How to choose a cosmetic dentist

Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognised speciality with the General Dental Council. Any registered dentist may offer it. That places the burden of judgement on the patient, so it helps to know what genuinely signals quality.

Look for

• GDC registration you can check yourself — every clinician's number should be published
• Postgraduate training in restorative dentistry, not weekend product courses alone
• Unretouched before and after photographs of their own work, taken in consistent light
• A written treatment plan with costs, alternatives and the option of doing nothing
• Willingness to say no, or to recommend alignment or hygiene before cosmetic work

Be wary of

• Pressure to decide on the day, or a discount that expires at the end of the appointment
• Prices quoted before anyone has looked in your mouth
• Heavy preparation of healthy teeth for veneers when a more conservative option exists
• Photographs that look retouched, or are clearly stock images

A good consultation should feel like a conversation, not a sale. You should leave understanding what is being proposed, what it costs to maintain, and what happens if you change your mind.