Dr Christian Smith

Christian qualified from Guys Hospital Dental School in 1997, he also gained a Bachelor of Science in Oral Pathology from Guys.

Christian particularly enjoys post graduate study and over the past few years, he has attended several hundred courses. As his patients will testify, he is always up to date with the most recent thinking in dentistry, particularly when looking at implant dentistry.

Christian’s experience since leaving Guys has been in predominantly private practices in the South East, before becoming Principal at Dorking Dental Centre in 2005. He has trained to a high standard in many different areas in dentistry, particularly, implants and crown and bridge work. To further this interest he was one of the first dentists in the country to invest in the CEREC CAD/CAM system for making crowns, inlays and veneers in-house. This makes him one of the most experienced dentists in the UK in this technology. Christian says this about his CEREC machine,

"This system gives a superior finish compared with traditional crown and inlay methods currently on the market. Before, we had to send imprints to a lab and wait at least a week for the lab work to come back. During this time all sorts of things could go wrong, the main thing being that the tooth could move slightly, which of course impairs the fit and ultimately the look of the finished tooth."

"Now I can make the work out of bio compatible porcelain material while the patient waits, and because there’s no metal involved, the unsightly black margin that can sometimes be seen around the top of traditional crowns is eliminated. The best thing about the CEREC is that it improves my dentistry and the options I can offer the patient. If my patient is happy, I’m happy!"

He is also placed several hundred implants with a 99% success rate. He prides himself on preparing the patient well and making sure that every eventuality is planned for.

"To ensure a high success rate, planning is key. I will not place implants unless I believe my patient is ready for them and understands all that implant surgery entails. Implants are a wonderful substitute for natural teeth and if placed correctly, and looked after well, they will last a lifetime. If I don’t think an implant will succeed, I will not place it. I will not have my patients spending money on treatment that won’t last."

Christian enjoys treating all patients, particularly those with challenging oral problems. He is also a keen sports man; in particular, he plays rugby. Having attended Reigate Grammar School and grown up in the area he’s played against many local schools and clubs. It was at one of these clubs that he met his wife Georgina. She was the referee and sent him off! In between helping look after their two little girls, these days, he likes to play the more sedate vets game.