Children's Dentistin StevenageGentle, Patient Care for Every Child
Dr Alan de Vos sees children at his Old Town Stevenage surgery with a gentle, unhurried approach. Whether your child is nervous, wears a Sunflower lanyard, or has simply never visited a dentist before, we work at their pace. We do not offer sedation or treatment under general anaesthetic — please call first if your child has been told they need a specialist setting.
Why families choose us
- No white coats — relaxed, friendly team
- Numbing cream before any injections
- Gentle anxiety management — no rush, no pressure
- Parent always welcome in the room
- Acclimatisation visits available
- Music & distraction techniques
- Tell-show-do approach — no surprises
- We never rush
- No judgement — ever
“Dr Alan was absolutely brilliant with my son who has autism. Best dentist we have ever been to.”
— Stevenage parent
Meet your dentist
Dr Alan & Young Patients
Dr Alan de Vos BDS (GDC No. 71186) has been looking after the dental health of Stevenage families since qualifying in 1995. Over those 20+ years he has treated hundreds of children — from toddlers to teenagers — and built a well-earned reputation as the go-to dentist for families who need a gentle, unhurried approach.
Dr Alan's own children have been patients at Bowling Green Dental, which says everything about the environment he has worked hard to create. He understands that a dental visit can feel huge for a small child, and he takes that seriously.
His approach is built on three pillars: tell-show-do (explain what is happening, demonstrate, then proceed), acclimatisation visits for those who need more time, and an absolute commitment to never rushing. There is no clock on the wall in Dr Alan's treatment room when it comes to your child.
The Tell-Show-Do Technique
Before anything happens, Dr Alan explains what he is going to do in simple, child-friendly language. He then shows the instruments — perhaps on a stuffed toy — and only then, gently, does he proceed. No surprises, no sudden movements. Children feel in control throughout.
Acclimatisation Visits
For children who are very nervous or have never visited a dentist before, we offer a purely exploratory visit. Your child comes in, has a look around, meets the team, and leaves. No treatment, no pressure. Some children need two or three of these visits before they feel ready — and that is completely fine.
Numbing Cream & Distraction
We always use topical numbing cream before any injection, so your child should not feel a thing. Music, counting games and other distraction techniques are available throughout, and we take regular breaks whenever needed.
Reasonable adjustments for nervous children
Routine private dental care, delivered unhurriedly. Within the limits of routine practice we can adapt the visit to make it easier for an anxious child or a child wearing a Sunflower lanyard.
Please read before calling — what we do not offer
- • Sedation (oral, inhalation or IV)
- • Treatment under general anaesthetic
- • Two-clinician restraint or holding techniques
- • Specialist Special Care Dental Service capabilities
If your child has been told they need a specialist setting, the Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust Special Care Dental Service is the right place — please contact your GP or NHS 111 for a referral.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Welcome Here
We recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. If your child wears one, just let us know when you book and we'll allow extra time and apply our usual reasonable adjustments. The Sunflower is a signal for additional time and patience — it does not commit us to clinical care that is outside the scope of routine private dentistry.
Learn more about the Sunflower schemeWho our reasonable-adjustments approach suits
Anxious or nervous children
Children who are simply scared of the dentist — the most common reason families call. Tell-show-do, numbing cream, regular breaks.
First-time patients
Children who have never seen a dentist before. We start with an acclimatisation visit if helpful — no treatment, no pressure.
Sunflower-lanyard children
Where the visit is otherwise routine and additional time, patience and quiet are what makes the difference.
Dental phobia
We do not dismiss it. We work at the child's pace and accept that several visits may be needed before any treatment takes place.
Reasonable adjustments we can make
- Longer appointments — no rushing, ever
- Pre-visit tour of the surgery before any treatment
- Quiet waiting area away from the main reception
- Overhead light switched off if it causes distress
- Minimal sensory stimulation — lights adjusted on request
- Minimal number of people in the treatment room
- Consistent appointments with Dr Alan — no surprises
- Written or visual social stories provided on request
- Parent / carer always in the room
- Stop signal — your child is always in control
Please call us before bookingif your child has additional needs. A brief conversation means we can decide together whether we're the right fit — and if we're not, we'll say so on the phone. Call us on 01438 355624.
What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit
We recommend the first visit as early as 12 months — when the first teeth appear. Early visits are relaxed, exploratory and fun.
Call to book
Let us know your child's age and any worries you have. We will match you with the right appointment length.
Arrive & relax
Our calm, welcoming reception is designed to feel nothing like a traditional dental surgery.
Meet Dr Alan
Dr Alan will chat with your child, explain what he is doing at every stage, and move at their pace.
The examination
A gentle look at the teeth — or just a count if that is all your child is comfortable with today.
