The "Bribie Dental" Company Story

Rosemary and I started our dental practice on Bribie in 1981 - nearly 30 years ago.

It was 3 days before we saw our first patient - an elderly lady, Mrs Irwin. Fortunately she needed new dentures. Thus we were able to pay our first week's rent!

Our next patient was Mrs Irwin's neighbour - from memory another set of dentures! Slowly but surely the "neighbours" multiplied. Our premises grew 3 times. Our staff grew from 1 to 6 - from 6 to 12. We relocated to our present purpose built premises.

Dentistry has changed dramatically since I graduated in 1976.

There have been quantum leaps in techniques, materials and technology. Some dentists still practice dentistry the way it was in 1976. However, I firmly believe dentistry as practiced 30+ years ago is now out dated and unacceptable for my patients. A perfect example of this is the use of amalgam fillings - our practice has been amalgam free for more than 15 years.

Bribie Dental has been recognized by the "Australasian Dental Practice" magazine to be at the forefront in the provision of dentistry for the new millennium.

While the quality of dental treatment we provide is important, it is our belief that we are providing more than just a "crown or a filling" for our patients.

I am sure many of you find dental treatment stressful. It is our aim to "de-stress" your dental visit. We know from experience that in trying to reduce our patient's level of stress it is very important for us to develop a relationship of trust with them.

We have been labeled by our patients as the "friendly dentist". We have, over the years, gathered around us staff who are "people" people. It is often said "laughter is the best medicine". While it is not what you would expect to hear at the dentist, in our practice it is common to hear patients laughing along with our staff.

When do you know you have connected with somebody?

For us a landmark event happened earlier this year - a moment of profound sadness but, at the same time, a moment of great pride!

Mrs Cowell came in one lunch time to let us know that her husband had passed away the night before. She felt it was a priority to let us know personally. She thanked us for all we had done for both of them over the years I can assure you there was many a teary eye about the place that day!

This sad occasion brought home to us very powerfully the relationship we develop with many of our patients. We feel we are almost a part of their extended family!

A strange sort of Company Story for a dental practice you might think!

Not as far as we are concerned.

We believe it clearly demonstrates our goal:

"To provide our patients with leading edge, quality dentistry in a caring environment."

Greg Manzie