Meet The Member - Harpenden Orthodontics
Harpenden Orthodontics
We caught up with the team at Harpenden Orthodontics to learn about their journey from a small St. Albans practice to a thriving, community-focused clinic in Harpenden, their passion for patient care, and what keeps them smiling behind the scenes.
We are very happy to have you as a member of We Are Harpenden. We would love to hear about your journey; how did you end up starting your own practice?
We enjoy being a member of the community! We began as a small specialist orthodontic practice in St Albans in 1993 and have since grown into a dual-site service, with our Harpenden location, we opened in 1999, the larger of the two, reflecting the high demand for both NHS and private, specialist-led orthodontic care in our area. Our growth has been fuelled by a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred treatment. While the practice was originally founded by a single clinician, today we are a collaborative, forward-thinking team with a strong reputation particularly in interceptive and teen orthodontics, and we’re proud to continue building on that foundation for the future.
Have you always worked in the dentistry industry, or did you do something else before?
Our team brings a mix of experience, with many of us having worked in orthodontics for years, while others transitioned from general dentistry or even outside healthcare. What unites us is a shared enthusiasm for helping patients gain confidence through their smiles.
You’ve been working in Harpenden for a long time now. What do you like most about being a part of the local community?
We love being part of such a close-knit, family-oriented town. Many of our patients come to us through word-of-mouth or family referrals, which is incredibly rewarding. It really feels like we’re looking after generations of smiles.
Is there anything people feel particularly surprised by when it comes to dentistry and orthodontics?
Many people are surprised by how early orthodontic treatment can start — it’s not just for teens. Interceptive treatment for younger children, often from around age 8, can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes. At the same time, orthodontics isn’t just for the young — treatment is also highly effective for adults of all ages. In fact, our youngest current patient is 8, and our oldest is in their 80s! People cannot believe how their smile is completely transformed and what a difference it makes to their confidence
Before people come for an appointment, what are the questions they usually ask?
Most patients want to know what their options are, how long treatment will take, and whether it will be uncomfortable. We always take time to walk them through the process and make sure they feel confident before starting.
What would you say is the most important thing for you to provide to the patients?
Trust. Whether someone is seeing us for a child’s early consultation or a cosmetic tweak later in life, we want every patient to feel informed, comfortable, and cared for throughout their journey.
As a business owner, what are some important habits that are part of your routine?
As a team, we prioritise communication and consistency, with regular team meetings, patient feedback reviews, and ongoing training help us stay aligned and focused on delivering the best experience possible for our patients. We also regularly attend courses and social events together, which not only keeps us at the cutting edge of the latest treatments but is great for team bonding.
Has your approach to business changed much since you first started?
Absolutely. While we've always stayed up to date with the latest advancements in orthodontic technology, our approach has evolved to become even more patient-focused and digitally streamlined. One example is our use of Dental Monitoring, which allows us to track a patient’s progress remotely using an app and regular photo updates. This means fewer in-person appointments are needed, saving time for our patients while still ensuring excellent clinical oversight. It’s just one of the ways we’re making treatment more convenient and accessible without compromising on care.
What is your top tip for keeping teeth healthy?
Brush twice a day, use a fluoride toothpaste, and don’t skip your dental check-ups. For our orthodontic patients, avoid chewy or sugary snacks, and wear your retainers as instructed!
Where in Harpenden is your favourite spot to go in your spare time?
We’re big fans of Rothamsted Park, it’s a great spot for a lunchtime walk or just getting some fresh air between appointments. Some of us are also loyal customers of the local coffee spots!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
One of our clinicians brought their own karaoke machine to our last staff party, and it definitely stole the show. There was no shortage of ABBA, and always someone ready to take the mic. We also recently brought our fancy dress A game for a gold and black themed gala evening, which we proudly won!
It’s fair to say we’re just as enthusiastic off the clock as we are in the clinic!