This Bow Lane Dental Group review by London Reviews is the most thorough independent assessment available of this award-winning private dentist in the City of London.
Last updated: April 27, 2026 — Independently researched and written by the London Reviews editorial team. We do not accept payment from the businesses we review.
Looking for an honest Bow Lane Dental Group review? This is the most thorough independent assessment of Bow Lane Dental Group — an award-winning private dentist in the City of London based at 2a Bow Lane, EC4M 9EE. Below we cover treatments, pricing, patient reviews from Google, Yelp, Bark, Yell and Birdeye, CQC regulatory status, comparisons with nearby practices, and our final verdict.
Table of Contents
- At a Glance
- Introduction: Why We Chose Bow Lane Dental for Our First Full Review
- Location & Getting There
- First Impressions & Atmosphere
- The Dental Team
- Full Range of Treatments Offered
- Pricing & Value for Money
- What Patients Actually Say: Review Analysis
- What Patients Love Most (Positive Themes)
- Areas for Consideration (Constructive Feedback)
- Who Is Bow Lane Dental Group Best For?
- How Bow Lane Dental Group Compares to Nearby Competitors
- CQC Regulatory Status
- Sustainability & Community
- How to Book Your First Appointment
- Frequently Asked Questions
- London Reviews Verdict
- Summary
At a Glance
Practice: Bow Lane Dental Group
Address: 2a Bow Lane, London, EC4M 9EE
Phone: 020 7236 3600
Email: [email protected]
Website: bowlanedental.com
Established: 2001 (20+ years in practice)
Type: Private dental practice
Specialisms: General dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, dental implants, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, teeth whitening, emergency dental care
Nearest Tube: Mansion House (2 min walk), Bank (5 min walk), St Paul’s (5 min walk), Cannon Street Overground (3 min walk)
Opening Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30am–5:30pm | Friday 8:30am–5:00pm | Weekends closed
Languages Spoken: English, Italian, Arabic, French, Polish, Hebrew, Czech
Regulatory Body: Registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and General Dental Council (GDC)
Awards: Named ‘Best Dental Practice in London’, ‘Best Community Initiative’ (Oral Health Awards 2019)
Payment Plans: Available for treatments exceeding £1,500 (subject to status)
Accepts New Patients: Yes
Introduction: Why We Chose Bow Lane Dental for Our First Full Review
When we set out to write the inaugural in-depth business review for London Reviews, we wanted to pick a practice that Londoners genuinely search for, debate on Reddit threads, and recommend to colleagues over coffee. Bow Lane Dental Group ticked every box.
Situated on a quiet lane between Cheapside and Queen Victoria Street — quite literally in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral — this award-winning private practice has been operating since 2001 and has accumulated well over 500 verified patient reviews across Google, Yelp, Bark, Yell, and Birdeye, maintaining a remarkable 4.9 out of 5 average rating. For a dental practice, that level of consistency over two decades is genuinely unusual.
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. We dug into every publicly available review, cross-referenced patient feedback on Reddit, examined their CQC inspection history, analysed their pricing against London competitors, and assessed every treatment they offer. This is the most comprehensive review of Bow Lane Dental Group you’ll find anywhere.
Location & Getting There
Bow Lane Dental Group occupies a prime position in the City of London’s financial district, making it exceptionally convenient for the hundreds of thousands of professionals who work in the Square Mile each day.
By Tube: The practice sits within a two-minute walk of Mansion House station (District and Circle lines) and roughly five minutes from Bank station (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines) and St Paul’s station (Central line). If you’re arriving via Cannon Street overground, the walk takes around three minutes.
By Bus: Several bus routes serve the surrounding streets, including the 15, 17, 25, 26, and 521, all stopping within a short walk.
Landmarks Nearby: Bow Lane itself is a charming pedestrianised street lined with independent shops and eateries. St Paul’s Cathedral, One New Change shopping centre, the Barbican Centre, and the Tower of London are all within easy reach.
