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Can You Spare 60 Seconds?

19 March 2019

Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a brilliant weekend – fingers crossed you managed to get through it without being blown away! Hats off to all my netball girls, and all those half marathon runners – any sport this weekend must have been an utter nightmare!

I feel this week is a good opportunity to discuss mental health. It’s a difficult subject, one that no one finds particularly easy to talk about – but there’s been so much going on recently, both for me personally and from what I can see in the media, that it just seems like a topic that needs to be broached.

Whenever I go to any of my antenatal appointments, aside from the routine checks on my baby, the one consistent check they do, is on my mental well-being. Without fail, I am asked how I’m feeling, have I experienced any low thoughts, have I been through any stress that I want to discuss? At first, I found it to be bordering on OTT – but now, on reflection, I realise it takes about a minute for them to ask the questions, and for some people, those questions being asked will be a godsend. I feel as though if we all spent a minute of our day checking in on another person – even if it’s the happiest person you know, we could start making a difference to those people who are struggling. The sad passing of ‘Love Island’ star Mike Thalassitis gives a stark reminder to everyone that not all mental health problems are obvious – social media isn’t always an accurate reflection of our lives.

During our check up appointments, we always check your jaw joints, and we’ll normally ask you if you’ve experienced any headaches, tenderness in your jaw, clicking on opening – it’s a routine check we do, as not all dental problems happen in the mouth. If you do have any of these symptoms, we’ll probe a little deeper – are you aware of a clenching or grinding habit? Are you going through a particularly stressful time? Many aspects of your dental health can be affected by stress – gum diseases can be exacerbated by stress, clenching and grinding can be brought on by stress. I wouldn’t go as far as saying we’re a counselling service at The Briars, but we are always here to talk, or just to listen – you won’t ever find us watching the clock if you need a little longer with us – we’re human too.

I won’t be blogging next week, as I’m disappearing down to Devon to steal some time away with my Husband before we welcome our son into the world – but I’m sure I can set you up with a cracking guest blogger to keep you all entertained (no pressure Jo!)!
Rich and I are looking forward to our break after a difficult weekend, where we had to say goodbye to our beautiful bunny, Benjamin. For those of you who follow this blog, you may remember him as ‘Big-X’ from ‘Jungles, Goal Celebrations and Escaping Rabbits’ – but to me, he was my first baby, and he has gone from our lives far too soon. It may be sad, it may be soppy – but this blog is dedicated to my big, grumpy, gorgeous Benjamin Button – who brought Richard and I so much happiness in the four and half years he hopped around this world – we can’t wait to have you back home next week Benjamino, the house seems much emptier without you.

I hope you all have a fantastic rest of the week – and remember if you can, to take 60 seconds out of your day to check in on someone. It might be the 60 seconds that makes all the difference.

