Welcome to A1 Dental Surgery. We’re accepting new patients for both NHS and private dental care. Whether you’re new to Canterbury, haven’t seen a dentist in years, or simply want to change practices, we’ll make joining us straightforward and welcoming.
Choosing a dentist is personal. You’re trusting someone with your health, your comfort, and often your appearance. Here’s what you’re getting when you join A1 Dental Surgery.
Dr Banvir has led this practice since 2015, but the practice itself has served Canterbury for over 30 years. That longevity speaks volumes. Practices don’t survive three decades without treating patients well.
Dr Banvir holds an MSc in Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry and completed his Certificate in Implants in 2012. He spent three years working in Maxillo-Facial Surgery before focusing on general practice. This background means you’re getting advanced expertise, not just basic dental care.
Lori has been our senior dental nurse for 15 years. Amy has been our hygienist since 2009. This stability is rare in modern dentistry where staff turnover is often high.
Why does this matter? Experienced team members know what they’re doing. They anticipate needs before problems arise. They make procedures smoother and more comfortable. You’re not getting a revolving door of temporary staff learning on the job.
We provide everything from routine check-ups to dental implants, from children’s dentistry to smile makeovers. You won’t constantly be referred elsewhere for treatments we can’t provide. Dr Banvir handles implants, Invisalign, cosmetic work, and complex restorative procedures in-house.
When referral genuinely makes sense (extremely complex root canals, jaw surgery), we’ll arrange it. But for 95% of dental needs, we’ve got you covered right here.
Our CEREC system creates permanent crowns in a single appointment. No temporaries, no waiting weeks. iTero digital scanning eliminates messy impressions for Invisalign patients. Digital X-rays reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film.
This technology costs money but genuinely improves your experience and treatment outcomes.
We’re centrally located on London Road in Canterbury with on-site parking and free parking on Temple Road nearby. Walking distance from Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury East Station.
Many patients travel from Deal, Dover, Ramsgate, and Margate specifically for our CEREC technology and Dr Banvir’s implant expertise. If people are willing to drive 30 minutes, the central Canterbury location makes us easily accessible for local patients.
Dental anxiety is incredibly common. We see nervous patients daily and understand how to make treatment comfortable:
Many of our most anxious patients tell us they wish they’d found us years earlier rather than avoiding dentists through fear.
No. While dental records from your previous dentist can be helpful, they're not required. We'll examine you comprehensively and establish our own baseline. If you want us to request records from your old dentist, we can do so with your permission.
Yes. Most patients register for both, then choose NHS or private treatment by treatment depending on what's needed. You might use the NHS for routine check-ups but private for cosmetic whitening, for example. Maximum flexibility.
Routine first appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks. If you have urgent issues causing pain or problems, we'll see you much sooner, often within 1-2 days. Emergency same-day appointments are available for severe pain or trauma.
Tell us when you register. We'll note your anxiety prominently and ensure everyone treating you knows. Your first appointment can be just a chat and examination with no treatment if that's all you're comfortable with initially. We'll work at your pace, never forcing anything.
Absolutely. Many families register together. Call 01227 765 851 or email with everyone's names and we'll send registration forms for each family member. We can often schedule appointments back-to-back on the same day for convenience.
A temporary address is fine initially. We need to contact you and send correspondence, so any reliable address works. Once you're more settled and have utility bills at your new permanent address, you can update our records.
No. Registration itself is free. You pay only for treatment you receive. Your first examination is £26.80 on NHS or £[price] privately, but there's no separate registration fee.
We'll try to accommodate preferences where possible, though we can't always guarantee you'll see the same dentist for every visit, especially for urgent appointments. Private patients generally have more flexibility choosing specific dentists. Let us know if you have a strong preference and we'll do our best.
