We are always glad to hear from people looking for a new dental home, though availability does move about through the year. A quick call to reception is the surest way to find out where things stand and what would suit you best.

Yes — Orford Hill is fully private. In practice that means longer appointments, materials chosen on merit rather than by band, and treatment planned around you. We will always set out the options and the costs before anything begins.

If you have severe pain, swelling, a knocked or damaged tooth, bleeding or any other urgent problem, ring the practice as early in the day as you can. Outside our opening hours, Dental Care Plan members can use the emergency helpline on 08081 698117, or +44 1691 887 955 from overseas.

It genuinely differs from person to person. Six months suits most people, but if your gums need watching or you are prone to decay we may want to see you more often. Your dentist will set an interval that fits you rather than a standard rule.

Very much so. A lot of people find the dentist difficult, and there is no need to apologise for it. Tell us when you book and we will take it slowly, explain what is happening before it happens, and stop whenever you want to.

Usually, yes. You can often book straight in with the hygienist for a clean and preventive advice without seeing a dentist first. Give reception a ring and they will confirm what is available.

We check the teeth, the gums, your bite and the soft tissues, and look over any older work. X-rays are taken if there is a reason to. Then we talk through anything we have found and what, if anything, is worth doing about it.

Yes. We offer at-home teeth whitening, composite bonding, porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentures and full smile makeover planning. The first step is a consultation to work out what would actually make the difference you are after.

Yes. A dental x-ray uses a very small dose — less than you would pick up on a short flight — and we only take them when there is a clinical reason. They show decay, bone loss and infection that simply cannot be seen by looking.

We take the usual card and cash payments, and our Dental Care Plan lets you spread routine care across monthly instalments with 10% off most treatments. Whatever the route, the cost is explained before treatment starts.

It depends on the treatment and how involved it turns out to be. Our full fee list is published on the prices page, and Dental Care Plan members receive 10% off most treatments. After your examination your dentist will talk you through the choices and put a written estimate in front of you, so nothing arrives as a surprise.

Yes, and we rather enjoy it. Seeing children early is how good habits get built. Regular visits let us watch how everything is developing, offer preventive treatment such as fluoride varnish and fissure sealants, and help them feel at ease in the chair.

Implants, bridges and dentures each have their place, and the right answer depends on the gap, the neighbouring teeth and the bone underneath. Your dentist will set out the trade-offs honestly rather than steer you toward the most expensive option.

Just let us know as early as you can. A bit of notice means we can give the slot to someone who needs it, which keeps waiting times down for everybody.

It is straightforward — call or email reception and they will talk you through it, tell you where availability stands and get your first appointment booked in.