Patient testimonials

Dear Andy, Gill & team

I wanted to finally express my appreciation for everything the staff at Oakmead have done for me over the past 20 years (Yes I was surprised it had been that long)

I remember walking past your practice every day on my way home and often thinking I really need to go and have a check-up. I don’t think I had seen a dentist in 7-8 years and while I knew it was important to look after your teeth and have check-ups the thought of paying for something you dread was not good.

I still remember the day I walked in to your practice and I think it was Margaret on Reception who I spoke with and explained that I was a nervous patient and was really not keen on dentists. She informed me Oakmead dealt with nervous patients which made me feel I was in the right place.

I booked an appointment and on my first Visit I met Andy who had been informed I was nervous and took plenty of time to explain everything to me from what he was doing to what each of the tools did. I remember thinking I must be taking up so much time but appreciated Andy taking the time to reassure me. My first appointment was actually fine even though I was told a filling was required.

My first filling was nerve wracking however every care was taken to do the work to a high standard while ensuring I told what was being done. I think it was the first filling with the air abrasion drill. Following that I have had other fillings which have required an injection. I am not good with needles and was really dreading one in my mouth however it was not as bad as I have thought it would be.

As part of my on-going care I have regularly seen the Hygienist which has been fine and I think following the care shown by Andy the fear of this was minimal.

Back in October of 2016 I developed a very bad toothache and was really worried when Andy was away and I had to see someone different but I was in so much pain I almost didn’t care. I am not saying I wasn’t worried however Paul knew I was a nervous patient and was just as careful as Andy and very thorough when investigating my pain. I was very impressed so thank you Paul.

Sadly that pain did end up being the dreaded root canal which immediately set my fear level to a new high. I was told by Andy what work was required and both appointments were done when I was ready over two treatments.

Today (2nd Jan 18) I had that procedure and I can say it was a long & slightly uncomfortable procedure and some of the compounds & liquids tasted gross however I was surprised at how ok it was. It was a long appointment and I imagine it was hard going doing the work and I can see your Dental nurse is a huge blessing while doing these procedures, especially on awkward people like me. In the past year my wife and children have moved over to Oakmead from their previous practice in Oxted. This was primarily prompted by a diagnosis that my daughter had two teeth which had not formed properly and required drilling and filling, however she only needed one to be done. The care you took in doing this and doing it there and then meant she didn’t have to worry and make her anxiety worse. It was impressive seeing her get into the chair albeit a bit nervous where previously it would have taken half of the appointment to get her in the chair. I believe this was down to the calm and caring environment Oakmead staff provide.

Over my years as a patient at Oakmead you have all being very caring, professional and work to a high standard and I cannot think of a single time where you have dropped your high standards. This is a credit to all the staff who make the practice what it is and my advice to you would be keep doing what you are doing. Personally I have gone from being a highly nervous patient to much more calm about check-ups, fillings and needles which is a big change for me. I have re discovered how dentistry can be done with less discomfort and pain due to improvements in the equipment and procedures alongside caring staff who have changed my experience and perception.

I intend on showing my children that the dentist is not scary and getting them comfortable with check-ups any other visits they may need in the future.

Thank you to all staff.

Chris

From the moment you enter the premises there is a feeling of calm. You are treated with great respect and nothing is too much for any member of staff to do for you.
Whilst in the treatment room with Andrew you are put at ease and everything is so calm and done in a very efficient and professional way.
It is definitely the best treatment and experience I have had in a dental surgery.
I would certainly recommend people use Oakmead Dental Care as their dentist of choice
Best wishes

Jeremy

Like many others, I have an aversion to dentists, or rather I used to have. Cannot praise highly enough the treatment I received and the environment within the practice, thank you very much Andrew

Helen

Everyone I have had the pleasure of meeting at Oakmead Dental Care has been professional, empathetic and very approachable. I look forward to many years of dental treatment with you all.

John

Big thank you for Oakmead Dental Care. Guys I am speechless, an amazing job, very fast first appointment, great treatment service and very professional! I recommend to anyone uncomfortable with dentist. Very polite and zero pain! Thank you so much guys, you’ve looked after me very very well!!!!

Simon

Oakmead Dental staff immediately put you at your ease. There is a relaxed atmosphere within the practice and at the same time the quality of treatment is superb.

Cath

The dentistry at Oakmead Dental Care is second to none and being over 65 I have experienced quite a few dentists!!! Mr Cassidy is a perfectionist and inspires absolute confidence that every filling he does is a masterpiece. He has the most empathetic approach you could hope for which is critical for me being so anxious. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.

