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4th May 2008

Kelly-Marie Stewart is chosen as the new face of Diaco

Kelly Marie For most people, visiting the dentist can be a traumatising experience. And wheelchair users have other hurdles to overcome even a routine visit can lead to embarrassment and anxiety. But all this is now changing thanks to the diaco® dental chair, which is revolutionising the way in which dental treatment is provided.

Actress Kelly-Marie Stewart, 24, has been chosen as the new face of Diaco. She took time out of her busy filming schedule with a popular TV programme to tell us how stressful a visit to the dentist used to be, and how that's all changed, thanks to Diaco.

Tell us how it feels to visit the dentist?

I dread it! The sound of the drill sets my teeth on edge, which is normal for most people. But because I'm in a wheelchair there are practical and physical difficulties to endure, which makes the whole experience more frightening and undignified.

What are the practicalities?

The biggest problem is getting from my wheelchair into the dentist's chair so I can be treated. There is no easy way to do this, and it usually takes three people about ten minutes to hoist me into the chair. This makes me feel very agitated and distressed, which is the last thing I want when I go to the dentist.

That sounds very uncomfortable

Yes. It's embarrassing for everyone. The dentist, the dental nurse and my mum are all trying their best to transfer me without letting me fall or get hurt in the process. It makes everybody panic and feel awkward. I feel bad for them, but at the same time I'm totally helpless.

Tell us about your experience with the diaco dental chair

When I heard about the diaco® dental chair I thought it sounded like a great idea. I admit to being slightly wary at first, but only because all the methods I've used to get from my wheelchair to the dentist's chair have caused a lot of discomfort and anxiety.

But the diaco dental chair is very different from anything I've experienced. I simply moved my wheelchair onto the ramp, put the brake on and let the machine do the rest. There was no need for anyone to help me. I didn't have to be manhandled, and nobody was left feeling awkward or embarrassed. It was a simple manoeuvre with no fuss at all.

Within two minutes of entering the room I was safely in position and ready for the dentist to start work. And it only took seconds to leave after treatment.

I don't wear a seatbelt in my wheelchair, but I felt 100% safe at all times when I was in the diaco® dental chair. And the machine itself was so smooth and comfortable that it didn't feel like I was moving. I even tried to rock my chair to see if it would budge but it wouldn't!

What's your final word on the subject?

The diaco® dental chair helps make me feel like a 'normal' client. It puts me in control of an otherwise difficult experience. I hope every other wheelchair user who visits the dentist is as lucky as me, and has the opportunity to use a diaco dental chair.

Thank You, Diaco, for making dental visits almost pleasurable!

The whole team at Diaco would like to wish Kelly-Marie well in her career.