Kelli Hopton – Patient Co-ordinator

I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of working under pressure for an ever expanding dental team, ensuring that all our patients receive an extremely high level of patient care.Kelli

Before undertaking the major dental work required I researched dentists across Southern England. The reputation of the Hereford Dental Clinic was impressive and on my first visit I knew this was the place for me.
A superb, stylish and modern dental practice, with the best and most professional team possible.
Every visit for me is over a two hundred mile journey but it is well worth it.
The personal care that I have received on every occasion was always first class. The entire team is outstanding, especially Faresh, Kelli and Lucy.
An inspirational team and place and as Tina Turner described “….simply the best….”Nigel

Until September 2010, I had not been to the Dentist since 3rd April 1980.

I’ve had a very severe Dental Phobia since early Childhood. My Parents didn’t take me twice a Year, only when something was wrong. As a Toddler I had been given Rosehip Syrup in my Bottle, and it caused a lot of decay. I also hated the taste of Toothpaste, and didn’t like brushing my Teeth.

My Father was a Chemist , and used to take me to Private Dentists, who were Friends. There was always a huge amount of tension before and during Appointments. Everyone was cross with me for being frightened, and there was also the pressure of not wanting to upset my Father’s Friends…..who apparently saw me as a favour to him.

They were quite rough with me, angry and made me feel stupid. I was terrified of the smell, instruments…..stiff white coats, masks and sitting in the dreaded chair. This was all combined with feeling out of control, and guilt over being considered a difficult child.

Dr Eric Scher, a fiery Irishman was the worst…….he would shout at me and berate my Mother in front of me. Both my Parents were then furious with me for making a fuss.

I was prescribed Vallium while still at Primary School….to take 3 days before an Appointment. I would refuse to eat, feel nauseous, cry and have panic attacks. I felt as though I was awaiting my Execution……as far fetched as that sounds, it’s the best way I can describe my overwhelming feeling of dread and terror.

I’m ashamed to say, I used to push Notes under my Parents Door threatening Suicide.Twice I ran away from home instead of facing the Dentist.

By the time I was 17…..I had gained a bit of control over it, I suppose it was my Teenage Interest in Boys and wanting to be pretty. So I did go, but always had to have a Filling.
My final Appt on the 3rd April 1980, coincided with my Mother dieing of Cancer at home. By the time I returned from the Dentist, she had slipped into a Coma, and died that Night

Something in me made me decide I wouldn’t attend my next Appointment, and I never did. A huge and catastrophic mistake that I would live to bitterly regret.

Over the years, fillings came out, teeth broke and by the time I was in my late Twenties early Thirties….my bad teeth were very noticeable and ruining my confidence, but I still wouldn’t go. I even had a few abscesses, which were agony……I bought Antibiotics on the Internet, coped with the pain and still wouldn’t go.

Flash forward to Summer 2010……..I had missing teeth , wouldn’t smile and realised I was at the end of the Road. Something had to happen. Truthfully I was suicidal. A 20 year marriage had just ended , I was terrified of the future, and knew deep down that I could never move on with my life until I finally had my teeth sorted.

I went on Dental Phobia Websites, and Forums, and spent a few weeks trying to desensitise myself a bit. This from the Woman who even felt nauseous if a TV Commercial for Toothpaste came on.

The luckiest day of my life, was when I saw a Link for the Hereford Dental Clinic…..only 25 Miles from where I live, and they specialised in Nervous Patients like Me. I knew immediately that this was an Opportunity I had to take. Their Website was fantastic….full of Pictures, and Information about all the Staff, Techniques, Sedation and glowing recommendations from happy Patients. That gave me the confidence to send a heartfelt and desperate Email……after a stiff Gin and Tonic. I pressed SEND, and knew there was no going back.

Imagine my horror when Kelli Hopton phoned me the next Morning !!!!!

We arranged a visit to the Clinic, just to talk and meet a Dentist. I knew I had to do it, and Kelli was so kind and reassuring , it gave me the confidence to go…..the first time in over 30 years.

Hereford Dental Clinic is very welcoming , nicely decorated with fantastic friendly Staff. Although I was nervous , it was nothing like I had experienced before.

Kelli was very understanding and let me blurt out my sorry tale, without any negative comments or body language. I felt so encouraged.

Then, in came Dr Gursh Bajwa……no stiff white medical coat, and not wielding a screaming Drill.
He was so friendly, relaxed and calming and assured me something could be done. ……using Sedation. He fully explained the procedure, and was so positive I felt like I was looking forward to an exciting Journey that would change my Life forever.

Gursh is an amazing Dentist….in all aspects, but for someone like me, his most important qualities are empathy, kindness , reassuring manner and an awesome sense of humour. I trusted him implicitly , and that is a wonderful feeling .
The Sedations were a breeze, I was only mildly nervous the first time….thereafter I took it in my stride….because every Appt was one step nearer my new Life.

Between Sept 2010 and Aug 2011 there were many Appointments….but by the end of it I did have a new Life.
I love smiling and having my photo taken, but there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think how lucky I was to meet Gursh and all the Staff at Hereford Dental Clinic….without their excellence in modern Dental techniques, but most of all their understanding and encouragement, I could never have done this.I am eternally grateful.

On a final Note…….another happy ending……at the end of August I met a wonderful Man, who is now a big part of my life and I am in love.

I know with absolute certainty, I would never have met him if my Smile had not been transformed the way it has. So yet another reason to heap praise on Gursh!

Sandra