Member Article

Bdaily speaks to The Cosmetic Dental Clinic

Bdaily caught up with Dr Darren Cannell, director and co-founder of The Cosmetic Dental Clinic in Newcastle.

The business was founded in 2007 by Dr Cannell and Dr Andy Stafford, both graduates of Newcastle University Dental School.

After working at successful clinics in the North West, the pair identified a gap in the North East market, and set up shop in their premises on Old Eldon Square.

“Traditionally the US have been well ahead of us. It’s a business that is well established over there, but we spotted a market for it over here. We’re members of The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and go over there every year to learn about advances in practices, the latest ideas and what’s happening in the industry.”

It seems cosmetic dental work has remained buoyant throughout the recession, as Dr Cannell noted: “I think when times are tough, people want to make themselves feel as good as they can, and coming to us for our treatments, is one of those things they will set aside money for.

“From a customer care perspective, we always try to go above and beyond the call of duty.I think our customers recognise this which is why they continue to return to us as well as recommend their friends and family”

The clinic provides a range of services, from routine general dentistry, teeth whitening and veneers, through to implants and full mouth reconstructions“

Dr Cannell notes the clinic has seen a marked difference in trade to its London counterparts.

“The laboratories we use are all in London, and they have been astonished at the level of work we have maintained, when their neighbouring customers have seen a lot of work drop off.”

“I’m not sure what would explain the regional differences, but it seems there’s a boom in our services up here, and we’ll continue to build on that.”

The company have built in physical space for growth, says Dr Cannell. “One of the reasons we chose our great premises in Old Eldon Square was the space, and we now have extra stories in which to expand into, meaning we can grow easily on site.”

Sourcing skilled talent is also given consideration. “There’s always a good supply of well qualified and trained dentists in the pipeline, but what we need are the ones with a specific interest in the cosmetic side, and so it can be more difficult to find a good fit. Having said that, I think a lot graduates are now seeing the potential in cosmetic dentistry.”

“We get asked all the time about what our demographics are, but it’s actually hard to define. On a day to day basis we treat a wide range of patients of all ages”

“Although our website has significantly enabled us to attract new custom, we are now very fortunate in that Word-of-mouth has become our greatest marketing tool.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .