Culling qualified colleagues

The Dental Reference Service employs a team of experienced and calibrated dentists to monitor and advise on quality within the GDS and PDS through a risk based monitoring system. This quote is taken from their website in November but my first encounter with the DRS – working as the Dental Practice Board in Eastbourne - was as a newly qualified dentist in 1969.  I had charted a generously drawn occlusal filling on the paper form. The final form was submitted as an occlusal-palatal filling-in error. The ensuing protracted discussion with the visiting regional dental officer engendered a healthy respect for accuracy and caused sleepless nights anticipating charges of fraudulently claiming 20p.

The next momentous occasion was the successful application for prior approval of the first multiple anterior crowns for a 15-year-old boy in 1971.  He had severe tetracycline staining and wore very long hair over his face as a mask and never spoke or smiled.  The RDO agreed that something had to be done but that it should be limited to upper anteriors.  The six crowns were duly fitted and the resulting probity check with the RDO was a revelation in that the crowns were passed as acceptable but the transformation to the patient was awesome. Short hair and a big smile and both the RDO and I felt elated.