A local dentist’s has won a national award for her exceptional patient care.
Dr. Rosemary Smith beat off competition from1,300 dentinsts nationwide to be named Sensodyne Most Sensitive Dentist 2013.
She was nominated for the award by a Westport dental client who described how Dr Smith went above and beyond the call of duty- even dropping in meals and caring for her pets!
This is the second time Dr. Smith’s patient care has been recognised at the national awards, having won a commendation in 2008.
Each year the Sensodyne Sensitive Dentist Awards, in association with the Journal of the Irish Dental Association, invites patients to nominate their dentist if they believe they have shown exceptional care.
From regular check ups to toothaches, emergency treatment on broken teeth to anxious children in need of coaxing into the chair, the stories all demonstrate the excellence of the modern-day Irish dentist.
Dr. Smith’s winning nomination was submitted by her patient Noeline Haylett from Westport.
Noeline became very ill last winter, which ultimately led to her hospitalisation. Post hospitalisation Noeline suffered from ongoing dental problems as a result of her illness.
According to Ms Haylett, “My dental problems, which were the result of my illness, meant I needed dental work done on top of everything else I’d gone through and this wasn’t easy.
“Dr Rosemary Smith really made things as easy as possible for me, offering to open her surgery on a Saturday. While Rosemary sorted out my dental problems, her patient care continued outside the confines of the surgery walls: she popped into me at home, dropped me in meals and made sure my pets were looked after. She truly looked after me as a healthcare patient rather than just my teeth. For this I’m so grateful and just delighted her work has been recognised.”
Dr Smith said she was delighted to receive the award. “I’m a great believer that the dental practice is one of the key community touch points which allows us to positively impact on people’s quality of life,” she explained. “We have the opportunity to reach beyond our patient’s dental health to take a more holistic approach to their healthcare. In the case of my patient Noeline Haylett, I’m glad I could make a difference.”
