Build back better!
Smiling through challenging times
“The only constant is change”. Reflecting on the last two years in dentistry, no-one can argue with this sentiment from Ruaridh McKelvey, Principal Orthodontist and co-founder of Beam Orthodontics.
As the Dundee practice approaches its 15th anniversary, what began as a modest operation in a former church has grown and evolved into one of Scotland’s leading orthodontics practices.
Today, the multi-award-winning team spends their days perfecting smiles, with the growth in both premises and team fuelled by a growing demand for specialist orthodontic treatment, especially ‘invisible’ braces including Invisalign.
Welcoming patients through a luxurious reception area, a real ‘wow’ moment for clients, the new space flows into a state-of-the art treatment centre
To accommodate this growth, Beam unveiled a stunning new clinic in 2020 where patients can enjoy their life-changing treatment in comfort and style.
“When Beam opened back in 2007, the team consisted of myself and two nurses but we always had growth in mind,” said Ruaridh.
“Orthodontic Therapists were still a new concept back then but, having worked within this business model down south after qualifying, the benefits to our patients and the business itself were clear.
“We made it our mission to create a slick, efficient model that would allow us to function efficiently and grow and maximise the talent within the team.
“Of course, we soon outgrew our existing space and, in 2020, when restrictions allowed, the time came to branch into the ground floor space below. We have since transformed a former restaurant into a beautiful clinic for the hundreds of adults who attend Beam for Invisalign and aesthetic orthodontic treatment each year.
“Welcoming patients through an impressive, luxurious reception area, a real ‘wow’ moment for clients, the new space flows into a state-of-the art treatment centre. Private patients can enjoy their first free consultation before heading into the clinical space boasting four surgeries, increasing the number of dental chairs from five to nine.
“So, as well as allowing us to see more patients, the stunning, spa-like setting provides that welcome separation from the bustling kids’ clinic upstairs, allowing patients to really enjoy the experience and the journey to their perfect smile!
“In this line of work, especially now, the only constant is change. Each and every member of the team has experienced resilience and change on a whole new level but that has allowed us to grow, both as a business and as individuals.
“Like everyone working in dentistry, we have had to adapt and evolve our offering within an ever-changing landscape. I’d like to thank every member of our team for their commitment and flexibility while maintaining, and in fact exceeding, the standards we aspire to each day.”
The Growing Beam Team
Attracting patients from throughout Dundee, Angus, Fife, Perthshire and beyond, five days a week, all year round, Beam welcomes referrals from a wide range of primary care dental partners, providing a seamless experience for the patient. Within the last 12 months alone, over 300 dentists have referred their patients, reinforcing Beam’s reputation as the ‘go-to’ orthodontists in the east of Scotland.
Led by Ruaridh, the team has recently been bolstered by the arrival of Specialist Orthodontist Roxana Lutic. Roxana works alongside Neil McDougall, a highly-experienced dentist with enhanced skills in orthodontics, supported by six (soon-to-be-seven) Orthodontic Therapists and the nursing team.
With unrivalled experience in various appliances and techniques, the team combines more than 30 collective years of orthodontic experience and training to ensure the very best results. Indeed, Ruaridh himself is now a Diamond Apex Invisalign provider – the only orthodontist in Scotland with the status – placing him in the top one per cent of Invisalign providers worldwide.
Ensuring that Beam is fully equipped to meet the growing demand for any type of orthodontic treatment, the entire team is committed to continuous professional development, striving to remain at the forefront of their profession.
Two nurses are currently going through their dental radiology training while another trainee Orthodontic Therapist is planning to sit her Royal College Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy exams this summer.
Of course, building on face-to-face consultations and care, technology also has a key role to play. The Dental Monitoring (DM) App allows patients to monitor their progress by scanning their teeth with their smartphone. Images are then sent to their clinician, providing more engagement, feedback and reassurance.
Using technology which is more accurate than the naked eye, patients can scan their teeth regularly, allowing them to track the movement of their teeth and the success of their ongoing treatment, with patients supported throughout this process by Beam’s new digital coordinator.
Last but by no means least, Sarah Neave, Marketing Executive, has been appointed to spread the word about Beam’s good work to a diverse range of audiences, from families and private patients to the hundreds of dentists who place their trust in Beam each year.
Always striving for best practice, Beam’s in-house marketing is complemented by membership of The Invisible Orthodontist. This international network provides a professional community for orthodontists, allowing the profession to stay ahead of the curve through ongoing, industry-leading support and training.
For more information, please contact Beam – telephone (01382) 202604, email hello@beamortho.com or www.beamortho.com.
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