying to tell you that you're at risk of going blind, deaf or have cancer?
DO you hear ringing, buzzing or hissing in your ears for no apparent reason? Once considered an 'old person's condition', tinnitus is on the rise in all age groups. 3 By the end of 2025, more than eight million people are expected to be affected, according to Tinnitus UK. It accounts for over a million GP appointments annually, costing the NHS £750million – predicted to rise to £850m by December. It's sometimes more than a minor nuisance - the occasional ringing sound or sensitivity to loud noises. But one in six adults living with tinnitus are severely affected - with hearing loss, difficulty concentrating, insomnia and depression. Thankfully, it's not something you just have to put up with; there are treatments that can help. And while there's usually nothing serious going on medically, in some cases there may be an underlying cause that needs investigating. So, to work out which solutions are right for you, it's worth asking: could your tinnitus be trying to tell you something? 1. Your tinnitus started after working in a noisy environment ALONG with ageing, noise exposure is a leading cause of hearing loss, and sometimes tinnitus is the first thing people notice. 'When around loud noise, to protect itself, the ear has the ability to stiffen the bones in the middle ear, which reduces the ear's sensitivity,' Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, tells Sun Health. I thought the ringing in my ears was tinnitus but the truth was far more sinister - everyone must get checked 'For a short period, with this reduced sensitivity, people often report noticing tinnitus for the first time. 'However, the ear will generally return to normal sensitivity and the tinnitus is likely to reduce.' Over extended periods of time though, hair cells in the inner ear can become permanently damaged. 'In the absence of an external noise source due to a reduced ability to hear, many people report that they can hear other noises, such as ringing or buzzing,' says Harrison. Avoiding too much exposure and protecting your ears in loud environments reduces the risk. Mr Harrison adds: 'As soon as you notice any ringing or noise in the ears, or other changes to your hearing, you should contact an audiologist at your local opticians to get your hearing checked for free, or contact your local GP.' 2. Your tinnitus is in time with your heartbeat It could be saying: you've got pulsatile tinnitus and should see a doctor 'PULSATILE tinnitus is a rarer form, where people hear sounds (such as whooshing, rushing or thumping) in time with their heartbeat,' says Mr Harrison. 'You can experience it in one or both ears. 'Compared to 'normal' tinnitus, it's more likely that an exact cause can be identified. 'Most cases are caused by a change to the blood flow of the vessels near the ear, in the neck or head. 'This can happen for several reasons, including: strenuous exercise, pregnancy, certain medications or severe iron deficiency (anaemia), which can cause an increase in blood flow around the body; an irregular-shaped blood vessel; or a condition called atherosclerosis, which occurs when the artery clogs up with fatty substances and stops blood flowing smoothly. 3 'Other causes include benign or idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which is when the pressure inside your head is raised and can lead to headaches, sight problems and pulsatile tinnitus.' Pulsatile tinnitus can also occur due to cancerous and benign tumours in the head or neck. Scans can be used to confirm a diagnosis or rule out anything serious. If you are concerned, speak to your GP. 3. Your tinnitus is accompanied by fatigue It could be saying: your sleep needs some TLC ONE in eight Brits say they feel 'tired all the time', according to a YouGov survey. Many of these people might have tinnitus, as sleep problems are common in those with the condition. 'At night, when quiet, the brain is actively searching for things to listen to,' says Dr James Jackson, a chartered psychologist and member of Tinnitus UK's scientific advisory board. 'So, it's only natural for it to focus on incoming tinnitus, and by concentrating on this, the tinnitus appears louder. 'It's a frustrating cycle but one that can get better.' What else your ears can reveal about your health By Isabel Shaw, Health Reporter IT turns out ears do a lot more than help us hear. From what creased lobes mean for your ticker, to how wax could be a warning sign of deadly cancer - ears are able to reveal a lot about the state of your health. 1. HEART DISEASE If you're under 60 and have a diagonal crease across the earlobe, you could be at greater risk of coronary heart disease (CAD). The unusual warning, dubbed Frank's sign, has been seen on the likes of Steven Spielberg and George W Bush. 2. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Suffering from infuriating tinnitus could indicate blood pressure issues. The common hearing problem is not usually a sign of anything serious and may get better by itself, but it could mean you have high blood pressure. 