Your first visit to a dentist in Fulham does not need to be stressful. At Pure Smiles, a family-run dental practice in SW6 since 2009, every new patient appointment is designed around listening, comfort, and taking things at your pace. Here is a straightforward guide to what happens from your first phone call through to leaving the practice.
Choosing a dentist is not just about proximity. It is about finding a practice where you feel heard, where your medical needs are taken seriously, and where the team does not rush you through a 10-minute appointment. Research from the British Dental Association shows that nearly half of UK adults delay or avoid dental visits altogether, and the most common reason is not cost — it is anxiety about the experience itself.
Pure Smiles is not a high-volume, conveyor-belt dental practice. We are a small, family-run team led by Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC No. 70996), who has been practising in Fulham for over 15 years. We deliberately keep appointment times longer than average because we believe good dentistry cannot be rushed. learn more
Here is exactly what happens during a first visit to Pure Smiles, from arrival to departure:
| Step | What Happens | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Arrival and welcome | Front-of-house team greets you by name, offers herbal tea or water | 5 minutes |
| 2. Meet KiKi | Our practice dog KiKi may come to say hello (she is excellent at calming nerves) | As long as you like |
| 3. Medical history review | Dentist reviews the medical form you completed online, clarifies any details | 5-10 minutes |
| 4. Discussion of concerns | Dr Ayzaaz listens to your symptoms, fears, cosmetic goals, or questions | 10-15 minutes |
| 5. Gentle examination | Full oral health assessment including teeth, gums, and soft tissues | 10-15 minutes |
| 6. Findings and plan | Dentist explains findings clearly, discusses treatment options with no pressure | 10 minutes |
| 7. Next steps | Reception books follow-up appointments, explains dental plan options | 5 minutes |
| **Total** | **45-60 minutes** |
This is not a rushed 15-minute check-up. We schedule first visits to last up to an hour because building trust and understanding your needs properly takes time. If you have significant dental anxiety, we can extend the appointment or split it across two visits. learn more
Arriving prepared makes your first visit smoother. Here is a checklist:
If you cannot complete the medical form online beforehand, do not worry. The team will help you fill it in when you arrive.
Dental anxiety is not something we dismiss or minimise at Pure Smiles. It is a recognised barrier to oral health, and we have specific systems in place to address it from your very first contact with us.
When you call or email to book, our reception team asks whether you have any concerns about visiting the dentist. This is not a throwaway question. Your answer is noted on your file and passed directly to the dentist so they know about your anxiety before you walk through the door.
If you are wheelchair-reliant or have mobility issues, we schedule your appointment in an accessible surgery. If you have a phobia of specific instruments or procedures, we note that too.
Dr Ayzaaz Akram is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist — a genuine clinical qualification, not a relaxation technique. Clinical hypnotherapy guides you into a deeply calm state where dental treatment can happen without triggering your stress response. You remain fully conscious and in control at all times. It is drug-free, has no side effects, and requires no recovery time.
Having the same practitioner manage both your dental treatment and your anxiety is rare and makes a significant difference to the experience. learn more
The practice is deliberately designed to feel unlike a clinical waiting room. Herbal tea is offered on arrival. The team chats with you if that helps, or gives you space if it does not. And KiKi, our practice dog, has an uncanny ability to sense which patients need a calming presence.
Slow dentistry is not a marketing phrase at Pure Smiles. It is the clinical philosophy that governs how every appointment is run. It means:
Slow dentistry is not inefficient dentistry. It is dentistry that prioritises getting things right the first time and building a relationship that lasts years, not a single appointment. learn more
Booking is straightforward. You have three options:
When you register, we send your medical history form by email so you can complete it at home before your appointment. This saves time on the day and means Dr Ayzaaz can review your health background in advance.
Pure Smiles offers a range of private dental plans designed to spread the cost of routine care. Plans typically cover check-ups, hygiene appointments, and X-rays for a fixed monthly fee. The reception team will explain available options during your first visit — there is no obligation to sign up on the day. learn more
Pure Smiles has two locations in SW6, both easily accessible from across South West London:
| Location | Address | Nearest Transport |
|---|---|---|
| New Kings Road | 257 New Kings Road, London SW6 4RB | Parsons Green (District line), bus routes 22 and 14 |
| Fulham Road | 750a Fulham Road, London SW6 5SH | Fulham Broadway (District line), bus routes 14 and 414 |
Both practices are accessible for patients with wheelchairs and mobility aids. Street parking and pay-and-display bays are available nearby.
Whether you live in Fulham, Chelsea, Putney, Parsons Green, or Hammersmith, we are within easy reach. To book your first visit, call 020 7736 6276.
Your first dental appointment at Pure Smiles includes a warm welcome from the front-of-house team, a review of your medical history, a thorough discussion of any concerns or symptoms, and a gentle oral health examination. The appointment lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Dr Ayzaaz Akram explains all findings clearly and discusses next steps without pressure.
Bring photo ID, a list of current medications, and details of any medical conditions or allergies. If you have dental records or X-rays from a previous dentist, those are helpful but not essential. We send a medical history form by email when you register, which you can complete online before your visit.
Yes. Pure Smiles has specific systems for nervous patients, starting from your first phone call. Dr Ayzaaz Akram is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist who can help you feel calm during treatment without drugs or sedation. The practice also offers a relaxed environment, longer appointment times, and a stop signal system so you are always in control. learn more
Pure Smiles is a private dental practice. The cost of a first consultation depends on the examination and any diagnostic imaging required. The reception team can provide current fees when you book. Dental plans are available to spread costs over monthly payments, and the team will explain options during your first visit with no pressure to commit.
Absolutely. A significant number of our patients in Fulham come to us after years away from the dentist. There is no judgement at Pure Smiles. We start gently, assess your oral health at your pace, and build a treatment plan that you are comfortable with. Clinical hypnotherapy is available from your very first appointment if needed.
