DentaltownUK September 2017 - 62

through the keyhole
Surgery

Dentists spend most of their waking hours working in practice, and don't
get many opportunities to see inside other dentists' surgeries.
Dentaltownuk's recurring feature takes you through the keyhole into
surgeries in the UK and around the world. You will meet the dentist, their
team, see the practice and learn about what has made it work for them.

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE- SURGERY: HOME
About The Dentist:

Please introduce yourself and tell us a
bit about what made you pursue a
career in dentistry.
My name is Guy Laffan. I was born and
raised in South Wales and qualified from
Bristol in 2010. Both my parents are dentists
so I got early exposure to the job and when I
eventually had to decide which career to pursue
the decision was easy.

If you hadn't become a dentist, what
job do you think you would have had?
I was torn between medicine and dentistry
at A level but in hindsight I'm relieved to have
made the right decision. My wife is a doctor
and they have it so hard compared to us.

Which university did you study at, and
what qualifications do you have?
Bristol University from 2005-2010. By
September this year I should have my Msc
Implantology and Certificate in Oral Surgery.
I've been doing them simultaneously, which
has been hard work alongside a full time job!

What are your particular interests/
skills in dentistry?
I love implant dentistry. I placed my first
one in VT in 2011 and it's been on going since
then. I must admit I love ortho too. I am a
platinum provider of Invisalign but also do
many fixed cases. My favourite cases are those
that require both ortho and implant work. I
really find these cases the most rewarding.

Who would you say has had the
biggest influence in your career?
Dental - my parents. They've shown me how
to do everything the right way my whole life,
and that now extends into dentistry.
Non-dental - my wife Sophie. She works so
hard for the NHS and doesn't moan or complain
at all. I hear too many dentists moaning about
the state NHS dentistry when in fact they need
a reality check as to how bad our colleagues in
hospital actually have it.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 // dentaltownuk.com

What is your favourite procedure to
carry out?
I do love Invisalign bond ups. I think my
PB is about 7 minutes.

What could you not work without?
Music 100%... but if we're talking instruments
Id say my H Zepf luxator - its been getting me
out of trouble for at least 5 years.

Are you involved in any organisations
or societies?
I sit on the Local dental committee for Gwent
and am a member of the ADI and BACD. I am
also on the committee of the make a dentist
foundation. I do try my best to get involved
with anything as often as I can.

What are your interests outside of
dentistry?
I love cooking. I do it all in my house. I
also love music in any way shape or form. I
basically own every instrument you can think
of - but I'm best at drums.

What do you think is the biggest
problem or challenge in dentistry
today?
Needless to say I do feel that the current
NHS system is no longer fit for purpose, and
any future frameworks I have heard about just
seem to sound equally problematic.
I'm also quite disheartened by the
number of dentists out there putting
profit before patient. I've seen some
really awful cases recently - the type
typical of litigation and sadly it all
contributes to the same repetitive
cycle we are seeing. Ever rising
indemnity and our profession getting
dragged through the mud more
often than it should.

What is the biggest
advancement you have seen
in dentistry in your career?
Definitely the progression of

everything digital. I remember placing my first
CEREC in 2010 with the old red cam during
VT and now we're onto Omincam. I really
don't think we'll need impression materials
for much longer!

What would you like to see change in
dentistry in the next 10 years?
In south wales we have seen a massive impact
from school-based education. The children
all brush their teeth after lunch and all have
duraphat applied every 6 months. Not only
is this directly decreasing the caries we see,
however the kids are 'dentally educated' and
have zero qualms coming to see us for check
ups. To see this nationally would be incredible.

Describe the most successful or
rewarding experience in your
professional life?
Winning best young dentist in Wales last
year was completely overwhelming

What is your favourite film?
Very difficult question. I'd have to say Rocky
4. It has everything. A hero, a villain, an amazing
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DentaltownUK September 2017