Parking: There is no dedicated car park, but the NCP at Queen Victoria Street and various on-street metered bays are available nearby. Realistically, though, public transport is the sensible option.
Why the Location Matters: This is perhaps the practice’s single greatest strategic advantage. Most of their patients work in the City and can nip out for a lunchtime check-up or an early-morning appointment before heading to the office. Several reviewers on Google and Bark explicitly mention the convenience factor as a reason for choosing Bow Lane over a practice closer to home.
First Impressions & Atmosphere
Walk through the door and the first thing patients consistently mention — across Google, Bark, Yelp, and Yell — is the warmth of the reception team. The name Marcel crops up repeatedly as a receptionist who goes above and beyond.
The interior is modern, clean, and designed to feel calming rather than clinical. Multiple reviewers describe it as having a “welcoming” and “relaxing” atmosphere, and several patients who identify themselves as dental-phobic say they were put at ease from the moment they arrived.
One reviewer on Bark wrote that they hadn’t visited a dentist in years due to fear, but the reception team’s manner over the phone was enough to convince them to book. After attending, they said they were “actually looking forward to” their next visit — a phrase you don’t hear often about dental practices.
The practice features modern equipment, an on-site dental laboratory (a significant advantage that reduces turnaround times for crowns, bridges, and other prosthetics), and dedicated treatment rooms for different specialisms.
The Dental Team
Bow Lane Dental Group is led by an experienced team of dental professionals, with specialists covering a breadth of disciplines under one roof. This “all-under-one-roof” model is one of the practice’s defining characteristics and something patients frequently praise.
Key Team Highlights:
The practice employs general dentists, hygienists, an endodontist (root canal specialist), a periodontist (gum specialist), an orthodontist, and on-site dental technicians. This means that regardless of the complexity of your case, referral to an external specialist is rarely necessary.
Multilingual Team: The team speaks seven languages — English, Italian, Arabic, French, Polish, Hebrew, and Czech. For London’s international workforce, this is a genuine differentiator. Several reviewers mention being grateful for communication in their native language.
Frequently Praised Staff Members:
Based on our analysis of over 500 patient reviews, the following team members receive the most consistent praise:
- Dr Selvaggia Brigo — Multiple reviewers describe her as knowledgeable, gentle, and thorough. One patient on Bark called her a “goddess” after she resolved an emergency within four hours of their phone call.
- Dr Zaki Kanaan — Praised for his gentle approach and clear communication, particularly with nervous patients.
- Sarah Urquhart (Hygienist) — Appears in dozens of reviews as potentially “the best hygienist in London,” with patients noting that she transforms routine cleaning into a genuinely pleasant experience.
- Brooke Shippe (Hygienist) — Described as talented, thorough, and able to calm even the most anxious patients. One Yell reviewer who hadn’t visited a dentist in years said Brooke made the experience completely pain-free.
- Dr Bruno Delaunay — Mentioned for his professionalism and thorough treatment approach.
- Marcel (Reception) — Repeatedly praised for being helpful, understanding, and making the booking process smooth.
All clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council and adhere to its Standards for Dental Professionals. The practice itself is registered with the Care Quality Commission.
