About our Dental Practice
The Gentle Touch dental practice is located in the historic Corn Exchange building in Kelso, Scottish Borders. We provide preventive and holistic dentistry in a patient-centred, gentle and caring way. The Gentle Touch is a friendly, professional and modern practice, offering private membership options for adults. Our members’ children can access NHS treatment via our private practice. We have a fantastic team of dentists, specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental nurses and support team.
Our Philosophy
Our practice mission statement is to provide preventive and holistic dentistry delivered in a patient-centred, gentle and caring way.
At the Gentle Touch, we pride ourselves in making our patients feel at ease. From the moment you walk into the dental practice and meet our welcoming reception team, to when meeting any of our friendly clinicians. We want to make your visit gentle and relaxing; many patients comment that their visit was a pleasure!
All of our patients are members of our maintenance care plan. Membership covers all the basics: regular oral health assessments (check-ups), x-rays if required, hygiene treatments and access to daily urgent appointments. These regular health assessments coupled with tailor-made advice, is key to a preventative approach and can often reduce the need for treatment. This is how we support you and your family to achieve and maintain good dental health. Please visit Your Membership for more information.
Our experienced dentists all endeavor to keep up to date with the latest research as well as undertaking further study to complement their knowledge; you are welcome to meet the team and browse their biographies to see just how friendly and clever they are!
We welcome children from age 0-18 (of registered parents) to the Gentle Touch practice. Children are seen by your private dentist but under the NHS regulations. Please see Children’s Dentistry for more information.
We have ground floor surgeries that have disabled access as well as a hearing loop which is available on request.
We are extremely fortunate to have the award-winning lab Vision also based in Kelso. When investing in cosmetic dentistry, visiting the technician is the best way to achieve the most natural appearance.
Inside the Gentle Touch practice
The Practice History
The Corn Exchange was constructed in 1855. As well as a trading market for corn, it was a farm labourer hiring point before the opening of the labour exchange after WWII.
It was used as a dance hall, meeting room, badminton court, second-hand furniture store and sculpture workshop before lying unused.
Planning and renovations to convert it to one of the most modern dental practices in the Borders began in 2003 with the practice moving from Roxburgh Street to The Corn Exchange in August 2006.
The layout has been visited and admired by many dentists including the Chief Dental Officer for Scotland.
Amber Aplin continues to invest and develop the practice to keep it at the cutting edge.