3. FUNGAL INFECTION Itchy ears might indicate the presence of a fungal infection. When Aspergillus causes a fungal ear infection, you may see yellow or black dots and fuzzy white patches in your ear canal. If Candida is the culprit, you might see a thick and creamy white discharge coming from your ear. Other symptoms include earache, flaky skin around the ear canal, headaches, tinnitus and hearing loss. 4. BREAST CANCER Some earwax is normal and beneficial; the yellow stuff prevents bugs and dirt from entering the ear canals. But earwax with a wet and sticky texture is not normal. And some studies suggest wet wax might be sign of a mutation on the ABCC11 gene, which can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. 5. RED EARS SYNDROME Spending too long in the sun and even getting embarrassed can turn the ears red - but so can suffering from red ear syndrome (RES), which causes the lobes to burn and ache. It can also spread from your lobes to your cheeks, jaw, or back of your head. 6. KIDNEY DISEASE Ears that have a few skin tags - small, fleshy growths - may indicate the presence of kidney disease. A study published in the British Medical Journal suggests this is especially the case for newborn babies. 'Managing tinnitus accompanied by fatigue can be challenging,' adds Sonja Jones, a clinical audiologist and also a member of Tinnitus UK's scientific advisory board. As well as seeking professional support if you're struggling, she recommends trying self-help methods. 'A consistent sleep schedule regulates the body's internal clock and promotes better rest,' she adds. 'Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your sleeping environment is quiet, dark, and comfortable. 'Something that's really important is minimising screen time before bed. 'Exposure to the blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and achieve a restful night's sleep. 'Switch off electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime.' 'Sound therapy' – via white noise machines and various apps - can also be great for helping you drift off. 'Background noise, such as white noise, nature sounds, or soft music, can help distract you from your tinnitus and create a soothing environment,' Ms Jones says. 'And during the day, engage in physical activities like walking, swimming or yoga, to boost energy levels, improve mood, and manage tinnitus symptoms - though always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen. 'A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health. 'Limit caffeine, alcohol and sugar intake. 'Although self-help strategies may not eliminate tinnitus or fatigue entirely, they can make symptoms more manageable and improve overall quality of life.' 4. Your tinnitus is impacting your work and personal life It could be saying: you need some mental health support 'TINNITUS goes hand in hand with anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and emotional exhaustion,' says Dr Jackson, who has tinnitus and profound hearing loss himself. 'For a small percentage of individuals with tinnitus, quality of life plummets. 'As a psychologist, it's all about your appraisal of your tinnitus; the more worried you are, the worse it is. 'Anything realistic to reduce anxiety and stress will be beneficial.' 3 Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can sometimes help, and Jones suggests adopting the same self-help techniques that can address sleep and fatigue. 'Stay connected with friends and family for emotional support and to combat feelings of isolation,' she adds. 'While it's natural to be worried, it's important to know that there are things you can do. 'Do seek professional support - consult a doctor, audiologist, or therapist for additional guidance and tailored treatment options. 'Reach out to Tinnitus UK for more information via its website or helpline.' 5. Your tinnitus spikes when you're stressed It could be saying: it's time to listen to your body WHILE stress doesn't cause tinnitus, it can 'trigger' symptoms and make them seem worse – similar to what's going on when your sleep and mental wellbeing are impacted. Dr Jackson knows how tricky this can be, but he now sees it as a reminder to keep his stress levels in check. 'You can learn to manage this,' he says. 'There was a time when my own tinnitus would 'spike' and I would be convinced that that day – or week – was now ruined. "But now, I see this as my body telling me that I need to take a break. So, it's a kindness, not a burden. 'Some people can change their thinking more easily than others. But support is there, though the Tinnitus UK helpline, support groups, and online. 'It does become easier, and it won't always be like this.' or call the free Tinnitus UK helpline on 0800 018 0527 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm). 