Love, Amy x

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Testimonials

we love our patients

I recently visited Briars Dental Practice in Newbury and had a truly excellent experience. From the moment I walked in, the receptionist greeted me warmly and made me feel welcome. The hygienist who saw me prior to my appointment with the dentist was very thorough and gave me some great advice on how to keep my teeth healthy.I was then seen by Richard, one of the dentists at the practice, and I have to say that he and his nurse were fantastic. They put me at ease throughout the whole procedure, were extremely professional and caring, and made sure that I was comfortable at all times. I was also impressed by their attention to detail and their willingness to take the time to answer all of my questions.In fact, I was so pleased with my experience that I would also like to mention another dentist named Richard who saw me previously. He too was excellent, very thorough and professional, and I felt very well taken care of during my appointments with him.Overall, I can't recommend Briars Dental Practice highly enough. The staff are all so friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, and they really go above and beyond to make sure that their patients are well looked after. If you're looking for a great dental practice in Newbury, look no further than Briars.
Beatrice Andreea
Beatrice Andreea
12:07 11 May 23
Thank you for a wonderful experience, I am a coward when it comes to the dentist, Mr Nick French, put me at ease, and has the patience of a Saint. I would also say the dental nurse was I lovely lady who let me crush her hand while I was having my injections. I give Briars Dental Centre 10 out of 10, and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Jan Hamments
Jan Hamments
19:11 29 Jun 23
I had a hygienist appointment with Jo and her nurse, Suzanne. It was the first time I’d tried GBT and found the experience much more comfortable than usual. Jo and Suzanne really put me at ease and made sure I was happy throughout the treatment. It was good being able to clearly see the areas which I needed to improve on brushing and Jo gave me great tips. Would highly recommend
Lauren Jade
Lauren Jade
16:52 19 Jun 23
After such a positive experience today with Richard I thought it only fair to delete my previous review. I am a very nervous patient and not ashamed to say I cried before my appointment. Richard and his lovely dental nurse were so understanding and treated me with kindness and empathy. Richard explained everything to me and allowed me to go at my pace. All options for my next appointment were explained to me and I now have trust in Richard that I feel I will not need full sedation. I was in alot of pain prior to my appointment today along with an enormous amount of anxiety. Richard even explained to me how to breathe when having treatment- no other dentist has ever explained that to me before!Thank you again Richard and to your lovely dental nurse.
Mary Lovelock
Mary Lovelock
15:03 24 Apr 23
I had my consultancy appointment with Chelsea today who looked after me very well. She was very friendly and easy to talk to and explained everything to me very nicely. And also answered all of my questions and made me feel at ease today and for future appointments. It was nice to meet you, and thank you.Glenn.
Glenn Cooper
Glenn Cooper
22:20 23 May 23
I recently had to visit Richard Lineker as I'd broken a tooth.He and his lovely nurse Agata made me feel comfortable and explained what treatment I needed.They work extremely well as a team andmy treatment was painless.
Pauline Preston
Pauline Preston
13:59 12 Jul 23
Wanted to share my mother's thoughts of recent experience visiting Jo Craig hygienist."Jo was attentive , caring gentle and thorough today.I came out feeling fresh and motivated.Well looked after also by her lovely nurse Jenny."Angela Shaw.
Suzanne Hendry
Suzanne Hendry
11:03 21 Jul 23
I am very pleased with the treatment I received. After another dentist had told me the tooth had to be extracted, Mr Fady Khoury managed to save the tooth. The procedure was carried out in a very efficient and professional manner and I am very happy with the outcome.
Terence Marshall
Terence Marshall
16:03 24 Jul 23
Had an appointment with Chelsea today and it went very very well. Had my scans and photos done for Invisalign, which can be a bit awkward but she made it a comfortable experience. She was very friendly, welcoming, put me at ease and asked if I had any overall questions at that stage of the process. She was knowledgeable and explained everything I asked about. It's my first time at this clinic so I'm looking forward for my second appointment to discuss treatment. Great first impression from the moment I stepped through the door! Thanks!
Diana
Diana
11:01 31 Jul 23
A very happy customer! I had quite a lot of crooked and misaligned teeth so Victoria introduced me to Invisalign. She carefully created a program to give me the smile I wanted. In the end it took longer than we had expected but Victoria very diligently took me through every step of the process and she didn’t compromise on any part of the process to ensure I got the smile and teeth alignment we both wanted. A huge thank you to her and her assistant Jen who made every effort to make me feel comfortable throughout. Highly recommended.San
San James
San James
17:16 02 Aug 23
My visit to Richard last week went well. He identified that x rays hadn’t been taken for 3 years, and showed me the images, interpreting the results carefully and explaining the steps that may be required as treatment. I am disappointed that I will need to have another consultation to confirm if a root canal is needed. Warning: if you do need a consultation with the endodontist, you will need to pay in advance. I couldn’t do that on the day, but I will be booking in to have this followed up as soon as I can. I will need my own teeth for many more years!
