In the Pink
Did you wonder who was "In the Pink?" It's my fantastic team who look outstanding in their hot pink uniforms. Having a well-established team is very important to us; it means that you're always greeted by familiar and friendly faces who take a personal interest in your welfare. So please take a few moments to get to know who is in the pink, and I look forward to welcoming you soon to Dereham Dental Health.
Liz Says, Principal Dentist
Liz Says, Principal Dentist
Liz qualified from the London Hospital in 1988 and has worked across a number of practices in Norfolk. Liz opened the practice in 2001 and has remained true to the principles of providing a truly family-centred dental practice in Dereham.
Having a well established team is very important to Liz; it means you're always greeted by familiar and friendly faces who take a personal interest in your welfare.
Maria Mainprize, Dental Hygienist
Maria qualified as a dentist (MDS) from the University of Medicine in Sofia Bulgaria in 1997. Maria then trained and qualified, with distinction, as a Dental Hygienist/Therapist from the University of Sheffield in 2004. Maria's role as a Hygienist forms an essential part of the care provided to all of our patients. Maria thoroughly cleans the whole mouth and measures and monitors the health of your gums. Afterwards your mouth will feel, clean and fresh which will make you feel fantastic!
Why I love my job ...
“I am committed to delivering quality patient care to help all our patients to achieve and maintain a healthy smile. This involves the promotion of dental health by thoroughly cleaning the teeth and gums and by showing patients how to care for their teeth and gums at home. This gives our patients the skills to prevent dental problems from happening in the future.”
Emma Softley, Practice Manager
Emma qualified as a registered dental nurse in 1994 and gained further qualifications in oral health promotion (1997), oral health education (1997), and dental radiography(1999). With 17 years' experience in dentistry her role is now to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the practice, and training and supporting the nursing and reception teams.
Why I love my job ...
“I enjoy supporting the team and I am very proud of the practice and the service we provide. A distressed gentleman in a wheelchair came into the practice. He had been turned away from other dental practices in the town as they were busy. He had a very sore mouth and I used my experience as a dental nurse to assess his condition and realised that he needed to have a sharp tooth smoothed. This could easily be achieved so I liaised with our hygienist who smoothed the tooth for him. He was so pleased with being cared about that he became a regular patient and has kindly purchased a wheelchair for the practice”
Andrea Page, Senior Oral Health Nurse
Andrea qualified as a registered dental nurse in 2001 and achieved a further qualification in dental radiography in 2003. With 12 years' experience in dentistry Andrea’s role is to supervise the nursing team, ensuring practice policies regarding cross infection, and health and safety are adhered to.
Why I love my job ...
“I feel we have a fantastic relationship with our patients. I believe we always give 100% to the care of our patients and have cured many of their dental phobias. An occasion that stands out for me is when a patient came in for his health review and as part of this we took his blood pressure. I noted that his BP was high so I advised him to have it checked with his doctor asap. He soon came back into the practice and thanked me personally; he is now on medication for high BP which had gone undetected.”
Julie Howe, Oral Health Nurse
Julie qualified as a registered dental nurse in 1988 and achieved an additional qualification in dental radiography in 2008. She has 22 years' experience in the dental industry.
Why I love my job ...
“Since joining the team in 2004 I have been given the opportunity to use my years' of experience and dental knowledge to make a difference to the health of our patients. My aim is to encourage and educate health routines while providing a positive experience for everyone visiting the dentist.”
Melanie Smith, Oral Health Nurse
Melanie qualified as a registered dental nurse in 2006 and has five years' experience.
Why I love my job ...
“I was a patient at the practice after returning from working as a dental assistant in Germany. I soon became aware of what a great place this is, not only as a patient but how great it would be to work here. I had a good rapport with the team so felt able to ask if any vacancies came up to let me know. Fortunately I was contacted and have worked as part of the team for over three years' which I absolutely love!”
Paula Dack, Reception Manager
Paula ensures the day-to-day smooth running of reception and assists patients when arriving at the practice, during their visit and on the phone.
Why I love my job ...
“Before I started working here I was a patient so I got to experience the relaxed, friendly yet professional atmosphere. I thought it would be a good place to work and I was right. I feel proud to be part of a team that delivers such an excellent service”