Full Range of Treatments Offered
One of Bow Lane Dental Group’s strongest selling points is the sheer breadth of treatments available. Here is the complete breakdown:
General Dentistry
- Dental health check-ups (including X-rays)
- White (composite) fillings
- Amalgam filling replacements
- Tooth extractions (simple and surgical)
- Root canal treatment (endodontics — performed by a specialist)
- Gum disease treatment (periodontics)
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Dentures (partial and full)
- Mouth guards (sports and bruxism)
- Children’s dentistry (free check-up for under-5s when booked alongside paying adult)
Cosmetic Dentistry
- Porcelain veneers
- Composite bonding
- Smile makeovers (Digital Smile Design)
- Teeth whitening (Zoom in-practice and Boutique Whitening home kits)
- Gum contouring
Orthodontics
- Invisalign (clear aligner therapy)
- Fixed braces
- Removable braces
Dental Implants
- Single tooth implants
- Multiple tooth implants
- Full arch restoration (All-on-4)
Specialist Treatments
- Endodontics (complex root canal treatment by specialist)
- Periodontics (advanced gum treatment by specialist)
Hygiene Services
- Professional teeth cleaning (scale and polish)
- Deep cleaning (root planing)
- Air polishing
- Stain removal
- Oral hygiene coaching
Emergency Dental Care
- Same-day emergency appointments (where available)
- Toothache relief
- Broken tooth repair
- Lost filling/crown repair
- Dental abscess treatment
Additional Services
- Video consultations
- Dental anxiety management
- Payment plans (for treatments over £1,500)
- On-site dental laboratory
Pricing & Value for Money
As a private practice in the City of London, Bow Lane Dental Group is not the cheapest option. However, patients who comment on pricing consistently say the quality justifies the cost.
Key Pricing Points (as of 2026):
- Boutique Whitening Home Kit: £480 (includes consultation, custom trays, whitening gel, and post-treatment appointment)
- Invisalign: Free initial consultation, with up to £500 off treatment during promotional periods
- Payment Plans: Available for treatments exceeding £1,500 (regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority through Portman Healthcare/Product Partnerships Limited, FCA registration 626349)
One reviewer on Bark noted that “the practice is very expensive compared to others but it is a first-rate service.” This sentiment is echoed across multiple platforms. Price-conscious patients may find better value elsewhere, but if quality and convenience are priorities, reviewers overwhelmingly consider Bow Lane worth the premium.
Insurance: The practice welcomes patients with private dental insurance. Check directly with reception to confirm whether your specific plan is accepted.
New Patient Offers: Bow Lane typically runs offers for new patients. At the time of writing, their Invisalign campaign includes a free consultation and up to £500 off treatment. They also offer free children’s dental check-ups for under-5s when booked alongside a paying adult appointment.
What Patients Actually Say: Review Analysis
We’ve analysed reviews from every major platform to give you an honest picture.
Google Reviews
Rating: 5 stars | Volume: 200+ reviews
Patients on Google consistently highlight professionalism, warmth, and clinical expertise. The practice celebrated surpassing 200 Google reviews, maintaining a near-perfect average. Common themes include praise for individual clinicians, the welcoming reception team, and the modern facilities.
Birdeye
Rating: 4.9/5 | Volume: 533 reviews
The largest collection of reviews, aggregating feedback from multiple sources. The 4.9 average across 533 reviews is exceptional for any dental practice, let alone one in central London.
Bark
Rating: 5 stars
Bark reviews are particularly detailed. Patients frequently write several paragraphs describing their experience, and the overwhelming tone is one of gratitude — for gentle treatment, for emergency availability, and for the quality of specialist work.
Yell
Rating: Positive
Yell reviews emphasise the convenience of the location, the friendliness of staff, and the quality of hygienist appointments. International patients feature prominently, with several American expatriates comparing Bow Lane favourably to five-star dental practices in the United States.
Yelp
Rating: Listed with positive feedback
Yelp provides basic information confirming the practice’s central location and operating hours.
CQC (Care Quality Commission)
Last Inspection: 15 September 2021
Report Published: 29 September 2021
Outcome: No action required across all inspected areas
The CQC does not formally rate dental practices in the same way it rates hospitals, but Bow Lane’s inspection returned clean results with no concerns raised about safety, management, or patient care.
What Patients Love Most (Positive Themes)
Based on our analysis of 533+ reviews, the most frequently mentioned positives are:
1. Gentle, Pain-Free Treatment This is the single most common piece of praise. Multiple patients who describe themselves as dental-phobic say they experienced no pain and felt genuinely relaxed during treatment. One reviewer described having a wisdom tooth removed “in a competent, efficient manner” with minimal discomfort.
2. All Specialists Under One Roof Patients appreciate not being referred to separate clinics for different treatments. Having an endodontist, periodontist, orthodontist, and on-site lab in one location simplifies complex treatment plans considerably.
