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Home | Our Services | A dentist for me and my family

A dentist for me and my family

Ciara Sutherland checking a young girl's teeth in the dental chair

Looking after the whole family

When you become a member, your children are seen here too, free of charge on the NHS until they turn 18. We’re open after school, and keep plenty of space available on Friday afternoons, so appointments can fit around school hours.

New adult patients can usually have an Advanced Dental Check-up within one to two weeks.

Joining us

There are two ways to start.

  • A free chat with a care coordinator. If you’re nervous, haven’t been to a dentist for a while, or just want to ask questions first, this is the place to begin. It happens away from the dental chair, with no charge and no obligation.
  • An Advanced Dental Check-up. If you’re ready to go straight in, give us a call. Our care coordinator, who will get to know you will give you a call and arrange your check-up from there.

Book a free chat
Call us to arrange your advanced dental check-up

The patient lounge at The Gentle Touch in Kelso, seen through the glass door

Your Advanced Dental Check-up

Your first appointment takes 45 to 60 minutes and is with one of our dental therapists, who are experts in keeping teeth healthy. They’ll take time to listen to any worries, then check your whole mouth thoroughly:

If you need treatment, we’ll explain your options and give you a written estimate. For more complex care, your therapist will plan it with one of our dentists. The fee for your Advanced Dental Check-up is £169.

Short on time? We can sometimes book your first hygiene visit on the same day as your check-up, so just ask when you call.

Staying healthy

Once you’re a member, your check-ups and hygiene visits are led by your dental therapist, so you see someone who knows you and your mouth. Every hygiene visit includes Guided Biofilm Therapy, a gentle and very thorough clean that uses warm water and a fine powder rather than scraping. It’s included at every visit, not offered as an upgrade.

Membership

Membership spreads the cost of your care into monthly amounts and books your check-ups and hygiene visits in advance, so they happen even when life gets busy. Members pay at least 20% less on most treatment, and their children are seen free of charge on the NHS. Every member is also enrolled in the Global Dental Scheme as standard, which can help if you have a dental emergency or injury while you’re away from home. See our membership and fees page for the plans.

Children

Any treatment children of members need is carried out by our dental therapists, who are wonderful at making visits relaxed and fun. Up to the age of 12, children also see one of our Childsmile nurses each year for tooth brushing tips, diet advice and fluoride varnish. We can also make custom mouthguards for sport. Find out more about our children’s dentistry.

FAQs

Can I have my teeth cleaned at my first visit?

Sometimes, yes. Ask when you call, and we’ll try to book your hygiene visit straight after your check-up.

Do I have to become a member?

No. You can come for one-off appointments, and many people join once they’ve got to know us.

Can my children come if I’m not a member?

Children are seen on the NHS when a parent is a member. Some private appointments, such as sports mouthguards from age 13, are open to everyone.

I’m nervous about the dentist. Where should I start?

With a free chat. Tell the care coordinator how you feel, and we’ll take things at your pace.

“This was my first visit to The Gentle Touch. I was made to feel so at ease and safe that I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending the Practice. I never thought I’d actually look forward to going to the Dentist but the experience was so positive.” SR

 
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