'I want to rip my ears off sometimes, says Jamie Laing By Callum Wells, Showbiz Reporter MADE in Chelsea star Jamie Laing was diagnosed with tinnitus almost a decade ago. He admits that there are times when he wants to "rip his ears off". Jamie said: "I haven't heard silence for eight years. "The very first time I ever heard tinnitus, I woke up one morning and I got out of bed, and I could hear this ringing noise - this whooshing, ringing noise and I was thinking, looking around, thinking, 'Where the hell is this noise coming from?' "Then it suddenly dawned on me that it was inside my own mind, inside my head. "That, for anyone who has ever experienced tinnitus, is a really scary moment. "You cannot imagine how debilitating it is. You think you're never going to sleep again; you think you're never going to hear anything again apart from this ringing. "I've had this awful, constant ringing in my ears for about eight years now and over time I've managed to find ways to ignore, deal or come to terms with it. "But occasionally it lifts its evil head; it's like an alarm bell ringing in my head (shout out to fellow sufferers). "The past couple of days it's been that alarm. It's almost hard to focus on anything else - a nightmare, yes! "It is, however, good to listen to it and use it as an alarm - perhaps you're tired, stressed, anxious maybe. "But listening to it helps. Instead of seeing it as your enemy, try to see it as your friend trying to tell you something, so that's what I'm trying to do. "The reason I'm writing this is because when it's this loud (and it's LOUD) it helps so much more talking about it. "I hope this message connects with someone else dealing with it badly today, this week, this month or the whole time."
BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
Derby man 'lucky to be alive' after US building site fall
Rob Bell had been working at a construction site in the US when he fell 25ft from a building three years construction engineer from Chaddesden, Derby, was lucky to survive the accident, which left him with seven broken ribs and a fractured head injury caused a series of strokes followed by up to 25 seizures a told the BBC he was left feeling suicidal after initially failing to receive the right help from the NHS - but his situation improved with the help of a specialist team in Derbyshire that the government hopes to replicate 53-year-old credits the team with helping him to rebuild his life - and he has set his sights on one day regaining the ability to walk. Rob's accident happened in 2022 when a forklift truck driver knocked the pallet of one of the supporting legs from a structure he was working on, causing it to extensive injuries saw him suffer three strokes in the space of five days - one of which made his heart temporarily stop - and he spent three months in hospital in the US followed by a further seven months in hospital back in the was later diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which gives him life-altering symptoms including paralysis and occasional blindness. Rob said the medication he received to help control multiple seizures a day severely impacted his memory and ability to recognise his 10 grandchildren, as well as sending him spiralling into injuries also saw him having to spend around £500 a week on taxis travelling to use public toilets for over a year, because his own toilet at home was not accessible for his new a result of the drain on his finances, he ended up skipping meals and having to rely on foodbanks, further adding to his mental health struggles. "After I got out the hospital and I was on the just wanted to give me more medication, and I said, I don't want more medication," he said."I was basically on the clouds, they were drugging me up that much. That was not the life I wanted."I even told my family, if nothing's done, I'm not going into a new year the way I am, I'm just going to take my own life."During this desperate time, he was repeatedly admitted into emergency mental health care. But things began to change when Rob was eventually referred by his GP to the NHS's Team Up Complex Care Team in Derbyshire, The team is a few years old and focuses predominantly on care for people unable to leave their received help with physio, GP visits, and tailoring his medication with a pharmacist, which reduced his tablets from 70 a day to team, which is run by Primary Healthcare Derby Limited on behalf of Derby and Derbyshire NHS Integrated Care Board, also assisted in finding him a suitable new accessible home. The government's 10-year plan for the NHS includes plans for "pioneering neighbourhood health teams [which] focus on patients with multiple long-term conditions and more complex issues".It has cited the Derbyshire team as an example of what it is trying to achieve and "bringing the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS". While critics have highlighted that care closer to home will not necessarily save the health service money, the Derbyshire ICB says last year this team prevented 900 admissions to the emergency department and 500 non-elective admissions by sending specialists out into the community. "The complex needs team spent time listening to Rob to understand his difficulties, and then involved a wider multi-disciplinary team to develop a plan to support him", said Dr Ruth Lenehan, Rob's GP in the complex care team."This plan then enabled him to get the right help to address his many complicated medical and social problems."The team is currently working through the detail on how further expansion of the initiative might work. Since receiving the help, Rob says he can finally focus on "living" again."I'm living now, I'm not existing. It's a massive difference. I've been to my daughter's plays, the simple things", he while Rob has been told he is unlikely to walk again, he intends to keep trying."They say it's highly unlikely but I say, well - I'm going to do my best," he you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, help is available via BBC Action Line.
