Chelmsford dentist Catherine Holmes was part of the 25-strong polyclinic team that worked during the Olympic Games to keep athletes in perfect oral health, and she managed to get a few photographs with her famous clients to remember the experience. Catherine, of Holmes Dental Practice, told the press ‘Although I am unable to break patient confidentiality by naming who I cared for, I was privileged to treat a number who became household names.’
It seems that even the best athletes in the world still need a lesson in oral hygiene though, as Catherine commented that ‘even those with ready access to brushes, paste, and running water needed our specialist care.’ Dr Holmes and her nurse Sharon Cambridge worked at the Olympic village for ten days during the Games and they were supported by doctors, massage therapists, and a whole medical team; ‘We ourselves must have dealt with hundreds of patients a day, it was surprisingly busy with everything from toothache and mouth guards to wisdom teeth extractions.’
Catherine, 51, also managed to get a photograph with the man of the moment, Usain Bolt, as well as Team GB heroes Tom Daley, who took bronze in the diving, gold medal winning rower Andrew Triggs-Hodge, and Olympic cycling champion Jessica Trott. ‘[they] were all glad to pose next to me,’ Catherine explained, ‘[and were] grateful to all the volunteers like myself.’