Julia

Other dental practices have treated me as just another patient; that is not the case with Oakmead Dental Care. They have made me feel like a valued individual, with every visit being a welcoming experience. A huge step forward from dreading a visit to the dentist! Proposed treatment plans, including potential options, have been discussed with me as an educated adult, rather than being presented as a fait- accompli. All stages of treatment are fully explained during and after, which makes me feel involved in my own well-being. I am very reassured in their hands and am sure I will continue to be so for many years to come.

Graham

Previous to being seen by Andrew Hopkins, I was very nervous in the dentist chair but over the last 5 years of Andrew treating me, I am now able to lay back in the chair without any anxiety or pain!!! I first saw Andrew in Chislehurst and am more than happy to travel to East Grinstead for my check-ups and any work I need doing to my teeth as I know that I am in very safe hands.

Anne

From the moment you step through the door at Oakmead Dental Care you feel a sense of calm and tranquillity. Peace of mind is further given by Andrew’s professional and caring team who fully explain every aspect of your dental treatment. I know I am in safe hands.

Pauline

The whole team at Oakmead achieve the uppermost level of professionalism whilst maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. My treatment has been outstanding and completely stress free. My results are much better than I expected and they’ve completely changed my view on what a trip to the dentist should be like! I would not hesitate to recommend Oakmead to my friends and family.

Katherine

I really love Oakmead Dental Care. The whole experience is way above anything I have ever received from other private dentists. The surroundings definitely have the wow factor. Reception staff are always really friendly and professional. Andrew always provides you with a thorough consultation, where he spends the time talking you through any issues you may have whilst using the latest technology so you can see yourself what’s actually happening inside your mouth on screen via a live cam and through X-rays. He is happy to answers any questions and always puts your mind at rest with any or worries or concerns you may have. Although my last dentist was private I never received such thorough treatments and although I was always happy with their work, the experience at Oakmead surpasses them.

Matthew

Chance led me through the door with a broken tooth just two weeks after my dentist of thirty four years retired ! In urgent need of care I sought out Oakmead Dental Care and am delighted to say I’ve found my replacement – the service I’ve received from Paul has been nothing less than exemplary.

Beryl

Great to be able to chew steak again. Should have got rid of my denture years ago!.

Brian

Going to the dentist has never been one of my favourite things to do, but am happy to say that that is no longer the case having received fantastic care and attention from Paul and the team. From the moment you walk through the front door you enter a calm world and receive a warm welcome from reception. My treatment was carried out with empathy, consideration and patience!!! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this practice.

Jason

Absolutely brilliant from the greeting at reception, treatment from Ashish to the relaxed overall professionalism of Oakmead Dental Care. First class!

Oliver

I had been with the same dentist since the mid-80’s, but he retired. I needed to find someone within easy reach and tried Oakmead Dental Care. I was most impressed, and appreciated the up-to-date surgery. Furthermore, they employ the best hygienist I have ever encountered! I am content to endorse the practice.

Charles

The superbly equipped practice and immaculate treatment rooms are a perfect haven for dental treatment. Ashish has cared for us for over 10 years now and is not only a superbly competent dentist but also the perfect gentleman. We are very happy to put our care in the hands of Ashish.

Brenda

After her dentist retired, my sister was not happy with the dentistry she was receiving. I suggested she signed up with Oakmead, which she did, and she is very pleased. Ashish is a very kind and caring dentist.

Trevor

Fantastic pain free treatment today. Would highly recommend Dr Paul Cassidy

Tom

Clear explanations of treatment. Clear fee estimates. No hidden surprises. Superb!

Edward

I am so pleased with the way Debbie has helped to stop my gums bleeding. I am so happy to have found such a caring and thorough hygienist and I would highly recommend her. I do struggle keeping up with dental hygiene and have found some hygienists to be very patronising. However, with Debbie I didn’t feel discouraged at all - quite the opposite!!! She also made me feel at ease and very comfortable and showed great patience in answering my many questions. FANTASTIC and THANK YOU so much.

Mandy

My experience with Oakmead Dental has been nothing other than superb. The service and care provided is exceptional. A great state of the art surgery.

Richard

Thanks for giving me my smile back. I no longer cover my mouth with my hand when I smile. I didn’t believe the Inman Aligner would straighten my teeth in 4 months!!

Lucy

I wanted to take the opportunity of thanking you all so very much of the superb way in which my treatment was carried out yesterday. Paul was an extremely calming influence throughout the whole process from our first telephone conversation to after the treatment had been concluded. He gauged the absolute perfect level of sedation that enabled me to have a pain free and non intrusive extraction. Thanks for making my Christmas.

