The Cottage Dental Practice

Sian Swinbourne

I haven’t been to a dentist for over 10 years due to being scared after an experience when I was younger, Henri was fantastic and I’m now going to be going ever 6 months my fear has now gone

Nicole Hayward

After searching for an NHS dentist I finally registered with this practice. I was desperately in need of being seen, severe pain in my tooth and jaw which radiated down my neck and collar bone. My first impression was that I was just an inconvenience and my attempts to explain my dental history were ignored. He told me there was nothing wrong with the tooth, took an X-ray, told me I needed a dental mould because I grind my teeth. I got up from the chair and he quickly said "I can do one filling now, get back in" and I had a small filling in a different tooth. I went home feeling deflated, my GP had suggested I see the dentist as he felt it was dental related, so I decided to wait for the next appointment in 6 months. However, one bank holiday weekend the pain became so severe I had to phone an out of hours surgery and was seen in Kidderminster. The dentist there felt there was more going on and fast tracked me to see a throat specialist, in oncology due to a lump and swelling in my face. I naturally attended that appointment, was referred for a scope to rule out anything more sinister but like my GP, the specialist said he felt this was dental and urged me to go back to see my own dentist. My 6 month appointment was cancelled by them, so I waited again but had to cancel due to illness and again waited for another appointment. I literally had no confidence in the practice or my dentist, so asked my partner to attend the appointment with me, for support and reassurance. It made very little difference other than the fact he directed his conversation to my partner, not me. After taking a second X-ray he felt there was indeed a crack in my tooth and he would put a temporary filling in, told me that I could pay £1500 for root canal as he could not perform that under the NHS. The other option was to have the tooth removed. I told him I could not pay for the root canal and his hostility and impatience was exactly the same and so he decided that I would need to wait another 6 months, then he would attempt to drill my tooth and repair it. I finally saw him for a third time and it was like we had never had the previous conversations. He told me there was nothing wrong with my tooth, that my dental hygiene was poor (I have never had a filling in my life due to excellent dental hygiene from a child) and I found myself having to explain that I did in fact clean my teeth, that I had used floss, that I was using mouth wash and anything I could buy to help ease the continued and worsening pain from this tooth. Thankfully, I asked my partner to accompany me again and he took control of the conversation, reminding the dentist of everything he told us last time. Finally, he reluctantly accepted that I needed work done, numbed my face and filled the tooth. He spoke to me in the most appalling fashion, he was physically rough, even talking down to me because I opened my mouth when he said to close. He said "Did I tell you to open your mouth??" and despite being a mature woman, I felt tears burning my eyes and I began to shake. During the procedure his female assistant said she had to go home, this angered him and he acted like a spoilt brat in front of us all. He did take a third x-ray and I've no idea why. I could hardly stand due to the distress he caused me. I have struggled with this for a few days now, I have never left a bad review for anyone before, especially one like this but I feel that this is not a practice that should be open. I feel that it should be investigated fully and I intend to make a formal complaint. There are signs in the building about how abuse will not be tolerated and I find this to be almost ironic, considering how respectful I was towards him and the staff there, but how I was not offered the same courtesy. I believe I need a from to start the complaint procedure, which I will obtain. If anyone out there has experienced a similar situation to mine, I urge you to do the same because only in numbers can we make a difference and hopefully, improve this practice.

Keith Clinton

Absolutely dreadful dentist they have cancelled my appointment 7 times now they never answer the phone I had to go into the practice to make a new appointment only to be told that they wouldn’t make anymore appointments for me as I’ve missed so many appointments and it’s them that cancelled on me I proved to the receptionist the txt messages that I had from them cancelling my appointment she sed it wasn’t her decision and that no more appointments could be made for me I was fuming I went down the road to the private dentist and I must say what a fantastic experience I had to have a root filling I see the owner vish honestly you couldn’t wish for a better dentist but unfortunately he now has to correct the awful mess the cottage dental practice as done to my teeth I honestly think that the cottage dental practice should be investigated every one I speak to have had the same experience totally unacceptable if I could give it a zero I would honestly I would really consider your options before using this dentist.

Terina Williams

I have most of my family registered at this dentist and I’m very pleased with the service they offer. Reception staff are lovely and friendly, dentist is v professional and even got an appointment quite quick. I would definitely recommend this dental surgery.

Sarah Greenhouse

Fabulous service and treatment from both reception staff and Henri the dentist. My little girl unfortunately needed a couple of fillings and a tooth extraction. Henri was amazing with her, explaining everything he was doing at each stage, answering her questions, even made a point to hide the fact he had to inject into her gum and said it was just cold spray! 5 stars all round!

Alden Whittaker-Brown

Our whole family (3 generations) are patients here and we can't fault the customer care, treatment and dentists. Shame others haven't felt the same.

Karen Phillips

5 stars for Catherine on the reception desk. She is mindful of nervous patients, always VERY polite kind and attentive. Dentist Henry very professional. Dentist downstairs (female) xrayed my back teeth to see what my pain complaint was and told me nothing showing up on xray 🤦 And yet all along I had a cracked back tooth. Who knows 🤷 But overall a good practice.

Charlotte Reynolds

Terrible receptionist. Made me very upset. Won't be returning

Rose Killingback

Suffered from dentophobia for years but very happy with my experience here. 3 teeth removed today and was put totally at ease by the Dentist and staff. Not dreading my next visit at all. Thank you. 😊

Marilyn Evans

Took my mother in law for her first appointment to this surgery where she was seen by Henri. He was a very pleasant young man and put his patient at ease. Offered conservative treatment on this visit due to age and health but said if after a couple of weeks she isn't happy and things don't settle he will do follow up treatment but that would be more invasive so didn't want to dive straight in with that. I considered this the correct way to do things and feel we probably won't now need anything further done for the original problem. Very happy with consultation. Dentist, nurse and receptionist all very friendly, helpful and polite.