Looking after little smiles in St Margarets
From very first wobbly tooth check-ups to teenage visits, our friendly Twickenham practice has been caring for the children of St Margarets for over 25 years. NHS dental care available for under 18s.
Why children's dental care matters from day one
Children's dentistry is so much more than checking for cavities - it's about helping your little ones build a healthy, happy relationship with the dentist that lasts a lifetime. The earlier we can introduce children to the practice (we recommend bringing your child for their first visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears), the more comfortable and confident they'll feel as they grow.
At St Margarets Smiles, children's appointments are calm, gentle and full of explanation - we want every child who walks through our door to leave feeling proud of their smile. As a family-led practice, we genuinely love seeing the next generation of families coming in to see us.
What our St Margarets families say
S J.
Wonderful experience this morning from booking, reception to my appointment with Rachel, hygienist. She is very knowledgeable and gave lots of good advice.
Sagar L.
The check-up and cleaning were excellent, and I really appreciate how thorough and professional you both were. You made me feel comfortable, and I'm very happy with how everything went. My teeth feel great!
Kay H.
Wow...what a relief!! I am so lucky to have found an NHS dentist near me who are welcoming and efficient. Emily Johnson was gentle, patient and thorough and clearly very knowledgeable.
Steve S.
Dr Emily and the entire staff did a fantastic job making my daughter feel comfortable on her first ever trip to the dentist. I would recommend St Margaret's Smiles to anyone looking for a professional, caring and supportive environment.
Jo R.
Rachael and Kiran were great! Rachael was a very thorough, friendly and informative hygienist. Kiran was fantastic supporting as a nurse. A great experience - from someone who never particularly enjoys visiting the dentist!
Jane R.
I am a nervous patient and Smiles made me feel at ease, especially Emily my dentist.
Glen M.
Great dentist great staff excellent service.
Neda D.
I must say my recent visit to St Margarets Smiles was extremely pleasant. Receptionist Jess was very helpful, and Rachel the dental hygienist explained so clearly how I can improve the health of my teeth. I won't be afraid to come again.
Marina L.
Great experience at this dental clinic. The staff were very friendly and gave excellent attention to my child, making him feel comfortable. Everything was explained clearly and in a very kind way. Really glad we chose this clinic.
Karen J.
As always, St Margarets Smiles is welcoming and knows its patients. I had two appointments, one with the hygienist and then with Mr Panesar. Both were done quickly and efficiently.
Anna H.
Great practice, wonderful doctors and very pleasant staff.
Catherine M.
Lovely new front teeth.
Ian B.
Excellent professional dentist practice.
Barbara D.
Great care as always!
Dagmara Z.
Very happy with the practice.
Thomas G.
Very good service, thanks.
Nombasa N.
Always a good experience.
Dan B.
Even through the midst of an IT crash everyone was super friendly and helpful.
Sophie B.
Professional, kind and helpful.
Pankaj T.
Fatima is amazing, very helpful and kind. Dentist is amazing.
David F.
Friendly staff, excellent service.
Karim A.
Fatima is lovely, always smiley face and great service.
Harriet D.
Emily is so kind and professional, it makes a big difference.
Noreen R.
I can't thank Dr Emily Johnson enough for the care she is taking with my teeth.
Lauren A.
Great experience with Dr. Emily and new receptionist staff. Very friendly and informative.
Barbara B.
Farzana - 100% the best hygienist and a thoroughly lovely person I have ever had - today was my second with her - perfect and thank you.
Caroline R.
Excellent care! Real understanding of my deafness and such supportive team. I really thank you.
Niki S.
St Margarets Smiles is the best by miles. Lisa on reception is particularly warm and friendly and puts one immediately at ease.
Laura K.
Very happy with St Margaret's Smiles. Easy to book appointments and really friendly staff. Emily and Fatima, thank you.
Ed W.
Prompt, friendly and professional treatment. Highly recommended.
Susan B.
Crown expertly fitted. Quick and efficient service. Pleasant friendly staff.
Ella D.
I had a great experience with Emily the dentist, everyone was very very friendly and made me feel at ease.
Michelle C.
I visited the hygienist today and she did a wonderful job. I haven't had them cleaned for about 6 years and she has done wonders in 30 minutes. Highly recommended!
Katherine M.
Excellent customer care. Highly recommend.
Susanna H.
My last appointment was hygienist, she was brilliant! The dental nurse with her was great too, highly recommend.
Andrew W.
A very thorough check up. Course of action clearly explained. I needed to be referred to Kingston hospital for some restorative treatment and this referral happened promptly.
Olivia L.
While going to the dentist is hardly a pleasant experience, the team really make up for it. The super lovely and personable receptionist will put you at ease before being seen by the professional and swift dentist. Having used both NHS & Private the level of care is always top notch.
Argita P.
