As likely the oldest dental practice in Wales to operate continuously from its original site, Glenhaven Dental in Taffs Well is unique in that it has only ever been owned by two families. The close-knit nature of this practice gives way to exemplary treatments being afforded to patients, not only concerning dental health, but also across its other provisions of implant care and facial aesthetics. On the back of its recognition with an award in this programme, we take a closer look at its esteemed history. Glenhaven Dental: Dental Practice of the Year 2025 – South East Wales For more than 100 years now, Glenhaven Dental has operated from its picturesque location in the shadow of the magnificent Castell Coch, just on the outskirts of Cardiff. Started by the Lewis family in 1909, the practice was passed down through three generations, before Dr Colin Griffiths joined as a business partner over 40 years ago. In 2009, alongside his wife Denise, Colin bought the practice from the Lewis family. In 2010, their daughter Lara and her husband Mark joined as dentists closely followed by their son Chris and fiancé Jess. They quickly set about transforming the property into a stunning dental practice, blending the old with the new. The first step of this transformation – which aimed to make Glenhaven Dental the best practice in Wales – was expansion, as this traditional village property needed more space to house the varied, state-of-the-art treatments that a practice holding this title would offer to patients. Bringing both the house and the three existing surgeries into the modern era took three years to complete, with the practice today boasting six surgeries, a decontamination room, two specialist treatment rooms, and a consultation room. Across the project, the aim was to create a practice that felt warm and inviting, one that respected its history but also reflected the aim of raising the bar for modern dentistry. Through the calm haven that was created, it is fair to say this was achieved. However, this was not the first time that this idea of a ‘haven’ was associated with the practice, as it has been part of its two-fold name (‘Glen’ refers to a narrow valley with a river running through it, in this case the River Taff opposite) since the early 90s. “The name ‘Glenhaven’ for our dental practice represented a place that not only offered dental treatments, but also emphasised a harmonious, peaceful, and caring approach to oral health.” Glenhaven Dental’s slogan is ‘more than a dental practice’, which reflects its comprehensive approach to not only dental needs, but also patient care. Several members of the Griffiths family are today part of this team, and they bring a personal touch to their roles at every turn. Dr Colin Griffiths is now the Clinical Director and Owner together with his wife Denise who is Practice Director and Owner. Their daughter Lara is now the principal dentist at the practice, and their son Chris is now the Business Manager. The family at Glenhaven Dental does, however, extend much further, comprising every member of staff as well as the members of the local community it has served now for 116 years and counting. In this way, the practice is entirely unique. As a spokesperson for the practice told us: “Our wonderful team are highly professional, accomplished, experienced, and loyal. We believe that providing exceptional dental care requires excellent organisation, communication, trust, responsibility and delegation.” They continued: “At Glenhaven Dental, we feel it is vital to keep our staff motivated and focused on patient care.” This ethos runs across the practice, seen from its nursing team and its dentists to the business team, who are the backbone of its success. With such a strong, aligned team at its disposal, Glenhaven Dental is able to offer services across private dental care and Denplan Essentials alike, with treatments ranging from more general dental/hygiene care to more complex treatments including Dental Implants, Invisalign (Adult Clear Braces), teeth whitening, veneers, crowns/bridges, and ‘Cerec’ tooth-coloured fillings made on site. Outside of this, the practice also offers ‘Aesthetics by Dr Lara’, this through a clinic incorporated inside itself. Treatments here include Botox® and dermal fillers, available for both body and face. The array of services and treatments provided by Glenhaven Dental, not to mention the unrivalled consistency across their delivery, has resulted in an array of industry awards over the past couple of years, as well as client acclaim. For example, in its latest independent client survey, the practice received 99% on its patient satisfaction score. Similarly, in its last inspection from Health Inspectorate Wales, this in July 2023, the practice achieved 100%, before netting the same perfect score in its Denplan Excel inspection. Figures like this do not lie, and they reflect the staggering achievements in patient care that Glenhaven Dental has earned over the last few years. This only adds to the legacy of excellence that the practice has nurtured over the last century, with its refusal to rest on its laurels and pledge to continue to go above and beyond for patients resulting in its rightful recognition as the Dental Practice of the Year 2025 – South East Wales. Contact: Chris Griffiths Company: Glenhaven Dental Web Address: https://www.glenhaven.dental/
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