3. Exceptional Hygienist Team Sarah Urquhart and Brooke Shippe receive an extraordinary volume of individual praise. Multiple patients describe their hygiene appointments as “a treat rather than something to be dreaded.” One long-term patient said Sarah had “completely inspired me to turn my oral hygiene habits around.”
4. Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere The reception team — Marcel in particular — receives consistent praise for creating a friendly, pressure-free environment. Several patients mention feeling like “part of the Bow Lane family.”
5. Convenience for City Workers Early-morning appointments, a central location steps from three Tube stations, and efficient appointment scheduling make the practice ideal for busy professionals.
6. Long-Term Patient Loyalty Several reviewers mention being patients for over a decade, with one stating they’d been attending for 16 years. This level of retention speaks volumes about consistency of care.
7. International Patient Satisfaction American expatriates, in particular, compare Bow Lane favourably to top-tier US practices. One wrote: “If you are an American looking for a great dental experience comparable to a 5-star US Dentist, look no further.”
Areas for Consideration (Constructive Feedback)
No practice is perfect, and in the interest of balance, here are the areas where some patients have offered constructive feedback:
1. Premium Pricing The most common reservation across all platforms. As a private City of London practice, fees are higher than average. Patients who prioritise cost savings may find more affordable options in outer London boroughs.
2. Booking Availability During Peak Times A handful of reviews mention that booking can be challenging during busy periods, though staff generally accommodate urgent cases efficiently.
3. Weekend Availability The practice is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. For patients who cannot attend during weekday working hours, this may be a limitation — although early-morning appointments partially mitigate this.
4. NHS Treatment Not Available Bow Lane is exclusively private. Patients seeking NHS dental care will need to look elsewhere.
Who Is Bow Lane Dental Group Best For?
Based on our comprehensive analysis, this practice is particularly well-suited to:
✅ City of London professionals who want a convenient, high-quality dentist near their workplace
✅ Nervous or dental-phobic patients — the team’s gentle approach is consistently praised
✅ Patients requiring complex treatment — the all-under-one-roof model with specialists is a genuine advantage
✅ International residents — seven languages spoken, and a team experienced with expatriate patients
✅ Those considering Invisalign — free consultations and promotional pricing available
✅ Patients who value long-term relationships — the practice’s retention rate speaks for itself
✅ Families working in the City — free children’s check-ups alongside adult appointments
It may be less suitable for:
⚠️ Patients on tight budgets seeking the lowest possible prices
⚠️ Those who need weekend appointments
⚠️ Patients seeking NHS dental treatment
How Bow Lane Dental Group Compares to Nearby Competitors
For context, here’s how Bow Lane stacks up against other well-known private dental practices in the City of London:
| Feature | Bow Lane Dental | London City Smiles | Sonria Dental | Neem Tree Dental |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Rating | 5/5 (200+) | 5/5 (900+) | 5/5 (500+) | 4.9/5 (300+) |
| Established | 2001 | 2008 | 2010 | 2004 |
| All Specialists In-House | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| On-Site Lab | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Invisalign | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Emergency Same-Day | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Languages | 7 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Payment Plans | ✅ Yes (FCA regulated) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Nearest Tube | Mansion House (2 min) | Liverpool Street (3 min) | Oxford Circus (5 min) | Multiple locations |
| IV Sedation | Check with practice | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Verdict: Bow Lane Dental Group holds its own against strong competition. Its key differentiators are the on-site laboratory (faster turnarounds), the breadth of languages spoken, and the 20+ year track record. London City Smiles has a higher volume of Google reviews, but Bow Lane’s per-review sentiment quality is outstanding.
CQC Regulatory Status
Bow Lane Dental Group is operated by Dentex Clinical Limited and is registered with the Care Quality Commission.
