lifeofyablon.com

‘Open a little wider’, said my new-ish brother-in-law.  I looked up at him, through my huge green specs, and realised we had been right to welcome him so warmly to our ever-increasing clan of outlaws.

HUGE green specs @bowlanedental

If you have ever watched the American TV drama Brothers & Sisters, you’ll know exactly what I married into.  As they say, you can’t choose your family but coming from a two up two down family unit, I still pinch myself with excitement at the enormous scale of siblings-in-law I have on His side.

And the most recent to join our throng is EXACTLY what we were lacking.  An ology: a dentist!  Except that James Goolnik is so much more than the average dentist.

my new-ish brother in law, James Goolnik

12 years ago he founded Bow Lane Dental Group and fundamentally changed dentistry in the UK. The clinic, a far cry from the Harley Street experience I know only too well,  feels different from the moment you first set foot inside.  It’s elegant and yet modern, informal and relaxing – almost spa-like in atmosphere. There’s no bad dentist smell nor heavy, antiquated English drawing room feeling while the practice, unusually, offers the complete range of dental services on these premises.

2a Bow Lane’s stunning listed staircase

But what struck me most was the focus on the patient as a real person, not just another set of gnashers.  From the receptionist to James, everyone in this attractive building is singing from the same sparkly-white hymn sheet.   Probably not a surprise as James is the exclaimed author of Brush, the business handbook for entrepreneurs, not just dentists.

James gave me a full mouth comprehensive examination, checking the health of my teeth, gums and all soft tissues. He checked for oral cancer and did a bleeding score of my gums.

snap time

Then we both whipped out our cameras.  He took two digital X-rays to check for decay and the bone levels around my teeth before snapping some digital photographs of my mouth to record the gum levels and monitor any recession.  And I snapped right back at him.

shades of white according to James Goolnik

Before I was escorted up to meet Emma, one of his hygienists, we discussed (about 50) shades of white. I had never even considered having my teeth whitened and now it’s ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT.  Anyway, Emma did a great job of blasting my mouth stainless using a prophy jet air polisher (hold on tight – it’s pretty close to a sandbaster!) as well as all the usual hygienist cleaning.

the prophy jet air polisher blasts away

Family-aside,  I dropped  down into busy Bow Lane more than a little impressed by the degree of teeth sparkle and dental peace of mind my visit had left me with.

My appointments with James and Emma would have cost  £220 (90 mins).  I don’t need to see Emma for another 6 months and, although I’ll probably see James this weekend, I don’t need to drop my jaw for him for at least another 18 months.

For all my readers who need Bow Lane Dental services, James has generously offered you a 25% discount off this 90 minute combined comprehensive check and hygienist appointment if you book your appointment by the end of October.  Quote: Life of Yablon when you call 020 7236 3600 or email reception@bowlanedental.com

Bow Lane Dental Group 2a Bow Lane EC4