Children’s Sensory Days with Lead Therapist Michaela
Children’s Sensory Days with Lead Therapist Michaela
Michaela Robinson is our lead therapist here at Together Dental, with a passion for patient care. Michaela entered the dental field in 2009 and has advanced from Dental Nurse to a qualified Dental Therapist after graduating from Kings College London, with a dual qualification in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy.
Michaela has gained valuable experience working in various settings, including dental institutes, community hospitals, and both NHS and private practices. This adaptability has allowed her to excel in different environments.
Do you suffer from dental anxiety?
Michaela understands the anxieties patients may experience when visiting the dentist. Her empathetic nature motivates her to provide the highest treatment standards while prioritising patient comfort and addressing concerns with compassion.
Sensory-Friendly Program Arrives at Together Dental Daventry
We are excited to announce that Michaela has developed and implemented Sensory-Friendly Dental Programs here at Together Dental Daventry. Michaela has spearheaded the creation and execution of specialised dental care programs tailored for children with dental anxieties and sensory processing difficulties, proving to be a huge success in practice already.
Does your child under 16 need a dental check-up but feel anxious about a visit?
We understand that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for some children.
Introducing a Free NHS Oral Health Assessment with Michaela at Together Dental Daventry on Friday 26th July.
Michaela is a dedicated dental therapist passionate about making dentistry accessible for all children. This event is designed to create a welcoming and personalized environment for children who may not have visited a dentist before or feel nervous about appointments.
What to expect:
- Free and Bespoke Assessments: We’ll tailor the experience to each child’s needs, from adjusting lighting to playing calming music.
- Focus on Comfort:Â Our goal is to make your child feel at ease and ensure a positive dental experience.
- Parental Support:Â We’ll provide information and answer any questions you may have.
Let’s turn fear into fun!
Join us for this relaxed and friendly event. It’s a great opportunity for your child to get comfortable with dental care and take a positive step towards a healthy smile.
For more information or to book a free appointment, please contact Together Dental Daventry 01327871611 or contact Michaela @mcrdentalservices on Facebook and Instagram .
Attended one of Sensory events before? Don’t forget to like, share, follow and leave a review so more children and families can benefit from this wonderful event. @mcrdentalservices @wellingborough_daventry
Q&A with Michaela
What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental therapist?
Dental hygienists and dental therapists are both integral members of the dental team, working collaboratively to ensure optimal oral health for patients. However, their roles differ in the scope of their clinical responsibilities.
Dental hygienists serve as the primary providers of preventive dental care. Their focus lies on prophylaxis, which includes the professional removal of plaque and calculus to prevent and manage gum disease. Additionally, they play a crucial role in patient education, providing comprehensive instruction on oral hygiene techniques and dietary habits for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Dental therapists possess a broader range of clinical skills that encompass all the duties performed by a hygienist, along with the ability to perform certain restorative procedures. For example, placing fillings, extractions and pulpotomies on deciduous teeth.
How long have you been working in the dental industry?
My passion for dentistry began 15 years ago during a work experience placement. That initial exposure sparked a lifelong interest in oral health, leading me to pursue a rewarding career in this field.
What made you want to become a dental therapist?
The prospect of becoming a dental therapist is incredibly rewarding. As I mentioned I started out as a work experience student, I enjoyed the 2 weeks so much I wrote to the principal dentist asking if it would be possible to work at the practice during my school holidays. To my delight he accepted, and I haven’t looked back since.
I was fortunate enough to have been mentored as a nurse by some incredible clinicians who were extremely inspirational to me. Fast forward 15 years later, I now work alongside them, and they are still just as supportive. As a clinician myself, witnessing the positive changes in my own patients’ oral health regularly is a powerful motivator. I thrive on building rapport with patients, which allows me to dedicate quality time to understanding their needs and concerns. This personalised approach helps alleviate anxieties and transforms dental visits into positive experiences.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Witnessing patient progress is undeniably the most rewarding aspect of my work. Seeing patients who initially struggled to enter the surgery, let alone sit comfortably in the chair, now arrive with confidence and a newfound ease – that transformation is truly inspiring. These positive changes are a testament to the power of collaborative care and motivate me to continue providing exceptional service. I’m proud to say that my dedication to my role has been recognised by winning multiple awards throughout my career.
