Meet the Board: Joanna Sutcliffe
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 27th December 2024
Dr Joanna Sutcliffe is passionate about working with her patients to improve and maintain all aspects of their oral health and offer high-quality care. Her areas of interest include the provision of care for anxious patients requiring dental sedation, comprehensive care involving cosmetic or functional smile rehabilitation and the replacement of missing teeth with dental implants.
Dr Sutcliffe is Regional Rep for South West England. She shares a little bit about herself, her experience with the ADI so far, and why she took on her role on the Board:
“I have been a member of the ADI for about 10 years now. I was invited to become a trustee by some local implant dentists with whom I had worked to replace an outgoing representative.
“My first official meeting was at the start of the pandemic. There were many changes that resulted from those few years. This has honed a strong and efficient board. In my first three years, we have moved the organisation forward gaining momentum and presence. The board of the ADI all share a passion for dental implant therapy with both patients and the public.
“When I was a dentist starting out in dental implant treatment, I joined both the ITI and the ADI, to see what was on offer. I found that the ADI in particular was flexible and not afraid to look at new technology and embrace new ways of thinking. This means that the ADI is able to embrace pushing the boundaries, and stay up-to-date with all the latest innovations.
“They provide thought-provoking, legendary Congresses, with engaging educational and social programmes which are usually held in accessible locations – 2025 is in Brighton. This gives you access to all the latest research information in an interactive way. I much prefer to get updates face to face, so I come from Devon to attend ADI events, and hear from the fantastic speakers who have their fingers on the pulse.”
Discussing why she accepted her role on the board, Dr Sutcliffe comments:
“I decided to take the role on because I wanted to find out about the ‘behind the scenes’ and, as a female GDP providing dental implants, I am proud to have the opportunity to represent this important sector of implant dentists. Although we have come a long way, I feel that dental implantology is still a relatively male dominated field. As such, I am a voice for ADI members like myself. Additionally, I have found that being a member of the board has allowed me to maintain connections, meet new people, and create a network of support.”
Dr Sutcliffe shares her top tip for clinicians:
“For those who want to or already provide dental implants, my top tip would be to choose your cases wisely, and get to know your patient before you dive in as this allows you to more effectively manage expectations. It is really important to know your professional limits and when to ask for help.
“I would also recommend reaching out to form a network. In the past, I have found this challenging, as people aren’t always open to share their experience, good or bad. The ADI offers a safe space for face-to-face networking, so I’d definitely suggest joining the association and making friends.”
Dr Sutcliffe discusses the importance of bringing people together in the local area, and her hopes for the coming years:
“I have found that, since the pandemic, everyone is very comfortable with the idea of Zoom meetings – particularly as this seems to enable people from further afield to participate. This has been very valuable in the South West as it is a large area. However, I feel that it is just as important to meet face to face as it offers more variation and opportunities for connection. As such, I would encourage those in my region to reach out and let me know what matters most to them, and what they would like from regional meetings.
“Another area that I would like to improve in my region over the coming years is public education. Currently, the public are relatively unaware of the ADI as an organisation, and I would very much like to increase this awareness. I hope this will be helpful when patients are seeking dental implant treatment, as members of the ADI are regularly attending educational events and are actively trying to improve the care they provide.”
For more information, please visit www.adi.org.uk
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