Taking new patients
A small private dental practice on Mercer Street, Wexley, run by Dr. Nora Halden. Every treatment is explained and costed in writing before it starts.
We're four people in a brick house on Mercer Street: two dentists, a hygienist and Clara, who answers the phone. You see the same faces every time, and the dentist who examines you is the one who treats you.
- 2011
- On Mercer Street since
- 45 min
- For a first appointment
- 4
- People, the same each visit
- Same day
- Pain appointments, weekday mornings
I opened this practice in 2011 so that people in Wexley could have one dentist who knows their mouth, their history and what worries them. Most of my day is spent explaining things.
How I work
-
You'll see your X-rays and a drawing of what's going on, and you'll hear what happens if we wait. If something can wait, I'll say so.
-
Before we start, we agree a signal: raise your left hand and I stop. It works mid-filling and mid-sentence.
-
Apart from the examination, nothing is done until you have a written plan with every fee on it, and you've had time to read it.
-
If a tooth can be saved well, I'd rather save it than take it out. When it can't, I'll tell you why and show you the options.
Dr. Nora HaldenBDS (Bristol), MJDF RCS (Eng)
This is what happens the first time you come in. You can stop and ask at any point; most people do.
-
Before you sit back in the chair, we go through your medical history and whatever made you book. Bring a list of any medicines you take.
-
I check every tooth, old fillings, your bite and the soft tissues of your mouth, and note each one on your chart.
- 1Every tooth checked and noted
- 2An old filling to keep an eye on
- 3Gums checked all the way round
-
A fine probe with a coloured band is walked gently round each tooth. It gives a score from 0 to 4 for each sixth of the mouth: 0 is healthy, 4 needs treatment.
- 1Band shows the pocket depth
- 2Tooth
- 3Gum
-
Small bitewing X-rays show decay between teeth and the level of the bone, which can't be seen by eye. We take them only when they'll change a decision.
- 1Early decay between two teeth
- 2Bone level
-
You leave with a written plan: what we found, what we'd suggest, in what order and what each step costs. Take your time with it.
General dentistry for adults and children, with a starting fee on every treatment.
-
from £55
Check-upsevery 3 to 24 months, set by your risk
-
£75
Hygienistcleaning below the gum line
-
from £140
Fillingswhite fillings, matched to the tooth
-
from £350
Root canal treatmentkeeping the tooth you already have
-
from £2,400
Implantsa fixed replacement for a missing tooth
-
£30
Childrena first visit by their first birthday
If that's you, say so when you book. We'll give you a longer first appointment with no treatment unless you want it, explain each step before it happens, and agree a stop signal. Nothing starts until you're ready.
- A longer first visit, talking only if you prefer
- A stop signal agreed before we start
- Referral for sedation if talking it through isn't enough
Figure: Adult Dental Health Survey, 2009
Dr. Nora Halden
Dentist and founder
Root canal treatment, and patients who'd rather not be here.
Dr. Samuel Okafor
Dentist
Fillings, crowns and implants.
Ines Morrow
Dental hygienist
Gums, cleaning and children's first visits.
Clara Bell
Practice manager and reception
Answers the phone, and knows everyone's name.