Registered Services:
- Treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
- Surgical procedures
- Diagnostic and screening procedures
Last Inspection: 15 September 2021
Report Published: 29 September 2021
Result: No action required across all areas inspected
The CQC does not formally rate dental practices in the way it rates care homes or hospitals, but inspectors found no concerns during their assessment. The practice also holds registration with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Sustainability & Community
Bow Lane Dental Group positions itself as a responsible business with a commitment to environmental sustainability. The practice received the ‘Best Community Initiative’ award at the Oral Health Awards in 2019, recognising their efforts beyond clinical care.
Details of specific sustainability initiatives should be confirmed directly with the practice.
How to Book Your First Appointment
Step 1: Call 020 7236 3600 or email [email protected]
Step 2: Alternatively, use the online booking system on bowlanedental.com
Step 3: Your first appointment will involve a comprehensive examination, X-rays, and a discussion of any concerns
Step 4: You’ll receive a personalised treatment plan with clear pricing
Step 5: Payment plans are available for treatments exceeding £1,500
New Patient Checklist:
- Bring photo ID
- Bring details of any current medications
- Bring your dental insurance information (if applicable)
- Arrive 10 minutes early to complete registration forms
- Note any specific concerns or anxieties to discuss with your dentist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bow Lane Dental Group an NHS dentist? No. Bow Lane Dental Group is an exclusively private dental practice. If you require NHS dental treatment, you’ll need to find an NHS-registered practice.
Do they accept dental insurance? Yes. Contact the reception team to confirm whether your specific insurance plan is accepted.
Can nervous patients be accommodated? Absolutely. This is one of the practice’s strongest areas. Dozens of patients who identify as dental-phobic have left positive reviews praising the team’s gentle approach and ability to put them at ease.
Is there parking available? No dedicated car park, but NCP facilities and metered bays are available nearby. Public transport is recommended.
Do they offer emergency appointments? Yes. The practice accommodates dental emergencies where possible, often on the same day. Multiple reviewers mention being seen within hours of their initial call.
What age range do they treat? All ages. Children’s dental check-ups for under-5s are offered free when booked alongside a paying adult appointment.
Can I have a video consultation? Yes. Video consultations are available and can be booked through the website.
What payment methods are accepted? Contact the practice directly for current payment methods. Payment plans for treatments over £1,500 are available through a facility regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Is the practice wheelchair accessible? Contact the practice directly to confirm accessibility arrangements for your specific needs.
How often should I visit? The practice recommends regular check-ups (typically every six months) and hygienist appointments to maintain optimal oral health.
London Reviews Verdict on Bow Lane Dental Group Review
Bow Lane Dental Group is, by almost every measurable standard, one of the finest private dental practices in the City of London. A 4.9-star average across 533+ reviews over two decades of operation is not the result of luck — it reflects consistent clinical excellence, genuine warmth, and an unwavering commitment to patient comfort.
The practice isn’t cheap, and it doesn’t pretend to be. But for professionals working in the Square Mile who want a dentist they can trust, a team that speaks their language (literally, in seven cases), and specialists across every discipline under one roof, Bow Lane Dental Group is exceptionally difficult to fault.
If you’re searching for a new private dentist in the City of London, we’d strongly recommend booking a consultation. The hardest part of switching dentists is making the phone call — and based on everything we’ve seen, you’re unlikely to regret it.
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- Submit your own review
Summary: Our Bow Lane Dental Group Review
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Clinical Quality | ★★★★★ |
| Patient Experience | ★★★★★ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★☆ |
| Location & Accessibility | ★★★★★ |
| Range of Treatments | ★★★★★ |
| Emergency Care | ★★★★★ |
| Booking & Administration | ★★★★☆ |
| OVERALL | ★★★★★ 4.9/5 |
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available information from Google Reviews, Birdeye, Bark, Yell, Yelp, the Care Quality Commission, the Cosmetic Dentistry Guide, and the practice’s own website. London Reviews has not received payment or sponsorship from Bow Lane Dental Group. All opinions expressed are our own editorial assessment based on verifiable data. Prices and services may change — always confirm directly with the practice.
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