Featured in Private Dentistry Magazine – How I Did It
Dr. Keely Thorne and David Drew share in Private Dentistry Magazine how they created a luxury dental practice with high-end interior design and a boutique spa feel.
How We Did It: The Highs and Lows of Establishing a Destination Dental Practice
When Private Dentistry Magazine asked us to share our story, we knew we had to be honest — about the highs, the hard calls, and what it really takes to open a new practice from scratch, all while navigating pregnancy, parenthood, and a vision that went against the grain.
From signing the lease just days before discovering we were expecting our second child… to building a retreat-style space where patients sip cappuccinos and feel at ease, this is the real story behind The Dental Barns.
We shared how we designed every inch ourselves, worked 7 days a week (with a newborn in tow), and created a sensory-driven experience that’s helped patients go from phobia to excitement.
The aim was to replicate high-end home interior design. We devoted considerable time to exploring boutique hotels and spas.
The design gets the attention, but the point of it is how dentistry feels once you are here: calmer, slower and centred around cosmetic or restorative care designed around you.
Discover our private treatments:
Composite Bonding
Invisalign
Porcelain Veneers
Access the full article:
Read the full article in Private Dentistry Magazine June 2025 Edition
Download the PDF here
At The Dental Barns in Lichfield, we’ve reimagined what private dentistry can feel like. Our patients choose us not just for results, but for the calm, luxurious experience that surrounds every visit. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the difference — a spa-like environment, thoughtful design, and a team that takes time to understand you. Our exclusive VIP approach means appointments are unhurried, comfort is prioritised, and advanced digital technology ensures precision in every treatment.
Whether you visit for Invisalign, composite bonding, veneers, or gentle hygiene therapy, every detail is considered — from the heated anaesthetic to the aromatherapy scents that make our space feel like home. Transparency, trust, and technology underpin everything we do, allowing patients to relax knowing they’re in expert hands.
Our Why VIP philosophy is simple: world-class dentistry, delivered with warmth, calm, and integrity. It’s why so many of our patients travel from across Staffordshire and the West Midlands to experience The Dental Barns difference.