I had a wonderful experience. The staff was friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. The clinic was clean and well-organised, and everything ran smoothly.
Keith S.
Very polite and friendly practice. They do take personal care of patients. I felt very comfortable. Rachel is very diligent and offered great advice. I felt very much at ease.
Ben J.
Had a great experience at St Margaret Smiles with Dr Emily and Fatima, very thorough with my examination. Lisa the receptionist was also very welcoming.
Emanuela G.
Gentle and polite manners towards my little one and professional.
Tania T.
Everyone was very kind and helpful but overall very professional.
Abigail A.
Very good service! I had Farzana as my hygienist — she was professional, friendly, and made the whole experience comfortable. Would definitely recommend!
Nigel C.
I've been coming here for years. Flexible, friendly and efficient. Dentist and hygienist.
Keith G.
The hygienist was very good, gentle and thorough, with great communication of what was happening.
Ruth S.
The hygienist did a thorough job and gave me good advice.
Kelvin L.
Dr Emily was very patient and helpful. She was treating my younger son with lots of care and explaining along about what she was doing to my son. I'll recommend her to others.
Jim M.
I'm not the best patient in the world but was very satisfied with the treatment received. Dr. Emily, assisted by Fatima did a great job of making me comfortable and carried out their work really well. All the staff seem very competent and helpful.
Tyler D.
From the receptionist to the dentist, great service, very professional, I'm glad to be a patient at this place, thank you ladies.
Brad H.
Got a checkup for myself and my toddler. Great service and friendly staff - thanks Emily for the checkup! I also went back for some dental hygiene work and my teeth are much cleaner now.
Ianstrax
All the procedures I have had have been performed with care and skill. This is a practice that I would highly recommend.
Arki H.
Rachel was amazing she deserves a bonus. Come see her immediately if you got problems.
Ester K.
Very friendly and professional dental clinic. I also found the most gentle and accommodating hygienist there for my sensitive teeth, while she cleans them very well. Short waiting time for appointments and very flexible and friendly staff and environment. My son loves going there too, for check up and hygiene appointments.
Gregory C.
The service was excellent, and the product exceeded my expectations both in ease of use and result.
Katalin P.
Excellent service. Both of my sons were treated here. We are very pleased with St Margarets Smiles.
Dot H.
I'm always nervous about visiting the dentist, but Emily and the staff were very understanding. Emily's treatment was steady and gentle. Thank you for making the visit as comfortable as possible for an anxious lady.
Liberty D.
I couldn't recommend St Margaret's Smiles more! I am someone who is a nervous client when it comes to seeing a dentist. However my experience with Emily & Farzana has been great. They both made sure I was well looked after & made me feel at ease! As soon as you walk in, the receptionists are attentive and lovely.
Duy P.
Dr Emily is very good. Highly recommended. Professional, skilful and gentle. The surgery has the latest equipment, appointments manager is also great. My whole family is now registered with Dr Emily.
Diana W.
As always a first class service... I have been at this practice since 1998... always consistently good. From fillings crowns and general care I would recommend 100%.
Derek D.
Helpful and super friendly receptionist and excellent hygienist who took great care. I'm obviously not a fan of going to the dentist but they make it far easier to have a much better experience.
Vanessa D.
Best dentist I have ever had! Dr Emily has really helped me overcome my phobias and helped manage my dental care proactively.
Ali C.
Mine and my children's experience at St Margarets Smiles is always a very positive one. A super friendly front of house team, dental staff and an amazing hygienist!
Andrea D.
Mr Panesar is an excellent dentist, who works with care and precision and is always ready to explain the treatment he is recommending. A particular thanks to two new receptionists, Lisa and Adrienne, professional and helpful and able to find a spot for a semi-urgent treatment for me. Really appreciated.
Angela K.
Hygienist Rachel was wonderful... warm and welcoming but much more ... she's informative about the process and gives clear advice!
James
Excellent care and attention kindly provided by Dr Emily and her assistant as well as by hygienist Emily. Dr Emily took care to explain everything carefully and took photographs to illustrate her explanations. She listened to my concerns equally carefully and acted accordingly.
Dean S.
I took my 1 year old for their first check up at St Margaret's Smiles, the receptionist and the 2 dental nurses were fantastic and very professional, it was also extremely clean and tidy. There was also no tears.
Susan C.
From the lovely, helpful, friendly receptionist, I think her name is Lisa, to the dentist who explains everything and will only do work necessary, this practise is amazing. I've been coming here for years and would never dream of going elsewhere. The receptionist was extremely helpful when I phoned for an emergency appointment at 9am and got one at 11am.
Joanne M.
Rachel the Hygienist was very thorough with the children and guided them on good brushing technique and answered all their questions. Adrienne on the front desk was great at keeping the children occupied while they waited. Great service and very happy kids.
Kat K.
