New to Sutton, Cheam or Worcester Park? Here’s everything you need to know about finding the right dentist in Surrey

Moving to a new area is exciting, but it also means finding new healthcare providers – including a dentist. Whether you’ve just moved to Sutton, Cheam, Worcester Park, New Malden, Chessington or Stonecot, finding the right dental practice might not be top of your priority list, but it should be near the top.

Your dental health doesn’t pause whilst you’re settling in. In fact, the stress of moving, changes in routine, and neglecting regular care during the transition can actually increase your risk of dental problems. At Love Teeth, we welcome new patients across our six Surrey locations and understand the unique concerns of people new to the area.

Why you shouldn’t delay registering with a dentist

It’s tempting to put off finding a dentist until you have a problem, but this approach can cost you significantly in terms of both health and money. Regular dental care prevents problems developing in the first place. Small issues caught early require simple, inexpensive treatments. Left untreated, they become complex, costly emergencies.

Building a relationship with your dentist before you need urgent care means they understand your dental history, concerns and preferences. When a problem does arise, you’ll already have an established relationship rather than frantically searching for an emergency appointment as a new patient.

Preventive care through regular check-ups and hygiene appointments is far more cost-effective than reactive treatment. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care but may limit coverage for restorative work within the first year of membership.

What to look for in a Surrey dental practice

Not all dental practices are created equal. Look for convenient location and opening hours that fit your schedule, comprehensive services under one roof, modern technology and treatment techniques, experienced team with ongoing training, friendly atmosphere where you feel comfortable, transparent pricing with clear explanations, and emergency appointment availability.

Love Teeth ticks all these boxes across our six Surrey locations. We offer extended opening hours including evenings and weekends, comprehensive general and specialist dentistry, advanced technology including digital X-rays and Prophyflex cleaning, award-winning patient care, and flexible payment options including membership plans.

Understanding private vs NHS dental care

As a new resident, you might be wondering about the difference between private and NHS dental care in Surrey. NHS dental practices accept patients under the National Health Service with standardised pricing bands. However, NHS dental availability in Surrey is limited, with many practices not accepting new NHS patients.

Private dental care offers more appointment availability, longer appointment times, wider range of treatment options, use of advanced materials and techniques, membership plans that spread costs, and preventive care focus. Love Teeth is a private practice offering excellent value through our membership plans, which include regular check-ups and hygiene appointments for a manageable monthly fee.

Your first appointment: what to expect

Your first visit to Love Teeth is designed to be thorough yet relaxed. You’ll start with a comprehensive examination where your dentist examines your teeth, gums and mouth, takes X-rays if needed, checks for signs of decay or gum disease, reviews your dental history, and discusses any concerns you have.

We’ll create a personalised treatment plan if any work is needed, with clear explanations and pricing. We’ll discuss preventive care recommendations including hygiene appointment frequency. There’s no pressure to proceed with treatment immediately – we want you to feel informed and comfortable.

Transferring your dental records

If you’re moving from another practice, transferring your dental records helps your new dentist understand your history. Your previous dentist can send records directly to your new practice – simply sign a consent form authorising the transfer. Alternatively, you can request copies to bring with you.

X-rays are particularly valuable as they reveal issues beneath the surface. Having recent X-rays can prevent unnecessary repeat imaging. Treatment history helps us understand what work has been done and when. However, don’t let missing records delay your registration – we can build your dental profile from your first appointment.

Membership plans: predictable costs for busy lives

For families new to Surrey, budgeting for healthcare is crucial. Love Teeth’s membership plans provide predictable monthly costs covering essential preventive care. Plans include regular check-ups, hygiene appointments, X-rays as needed, and discounts on additional treatment.

Our membership plans offer better value than pay-as-you-go for most patients. The monthly fee is manageable and spreads the cost throughout the year. You receive priority appointment booking and discounts on treatments. Plans are available for adults, children and families.

Special considerations for families with children

If you’ve moved to Surrey with children, finding a family-friendly dentist is essential. Love Teeth is proud winner of the 2024 Child-Friendly Practice of the Year award. Our practice creates a welcoming, non-threatening environment for children. We explain procedures in age-appropriate language and build positive associations with dental visits.

Early dental visits establish good habits and allow us to monitor development, catch issues like cavities early, and provide preventive treatments like fissure sealants. We recommend children visit a dentist by their first birthday, then regularly from age two onwards.

Emergency dental care

Dental emergencies don’t wait for convenient times. As a Love Teeth patient, you have access to emergency appointments when needed. We understand that accidents happen and toothaches strike at inconvenient moments.

Common dental emergencies include severe toothache, knocked-out or broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, dental abscess, and soft tissue injuries. If you experience a dental emergency, call us immediately. We’ll provide guidance over the phone and arrange an appointment as quickly as possible.

Getting to know your local area

Beyond dentistry, settling into Sutton, Cheam, Worcester Park, New Malden, Chessington or Stonecot means discovering your local community. These areas offer excellent schools, beautiful parks, convenient transport links to central London, diverse shopping and dining, and strong community spirit.

Our team at Love Teeth are locals who know the area well. We’re happy to share recommendations for schools, activities, and services as you settle in. Building connections in your new community makes the transition smoother.

Taking the next step

Moving to a new area is an ideal time to prioritise your dental health with a fresh start. Don’t wait until you have a problem – establish care now whilst everything is routine. At Love Teeth, we make joining our practice simple and welcoming. Call us on 020 8337 0629 or book online at any of our six Surrey locations.

Your first appointment includes a comprehensive examination and consultation with no obligation to proceed with any recommended treatment. We’ll explain everything clearly, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.

As winners of the 2024 Patient Care Award, we’re committed to making your experience positive from your very first visit. Welcome to Surrey – we look forward to caring for your smile for years to come.