As a dentist with a special interest in Oral Surgery I am able to treat patients requiring difficult extractions and those who have more complex medical needs. I can also carry out orthodontic extractions for patients who are finding it difficult to arrange these with their own general dentist in practice. Patients are referred to me by my Smile Together colleagues as well as dentists from practices right across Cornwall.
I can treat a patient in Bodmin who might otherwise need to be referred to the Oral Surgery Department of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust at Treliske in Truro or University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust at Derriford, often more convenient and saving them a long journey. We can usually see patients within a few weeks whereas the hospital services have a much longer waiting time.
It is rewarding being able to offer patients a more local service for their complex dentistry needs and I really enjoy the challenge of technically difficult cases. The biggest challenge in my role is that sometimes I am asked to see patients who are extremely anxious, to the point where I have to refer them on to hospital for a general anaesthetic or sedation. Therefore I’m planning to undertake additional training soon so that I can treat these cases at Bodmin. This qualification will complement my Masters in Oral Surgery from the University of Plymouth, Diploma in Postgraduate Dental Studies from the University of Bristol and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (London).
It’s so inspiring working in Smile Together. The Harleigh Road Dental Centre where I practise is amazing – we have great facilities and the renovations have been carried out sensitively so the original character of the old school building is not lost. However the best thing about my job is that I’m part of a fantastic team who are not only very capable clinicians, they are mutually supportive and incredibly encouraging to one another.
I would recommend Smile Together to anyone working in dentistry. Alongside the collective passion for patient care, the overall feeling in the organisation is one of being encouraged and supported, both as a dentist and as an individual. There are many opportunities for career development and we are given tremendous support to pursue our professional goals.
I honestly have no idea what inspired me to be a dentist but from just 8 years old I knew that is what I wanted to be – when at that age most of my friends wanted to be a princess or ballet dancer! Outside of work I enjoy music (I play the cornet in a local brass band) and walking in the beautiful Cornish countryside or coastline with my two dogs.
Here’s what Pam’s patients say:
“I had minor dental surgery to remove a broken root. Pam and Julie were very welcoming, friendly and professional. I was made to feel completely at ease, and any discomfort was kept to a minimum. The whole procedure was explained to me and the advice they gave me for aftercare was excellent”
“I am petrified of the dentist and have been for a long time but I have to say if it wasn’t for how reassuring my dentist Pam Ray and her nurse Julie I wouldn’t have gone through with the procedure, they were outstanding from start to finish”
“I just wanted to give massive thanks to my dentist Pam and nurse Debbie for doing such a great job with my wisdom tooth extraction in Bodmin a couple of weeks ago. They were both so friendly, professional and super-efficient. I felt relaxed and reassured throughout and the job was done pretty quickly! The aftercare was excellent, with any concerns answered by the team. I’m really grateful for the care that was provided – thank you!”
“The care I was given was amazing. The dentist Pam Ray and her dental nurse Debbie provided a caring, professional service. Putting me at ease throughout, it was a painless process. I had been waiting a year for my tooth to be extracted, so was so happy to have it removed. I would certainly recommend Pam and Debbie at the Harleigh Road Clinic for the wonderful treatment I received”