Julia

I just got fed up when my previous dentist retired and the practice got sold, because I saw a different dentist every time and seemed to need another ‘small filling’ each time. I couldn’t believe my friend when she said she had been going to Oakmead for over 20 years and had always seen the same dentist. I’m glad I jumped ship to Oakmead because all the staff are friendly and helpful, and everything is done to make your visit a comfortable and pleasant experience. I really do value the continuity at Oakmead and hope I can spend 20 years with you as well.

Sheila

“Now that’s a first!”

Having just finished a prolonged course of treatment with you, I felt that I just had to write and thank both you and Kate for helping me to overcome my fear.

Most dentists I have seen before always seem to be in a rush, but your calm and relaxed manner soon rubbed off on me. You are by far the most gentle dentist I have ever seen and your injection technique is superb. I have told all of my friends there is no need to fear root canal work if they see you!

Your clear explanations of the treatment and sensations also meant I didn’t have to worry what might happen next. Now that I have found such a gentle and caring dentist please promise me that you won’t be moving anywhere! I am actually looking forward to my next visit to see you and Kate. Now that’s a first!

F.Stewart

“My new smile put a real spring in my step”

Dear Andrew,
I hope you are now well and truly on the mend after your hip surgery. I had a crisis with my front teeth while you were off and felt slightly apprehensive about seeing a different Oakmead dentist, Paul. However, I need not have worried because Paul is just as gentle as yourself and gave a full explanation of all my options just as you would have done. It turned out that a relatively simple cosmetic procedure on my front two teeth solved the problem there and then and I left the surgery with a real spring in my step.

I have recommended your dental practice to many people, in particular my elderly parents and they have been most grateful for your professional care, attention and unquestionable talent.

As a child of the 1960’s I have had some terrible experiences with dental care, as has my father, but I am very happy to have found such an excellent practice as Oakmead. My whole family have benefitted from registering with you.

It is reassuring to know that all the dentists at Oakmead show the same compassion and understanding. I felt I just had to write and tell you how impressed I was with Paul’s care.
Many Thanks

P Bennett

“A dentist that truly understands my fears”

I must be one of the most nervous patients that you have ever known, but since the moment I met you I have felt that you have put me completely at ease with your very calming influence. You have taken the time to explain everything you propose to do to my teeth, and I have felt very reassured by this. It seems to take away all my fears and worries. This in itself has rebuilt my confidence and faith in dentists. Also the dental nurses that have assisted you have always been very pleasant and they also make me feel very at ease as well.

The dental work you have carried out has been very professionally done and to a very high standard, and I am delighted with the work especially to my front teeth. I know I could not have had all the work done if I had not had such trust in you and how you made me feel.

I would also like to thank your Hygienist who has helped me with my teeth and gums, and also teaching me how to look after them better.

Also a big thankyou to the receptionist who from the first telephone call to your practice through to meeting you for the first time have always been very calm and understanding which does make all the difference when you are a nervous patient.

I think you are all extremely professional and I would recommend you to anyone.

S McCarthy

I have just got back from my latest dental treatment with you and wanted to write to you to say a very big thank you!

I have been attending Oakmead for my dental treatment for years now and have been so happy at what a faboulous dental practice Oakmead is.

From the moment you walk in to a lovely reception area and are greated personally by the very professional and extremely friendly receptionists I feel at ease. The waiting area is always so light, airy and comfortable and looking out at your pretty garden is very relaxing.

I am always put at ease by yourself and your caring colleagues and I would like to say a big thank you for your kindness and patience when I receive dental treatment from you. It is so good to have everything explained beforehand and to have total confidence in the treatment ia m receiving from you.

I am more than pleased with my latest dental treatment. My teeth have never felt so good.

Thank you once again for being such a fantastic dental practice, which I find myself so lucky to attend.

Kind regards

Kim

As a very nervous patient I can't thank dr Hassan and his team enough.
We as family have been coming to Oakmead for many years but I'm the one who has the most work done. Dr Hassan knows how to calm me and always tells me all the information and what he is going to do before he does any procedure, he even recommended taking my ipod in to drown out the sound of the drill. I have had lots of different treatments done from teeth being removed to crowns to mouth guard to stop grinding. I highly recommend Oakmead for any dental work and because of the great team there I don't dread that next visit.

Thank you

Katie

Following the retirement of my family dentist I decided to join Oakmead Dental Practice as a patient. I was allocated to Dr Hassan El-Hashimi.

