Dentistry blog

James Goolnik is the owner and founder of Bow Lane Dental Group, which he set up as a squat in 2002. It now has 6 treatment rooms an on-site dental laboratory and a multi-specialist team of 16. The practice was voted London practice of the year in 2006. He is vice-president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the largest cosmetic dental organisation in the UK and the second largest in Europe.

He qualified from Kings? College Dental School in 1992 and went to study his MSc in Conservative Dentistry at the Eastman Dental Institute in 1999.

He is a part-time consultant for Discus Dental, producing two training and marketing DVD's for them.

He sits on the board of the British Dental Bleaching Society and help train the dental team in tooth whitening and navigating the complicated legislation in the UK.

He is a key-opinion leader known in the UK media, having appeared on CNBC, SKY News, BBC as well in numerous consumer magazines. He writes for Men?s Health and Maxim magazine.

Heart Your Smile- what’s the point? 1st Feb 2012
You may have read about the launch of The Heart Your Smile campaign in October at the BDTA Dental Showcase. read more

First dawn 9th Dec 2011
The sun was shining as I ran along the roads of Enfield, north London, for a brisk three-mile run on a Sunday morning in June. read more

Dentists get a Finnish welcome at the Ambassador's reception 12th Mar 2010
The Ambassdor of Finland, Mr Jaakko Laajava, welcomed dental professionals to the Finnish Embassy at 14 Kensington Palace Gardens, London, for a seminar by Planmeca, the Finnish company that designs, manufactures, and markets high-tech dental equipment. read more

Radio 4 on the GDC – just one big secret? 11th Jan 2012
Last July, I wrote on this blog: ‘The General Dental Council (GDC) is falling apart at the seams. read more

Tarred by the same brush 25th Oct 2011
A Which? read more

What is Government for? 20th Oct 2011
This was the question that Canadian ministers' civil servants had to answer in 1994 rather than the more obvious ‘what can we cut? read more

Hang your heads in shame, CQC bosses 14th Sep 2011
Bosses at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) should hang their heads in shame at the latest Health Committee report on their activities. read more

Musical chairs at the DH... 31st Aug 2011
When the NHS Commissioning Board is set up in October next year, there will be a national medical director, a national nursing director, but apparently no national dental director. read more

Since retiring from clinical practice in Essex, Michael has been writing extensively in the dental press. During the last few years of his GDP career he joined the BDA as its political advisor. He played a major role in drafting the conditions for Options for Change in 2002 and the new NHS contract in 2006. He co-authored the book Understanding NHS Dentistry, a guide to the new contract, has edited both the General Dental Practitioner and BDA News and is a regular columnist for many titles, including Dentistry.

Give us a job, say students 23rd Jan 2012
Professor Franklin’s throwaway comment that he ‘understands’ how unsettling it is for those final year students without a training place, must rank as one of the most patronising remarks of the year. read more

Lies, damned lies and statistics 6th Oct 2011
Disraeli knew a thing or two when he penned this phrase and nowhere is it more applicable than to the latest statistics realised by the NHS Information Centre on dentists earnings in 2009/10. read more

Who can whiten teeth in the USA? 9th Aug 2011
The General Dental Council (GDC) has come out strongly to say that, in the UK, tooth whitening is dentistry and thus can only be undertaken by registered dental professionals. read more

Falling apart at the seams 18th Jul 2011
The General Dental Council (GDC) is falling apart at the seams. read more

Jonnie James Tinkler is an entrepreneur and founder of DentalGateway.com. He has performed consultancy work for companies such as Carphone Warehouse, Sainsbury's, and GlaxoSmithKline and is passionate about using the power of the internet to create a level playing field for both staff and employers. 'Finding a job should be about who you are, not who you know. Those with the best attitude and best qualifications should be rewarded with the best jobs. Simple as that. 'With the advent of social and professional networking there’s now no excuse for it to be any other way.' For more information visit www.dentalgateway.com or call 0845 094 4031

Employment – and CQC diktats 22nd Aug 2011
Ensuring compliance with CQC diktats is now a major factor in every aspect of dental practice management – and seems certain to continue absorbing significant staff time and resources. read more

More efficient dental recruitment 21st Jul 2011
It’s a regrettable sign of the times that placing a ‘situation vacant’ notice is likely to result in the prospective employer’s in-tray/inbox instantly bulging with replies from apparently ideally qualified applicants all eager for an immediate start. read more

On the other side of the desk 11th Jul 2011
While in a tight labour market interviewees are being bombarded with advice, there is less help available for those on the other side of the desk. read more

Jacqui Goss is the managing partner of Yes!RESULTS. By using Yes!RESULTS dental practices see an increase in treatment plan take-up, improved patient satisfaction and more general enquiries resulting in appointments. Yes!RESULTS turns good practices into great practices. Ashton House Sale Cheshire M33 6HE Tel: 084566448066 Mob: 07795 562617 Twitter: @Yesresults www.facebook.com/Yesresults

