Reasonable adjustments for anxious patientsRoutine private dental care, delivered unhurriedly
We're a small, independent private practice. We make sensible, practical adjustments for patients who find dental visits difficult — extended appointments, acclimatisation visits, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. Please read the “What we don't offer” section below before calling, so you know whether we're the right fit.
Please read first — what we don't offer
Bowling Green Dental is a routine private practice. We are not a Special Care Dental Service. We do not offer:
- Sedation of any kind (oral, IV, inhalation / “happy gas”)
- Treatment under general anaesthetic
- Two-clinician restraint or one-to-one specialist support
- Treatment for adults with severe learning disabilities, severe behavioural needs, or complex medical co-morbidities that require a specialist setting
- Mental-health support — if you're in crisis please call NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123
If any of the above apply, the right pathway is the NHS Community / Special Care Dental Service. In Hertfordshire that's run by Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust — ask your GP or call NHS 111 for a referral. We can't provide that pathway and don't want you to waste a journey.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme recognised
We recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. Wear yours to the appointment, or mention it when you book, and our team will offer the extra time, patience and adjustments you need.
Learn more about the Sunflower scheme ↗Who our reasonable-adjustments approach suits
If your needs fit within routine private dentistry but you benefit from a slower, gentler appointment, we can usually help.
Dental phobia & anxiety
Anxious adults and children — unhurried appointments, breaks whenever you need them, stop signal at any time.
Sunflower-lanyard patients
Recognised and welcomed. Just let us know when you book.
Sensory sensitivity
Overhead lights off, quieter waiting area, fewer people in the treatment room.
ADHD
Structured, engaging appointments with regular breaks. You stay involved in decisions.
Hearing or vision impairment
We slow down, face you directly, and use visual aids or written information as needed.
Reasonable adjustments we routinely make
No one adjustment fits everyone. Tell us what you need and we'll make it happen.
“Dr Alan was absolutely brilliant with my son who has autism. Best dentist we have ever been to.
FAQs
Do you offer sedation?
No. Bowling Green Dental does not offer sedation, IV sedation, inhalation sedation ("happy gas") or general anaesthetic. We are a routine private dental practice — our approach for anxious patients relies on unhurried care, numbing cream before any injection, breaks and reasonable adjustments. If you specifically need sedation to receive treatment, you will need a specialist sedation clinic or NHS Community / Special Care Dental Service. Please call NHS 111 or speak to your GP for a referral — we cannot provide that pathway.
Are there things you can't help with?
Yes, and we want to be honest about scope. We are not a Special Care Dental Service. We cannot provide sedation, treatment under general anaesthetic, two-clinician restraint, or one-to-one specialist support for adults with severe learning disabilities, severe behavioural needs or complex medical co-morbidities. If you have been told previously that you can only be seen in a specialist setting, that is the right place for you — Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust runs a Special Care Dental Service for exactly this. We will happily explain over the phone whether what we offer is a good fit before you book.
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme?
The Sunflower lanyard is a globally-recognised symbol of a non-visible disability — including autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, hearing loss and others. At Bowling Green Dental we recognise the lanyard and offer extra time, patience and reasonable adjustments on request.
What reasonable adjustments can you make?
We routinely offer: longer appointments with no rushing, pre-visit surgery tours, a quiet waiting area, overhead lights switched off, minimal people in the treatment room, stop signals, written or visual social stories on request, and breaks whenever needed. Please mention your needs when you book and we'll prepare properly.
Do you offer acclimatisation visits?
Yes. An acclimatisation visit is a relaxed appointment with no treatment planned. You come in, meet Dr Alan and the team, have a look around the surgery, sit in the chair if you want to, and leave. No pressure, no clinical work. These visits help anyone who finds new environments overwhelming.
Can a parent, carer or support person stay with me/my child?
Yes. A parent, carer or trusted support person is welcome to stay in the treatment room for the entire appointment.
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Get in touch
Call us on 01438 355624 — please mention your needs when booking. If we're not the right fit, we'll say so on the phone before you book.
✓ New patients welcome · ✓ Same-day emergencies · ✓ Written estimates provided