Last Word

Having the right words can be a blessing ... or an embarrassment. Stephen Hancocks notes why 'your call is important to us'.

What does customer care really mean, asks Stephen Hancocks, and how can we apply it to the practice?

There is a temptation to share recipes with colleagues and friends. This is all very well but beware: there are certain rules that you should follow. Stephen Hancocks heads for the Vital oven.

Hardly a week goes by without some cause for celebration in the practice. Stephen Hancocks pops into the local card shop.

There are all sorts of sources of light in the practice. Stephen Hancocks flicks a switch or two.

Stephen Hancocks peruses the diary of a young Victorian dental nurse which was unexpectedly found on a dusty shelf of the BDA library.

We live in tough economic times, as Lord Sugar frequently reminds us, so what effect might this have on our Christmas giving? By Stephen Hancocks

Work colleagues often approach each other with sponsorship forms. How should we react? Stephen Hancocks asks you to help pay him by the word to find out.

At one time even the notion of dental awards produced a slightly quizzical look and a shrug; now Stephen Hancocks finds it is a gold leaf-edged ticket to a flute of champagne.

We so often hear patients asking for the film star makeover but Stephen Hancocks' chat with dental nurse Maureen provides a caution on being careful what we wish for.

Christmas and dentistry can sometimes create less than goodwill to all men. Stephen Hancocks ponders on the practice Christmas card.

Once upon a time you could just throw stuff away. It was called rubbish, or trash if you spoke American, and nobody much cared. Now though, talking rubbish is a serious business, says Stephen Hancocks.

Smells can be very evocative, but not always in a good way. Stephen Hancocks has a sniff around the practice.

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