Going back about five years, I was having problems with two dentists I went to. Around the same time, I was been treated at Aire Court, the mental health unit in Middleton for dementia and depression. My doctor at Aire Court at that time was Dr Lance Middleton, a psychiatrist.
I knew at that time that if I wanted to be treated at Middleton Community Dental Clinic, instead of my usual dentist, I would have to be referred by a doctor and to be a person having mental health issues. Dr Lance Middleton, immediately referred me to Middleton Community Dental Clinic.
I visited the dental clinic soon after the referral. The first appoiment was with Dental Hygienist Jenny.
It was Jenny’s job to find out what work I needed on my teeth, and pass me onto the centre’s dentist to have any work done. There was a lot of work because of poor work done by other dental practices.
I asked if Jenny had any thoughts of training to be a dentist as she seemed very knowledgeable. Jenny said no, as at the time she would have to give up being a hygienist to train as a dentist.
Over the years I have been back a few times for dental work being done.
My latest appoiment was last week. A six month inspection and a filling needing attention. I saw Jessica (dentist) and trainee dental nurse Megan. Megan is training at the clinic, rather than Leeds Dental Hospital.
I asked Jessica about dental implants at any practise she knew. Jessica looked at practises for me on the internet. They seemed to be around £8,000, per jaw, so too much for me. Thank you, Jessica, for doing that for me.
Jessica came with me to reception to book another appoiment for the filling and other work to be done.
Jenny was in reception; I asked “are you still here?” and Jenny asked what I needed doing, Jessica explained to Jenny what I needed doing.
Jenny, immediately said “give me five minutes and I will carry out the dental work for you.” So rather than wait for an appoiment, I got seen straight away.
I went into the biggest dental room I have ever seen. I was looked after by dental nurse Linda, while Jenny worked on my teeth. Throughout the work, Jenny explained everything she was doing. Jenny is now is a teacher dental hygienist.
I happened to tell Linda and Jenny that I write for South Leeds Life. I drop off copies of the newspaper at the practise, so they would have seen it before. They asked me if I could do a write up about them and the clinic. So, I have done that.
Also in the same medical centre are the Podiatry Clinic. Debbie on reception always make sure I get a diabetic foot appoiment when needed.
Upstairs in the GP Surgery, Gwen aways gets me a doctors appoiment when needed. Sharon Gill the practice nurse is fantastic. Also brillant, Doctors Abdullah Mamaniat and Harriet Morley have looked after me for quite a while now. I always drop off chocolates for them at Christmas.
We have a pharmacy on site which sorts out my Dosset box for medication every month. So thanks Holly, for that.
Thanks to everyone at the Practice.
Photo: Google
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