Rachael Hinton at Circus Dental
We're very excited to be welcoming general dentist Rachael Hinton to the Circus Dental team. Rachael brings with her a wealth of experience and is skilled at helping even the most anxious patient through their dental treatment. Get in touch now to book an appointment with Rachael.
Why did you decide to become a dentist?
Well I didn’t want to be a dentist when I went to dental school! I did work experience at the oral and maxillofacial unit thinking I might like to make prosthetics.
While I was there the consultant invited me to observe a surgical list. I was so excited by the idea of being a head and neck surgeon that I applied to dentistry.
Then when I was at Sheffield I learned that I loved all of the disciplines within dentistry and also that I really can't stand still holding a retractor for a long period of time, which is a prerequisite for being a surgeon really. When I graduated and started working as a dentist, I developed a deep enjoyment in forming relationships with patients and providing good care to them. I haven’t really looked back since.
What is it about general dentistry that you enjoy most?
There is a lot to enjoy really especially if you enjoy puzzles. It can be practical, artistic, challenging, skillful and technical. But it is also full of soft skills such as developing relationships with people to learn about them and their priorities, supporting people through anxieties and phobias and ultimately helping people regain function and confidence in themselves. While all of that is frankly rewarding, sometimes the most enjoyable aspect is getting to know patients over time and supporting their health.
What is it about Periodontics that inspired you to undertake a MSc?
Well, as someone who enjoys all of the disciplines of dentistry, I realised how much Periodontics affects the rest!
Periodontics is the discipline in dentistry that is concerned with treating the diseases that affect the gum and bone support around the tooth. If the foundations of the tooth are unhealthy, then many of the treatments we offer in the other disciplines from fillings and crowns, to implants and dentures are compromised.
More and more we also realise that these diseases are linked to whole system diseases and that the treatments we offer can also improve health outcomes for patients. I wanted to take the MSc to learn more so that I can offer the best outcomes to patients and develop this area of my dentistry.
How do you help anxious patients feel more at ease about dental treatment?
I think that often understanding and communication go a long way in relieving anxiety. We operate in such a personal space, it's completely natural that people feel worried about that. Often patients have very specific worries and listening to their concerns, understanding and accommodating simple requests, to let patients take control, can really help to alleviate a lot of fears.
For those with significant anxiety beyond that there are other options I can use to help them, such as acupuncture or IV sedation, which can help them access any care that they need.
What made you decide to join the Circus Dental team?
I had an appointment there myself to see one of the partners and I learned there was an opportunity. I have met, learned with, worked with and respected many of the team at the Circus Dental for many years.
The incredible care for people, passion and drive for excellence are all such inspiring features of the team. I have always felt that the patient is front and centre of any care given and they always aim to deliver high quality, compassionate dentistry. This attitude is reflected completely in the other clinicians. It was a privilege to be offered a position.
What are you most looking forward to about working at Circus Dental?
I am privileged to be taking on some patients that have been cared for by the practice for a long time and I am looking forward to getting to know them and continuing to care for them.
But also I am looking forward to being part of this incredible team, collaborating on cases and learning from the wealth of experience. Its also a beautiful place to work so I am really looking forward to that too!
Treatments available with Rachael:
Book an appointment
If you’d like to find out more about our dental services, how we can help you or to book an appointment, please get in touch now and one of our friendly team will be happy to talk through your options.