Whether you’re looking for dental implants or teeth whitening, you deserve great dental service. Here’s what to look for in a good dentist (and how to spot a bad one) near you.
You could be looking for a new dentist for any number of reasons. Perhaps you’ve moved to a new area. Maybe you’re unsatisfied with your current dentist, or maybe you suffer from dental anxiety and you’ve only just plucked up the courage to visit a dental practice after years and years of avoidance. Whatever the case, it’s important you pick the right dentist. You deserve more than just basic dental care — you should accept nothing less than an excellent dental service that takes dentistry, and its patients, seriously.
Below, we’ll cover exactly what you should look for when it comes to finding a good dentist near you and what questions you should be asking the dentist (and yourself) when you visit a practice.
Make Sure the Dentist Offers a Wide Range of Quality Services
A good dental practice should offer a breadth of dental services, from teeth restoration to adult orthodontics. You need to find a place that suits your needs and will deliver on what you require. If you are experiencing teeth discolouration, for example, you will want to ensure they offer expert teeth whitening services. Equally, if you are encountering teeth shifting, but you don’t want to deal with traditional metal braces, you need to know your dental practice offers invisible braces to suit your lifestyle.
Check out Their Dentists to Ensure They Are Well Qualified
The best dental practices are filled with the best dentists, great dental hygienists and excellent dental assistants. You want to find a dental service that employs professional and expertly qualified staff. If you visit your dentist’s website, you should be able to see evidence of this professionalism and continuing professional development, which proves they are up to date with new techniques and treatments.
Check out Recommendations, Get Referrals and Look at Case Studies
Unless a dental practice is brand new, they should have case studies, testimonials and recommendations they proudly display. If these aren’t evident on their website, get in touch and ask for them. If you are going to be trusting your oral health to a dentist, you deserve proof that they know what they are doing and that they get great results.
Of course, public opinion is always a great way to find a good dentist. Check out reviews online and ask your friends and family for references and recommendations. Word of mouth can be a great advertising tool, which is why the best dentists treat each patient well and strive to deliver the best care each and every time.
Look for Proof of Excellence on Their Website
A surefire way of determining whether a dental practice is worth your time is by searching for proof of excellence on their website. See if they have won awards for their services or if they have a Care Quality Commission Inspection Report. Being rated by an independent regulator is a solid indicator of high levels of service.
Find a Place That Makes Your Life More Convenient
Convenience is key when it comes to dental care. We all have busy lives, so many of us don’t go to the dentist as often as we should. Surprisingly, nearly half of Brits are happy to go two years or more between dental visits. This isn’t a good idea from an oral health point of view — you want to have regular check-ups to make sure there are no developing infections or tooth decays. For this reason, make life easier for yourself and find a dental practice that is close and convenient.
The other thing that’s important for convenience is money — specifically dental finance and membership plans. Find a dentist who will work with you and your financial situation to get your teeth in tip-top order.
Questions to Ask Your Dentist (and Yourself)
Sometimes the only way to really get to grips with a dental practice is to visit, ask questions and see how you feel about the level of service. Below are a few questions for you to ask the dentist:
How often do your dentists attend conferences and education workshops?
What exciting new technological advances have been introduced to the practice?
We proudly handpick and develop the best dental professionals, all of whom are deeply passionate about their work and committed to high standards of care. All of our dental staff takes great pride in being friendly, approachable, and dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction. We prioritise your comfort and well-being throughout your visit, and our warm and helpful team is always ready to assist you. For more information of the staff, check out our team at:
You can explore these Google reviews, which serve as tangible proof of our exceptional service and patient satisfaction. We believe that our patients’ experiences are the best testament to the quality of care we provide.
I had botox in 3 areas. I have been having botox for years at various different places and this was the best by far. Great staff and an excellent result. Thank you Tooth Doctor.
A lack of urgency is very clear with the reception team. Extremely slow responses to emails which becomes so frustrating. Either a shortage or staff or just sheer and utter laziness with getting back to customers. A poor system in place for efficiency with updating and getting back to people. So disappointing as jayde is lovely, unfortunately her team let her down.
I visited the Hygienist. As a nervous patient, she was caring, explained every process and worked at my pace. Highly recommend you visit and treat your teeth ☺️
I went to my first hygiene appointment and was greeting by a lovely Rositsa Stoeva. She talked me through the whole procedure and put my mind at rest as I was nervous. She then carried out the hygiene. She then talked me through what products I need to keep my teeth healthy and I was feeling great. I would recommend anyone to go and see her,.
I would highly recommend Stanford le Hope Tooth Doctor 100% as they fixed my false tooth back into place very securely the team and the dentist who fixed my tooth did an excellent job all were friendly and helpful
I had a great experience at ‘Tooth Doctor’! From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by how clean and bright the premises were, creating a very welcoming atmosphere. The staff were all incredibly friendly and made me feel comfortable right away.
I highly recommend Tooth Doctor to anyone looking for a dentist. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish!