The how and why of great patient communication 24th Aug 2011
How ironic that good communication should be so vital in an industry where most of the time the customers are prevented from talking! read more

If my friends could see me now 21st Jun 2011
Oh, how we dreamed as final-year Sheffield University students of wafting our chemistry degrees at employers and having them fight to hire us. read more

Dr Gaynor Barrett graduated from Guy’s Dental School in 1989, having won both the Newland Pedley Medal and Prize and the Stephen D Hey Prize for Restorative Dentistry in her final year. She went on to complete further hospital training first of all as House Officer in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at Guy’s Hospital and then at Stoke Mandeville Hospital where she held the position of Senior House Officer in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Since 1991, she has been in private practice in London’s West End medical district and Principal Dentist since 2000. Gaynor Barrett is the mother of four children and has successfully combined a high profile career with caring for her own children.

CQC compliance guide – Step 2, Acceptance 24th Feb 2011
There is a great deal of negativity surrounding the whole issue of CQC compliance. read more

38 steps to CQC compliance 31st Jan 2011
I am principal dentist at 38 Devonshire Street, London, W1. read more

Cathy specialises in design for dentists and will design practice images, stationery, welcome packs, referral packs, external signage and websites to raise the profile of a practice and attract patients. She also writes and produces a biannual patient newsletter, branded for practices to send to patients. For more information, email cathy@cathyjohnsondesign.com or visit www.cathyjohnsondesign.com.

Planting the seed 5th Sep 2011
I am constantly amazed by the number of clients who tell me that their regular patients have recently had whitening/implants/veneers, etc done elsewhere. read more

Let your patients do the talking 16th May 2011
As the summer approaches, I wonder how many practices have taken steps to counter the likely seasonal dip in appointments. read more

First impressions count 17th Mar 2011
Fresh from exhibiting at the Dentistry Show and I’m thinking about visibility. read more

Needs. Wants. Attainable wishes 17th Jan 2011
Well we're only part way into January and I can pat myself on the back. read more

Michael was brought up in South Africa, receiving his honours degree there in 1991. He completed his training with international accounting firm Deloitte in 1994, and went on to become a founding partner at Lansdell & Rose Chartered Accountants (SA) a year later. Based in Kensington, London, Lansdell & Rose deals only on a long-term retained basis, exclusively with owner managed clients, generally dentists and doctors, and specialising in the incorporation of dental practices. As a client focused team, they look for sustainable long-term solutions for their clients that maximise profits, minimise tax and build wealth.

Uppers and lowers – and we're not talking teeth... 4th Oct 2011
The provision of a company car is an excellent way to offer practice staff additional benefits and motivation without having to increase their salary. read more

A temptation for your dental practice 9th Sep 2011
Recent changes to tax rates have made the prospect of incorporating your practice a tempting one. read more

What does StartUp Britain means for dentists? 6th Jun 2011
StartUp Britain is a new scheme to provide support for UK businesses and, even at these early stages, dental practices may find it useful to get involved. read more

46 tax reliefs to be axed? 21st Apr 2011
Tax allowances can make a significant difference to the running of a practice so it is important to ensure you are claiming any tax reliefs to which you are entitled. read more

Legal case sets precedent for dental practices 1st Apr 2011
A recent court case involving HMRC has helped to clarify how repairs and improvements made to business premises, including dental practices, should be classified. read more

After CQC, comes CPC... 7th Mar 2011
Practice principals should take note: compulsory pension contributions (CPC) are officially back on the cards, with the roll-out of this new scheme beginning next year. read more

Pensions – the last thing on your mind? 17th Feb 2011
Compulsory Pension Contributions (CPC) may be the last thing on dentists’ minds as they try to cope with the recent VAT rise, as well as contend with matters like CQC registration. read more

Minimising the impact 4th Jan 2011
Value Added Tax (VAT) is increasing by 2. read more

Swahili, the sights and the friends 1st Jun 2011
For sometime now, I have been paused at my keyboard, staring at a blank page, wondering how I am going to articulate the Bridge2Aid Tanzania trip. read more

Scheinstock – music to Bridge2Aid's ears... 11th Feb 2011
How did it get to be February already? read more

A Christmas appeal 9th Dec 2010
Twelve years ago I was looking for part time work when my daughter went to nursery. read more

With his 23 years as a top UK dental professional and a Masters Degree in Business with a major in marketing, creativity and innovation, Mark is uniquely qualified to help your business reach dental online marketing success today. His aim is to be fun, challenging, stimulating and giving, philosophies which he incorporates in to his successful marketing consultancy for dentists and his blog which is read by hundreds of dentists worldwide.

