Jenny Monroe talks to Dr Philip McLorinan
Dr.
Philip McLorinan is the principal dentist and owner of Dunmurry Dental
Practice. He qualified as a dental surgeon from Queen's University in 1999
and then practiced as an Associate General Dental Practitioner in
Carrickfergus until 2003. In 2004 Philip opened the doors of his own
Practice and has seen the practice grow from strength to strength winning
numerous business and dental awards. The practice is currently undergoing a
major extension and renovation to include a new car park and six surgeries
to allow for new NHS patients. Philip is married to Debbie who is the
business manager in the practice. The couple have two daughters Kiera and
Maria and they live in Lisburn.
I am usually at the practice for 8am / 8.15am. One of the advantages of living locally is I don't have to leave too early in the mornings.
When I arrive I check to see what's booked in for the day ahead and then have an informal briefing with the staff over a coffee in the staff room. This is a way of preparing everyone for what is planned for the day.
I look at a day list, which basically is a list of patients and procedures I will be treating. We have a computer system with all of the patient records - this means the details are always only a fingertip away.
I make sure the surgery is set up and everything is in place and that all of the required materials are in stock while the nurse will sort out the mouth wash, fresh supply of tissues and disinfect the room before a patient arrives. We are on top of control cross infection procedures at all times. I like to make all of the patients feel comfortable, relaxed and most importantly informed. I talk them through everything I am doing. Verbal guidance is important.
Once I've finished I make sure the patient is satisfied before typing up their notes accurately and precisely and either myself or the nurse will email through to reception to instruct when the patient is due for another check up or if further treatment is required. Then the surgery will be prepared for the next patient.
Our goal is to exceed their expectations by delivering the best dental care available with latest techniques and technology in a friendly environment. It is our aim to treat each patient as an individual with their own unique set of requirements.
We employ expert knowledge and modern technology and are always making sure we are up to date with Department of Health guidelines. With the recent extension we now have a local decontamination unit separate from the surgeries. This is a standardised process of sterilization and all batches of instruments can be traced. It removes the sterilisation process from the surgeries where the patients are treated and makes for a much cleaner environment.
Normally we work through until 1pm and then at 2pm we come back feeling relaxed and ready for the next patient. My last patient is at 5pm or 5.30pm depending on the day. Then the process of shutting down begins. Instruments are cleaned, the surgeries are wiped down and then the alarms are set before securing the premises.
When I get home I spend time with my children, have dinner and once they are bathed and in bed I start to look through emails and work on the financial side of the business. Hopefully after an hour I'll be able to put my feet up and watch TV.
I set up my own practice in 2004 and it was a big gamble but I am delighted with how it has all turned out I'd definitely recommend it as a career path to anyone interested in becoming a dentist.
Ulster Star
23/07/2010
