Next Generation Dentistry: A Journey Through 25 Years in Ratoath Reflecting on the journey from 1998 to today, it’s hard to believe how far both Ratoath and I have come. Back then, the village had a population of just 1,300. Today, Ratoath has blossomed into a vibrant small town of nearly 12,000 residents – a community full of life, spirit, and ambition. It’s remarkable to see how the village has grown, yet maintained its unique charm, shaped by the friendly rivalry between Dublin and Meath, and the shared aspiration for development. With a thriving sports scene, cultural events, and community facilities, Ratoath is a far cry from the quieter place it once was. The optimism and sense of belonging here are truly special. It’s a wonderful place to live and work.
When I first started seeing patients in Ratoath, I never looked back. Deciding to set up here was the second-best decision I ever made. The first? Becoming a dentist, of course. These past 25 years have been the most rewarding of my career, and through it all, my commitment has been to offer the best in dental care and make Ratoath Dental one of the best practices around. But like the village itself, dentistry has evolved, and standing still was never an option.
I often think back to my father, who qualified in 1953. In his day, dentistry was about extracting teeth and replacing them with false ones – a far cry from the dynamic field we know today. I entered dentistry with a sense of excitement, sure that I would revolutionize the profession. But over the years, I’ve come to realise that the foundation of great dentistry is not the latest technique, but kindness, empathy, and listening to the patient. My father was right – a good sense of humour and a warm heart go a long way in creating a positive experience for our patients. We’ve always strived to get the little things right – from a welcoming smile to making sure our
patients feel at ease.
Today, Ratoath Dental and Implant Centre has grown into a modern, five-surgery practice with a dedicated team of sixteen. While we still offer traditional dental care, we’ve fully embraced the digital revolution. Smile design, facial aesthetics, composite bonding, teeth whitening, Botox and fillers – these are all part of our everyday practice. Thanks to predictive technology, we can now show our patients what their smile will look like before we even begin. Implants can be placed in areas that once seemed impossible, with the help of CT scanning and guided technology that ensures precision and safety. Bone regeneration means that almost no mouth is beyond restoration. Even our most nervous patients can be sedated in a comfortable, safe environment, making their experience as stress-free as possible.
I graduated from Dublin University in 1984, a fresh-faced dentist eager to make my mark. Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for the wonderful patients who have trusted me over the years. As I step into the next chapter, I’ll remain closely involved with Ratoath Dental and Implant Centre, continuing to ensure we uphold the high standards we’ve set. But now, it’s time for the next
generation to lead the way.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Your trust, your smiles, and your friendship have made all the difference. Here’s to the next 25 years!