Dentist Lisa recognised after saving patient’s life
A DENTIST from Greystones has been crowned the Colgate Leinster Dentist of the Year 2018 after she saved a patient’s life.
Dr Lisa Lucey of Lucey Dental was nominated after a mole on a young patient’s face triggered concerns. It transpired the patient had other moles on her arms and one of these was found to be cancerous.
The judging panel praised Dr Lucey for assessing ‘ the whole health of a new patient, including skilfully asking relevant questions’.
This year marked the tenth year of the awards which enable patients to nominate dentists who have provided them with dental care above and beyond their expectations. RTE presenter Joe Duffy was MC for the awards ceremony at the RDS in Dublin which was attended by over 400 people.
Dr Lucey said winning this award would be a turning point for the practice.
‘I am honoured and humbled that the patients of Lucey Dental nominated myself and my team for these awards. This is such a valued accolade, not just for myself but also recognition for my loyal and dedicated team. Winning awards like this one reassures our exist- ing patients and encourages new patients to drop in. I am grateful to my patients for their continuous support and trust in us at Lucey Dental.’
The nominating patient said that she was undergoing her first check-up with Dr Lucey, when her dentist noticed are- as on her face which she said warranted further examination.
‘She looked at my arm and saw further areas that seemed to concerned her. She was so nice and comforting to me and explained she would, with my permission, send pictures which she would take on the day to her colleague Dr Chan in the Blackrock Clinic.’
A few weeks later, the patient was called in for surgery on her arm.
‘I just had the surgery on my arm with a 5mm incision to remove the cancerous lesion, double stitched internally and externally. My doctor said “This could have been very different if you had not been referred to me”.
‘I don’t know how to express my gratitude to Dr Lucey. She’s the most caring person I’ve ever met for a professional and she saved my life. I am a mother of two small children and it has really made me think how blessed I was to set foot inside the door of Lucey Dental. I am forever grateful to Dr Lisa Lucey.’