Brushing tips & advice
Practical, age-appropriate advice on brushing, diet and next steps — no lecturing, just helpful guidance.
Book the next visit
We recommend check-ups every six months. Regular visits from an early age make each one easier than the last.
Age-by-Age Guidance
First teeth appear from around 6 months. Book a first visit by age 1. We clean, count and check — and start building a positive relationship with dentistry.
Six-monthly check-ups. This is when fissure sealants may be recommended as adult molars come through. A key period to establish good brushing habits.
Adult teeth are mostly through. We monitor development and, if needed, refer for orthodontic assessment. White fillings for any cavities. No lectures — just honest advice.
Tips for Preparing Your Child
- Talk positively about the dentist at home — avoid words like 'hurt' or 'needle'
- Read books or watch videos about visiting the dentist beforehand
- Visit during a time of day when your child is usually at their best
- Bring a comfort item — a favourite toy or blanket is always welcome
- Avoid warning them too far in advance — a day or two is usually enough
- Praise bravery regardless of how the visit goes
Dental Services for Children
Everything your child needs for a healthy smile — all under one roof at our Old Town Stevenage surgery.
Check-ups & Examinations
Gentle, thorough check-ups to monitor your child's dental development and catch any issues early.
Fissure Sealants
A protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay — quick, painless and highly effective.
Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride applications to strengthen developing enamel and protect against cavities.
White Fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings that blend naturally with your child's teeth, with numbing cream applied before any injection.
Emergency Treatment
Knocked-out or broken teeth, severe toothache — we do everything we can to see children the same day.
Anxiety Management
For children who are very anxious, Dr Alan uses a range of gentle techniques — acclimatisation visits, numbing cream, tell-show-do and distraction — to make treatment comfortable.
Orthodontic Referrals
We monitor tooth development and provide timely referrals for braces or other orthodontic treatment when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you see children with autism at Bowling Green Dental?
Yes, within the limits of routine private dentistry. We offer longer appointments, pre-visit tours of the surgery, a quiet waiting environment, and we work at your child's pace — overhead lights off if needed, minimal people in the room. We do not offer sedation or treatment under general anaesthetic, and we are not a Special Care Dental Service: if your child has been told they need a specialist setting, that is the right place for them. We're happy to talk it through on the phone before you book.
What age should my child first visit the dentist?
We recommend bringing your child for their first visit when their first teeth appear, usually around 6–12 months, or no later than their first birthday. Early visits are relaxed and exploratory — it is more about getting your child comfortable with the environment than any treatment. Starting young builds positive associations that last a lifetime.
My child is terrified of the dentist — can you help?
This is exactly the kind of situation Dr Alan excels at. He is known for his exceptional patience with anxious and nervous children. We use the tell-show-do technique, we never rush, and we use acclimatisation visits where your child simply meets the team, looks around, and leaves — no treatment at all. We also use numbing cream before any injections and distraction techniques like music. Many children who arrive anxious leave smiling.
Can I stay with my child during treatment?
Always. A parent or carer is always welcome to stay in the treatment room for the entire visit. We find children are far more relaxed when a trusted adult is present, and we actively encourage it.
Are children's check-ups free on the NHS?
Bowling Green Dental Surgery is a private practice. Children's check-up fees are kept very reasonable and our team will be happy to discuss costs when you call. Regular check-ups from an early age are one of the best investments you can make in your child's long-term dental health.
What do you do if my child won't cooperate?
There is no judgement here, ever. If your child finds it difficult to cooperate, we simply stop and try again another day. We never force a child into treatment. Sometimes the best visit is one where we just count teeth and have a chat. Building trust takes time and we are completely fine with that — many families have needed several visits before any treatment takes place.
Do you offer longer appointments for children who need more time?
Yes. We routinely book extended appointments for children who need more time, whether due to anxiety, additional needs, or simply because they need to take things slowly. Please mention this when booking and we will make sure enough time is allocated.
What is an acclimatisation visit?
An acclimatisation visit (sometimes called a 'familiarisation' or 'getting to know you' visit) is a relaxed appointment with no treatment planned. Your child comes in, meets Dr Alan and the team, has a look around the surgery, sits in the dental chair if they want to, and leaves. There is no pressure whatsoever. These visits are invaluable for nervous children and those with sensory differences.
My child is nervous about needles — what can you do?
Dr Alan always applies topical numbing cream to the gum before any injection, so children rarely feel anything more than a tiny sensation. He talks children through every step — nothing happens without warning. For very needle-phobic children we discuss all available options at your appointment.
Give Your Child the Best Start in Dental Health
Book a gentle, unhurried appointment at Bowling Green Dental Surgery — Stevenage's trusted family dentist.
✓ New patients welcome · ✓ Same-day emergencies · ✓ Written estimates provided