Kjeller Tannhelse: Where the patient is in the driving sea

By Hanna Margrethe Enger | Photos: Kjeller Tannhelse

We all know the importance of good dental health, but many of us still do not visit the dentist as often as we should. It could be because of fear or because we worry about being presented with a large bill at the end of the appointment. Having some control over and knowing what happens, can help calm dental anxiety.

20 kilometres north of Oslo lies Kjeller, where you will find Norway’s first airport and Kjeller Tannhelse, a dental clinic that has been taking care of thousands of smiles for over 50 years. Trine Bjelke-Holtermann has taken over as CEO from her father, who established the clinic in 1970. She has worked hard to make what started as a one-man practice into a clinic with both general dentists and specialists.

“Being owner, dentist and colleague means that you have to wear many hats at all times,” Bjelke-Holtermann says. “It also means that you must have knowledge of how to build and run a successful business and be an employer. Most importantly however, I try at all times to be the best dentist and colleague that I can be.”

Kjeller Tannhelse: Where the patient is in the driving sea

The importance of transparency and consent

Fearing what the dentist might find during a check-up, if it has been a few years since the last appointment, is something many can relate to. Will they need to do a lot of work? How much will it cost? “The patient is the most important person in the room,” the CEO explains. “Our goal is always to know what the patient really wants before we start a treatment. They must always be shown one or more treatment proposals and cost estimates before starting.”

The specialists at the clinic work with patients and perform complex treatments that the general dentists don’t. They receive several referrals daily from other dentists, and many patients make contact on their own initiative. Some patients have been with Kjeller Tannhelse since 1970, a testament to the clinic’s quality of work.

Kjeller Tannhelse: Where the patient is in the driving sea

Dental nurse Ronak Karimi and periodontics specialist Simen W Johnsen.

Working interdisciplinarily and closely together

At the clinic, they carry out major treatments for patients every day, where several specialists are involved. To achieve the desired end result, a lot of time is spent on planning, to avoid unforeseen complications. Over-treating is not something they do at Kjeller Tannhelse, however. “My aim when planning the treatment for a patient is that I will do as little as possible but as much as necessary. I always think what would I have done if this was my parent, husband or daughter,” Bjelke-Holtermann says.

The team complements each other with their specialities. Bjelke-Holtermann is a specialist in oral prosthetics, working with everything from veneers and dentures to implants. When planning for implant insertion, she will work with Vestengen, a specialist in maxillofacial (jaw and face) radiology.

Vestengen does all CT examinations of 3D X-rays taken of the patient. Then it is Amin’s turn to place the implants. He specialises in oral surgery and oral medicine. If the patient needs implants due to gum disease, Johnsen, who specialises in periodontics, is the go-to person. He can also correct long tooth necks through soft tissue surgery.

The final member of the team is Katle. An endodontics specialist with additional expertise to treat frightened patients, he is the dentist to go to for a root canal. “With various specialities at the clinic, we provide patients with a better overall offer,” Bjelke-Holtermann explains.

Trine Bjelke-Holtermann, CEO.

Teaching the patients to take care of their teeth

Fixing dental problems is not all they do at the clinic. An important part is teaching patients how to take care of their own teeth or the dental work they have received. This may sound basic, but according to Bjelke-Holtermann, this is absolutely essential for the longevity and success of good oral health.

“Many people think that once work is done at the dentist, they are finished and the work will last a lifetime,” she says. “This is absolutely not the case. Therefore, the patient must be aware of the prognoses of the work carried out and how often they should go to the dentist or dental nurse for follow-up.”

Although technology and materials today give dentists the opportunity to treat illness and injuries in teeth and oral cavities, the most important thing is prevention. It does not have to be complicated. “It is said that what is simple is often the best, and this also applies to the daily cleaning of your teeth,” Bjelke-Holtermann adds. “A good toothbrush, preferably electric, that you use morning and night together with fluoride toothpaste without abrasives. In addition, you should use dental floss or interdental brushes. For the vast majority of people, this is sufficient to maintain good oral health.”