A Galway city dentist has been named Colgate Connacht Dentist of the Year for 2018. Dr James Flood of Eyre Square Dental Clinic, was nominated for his treatment of a patient with a very challenging condition.
The judging panel praised Dr Flood’s skill in “treating and earning the confidence of his patient”.
The patient, who had not visited any dentist between the ages of 11 and 22 due to fear said he was given a complex diagnosis that involved a number of procedures including fillings, crowns and two root canals.
The twenty-four-year-old had also had several bouts of pericarditis. With this condition any oral treatments can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream via the gums. If that happens, it is likely to cause severe heart lining infection with potentially fatal consequences.
The patient said that prior to being treated by Dr Flood, he was in constant anxiety and fear about receiving dental treatment. That was now a thing of the past.
“Since going to James, it has been a pleasure from start to finish. I have gotten teeth pulled, filled, cleaned, crowned you name it. I no longer feel nervous attending the dentist with such a consummate professional as James leading the care plan and treatment. He is always at the other end of the phone.”
“I would trust Dr James flood with my life he is an amazing doctor and truly gifted at what he does day in, day out for his patients,” he said.
This year marked the 10th year of the Awards which enable patients to nominate dentists who have provided them with dental care above and beyond their expectations. RTE presenter Joe Duffy was MC for the Awards ceremony at the RDS in Dublin which was attended by over 400 people.
The President of the Irish Dental Association, Dr Kieran O’Connor said the fact over 1,700 nominations had been received from patients – in this the tenth year of the awards - underlined the excellent work dentists across the country were doing on a daily basis.
“Over the last decade these awards have celebrated the commitment of dentists to the highest standards of dental care. The fact three of this year’s award winners discovered their patients had cancerous growths is a reminder to all of the importance of regular dental check-ups and the dangers posed by mouth cancer.”
Christina Havaldar, Professional Oral Care Leader for North Europe at Colgate said the Awards provided a wonderful opportunity for patients to share their stories of exceptional care.
“We have been hugely impressed by the enthusiastic involvement of patients and their willingness to share their stories. That in itself is a great compliment to the care they have received from their dentist. We would like to congratulate all the Award winners and all the dentists who were nominated by their patients.”
