For two years we'd all been on tenter hooks, waiting for that phone call - you know the one that announced the imminent arrival of our CQC inspector!

When it finally came, we actually had quite a bit of notice. They wanted to come within the next three weeks and they would be looking at the following outcomes:

A Treatment Co-ordinator (TCO) can hugely benefit practices for many reasons, especially when it comes to phobic patients. The patient’s first visit to the practice does not need to be in a surgery, and in some cases, does not need to be an examination for their first appointment. 

The ban on dentists with HIV practising dentistry is to be lifted from April 2014, announced the government on August 15th. 

This move by the government, to bring the UK in line with most of its western peers, has been welcomed by professionals throughout the dental industry.

One of the new and exciting extras we are now offering at our dental practice is Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF).

As stated before, I still nurse from time to time, usually for implant placements, and I have seen first-hand why PRGF offers many benefits. Being able to nurse for the procedure has also given me a great understanding of the different stages involved. During consultations I will explain why we recommend the use of PRGF, and what will happen from start to finish.

Diary of a Treatment Coordinator (TCO) is based on real life stories. The practice and TCO is not mentioned for confidentiality reasons.

The main part of my job is focused on assisting patients in their decision to chose the most appropriate treatment, and to make sure that they fully understand what the treatment will involve, the time frame and costs.

I was a dental nurse prior to becoming a treatment co-ordinator, so I am able to explain different procedures and what will be involved.