For a long period of time I had lost a lot of confidence and self esteem due to a 'protruding' front tooth on my top set of teeth.
I can't believe it and am so delighted this has all been restored over the past 4 months due to the treatment recommendation and skilful work of Dr Hassan El-Hashimi. I now have my smile back!

Dr Hassan El-Hashimi recomended the Inman Aligner brace as a remedy. The more I wore the brace the quicker my teeth straightened at the top. I did not find it uncomfortable to wear.
It did affect my speech very slightly at the beginning but I soon got used to it. I find Dr Hassan El-Hashimi very helpful and he explained the procedure thoroughly to me throughout my dental treatment.
After each visit during this four month period I could see a vast improvement in the alignment of my teeth. I am now so confident with the appearance of my teeth.

Furthermore, I find all the staff at Oakmead from reception to the Dental nurses supporting Dr Hassan El-Hashimi very polite and helpful. I have no hesitation in recommending this practice to anyone.

A very satisfied patient,

Mrs Victoria Jupp

"From being terrified of the dentist from a young age, a much needed appointment was required. As reluctant as I was I approached Oakmead and soon found myself among a very proffessional, helpful & welcoming receptionist team. I was treated by Hassan who in my opinion is a very accomplished dentist, with many wonderful attributes such as his calm, gentle and sincere approach and alongside this with his talented assistant Kate, has aided in making the whole experience as comfortable as it could be. It is the little things that they remembered for my care that has meant I have put my total trust in Hassan. I have not been disappointed and can honestly say I would highly reccommend Oakmead."

Y. Tarr.

"I would like to record my appreciation of the service I recieved by Dr Clive Brazier ably assisted by Yvonne. I used to attend Guy's dental school and saw for myself the great training the students had and when I heard Clive had joined your team I thought how lucky I was as I live locally to your clinic

However the attention given to me yesterday was most professional, an easy and reassuring manner and I returned home with a smile on my face and I hasten to say I'm a nervous patient.

I will always recommend the Oakmead Dental Care to my family and friends knowing they will have the expert service I recieved.

All the best for the future,"

Joan Wells (Mrs, aged 88)

"I was a bit cynical before I tried your anti-snoring appliance, but it was either that or sleep in the spare room. Now I don’t travel without it I feel so refreshed the next day. Thanks for a great all round service. Before I met you I thought all dentists did was fill teeth!"

"I didn't really believe it when your brochure said that nervous patients felt relaxed after their first visit. But I’m glad it gave me the confidence to pick up the telephone. You and your staff were so friendly and spent so much time with me that I couldn't fail to be put at ease. Thank you all for restoring my confidence".

"I joined Oakmead dental care two years ago having been recommended to them by a family friend. At the time I was suffering from a raging toothache after having undergone treatment by my previous dentist. This made me uneasy about going back to him and therefore I decided to try out Oakmead dental care.

Naturally I was very apprehensive about going to a new dental practice. However my mind was quickly put at ease by the reassuring and calm approach used by the dental team at Oakmead. The treatment options were clearly explained to me and having considered them each, I decided to have the painfull tooth root filled ass I didn't want to lose the tooth.

The procedure itself was surprisingly pain-free and gentle, with the dentist constantly checking on me throughout, this made me feel more relaxed and reassured.

I would like to thank everyone at Oakmead dental care for their patience and attention to detail when treating me. I would happily recommend this dental practice to others."

K Khaveripour

"Dear Clive,
I would like to thank you for the warm welcome and reassurance that I recieved from yourself with my first appointment.

As you know I was with my previous dentist for 35 years, it was as if I was walking into the unknown; I need not have worried - so I thnak you again,

Kind regards."

Jane Sollis

"To Clive you're the best dentist in the world and the only one we have. You're very nice and kind and helpful and it's very important to go to the dentist."

from Alex, Scarlett and William (children)

"I have found Hassan and his dental nurse Kate to be highly efficient, courteous and pleasant to be with. I have had no pain at all during root canal and crown work and I would recommend him to anyone – particularly if they are of a sensitive or nervous disposition. He is gentle, reassuring and keeps you informed all along about what he is doing. Well done Hassan and well done Oakmead."

Michael Kennard

"I have been a patient of Dr.Brazier for the past XXX years. Prior to seeing Dr.Brazier I was an extremely nervous patient, however his relaxed and friendly manner makes me feel at ease during any treatments he carries out. He always takes the time to explain exactly what he is doing and his standard of care is exceptional. I have complete trust in him as a dentist and would not hesitate to recommend him to anybody looking to join the practice."

Sarah Thom