I had my first visit to the tooth doctor very caring and professional everything was explained to me and if your sure what's being said they will go over it again don't be shy of asking silly questions they answer any concerns.
Was an amazing start, i was looking for a dentist to have all my checks, and do some works after examination of my tooth.
Was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and give me a really good feeling to be there.
I book already my next appointment.
The difference in customer service (even though I was paying private with my previous dentist also) was insane - from the phone to the appointment, everyone here is putting your comfort first. Your dentist is prompt, welcoming and walks you through all your procedures as well as available options, even if its just an X ray. I look forward to finally going to a dentist where I feel wanted and looked after 🙂
I would like to express my thanks and share my positive experience with a one off dental treatment I required. The team at:-
Tooth Doctor, located in Brentwood were extremely helpful, informative and dealt with my issue swifty.
I was offered additional support and information, which if I find myself needing I have no hesitation following up.
I had a great experience with Jayde during my recent dental appointment. She took her time to thoroughly understand the issues I was facing and was transparent in her explanations and recommendations. It was clear that she genuinely cares about her patients, which made the visit feel comfortable and reassuring. I felt listened to and well-informed throughout the process. Highly recommend!
Omg! I was so so scared to go to the dentist and being judged how bad I left my teeth! Let me tell you DR Anthony was the best doctor I ever had. So so sympathetic, very welcoming and made me easy so quickly! Let’s not forget Szilvy! She was very friendly too. I rebooked him straight away for the next week and plan to save what can be saved! Please if you always been scared and u hesitate of dying of infection or book and appointment to finally see a doctor I hope you see this. Book it! And book him as my first experience with him was the best. So I can imagine the other doctors are the same! They will have patience and understanding! Also the receptionist you are a hard working amazing girl 😃 thank you for my first impression
The Tooth Doctor was a very good experience for me. I have a fear of the dentist and all the staff and the dentist put me at ease. They made me feel very comfortable too. It's not cheap but if you can afford to go here I would consider investing. I'm sure the dental treatment I'm having will be worth every penny.
My Hygiene Appointment with Ros was great, she gave me excellent advice and talked me through exactly what she was doing step by step.
My teeth felt so clean and fresh afterwards.
I Would highly recommend Ros and the team at this practice. All staff are wonderful, from the receptionist who is friendly and helpful to the dental practitioner who was amazing then onto Ros the hygienist.
Actually going here has changed my life.
They are so interested in finding the best bespoke treatment for you.
Thank you so much xxx
I am by nature a nervous patient when it comes to dental heath so anticipating a double extraction was not something I was looking forward to. However the welcoming environment from booking the appointment at Reception to having my nerves calmed in Reception whilst waiting and then ultimately being supported and reassured by my Dentist truly reduced my anxiety and the clear concise transparent explanation of the process made it feel like a collaborative experience where I could have input via the checking of my comfortability throughout the process.
I unequivocally recommend Brentwood Tooth Doctor unreservedly and wish to express my appreciation for their professionalism and personalised care. Deborah Smith
I wanted to improve my smile for my wedding. I had a hygiene clean & teeth whitening. As someone who dreads the dentist they made me feel comfortable whilst being professional. Reccomend.
I went to Brentwood dentist very nervous because of bad experiences prior
And I had such a good experience with Anthony the dentist there he is so patient calming and kind and I will be going to only from now on
I thought he deserves a review and for fellow nervous patients i highly recommend
Dr Anthony is a brilliant dentist, understanding, kind, explains everything simply, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.
My partner has had bad experiences with the dentist, very anxious, Dr Anthony gave him confidence to return, my whole family will be joining you soon.
I can’t praise the Brentwood Tooth Doctor enough. Having had previously bad experiences at dentists and not having been to a dentist for longer than I care to remember I went with trepidation. But I found everyone to be very pleasant and professional from the receptionist, the nurse and Anthony the dentist. Anthony was friendly, calming and never judgmental. My nervousness of getting treatment washed away. I can’t thank the team enough.
Jade is lovely and patient. I’m nervous of the dentist, she talked me through everything involved in my tooth extraction. She was as gentle as she could be, I have the confidence to go back now for a check up to see what else needs doing.
This is by far the best dentist I ever been. The receptionist Nanayaa was super simpatic and was calming me down before the consultation. I had a initial consultation with Dr. Anthony who was very helpful and understanding considering that I am a very anxious patient. He was gentle, kind and really solved my problem. After that I needed to do a filling with Dr.Jade as the days that Dr. Anthony works I wasn't around. She was so clever as she really understand my situation and helped me out to make the best decision in my case. Her assistant (also called Jade) was very kind on holding my hand while she applied the anaesthetic and the filling was great and I couldn't be more happier. TOTALLY RECOMEND.