The Courier
4 hours ago
- The Courier
REBECCA BAIRD: NHS Tayside waiting lists could make a hypocrite out of me
We've all heard the expression 'a hill I'm willing to die on'. It's for those arguments you just won't give up on, no matter the personal cost. I always thought universal free healthcare through the NHS was a hill I was willing to die on. But here's the thing – you only get one body. And when it comes to declining health, there's no extra time, no saved checkpoint from which to respawn. There's only that body getting more and more damaged by illness as it waits for help. In Dundee, Perthshire and Angus, NHS Tayside patients are waiting far too long for desperately needed treatment. I am one of them. I am currently 14 months into a 24-month waiting list for endometriosis investigation. My first appointment to discuss my chronic – often debilitating – pain with my GP was in 2022. Over the last three years, I have been comparatively lucky. I've been listened to (eventually) by doctors, I've been given medication to help manage symptoms, and I've been put on the referral list for specialist investigation. Unfortunately, I've also gained weight as a result of the medication, which makes me less eligible for the surgery I suspect I'll need once I get to the top of that list. The lingering fatigue and pain levels make consistent exercise difficult, which will make losing this weight more challenging than it would have been a few years ago. And already, in the time it will theoretically take to get help, the decline of my health has become a bit of a downward spiral. I'm not alone – just last month, The Courier revealed the shocking extent of gynae waiting lists in Dundee and Angus. In Fife, heart patients are waiting more than two years for care. And five-year waiting lists for childhood ADHD diagnoses have pushed some Tayside parents to the brink. For some people in our communities, 'dying on the hill' of NHS loyalty means literally dying. So I completely understand why hundreds of local NHS patients are opting to pay thousands of pounds for private healthcare, rather than watch their health worsen while they wait. I admit I've thought about it seriously a few times in the past three years. But what sticks in my craw is the idea that by going private, I'd be contributing to the very two-tier system I hate so much. I can't help but think that if all those who could opted for private healthcare, it wouldn't magically free up NHS resources; it would be an excuse for governments to cut them further. And what about those for whom private healthcare is simply not an option? Do we really want to buy into a system like the US, where the poor struggle for access to decent healthcare? Disease does not discriminate, but money talks. If we want the powers that be to be responsible for national health, we can't let them off the hook by each paying someone else to look after our own. Future generations deserve the access to the free-at-point-of-use healthcare that we've all enjoyed until now. But that's easy for me to say; I'm not staring down the barrel of a life-threatening illness. Yet. The truth is, I'm not saying I'll never opt for private healthcare, if I need it and can afford it. Turns out I'd rather be alive and a hypocrite than dead and principled. But for as long as I can, I'm going to make my health the NHS's problem. It might be the best way to keep it in business.
