30 seconds with Rob Bridgewater

He who dares wins? There’s no such thing as ‘can’t’ in the world of a man with vision

Why magnification and lighting?

These products both have huge benefits to the clinician, visual enhancements for better quality of work and less eye fatigue and posture correction for a long and successful career.

Has the dental profession neglected lighting/magnification in the past?

I wouldn’t say it’s been neglected, I’d say it has evolved dramatically in recent years.

What’s your background/training?

I have specialised in magnification and lighting since I began in the dental industry and have had the pleasure of working with some very expert companies in this field.

Who has inspired you most in your career?

My dad. I used to attend medical and dental exhibitions with him when I was younger and I was fascinated by how he worked. I have followed in his footsteps.

How does the States compare to the UK in your field?

Awareness was there earlier than UK and more studies have been carried out; generally what happens in dentistry in the States usually follows. However, that said, some of the highest quality products and technologies are in fact coming out of Europe including our POV lighting system which is designed and manufactured here the UK.

Professionally, if you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Property development.

Do more and more hygienists and therapists use loupes these days?

Yes, there are a lot more loupes wearers in this sector today. We still see some barriers sometimes due to funding through the practice. However, we hope that direct access will change this attitude.

Is it easy to convince dentists to invest in costly new equipment?

I am here to help the dentists see the potential in adding value to the practice both through improved treatment and the financial benefits. It’s great to work with those people that have a vision. Ongoing training and education also allows the dentists to keep up to date with the latest innovations.

Would you encourage people into a career in dentistry?

Yes.  The medical and health industry continues to develop and so there is always something new and exciting happening.

Have you had any unusual experiences in your career?

A number of years ago, I followed up on a lead with a woman who wanted to wear loupes for her hair removal business. Weeks later, I learned from a colleague that she used to be a man!

What word, phrase, metaphor or saying best describes you?

Driven.

What frustrates or elates you about the profession?

The words… ‘I can’t’.

Three things you wish you’d known when you began your career?

• Time management

• Knowing that mistakes don’t matter so much as long as you learn from them

• How much the taxman actually takes!

What do you do to relax?

Go to the gym, or ride my mountain bike.

What is your motto in life?

He who dares wins.

What couldn’t you do without?

Family and friends – and, unfortunately, money.

Rob has worked within the field of magnification and lighting systems for nearly 10 years. This includes both loupes and microscopes. In addition to working closely with the dental profession, Rob has also spent time with various specialties within the medical field. These include plastic surgery, ENT, vascular, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, registrars and SHOs. This involvement has also included time in theatre for some of the most intricate cases where magnification and lighting is essential. Rob has also travelled extensively in America working with various dental schools where it is encouraged very early on to use magnification and lighting for all of their work, with an emphasis on ergonomics and posture.

Rob is speaking at Dentistry LIVE on 25-26 May at the QEII Conference Centre, emphasising the importance of using good magnification and lighting, which is set to become an essential part of the hygienist and therapist’s armamentarium. He will also highlight the two most important reasons for investing in loupes with a focus on posture and work quality.

To book tickets:

Website

www.dentistrylive.co.uk

Email

[email protected]

Phone 0800 371 652

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