Facebook's not just for teenagers... 1st Dec 2010
'Facebook is for teenagers' – this is a phrase I hear often, and the perception is certainly that... read more

A highly professional marketer with 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications, financial services and travel industries, Kate has consistently delivered results against demanding targets using natural energy, drive and enthusiasm. Kate has developed and delivered integrated sales and marketing strategies, instigated development of an award-winning visual merchandising solution, recruited and managed multi-functional marketing agencies and delivered tangible results across incentives and sales promotions. A master practitioner in NLP, Kate is also a fluent Spanish speaker and a private helicopter pilot.

Use your skills for bartering 9th Jun 2011
Have you heard of skill swap? read more

A mix of science and art 11th Mar 2011
I was going to tell you about my experience at the Dentistry Show but I didn't go! read more

What maketh the manager? 26th Jan 2011
My theme in this blog is the phrase: 'An awful lot of noise but no clear signal'. read more

Dentists urged to stop the drivel! 21st Dec 2010
Hello, I'm Kate Adam, marketing consultant, and this is my second blog on the Dentistry website. read more

Minty good dental marketing tips 3rd Nov 2010
Hello, I'm a new blogger on the Dentistry website. read more

Nicole Bissett is 12 years old and began her orthodontic treatment in July with Dr Christina Evaghoras at Barnet Orthodontic Practice in Barnet, Hertfordshire. She misses chewing gum and crusty French bread. This month, she is wearing baby pink braces.

Braces for nine months – and it's baby pink! 13th Apr 2011
I am now nine months into having my braces and coincidentally have gone for baby pink! read more

Colour co-ordinated for Christmas 19th Nov 2010
It is November and I have gone for the Christmas look. read more

Cheryl Cole – and orthodontic pain 23rd Sep 2010
I had my braces tightened for the first time last month. read more

Brace yourself 29th Jul 2010
The first day of having braces feels weird in my mouth. read more

Mumtaz Awan is a pioneer – one of the first intake of students at the Peninsula, the UK’s newest dental school in 40 years.

The fruits of labour 16th Aug 2011
22 July is a date to be noted in the history of Peninsula Dental School: Professor Elizabeth Kay was able to send the first batch of freshly qualified young dentists into the world! read more

Tackling rugby 6th Sep 2010
Oh boy, does time fly? read more

Obsession control – and things that go bump 22nd Feb 2010
It has been a hectic second term! read more

Smelling the fear 21st Oct 2009
Beginning a new academic year is always daunting and anyone who has through the university experience knows, it leaves you with mixed feelings of anxiety about what the new year holds for you, but excitement about succeeding – and hopefully – getting through to the next step of the degree. read more

Kavita Verma is practice manager at her sister Sunita's practice in west London – Sparkle Dental Boutique, which won Best UK Team in the Dentistry awards 2008. Visit the practice at www.sparkledental.co.uk.

Does size matter when it comes to patient care? 23rd Mar 2010
At Sparkle Dental Boutique, our team comprises five members, with their unique personalities, skills and experience. read more

An abrupt end 16th Nov 2009
I’m back in the UK – and my stint of doing voluntary work for three months in India has come to an unexpected end. read more

Pay It Forward 24th Sep 2009
Have you seen the movie Pay It Forward with Kevin Spacey? read more

Barry Cockcroft is chief dental officer for England – and an ardent Bolton Wanderers fan.

Learning from the pilot 26th Sep 2011
The media coverage of the launch of the dental contract pilots on 1 September was really positive. read more

Dentistry: high priority, big commitment, great expectations 19th Jul 2010
The outcome of the General Election on 6 May meant that no single party was in a position to form a Government, and we now have the first coalition government in place since the Second World War. read more

Snippets of Steele and toothpaste 22nd Jan 2010
I was recently interviewed for a regional television programme. read more

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes... 15th Sep 2009
There are many constants in life, and you will often hear jokes made about those constants, usually relating to death or taxation. read more

Pam Swain is chief executive of the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) who describes herself as ‘chief cook and bottle washer' for the association and admits she can be 'stroppy'.

Dental tour hits Blackpool 14th Jun 2010
Online registration for the 2010 National Dental Nursing Conference is now live! read more

Duck – and no cover 20th Apr 2010
It’s going to be a busy month – off to London this week for the Dental Awards. read more

Ladies, form an orderly queue... 2nd Dec 2009
It's been a busy few months in the BADN office – our National Dental Nursing Conference in Cheltenham last month, Showcase in Birmingham this month and now we are nearly at Christmas! read more

Calling all dental nurses! 28th Aug 2009
Have just been having a look at our survey into dental nurse salaries – we’ve had nearly 1,000 responses so far, but we need lots more. read more

Eve is a fiftysomething mother-of-two who spent the best part of her parenting years taking her daughters to dentists and orthodontists. She feels well placed to offer her perspective on dentistry from a patient patient's point of view...

Get the picture? 23rd Dec 2009
When I had my teeth whitened in New York, I was given the option of watching an overhead television, or wearing a headset which piped music of my choice. read more

On the right tracks? 13th Aug 2009

I am 53 and I don’t remember anyone in my childhood who had braces fitted. read more