After avoiding the dentist for years, Anthony was outstanding. I physically could not recommend this dentist practise or Anthony anymore, everyone there was lovely
Shamefacedly not having been to see a dentist for longer than I care to admit, my anxiety and fears completely dissipated under the friendly and understanding care of Farhan and his team. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone who is nervous or has anxiety of visiting the dentist, everything is explained and it’s a welcoming calm environment
I am never scared to come in for treatment. My dentist is very friendly and professional. Treatments are always explained very clearly and completed successfully. I am always comfortable and happy with the results.
My appointment at the Tooth Doctor I found Dentist Farhan Malik to be knowledgeable in his field of dentistry and kept me informed throughout. I would fully recommend them totally professional practitioners
Great experience with the hygienist. She was very informative and friendly. Very good at checking I was okay in the process and made my teeth look and feel amazing
Recommended to these guys by a friend, and I can see why!
Great customer service, treated me on the same day, lovely staff - I highly recommend these guys too if looking for dental care in Brentwood
I cannot recommend Dr Edeki enough. He is always so professional and kind to me and my daughter especially. He gives great advice for how to take care of your teeth and always makes sure you are as comfortable as can be during treatment. Fabulous dentist!
Anthony is probably the best Dentist I have ever seen. I've always had a terrible fear of Dentists, but after meeting Anthony I felt relaxed, I felt that I could trust him too, which is so important to me. I would recommend him to anybody, he's a lovely young, and knows his stuff.
Amazing service! I left my local dentist of 8 years due to bad service and I am so happy my family is under the care of Jayde. Professional, personal and knowledgeable. She educates you on your teeth - something I have never had. Would recommend to anyone looking for a quality dentist who does not see you as just a number.
Had teeth whitening (boutique) and composite bonding, in time for my wedding. Tooth Doctor was able to work within the needed timeframe and provided thorough examination and was informative around the process ensuring that I was fully aware of the pros and cons. The whitening process was the longest part as composite bonding (5 teeth) were done in one sitting approx just under an hour. No pain, no irritation, love the shape of the teeth and feel like my teeth are sturdier than before. Thank you Tooth Doctor!
I’ve been on a treatment plan with this practice and the team have been super patient with me considering my needle phobia. They are professional and kind!
I came here ( Stanford ) to have my teeth straightened top and bottom, using invisulines. I had no confidence prior to treatment, but a year in and I am now smiling and eating in front of friends and family, and even in public ! The staff have been super amazing with me, and they explain each procedure as it happens. I probably have at least another 6 months left, but already the transformation is unrecognisable to how I used to look. Largely, I have felt little discomfort, just bruised feeling and some sensitivity as my teeth move. But to me, every little pain and discomfort has been absolutely worth it ! I cannot wait for the final results, but I already feel like my teeth look amazing ! I would 100% recommend Tooth Doctor for all your dental needs ! X
Great dentist, would recommend to anyone wanting any treatments or dental hygiene, fillings, etc.
Special shout out to dentist Jayde who was very supportive, professional, made me feel comfortable, explains everything clearly and I was very satisfied with everything done. Highly recommended!
What a fantastic dentists!
After trying most of the local dentists in the Brentwood area and most having a long waiting list I was presently surprised at how fast and simple the booking process was.
The dental treatment was for my father who suffers from poor mental health and hadn't been to the dentist for over 20 years so this was extremely daunting for him.
From the first call to our last treatment, the team were Fantastic. They went above and beyond to make my father feel at ease throughout the process and have such a high level for patients care and wellbeing.
The work carried out was A1 and my father was extremely happy with his dental work and would highly recommend!!
From Derek and Feeddie THANK YOU!
ps. Sorry for the delay!
I have just finished my Invisalign treatment with Jayde @ the Brentwood branch and I could not recommend more highly. From start to finish Jayde explained each step thoroughly & kept me at ease. I am over the moon with how my teeth now look. The process was smooth painless and fast! Thank you so much
I required an emergency appointment and they were able to accommodate.
The staff were all very friendly , welcoming and explained everything to me which made me very much at ease .
I would defiantly recommend
Our Locations in Essex and Thurrock
Tooth Doctor proudly serves the community of Essex and Thurrock with two conveniently located dental clinics. Whether you’re in Basildon or Stanford-le-Hope, a top-tier dental experience is just around the corner. The Basildon clinic is situated at 7 Market Pavement SS14 1DD. The Stanford-le-Hope clinic is at 26 Corringham Rd SS17 0AH. They are all easily accessible from your work or home both by car and public transportation. With ample parking options and proximity to major transit routes, making it hassle-free to schedule dental appointments that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
Our Opening Hours
We understand the importance of accommodating your busy schedule, which is why our practice offers extended office hours. From Monday to Thursday, we’re open from 9 am to 7.30 pm, ensuring that you have the flexibility to visit us even after a long day at work. On Fridays, our hours are from 9 am to 5.30 pm, and for added convenience, we’re also open on Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm.
If you’re considering dental treatments, whether routine or cosmetic, you can get in touch with the Tooth Doctor team today for a free online dental consultation. It’s quick and easy and our friendly and professional team will be happy to help you. Arrange a consultation today.
