Why Your First Visit Might Be the Most Important One

Inside the 75-minute consultation that sets Thorpe Lea Dental apart

At Thorpe Lea Dental, the first appointment isn’t just a check-up—it’s a conversation, a collaboration, and a commitment to doing things right from the beginning.

While many dental consultations last 20–30 minutes, Dr Colin Houston takes a different approach. New patient visits at Thorpe Lea typically run for around 75 minutes, and every minute is intentional.

“Even if they don’t come back, I’ll sleep well knowing I gave them an accurate diagnosis and all the information they needed to make the right decision.” – Dr Colin Houston

That’s not a soundbite. That’s how Colin practises. With over 30 years in Staines and a patient base that spans generations, his method is built on trust, not transactions.

Slowing Down to Speed Up

Colin’s approach begins well before the examination. New patients are welcomed into a calm, unhurried space where they’re invited to share—not just their symptoms, but their story.

“We begin with conversation—where you live, what brought you in, if you’ve moved recently, and whether you’ve had any issues in the past. I keep this light at first, steering it away from dentistry deliberately.” – Dr Colin Houston

By the time the clinical part of the consultation begins, something has already shifted. The patient isn’t just another appointment on the schedule—they’re a person with context, history, and preferences.

A 360° View of Your Oral Health

Once the initial rapport is built, the process moves into a thorough assessment that includes:

• A full set of clinical photographs
• Low-radiation X-rays
• A digital 3D scan using the iTero scanner
• A comprehensive gum health check (when appropriate)
• Bite and wear analysis
• Smile and aesthetic review

Importantly, Colin adapts this process for each patient’s needs and comfort levels.

“If I think probing their gums will be painful, I don’t do it. Instead, I might spend ten minutes teaching them how to brush correctly.” – Dr Colin Houston

This emphasis on flexibility and communication is particularly meaningful for nervous patients, who often feel overwhelmed or dismissed in more transactional settings.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Where many practices treat what they see, Colin looks deeper. If a tooth is broken, he doesn’t just fix it—he asks why.

“Was it due to grinding? Poor gum health? A systemic issue?” – Dr Colin Houston

By tracing problems back to their root causes, he helps patients not only resolve current issues but avoid future ones. This level of insight is often missing in standard consultations, where speed and symptom-fixing take priority.

It’s a principle that underpins everything at Thorpe Lea: don’t just treat—understand.

The Power of Shared Planning

At the end of the visit, patients don’t leave with a lecture. They leave with clarity.

Every diagnosis is explained in plain English. Visuals from scans and photos are used to illustrate findings. Options are discussed collaboratively, and no one is rushed into treatment.

This empowers patients to make informed choices, with a dentist who’s on their side—not upselling, not pressuring, just guiding.

“Whether the patient stays with me for one visit or for life, I do it properly from the start.” – Dr Colin Houston

Why It Matters

In a world where speed is often mistaken for efficiency, Thorpe Lea Dental offers something different: time, attention, and total commitment to getting it right from day one.

That first appointment isn’t just longer—it’s foundational. It sets the tone for every future visit and builds the kind of trust that turns first-timers into lifelong patients.

Thinking About Joining Thorpe Lea?

If you’ve ever felt rushed, unheard, or unsure after a dental visit, you’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to be that way. At Thorpe Lea Dental, we believe your first appointment should leave you feeling confident, informed, and genuinely cared for.

Book your new patient consultation today and discover what a difference 75 minutes can make.