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

895 Reviews

5.0

25th June 2026

Everything

24th June 2026

the clinicians are excellent : highly professional, careful and cheerful. As are the receptionists.

24th June 2026

Generally I would have no complaints at all as all of the staff are always so kind aand welcoming, however with my treatment this week I personally would have preferred to be told what was being done when at each stage of the treatment; all I could see was lots of different things being put in my mouth but not knowing why etc. The dentist explained what he was going to do, ie root canal however I have to admit I was a little anxious and I feel that if I was told along every step this may have eased this a little. This is why i have used the 'neither satisfied nor dissatisfied' option on the section relating to satisfaction. Other than this, no issues

20th June 2026

All the staff are polite friendly and helpful Reassuring

19th June 2026

Seen on time, everyone is friendly and helpful, very clean premises

18th June 2026

The Hygeneist is a real professional as is her assistant.

17th June 2026

This is an excellent dental practice, from the helpful and friendly receptionists to the Hygienist and Dental Practitioner. Everyone is caring, friendly, kind and efficient. The waiting room is always a clean and pleasant place to sit with interesting and informative videos to watch while waiting.

12th June 2026

Just easy . Reception good , clinician thorough friendly and relaxed Check out easy

12th June 2026

Did what I expected

12th June 2026

From start to finish this is an efficient and welcoming surgery. Customer service is paramount and all members of staff are a delight.

11th June 2026

All staff are very friendly and helpful.

11th June 2026

Very professional approach to my treatment. Courtesy throughout and well informed staff.

RC

Richard Conder

My wife and I visited Sturminster Dental Care today having been away from the area for some time and having had to use other dentists. The reception and treatment we received was outstanding. The reception team are kind, professional, and welcoming. Emmanuel ( our dentist) was truly exceptional, so skilled, gentle and supportive … simply second to none. Darren ( our hygienist) is equally brilliant and uses new and modern techniques which are much more effective and gentle on the gums and teeth. A really outstanding practice which we highly recommend. In addition their fees are very reasonable for the service they provide. Thank you.

10th June 2026

I had never met the clinician before but he totally put me at ease. I was given the option of having the tooth extracted there and then or to wait for a later date.As I'm due to fly to Canada next week I opted to have treatment there and then. He was so gentle and explained each step of the process. Apart from the injection I did not feel anything - except relief when the tooth came out easily. I was given clear advice on what to do/not to do for the next 24 hours and to contact the surgery if I had any concerns. I am really grateful and pleased with the outcome ... no pun intended. :)

10th June 2026

Polite, efficient, respectful and a brilliant service

PS

Pauline Soper

An excellent dental surgery. All the staff are friendly and helpful. Ian is an excellent dentist and Wendy is without doubt the best hygienist I have experienced. Everywhere from the moment you step in the door looks and feels clinically clean.

6th June 2026

Very efficient and professional staff

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

Prev Previous
Next Next