The relaxed and informal evening showcased Heart Your Smile’s activities throughout its first year; and presentations from trustees, Simon Gambold, Seema Sharma and James Goolnik (pictured) provided an opportunity to say thank you to all its supporters.
In a stand against all the doom and gloom and negativity dentistry was experiencing this time last year, Heart Your Smile was formulated by a group of dental professionals and industry leaders who simply wanted to make a difference. Launched at BDTA Showcase in 2011, it outlines a nine-point manifesto for change in the UK dental profession, dubbed ‘The 9 habits of a happy dental professional’, and is designed to instill confidence and inspiration in the dental profession.
James, who initiated the idea and has driven it from the front, said, “Heart Your Smile is about providing dental professionals with the right tools to ensure patients have a positive experience at the dentist and to encourage regular attendance. With lots of passion, the right connections and everyone having common aims, we can make a huge difference.”
It’s been a busy year for Heart your Smile, notably its work with foundation dentists at Bristol University. Collaborating with the dental teams of the future, the charity is working with the University to encourage a positive attitude, which will in turn foster a positive patient experience.
Currently, Heart Your Smile is just working with dental professionals, but will eventually take the campaign to the public 12 months from now. It is now seeking to establish a group of supporters, who will lead a number of workflows, take the cause onto a wider group and raise funds. In the near future, a Just Giving page will be launched.