Harbour Dental - an interview with Eugene Bojé

Harbour Dental - an interview with Eugene Bojé,

Harbour Dental is quickly establishing itself as the South Hams premier centre for preventative dentistry. By The Dart asked Eugene Bojé about the philosophy behind this.

Eugene: “We want to change the way people view their dentist from someone they visit when they have a concern to someone they are in partnership with to ensure problems are prevented. That’s why we practice Minimal Intervention (MI) dentistry.”

What is Minimal Intervention dentistry?

E. “MI dentistry is all about keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life, rather than damage limitation and repair, repair, repair.

“It’s the modern and proven approach to dental care embracing whole-body health. It’s effective because it helps you and the team here at Harbour Dental to work together, to reduce the damaging impact of daily life on your teeth and gums. This approach combines the very best oral health advice with the most up-to-date dental knowledge, skills and products to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.”

Why is Minimal Intervention dentistry important?

E. “Prevention is better than cure - and this philosophy is at the heart of MI dentistry at Harbour Dental. It’s what makes us different.

“Not only will you enjoy better oral health, but you’ll also understand how to maintain it throughout your life, not to mention a better looking smile”

Is it suitable for everyone - including children?

E. “Absolutely! MI dentistry is about stopping problems before they start, at any age.It’s particularly effective in helping children and young people establish good dental hygiene habits when they are young so they can continue these routines into adulthood and therefore enjoy good oral health throughout their life.”

How do I tell if my dentist is practicing MI dentistry?

E. “Your dentist and dental team should talk you through your check-ups and hygiene visits - telling you what they’re doing and why. They will recommend the best future care that your teeth and gums need.

“They may ask you questions about your overall health, diet or lifestyle and discuss how these can impact on your teeth and gums, offering advice and tips about how to improve your oral health. It is vital to get the patient involved so we love it when they ask questions about their care and treatment!

“It is important to see your dentist and hygienist as often as they recommend: you can ask them why they recommend this frequency. It’s important for the patient to be involved with as many aspects of their oral care as possible.”

What is involved in Minimal Intervention care?

E. “There is a wide range of care, treatments and products that fall into the category of MI dentistry, from your regular check-ups to more complex diagnostic tests and simple procedures including:

*  Regular professional tooth cleaning to remove calculus (tartar) and benefit gum health.

*  Individual advice on how to improve your oral health through small lifestyle changes as well as using the products that suit you best.

*  Fissure sealants and varnishes to help prevent cavity formation in back teeth.

*  Simple tests of your saliva and dental plaque to assess your risk of future problems.

*  Air abrasion techniques for least invasive treatment

*  Creams, gels and other products to apply to your teeth.”

Does it cost more?

E. “No, the point of MI dentistry is that by maintaining a healthier mouth and visiting Harbour Dental regularly to monitor how you’re doing you’re reducing the potential for more expensive, invasive dental treatments.”

Examination £36 includes saliva tests, advice, caries risk assessment, treatment planning

Hygiene therapy £49.50 includes dental plaque tests, before and after photos

Fissure sealant £15

Re-mineralisation gels £9 up to a maximum of £12

Fillings £45 up to a maximum of £128

Ask about joining Harbour Dental’s ‘patient and dentist in partnership’ program.

First Published June 2011 By The Dart