An Oranmore based dentist has been named ‘Connacht Dentist of the Year for the quality of the care and the kindness she provided to a young boy who suffered a dental injury in a bike accident.
Dr Dorcas Whitney of Orantown Dental Centre, was nominated after the boy’s mother said Dr Whitney had always put her children at ease during routine check-ups but that she really came to understand the quality of the care she provides, when her son had the bike accident while on a school tour on the Aran Islands.
“When I rang the surgery, Dorcas gave guidance and advice over the phone. She returned to her surgery that evening out of hours to meet us after I had collected my son from the ferry. She had to attach a splint and give him stitches, all the while so concerned that she minimised the pain,” she said.
She said she nominated Dorcas and her wonderful team for their genuine kindness and concern during that very scary and upsetting time. “I instantly relaxed once I got him to Dorcas as I knew he was in safe hands. He is making a full recovery thanks to her quick actions”
The awards, which were attended by over 360 people, enable patients to nominate dentists who have provided them with dental care above and beyond their expectations. The Irish Dental Association received over 1,000 nominations from dental patients all over the country for this year’s awards, which are sponsored by Colgate. Dorcas was abroad at the time of the awards but colleagues were on hand to collect it on her behalf.
The President of the Irish Dental Association Professor Stassen said there was a wonderful dentist/patient story behind every nomination.
“The common denominator is the tremendously high standard of care they received, which reflects so well on our profession”
Christina Havaldar, Professional Oral Care Leader for North Europe at Colgate described the Awards as a celebration of exceptional patient care.
“The enthusiasm of patients to share their stories is a wonderful reflection on 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,” she said.