I had a really lovely experience at my first hygienist appointment! The lady on reception was super welcoming and friendly. Rachel was really friendly and informative during my appointment where she made me feel at ease (I'm not a fan of the dentist) and made me feel really good about my teeth! The dental assistant was also very gentle and nice! The experience has made me feel much better about coming for hygienist appointments in the future.
Margot L.
I had my appointment with Rachael and it was definitely the best dental appointment I've ever had. She was so lovely and kind and explained everything step by step so I knew what was happening. Also gave very good advice and overall made sure I was comfortable and informed. Would recommend seeing her for anyone who is nervous about getting their teeth cleaned.
From baby teeth to adult smiles, step by step
Their very first visit
We recommend bringing your child to the practice from around their first birthday, or whenever their first tooth appears. The first visit is mostly about getting them familiar with the chair, the practice and the team - usually no real "treatment" at all.
Building familiarity
For young children, the first few appointments might just involve sitting in the chair, having a quick look at their teeth, and getting used to the lights and gentle equipment. We move at their pace, never our own.
Routine check-ups
Once your child is comfortable, regular six-monthly check-ups become part of family life. Your dentist will keep an eye on how their teeth are coming through, look for any early signs of decay, and discuss things like brushing technique and diet.
Preventative care
Your child's dentist may recommend preventative treatments like fluoride varnish or fissure sealants to give their developing teeth extra protection. These are quick, gentle and very effective at preventing decay.
Through the teenage years
As your child becomes a teenager, their dental needs may change. We'll discuss things like sports mouthguards, the impact of teenage diets and hygiene habits, and (if relevant) options like Invisalign Teen for older teens who'd like straighter teeth.
Who do we look after at our Twickenham practice?
We welcome children of all ages, from very first visits through to the teenage years.
Our children's dentistry is particularly well suited to:
The friendly faces caring for your child
Children's appointments at St Margarets Smiles are looked after by our gentle, patient team of dentists. Dr Emily Johnson is particularly known for her calm, friendly approach with patients of all ages - she enjoys caring for children and takes the time to explain everything in a way that makes sense to them. Dr Paramjit Panesar, with over 25 years of experience as a dentist in St Margarets, has cared for many local families across multiple generations.
You'll also meet our hygienist Rachael Kayibanda, who plays an important role in helping children develop good brushing habits and a healthy attitude towards dental care from an early age.
Why families choose us as their children's dentist
There's a reason families across St Margarets and Twickenham have trusted us with their children's dental care for over 25 years.
- NHS dental care for under 18s
- Calm, child-friendly chair manner
- Family appointments together
- Weekend appointments available
- Long-term family practice
How much does children's dentistry cost in Twickenham?
As a mixed NHS and private practice, we offer NHS dental care for children under 18. NHS dental care is free for all patients under 18. Patients who are 18 and in full-time education also receive free NHS dental treatment. We're currently accepting new NHS patients for children.
Private appointments and treatments are also available if you prefer, with full pricing listed on our fee guide page. After any examination or appointment, your child's dentist will always provide a clear, written treatment plan if any further treatment is recommended - so you'll know exactly what to expect.
Your children's dentistry questions answered in Twickenham
When should I bring my child for their first dental visit?
We recommend bringing your child to the practice by their first birthday, or whenever their first tooth appears - whichever comes first. Early visits help your child build familiarity with the dentist and the practice, which makes future visits so much easier.
Will my child's dental care be free on the NHS?
Yes - children under 18 in full-time education receive NHS dental care free of charge. We're a mixed NHS and private practice and we're currently accepting new appointments for children.
My child is nervous about the dentist - how do you help?
Our team are particularly gentle and patient with nervous children. We move at their pace, explain everything in friendly language, and never push them into anything they're not ready for. The very best thing for nervous children is regular, calm visits from a young age - which is why we encourage families to start early.
How can I help my child prevent tooth decay at home?
The basics make all the difference: brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (supervised until at least age 7), limiting sugary snacks and drinks (especially between meals), and bringing them to regular check-ups. Your dentist and hygienist will offer plenty of personalised advice during your visits.
Do you offer fluoride varnish or fissure sealants?
Yes - both are excellent preventative treatments for children. Fluoride varnish strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay, while fissure sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from decay. Your dentist will recommend these where they'd be helpful.
Can I bring my child and have my own check-up at the same time?
Yes, we love family appointments. Just let us know when you book and we'll do our best to arrange back-to-back appointments so it's all done in one trip. It also gives children the reassurance of seeing a parent or older sibling go through their check-up.
Do you accept children's patients from outside St Margarets?
Yes, we welcome families from across the TW1 postcode and the wider Richmond upon Thames borough - including East Twickenham, Isleworth, Whitton and Strawberry Hill. We're a short walk from St Margarets train station with pay-and-display parking right outside.