Emma Mulholland
Emma Mulholland
15:31 18 Oct 23
Over the years I`ve found that the Briars delivers consistently high quality dental care and yesterday was no exception. I recieved first class root canal treatment by Dr. Richard Condon and team. Everything was explained carefully and despite my misconceptions was delivered pain free. I have no hesitation in recommending the Briars.
Mark Batten
Mark Batten
10:42 24 Oct 23
Having just completed a course of treatment with The Briars I can strongly recommend Fady and his team. Thank you for your straightforward and thorough approach, and for providing treatment in a stress-free environment.
Tom Saunderson
Tom Saunderson
08:16 02 Nov 23
It was a very welcoming place at the practice with friendly staff whose knowledge was informative and comprehensive. Chelsea was very accommodating and took the time to listen my concerns and provide me with the best advice on what action to take next.
Michael Scrimshaw
Michael Scrimshaw
18:02 23 Nov 23
Had my Hygiene appointment yesterday with lovely Meryl and her nurse Kiera. Meryl was gentle and very thorough. She removed all the staining from my teeth and now they feel super clean. Kiera made sure that I was comfortable throughout the treatment.
Agata Czarnecka
Agata Czarnecka
19:23 18 Jan 24
I highly recommend Briars Dental Care, I can't thank them enough for my teeth, they really put me at ease especially Kody. My teeth have never been straight but over the years they got worse, and made me feel so ashamed and embarrassed by them, now I have nice straight teeth and my confidence back .
Wendy Pearson
Wendy Pearson
09:58 23 Jan 24
Absolutely Excellent service, from the initial phone call with Libby at reception who was so kind, understanding and so helpful and Zoe who helped us on the phone with trying to find us appointments needed and for the amazing care and service received on arrival for treatment that this dental practice is without a doubt outstanding. Five stars is not enough!Highly recommend the briars, lovely staff and top class treatment!
Angel Greaves
Angel Greaves
13:05 07 Feb 24
I can 100% recommend this dental practice as I have been with Briars Dental Centre for a few years now. From the reception staff to the Hygenist and Dentist I have had my confidence boosted in the biggest way. The reception girls are always very professional, helpful, friendly and always make time for a little chat. If it hadn’t been for one of the girls on the reception team I would not have known about the payment plan, which is proving to be well worth it, and gives me free Hygenist and Check-ups and a reduction of 10% on other treatments. Thank you girls for that. You are all fantastic and lovely. Keep doing what you’re doing.My previous Hygenist. Aimee, was absolutely the best and I had no fear going to her. Now I have a new girl, Meryl, and she is also blooming brilliant. Thank you.My dentist, Nicola Murdoch, deserves the most praise having built up my confidence in dentists again. She even adjusts treatments according to my own personal dilemmas, like claustrophobia. She’s just the best. Thank you so much Nicola.
Debbie Huntley
Debbie Huntley
15:45 28 Feb 24
I have just completed my Invisalign treatment and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I wish I had done it sooner! Victoria, Jen and Chelsea were fantastic throughout and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them.
Jen Woodbridge
Jen Woodbridge
14:38 06 Mar 24
We have received the most amazing service from Rochelle before meeting Dr Holden who will be overseeing my daughters Invisalign treatment. Very professional and approachable team we are very impressed.
Lisa Miles
Lisa Miles
10:11 08 Mar 24
I have just finished my Invisalign treatment with Dr Victoria Holden, I never imagined my teeth would look this good, they are beautiful and straight and I have a glorious smile. The aligners are stress free, comfortable, easy to wear and the scanning was simple. Victoria and Jen have been amazing from start to finish responded to any questions I had. I cannot thank them enough. I would recommend this treatment to any one of any age, it’s the best money I’ve ever spent.
Charlotte Bradford
Charlotte Bradford
09:57 14 Mar 24
Always a good experience at the Briars from the reception team, the hygenist to the dentists themselves . Victoria is the most patient , kind and professional dentist . Highly recommended
Jenny Philcox
Jenny Philcox
16:55 13 Mar 24
I had a lot of discomfort from two adjacent back teeth, the slightest touch of cold drink and it got really painful. The Briars team quickly diagnosed the problem and explained the x-ray images that showed a previous different practice’s root canal had caused decay of the tooth and the adjacent one along with the surrounding bone. I was left with a few choices that were clearly explained to me, but removal of the two teeth was the option I took with an implant replacement for one of them. I was referred to Nick French, who is their implant specialist. I had a process that encouraged the bone to regrow and then the implant. Nick’s demeanour is so calming and his explanations very clear, I had no distress or discomfort at all. I recognised the techniques he uses from the manufacturing industry, they are so advanced that the replacement tooth feels exactly like the one it replaced and now my mouth feels calm for the first time in quite a while. I totally recommend The Briars Dental Centre and Nick French.
David Hartwell
David Hartwell
06:43 04 Apr 24
