Nervous patients

Whatever your negative dental experiences, with our help you can leave your fears where they belong: in the past. With refined care and expertise we’ve been helping patients throughout Sturminster Newton manage their fear of the dentist for many years - we can do it for you too.

It’s important that you look after your oral health. Your lifestyle, psychological well-being and dental health depend on it. If you continue to avoid the dentist, this can lead to severe, perhaps irreversible, damage.

So, take the first step. Work with us. Tell us everything. In detail. We understand the panic. The sweaty palms. The rumbling tum. The unsteady legs. The tears. We also know how to ease these symptoms. As your confidence grows, they will disappear for good.

No pressure—you are in control 

  What does and doesn’t happen is up to you. You do not have to do anything out of your comfort zone. Why not start with driving by Sturminster Dental Care. You don’t have to do any more than this for starters. We have a beautiful practice with a calm, friendly, family vibe, which you will discover if you come in and say hello. Why not bring a friend or a family member?

 A Painless Solution for Anxious Patients and Needle Phobias

Are you one of the many individuals who feel anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist due to the thought of needles and injections? At Sturminster Dental Care, we understand how important it is to provide a comfortable and stress-free experience for all our patients. The Wand is a state-of-the-art dental tool that has transformed the way local anaesthesia is administered. Developed with patient comfort in mind, The Wand replaces traditional syringes with a pen-like device that offers unparalleled precision and control during the injection process.

the wand

No pressure—you are in control

What does and doesn’t happen is up to you. You do not have to do anything out of your comfort zone.

Why not start with driving by Sturminster Dental Care. You don’t have to do any more than this for starters. We have a beautiful practice with a calm, friendly, family vibe, which you will discover if you come in and say hello. Why not bring a friend or a family member?

We are happy to chat

This is your chance to tell us why the dentist gives you the heebie-jeebies—we will understand. Sit down and have a cuppa or two on the house.

Our staff are happy to discuss your concerns. We are trained, qualified and experienced in dental phobias. If this is enough, leave and have a think.

Meet the team—tour the premises

If you are ready for the next step, you can meet the Sturminster Dental Care team. All of us. Putting faces to names can help to break down barriers. As does understanding our systems and processes, our treatments and technology.

You get to know us. We get to know you. Have a guided tour of the building. Ask as many questions as you like.

Choose your dentist

Getting to know you means we get to play matchmaker. Partnering you with the dentist we feel is the most sympathetic to your personality and individual requirements. But, if you have a preference, we are happy to oblige!

Your first dental health assessment

Comfy chair, feet up, music in the background. We are happy to tailor the tunes to your taste. Or you can bring your own music and headphones and zone out to your favourites while we check your dental health. It doesn’t take long and is painless. We can stop at any time if you need a break.

Your first dental treatment

This can be as simple and pain-free as polishing your teeth or a sealant filling. You won’t feel a thing and will walk tall when we’ve finished. And don’t forget the music!

If you need a course of treatments, we plan these close together. This means you don’t have the time to fret and undo all the good work that has got you this far. Take the first step today…why not give us a call on 01258 473397 for a chat and to find out how we could help you.

Dentist

Ian Mercer

Ian joined Sturminster Dental Care in January 2016. lan-qualified from Guys Hospital Dental School in 1991 and has spent much of his professional career in the Royal Army Dental Corps including operational commitments in many countries. lan left the army in 2012 after serving for 21 years. Ian is really enjoying being part of the team and providing the best care to all of our patients.

Ian Mercer
Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest compliment we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Sturminster Dental Care. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Leave us a Google review

Patient reviews

878 Reviews

5.0

4th June 2026

Ian Mercer is a likeable pleasant person and explains what is going to happen during any procedure

4th June 2026

Helen the dental hygienist is a lovely lady and very very good at her job. She always introduces me to the nurse and does her best to make me feel comfortable and always advises me of what she is going to do. Helen really encouraged me to give up smoking. With her gently persuasive approach. She also advises me on how to clean my teeth better. Thank you Helen for your service. Keep doing what you do.

3rd June 2026

As a very nervous patient they are always so helpful and professional and make me feel safe and relaxed

3rd June 2026

Always friendly and welcoming, takes the time to explain everything. Couldn't ask for better service!

2nd June 2026

Everyone was very polite, helpful, kind and considerate.

2nd June 2026

Professionalism, courtesy and friendliness of all staff in spotless surroundings. Thoughtful advice, excellent care through treatment.

2nd June 2026

Wendy is an excellent hygienist and I always feel very cared for and relaxed. Her assistant, Gemma was very polite and easy to talk to.

31st May 2026

The staff are very professional but friendly as well. Treatments are explained and they check your wellbeing all the way through.

26th May 2026

Friendly helpful and professional approach of everyone

23rd May 2026

It all worked the way it should have worked.

23rd May 2026

I was seen by the Hygienist who is lovely and always gives me great tips on dental care. The staff are always welcoming. The dental surgery is comfortable and very clean.

22nd May 2026

Experienced professional friendly

21st May 2026

Friendly smiley reception team, friendly dentist (Darren) who took plenty of time to answer my questions and was very professional and kind, lovely dental nurse, clean and tidy throughout.

21st May 2026

Very friendly and approachable staff

20th May 2026

All the staff put me at ease. I feel very confident in all the staff.

20th May 2026

I am delighted to find an implantologist near to where I live as my existing implantologist (at Bath) is retiring. AJ at Sturminster Newton is excellent and I will be booking regular yearly check ups with him. He explained and discussed my existing problem and rectified this at the time of my initial appointment.After my next hygienist appointment at my existing clinic (which is already booked) I will also move this to the Sturminster Dental Care. I will then have AJ (the implantologist) and hygienist under one roof. The staff are excellent, most helpful and friendly. Overall a great experience.

MS

Metin Sen

Nicky was very friendly and I felt very well looked after by Colin

19th May 2026

First class all round as usual.

19th May 2026

I am completing this survey based on my appointment with the hygienist, which is and always is with Helen, my regular hygienist - excellent.

18th May 2026

A nearly 10% increase in price from 6 months' ago is a bit steep so we'll most likely stretch the time between appointments as long as our teeth are in good health. But Ian is a great, kind and considerate dentist who epitomises what being a good clinician is all about. Finding an NHS dentist in this area is also a reason for staying!

Prev Previous
Next Next