Children's Dentist in Lanark: Dental Care From First Tooth to Teens

Q: Where can I find a children's dentist in Lanark?

Our practice, Lanark Smile Studios at 72 High Street, is registering children and teenagers on the NHS now. Their NHS dental care is free in Scotland, and through the national Childsmile programme children can have fluoride varnish, while parents get advice on brushing and diet. Dr Akça and Dr Flessas are among our dentists who see children of every age. To register, request a call back and pick an NHS place, or message us on WhatsApp.

Q: Is my child's dental examination free?

Yes, on the NHS. In Scotland, children and everyone under 26 pay nothing for NHS dental examinations or treatment, and that includes fluoride varnish, fissure sealants and fillings. We're registering children on the NHS now. If you'd prefer to book privately, a child's examination costs £38.

Q: How do you help children who are scared of the dentist?

Slowly and patiently. Early visits are kept short, we explain everything in words your child will understand, and we let them see the mirror and try the chair before we look at their teeth. No one is hurried into treatment. At home, talk about the visit calmly and avoid words such as "hurt" or "needle". Some children relax more after first watching a parent's dental examination.

Children are registered and treated on the NHS. Under-26s in Scotland pay nothing at all for NHS dental care. At our Lanark practice, Dr Batuhan Akça and Dr Ioannis Flessas look after young patients at every stage, from the first baby tooth right through the teenage years.Children are registered and treated on the NHS. In Scotland, children's NHS dental care costs nothing.

Private care is also available, with a child's examination costing £38. ¹

Your dentistDr Batuhan Akça BDS (Istanbul Medipol)General dentistry with clear advice, treatment options explained and support in looking after your oral health. GDC 333665.Meet Dr Akça ›Your dentistDr Ioannis Flessas MUDr (Charles University, Prague)Provides NHS and private general dentistry at Lanark, including dental examinations, white fillings and extractions. GDC 287552.Meet Dr Flessas ›Your dentistDr Melanie Gray BDS with Commendation (Glasgow)Cosmetic and restorative dentistry, Invisalign and facial aesthetics, alongside everyday dental care for the whole family. GDC 113743.Meet Dr Gray ›

What Your Child's Care Covers

We focus on stopping problems before they start, which keeps most appointments brief: a careful look and a friendly conversation.

Routine Dental Examinations

We check the teeth and gums and watch how the bite is coming along, taking X-rays only if there's a good reason.

Fluoride Varnish Treatment

Following Scotland's Childsmile programme, we brush a protective fluoride coating onto the teeth to harden enamel against decay, normally twice a year from the age of two.

Sealants on Back Teeth

We seal the deep grooves of the permanent back teeth, a common place for decay to begin, with a fine tooth-coloured layer. There's no need for drilling or injections.

Fillings When Necessary

We deal with small holes early and gently, explaining everything to you and your child before we start.

Dental Injuries

If a fall or a sporting accident chips, loosens or knocks out a tooth, we offer same-day appointments.

Advice for Parents

Useful guidance on teething, brushing, dummies, snacks and drinks, matched to your child's age.

When to Start

As soon as the first tooth appears, and by their first birthday at the latest.

Get Registered

Request a call back and select NHS place, or message us on WhatsApp. We're taking on new child NHS patients now.

An Easy First Appointment

Little ones can stay on your knee. We'll count their teeth, check their gums and talk through anything you'd like to know about teething, brushing or food.

Regular Examinations After That

Normally twice a year, or more frequently if your dentist recommends it. Bringing siblings? Ask us about back-to-back appointments for the whole family.

Brushing Tips

Brush twice a day, making the evening brush the final thing before bed, with nothing but water after it

Under-threes need just a smear of fluoride toothpaste; from age three, use a pea-sized amount

Encourage spitting out, not rinsing, so the fluoride stays on the teeth

Help or watch them brush until around age seven, since few children manage it properly on their own before that

Keep sugary treats and juice to mealtimes, offering water or milk in between

Our parents' guide to children's dental visits

Nervous Children

It's normal for children to feel uncertain at their first few appointments, so we let them set the pace. A first visit that's just a ride up and down in the chair still counts as a success.

Children notice how adults talk about the dentist, so keep things calm and upbeat at home. When you book, tell us about any concerns, sensory needs or additional support needs, and we'll shape the visit to suit.

Getting Ready

Pick a time of day when they've eaten and aren't tired, rather than right after a long day at nursery or school

Describe it as a normal, friendly trip, and steer clear of words such as “hurt”, “needle” or “drill”

Bring them along to watch your own dental examination first, so the people and the setting feel familiar

They're welcome to bring a favourite toy into the chair

Tell them they did well afterwards, whatever happened

Why Milk Teeth Count

Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth coming through, help children chew and speak clearly, and support the developing face. Decay in a milk tooth can still cause pain and infection, so we treat it promptly instead of waiting for the tooth to come out naturally.

With teenagers, we monitor the bite and the wisdom teeth as they develop. Where braces could help, we'll talk through the options, from fixed braces to aligners. If your child plays contact sports such as rugby, hockey or football, a made-to-measure sports mouthguard (£190) protects their teeth much better than an off-the-shelf guard.

Book Sooner If You See

White chalky spots, or brown or dark marks, on the teeth

Your child mentions toothache, or pain from hot, cold or sugary things

Gums that bleed or look red and swollen

Any knock to a tooth, even when it seems fine, as it may turn darker weeks afterwards

A dummy or thumb-sucking habit that's still going when the permanent front teeth come in

Children's Fees

Children's NHS dental care in Scotland is free of charge. Private treatment is available if that's your preference. ¹

NHS examinations and treatment, for everyone under 26	Free
Private examination for a child	£38
Emergency visit, private	£85
Made-to-measure sports guard	£190

See every fee

Parents' Questions

Signing up, the first appointment, fees and anxiety.

When should my baby have their first dental visit?–

As soon as their first teeth appear, and no later than their first birthday. The visit is brief and relaxed: we take a quick look in their mouth, often with them sitting on your knee, and give you tips on brushing, teething and sugary drinks. Coming early helps the dentist feel familiar, rather than somewhere linked with pain. It also means we can spot early decay, or teeth coming through the wrong way, while they're simple to manage.

Where can I find a children's dentist in Lanark?+

How do I get my child registered with an NHS dentist?+

Is my child's dental examination free?+

How do you help children who are scared of the dentist?+

An adult tooth has been knocked out. What should I do?+

Guides

Reading for Parents

All general dentistry guides

General dentistry · 7 minute read

Dental emergency? What to do and who to call

Sign Your Child Up Today

Children are registered on the NHS straight away. Request a call back, select NHS place and we'll arrange their first dental examination.

Request a call back Send a WhatsApp

Google★★★★★4.7from 37 reviews"All staff are attentive and professional in the way they handle their patients." Edward G., Google reviewRead reviews