What kind of events do you host for patients?
Recognising the need to provide a more accessible and calming dental experience, I developed the concept of ‘sensory dentistry’ sessions. These sessions are specifically designed to cater to individuals who may benefit from additional time and tailored adjustments to feel comfortable and relaxed within the dental environment.
What can patients expect at a sensory day?
Sensory dentistry sessions offer a unique and welcoming environment specifically tailored to patients who may find traditional dental settings overwhelming.
- The waiting room and surgery undergo a calming transformation, featuring adjusted lighting, soothing music, and engaging toys and colouring materials for children.
- We even provide healthy snacks to introduce both parents and children to dietary practices that promote good oral health.
- These sessions foster a non-judgmental space where parents can openly discuss any concerns or anxieties they have regarding their child’s dental health.
What are your three top tips for good oral health?
- Brushing and Flossing Regularly: This is the foundation of good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing daily helps clean between teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach, removing food particles and plaque that can contribute to cavities and gum disease… and do not rinse after brushing. Let that toothpaste enjoy its time soaking into all those pearly whites!
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limiting sugary and acidic foods helps prevent cavities. I get it, we all love a biscuit with our tea, but it must be in moderation. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for overall oral and general health.
- Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups and hygiene visits: Seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly at least twice a year is crucial for maintaining good oral health. During these visits, your dentist can identify and address any potential problems early on, preventing them from becoming more serious.
What does a typical day look like for you at Together Dental?
My day at Together Dental typically begins with a review of the day ahead in my surgery. My wonderful nurse often greets me with a cup of tea, starting the day just right! Throughout the day, I see a variety of patients, inquiring about their well-being since their previous visit.
We enjoy light conversation, catching up on holidays or the ever-present topic of weather. My approach emphasises encouragement, even when addressing areas for improvement. I understand the levels of trust built with each patient, and I strive not to undermine that.
The day unfolds with a diverse range of procedures. I utilise airflow technology for stain removal, witnessing firsthand the transformation in my patients’ smiles. Additionally, I perform procedures such as fillings, taking impressions for whitening treatments, and composite bonding. My checkups are thorough, and I provide personalised oral health advice to empower each patient on their journey to optimal dental health. Throughout the day, collaboration with my colleagues strengthens our teamwork. We share updates, and yes, sometimes the conversation extends to holidays or – you guessed it – the weather!
As the day concludes, I express my gratitude to my nurse for their unwavering support and for making my day so enjoyable. Finally, I head home to well-deserved cuddles and kisses from my cat, Maui.
How do you teach patients about proper oral care habits?
I prioritise patient education by explaining the science of plaque build-up and its potential consequences for oral health. This knowledge empowers patients to understand the importance of proper brushing and flossing techniques. I then leverage visual aids, guiding patients through the mirror to identify key areas for cleaning, particularly those hard-to-reach spots.
Further reinforcement comes through demonstrations – both on a dental model and directly in the patient’s mouth – allowing them to not only understand the “why” but also experience the “how” of effective oral hygiene. This multi-faceted approach fosters a deeper comprehension and empowers patients to take charge of their oral health journey.
Can you describe the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
Gum disease can be insidious in its early stages. While pain may not be present initially, it is important to watch for signs of bleeding gums, particularly when brushing or flossing. This initial stage, known as gingivitis, indicates your body’s immune response to bacterial build-up.
Identifying specific areas of bleeding can help you target those zones with more focus during your oral hygiene routine. It’s recommended to schedule a visit with your hygienist at this stage for a professional cleaning.
Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. As bacteria stagnate in certain areas of the mouth, it can affect the supporting bone. Symptoms at this stage may include persistent bad breath, increased gum bleeding, inflammation, swelling, and a deepened pink or red gum colour.
Early intervention by a hygienist is vital. They will likely schedule multiple appointments to thoroughly assess your gums and teeth, monitor progress, and work towards stabilising the disease.
Describe Together Dental in three words!
- Progressive
- Welcoming
- Collaborative
If you would like to book any general or cosmetic dental appointments at our Daventry practice, call our friendly team on