Having completed my first appointment with Amy at The Briars today I am very happy with the outcome. Everything was very well explained in detail to me and the staff were very polite and professional. Amy’s knowledge was brilliant and the technology used in the appointment was amazingly impressive. It really helped set my mind at ease and pointed me in the right direction for the rest of my treatment journey. I would highly recommend The Briars.
Jonny Paine
Jonny Paine
21:49 19 Apr 24
I’ve been using a periodontal specialist at The Briars for nearly 20 years and have never been disappointed. Treatment and advice has always been top class and has certainly improved the overall health of my teeth.
Martin Shoesmith
Martin Shoesmith
15:26 19 Apr 24
I recently had an appointment with Joanna Craig and I couldn't be happier with the care I received. She was extremely professional and thorough during my cleaning. Her attention to detail was evident, and she made sure I was comfortable throughout the entire process 5 Stars
Neil Garland
Neil Garland
10:41 07 May 24
The Briars Dental Surgery provides an exceptionally friendly and professional service that I would recommend to everyone. I grew up with a fear of dentists born out of difficult childhood experiences. However, I now look forward to my visits with my hygienist Jo Craig and her assistant Kasia. My Associate Dentist Nicola Murdoch provides annual check ups to ensure my overall teeth health remains in great shape. Sharmila has also taken great care of my gums with her specialist expertise. You are in wonderfully safe and caring hands at the Briars and they can cater for everything dental related.
Laurence Berry
Laurence Berry
08:54 10 May 24
All the staff at the Briars are lovely! Having just completed my invisalign treatment I could not be happier with the results! The process was quick and painless and the care given during the treatment was spectacular!
Jake Martin
Jake Martin
09:29 10 May 24
Had a great detailed and well explained consultation with Chelsea regarding my concerns about dental treatment to improve my smile. She was so thorough and the whole thing was very pleasant.
Bridget & Warwick Ryan
Bridget & Warwick Ryan
11:14 13 Jun 24
Great service for a root canal treatment. Dr Richard Condon was very professional, explained everything clearly before doing and after the procedure which lasted for 2 hours. Removed a crown, treated the root canals and replaced with temporary crown. No pain during the procedure at all, just a little that day when the numbness faded. Next day almost back to normal. Great job thank you.
Timothy Brew
Timothy Brew
19:00 19 Jun 24
Had an appointment today with my dentist Victoria Holden. I’m so impressed and grateful 🙏 kind caring efficient professional. I highly recommend and no words to express my gratitude ! Thank you
Natasha Christova
Natasha Christova
12:05 07 Aug 24
First appointment with Richard and Kasia yesturday. It's not my favourite place in the dentists chair but yesterday they made me feel comfortable and confident. We discussed the most suitable dental plan that was right for my needs and Richard put it in place.By the time I got home I had a email with all the information and costings. So professional and empathetic both of them.With gratitude Jo
Joanne Crook
Joanne Crook
13:45 28 Aug 24
After 30 years of constant pain in my head and shoulders I have finally found relief. A consultation with Afif lead to a swift diagnosis and a treatment that has literally changed the quality of my life. Great dentist
Victoria Anderson-Stewart
Victoria Anderson-Stewart
12:38 05 Sep 24
Having moved to the area 2 years ago, I was really hesitant to change dentist but I wish I did it sooner! Richard and team are truly incredible, they make me feel a part of the process and I always come out smiling.Many past experiences throughout my childhood meant the going to the dentist was often anxiety provoking, often ending up in anxiety attacks. I now (dare say) look forward to going to the dentist and feel more calm than I ever had so thank you Richard!I have recently had an onlay fitted and am beyond happy with the whole process and final outcome - you can’t even tell it’s there!Would highly recommend coming to the Briars 💖
Abbie Trussler
Abbie Trussler
16:03 19 Sep 24
Fantastic dental practice. Very well equipped with the latest treatments available combined with warm, friendly staff and a very professional service. Definitely the best experience that I’ve ever had with a dental practice, would highly recommend.
Carol Odendaal
Carol Odendaal
10:11 02 Oct 24
I was recently booked in for an appointment with Amy to discuss Invisalign treatment. On arrival, reception staff were lovely and directed me to really nice and homely waiting room! Amy was so great, she made the appointment relaxed and friendly and took me through how Invisalign works and made sure I understood everything. At the end of the appointment she wasn’t pushy with me to get started and pay for treatment. She even emailed me a finance calculator so I could go away and think about what I wanted to do and how I would pay for it. Really lovely place and staff, highly recommend 😊
Steph Adams
Steph Adams
16:04 15 Oct 24
I had 4 tooth implants in all, with the work being done to a very standard with great care by Nick French and his team, and I'm very happy with the results.
Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson
09:09 24 Oct 24
I have been visiting the Briars for many years and it is really good inevery way. Whilst visiting a dentist is not usually considered a great place to be, The Briars has a way of making it much easier that you think it will be. The Two treatments I had today were with Richard and Meryl who were both were more than kind, helpful and clear in their explanations. Thank you both so much.
Richard Dalgleish
Richard Dalgleish
15:55 20 Nov 24
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