Whether you’re a long-time Tavistock resident or discovering our beautiful market town for the first time, you’ll find plenty to admire beyond its historic streets and stunning setting on the edge of Dartmoor. Among the town’s thriving independent businesses is Dartmoor Dental, an award-winning practice that has quietly become one of the South West’s most inspiring healthcare success stories. Its remarkable transformation is not only a local success story but a shining example of how investment, innovation and a passion for people can help a business – and a community – flourish.
What is more, for anyone visiting Tavistock or exploring Dartmoor, it’s reassuring to know that dental care is available should the unexpected happen. Dartmoor Dental welcomes both local residents and visitors requiring urgent treatment for tooth pain, dental injuries or other emergencies.
More than just a dental practice.
Dartmoor Dental is a centre of excellence where cutting-edge dentistry, exceptional patient care, and community values come together under one roof. Owned by Mike and Lara Hesketh, Dartmoor Dental reflects a shared vision: to create a practice that delivers world-class clinical outcomes while ensuring every patient feels valued, reassured, and cared for.
When Mike and Lara acquired the historic Lynbridge House in 2021, they saw far more than a dental practice, they saw an opportunity to create something truly exceptional.
Since then, they have invested over £1 million in the restoration, renovation, and redevelopment of the building and business. Their ambition was clear: to transform an underutilised facility into a state-of-the-art dental destination capable of delivering the very highest standards of care.
Today, that vision has become reality.
Every aspect of Dartmoor Dental has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the patient experience, from the welcoming and calming surroundings to the latest digital technologies and specialist treatment facilities. Patients can now access a comprehensive range of treatments in-house, delivered by an expert multidisciplinary team, eliminating the need for referrals and ensuring continuity of care throughout every stage of treatment.
Under the leadership of former Royal Marines officer Mike Hesketh and his wife Lara, the practice has undergone a remarkable transformation.
What was once a struggling practice has evolved into a thriving, multidisciplinary dental hub serving patients from across Devon, Cornwall, and beyond. The team now includes some of the South West’s most respected dentists, dentists with special interest, and other clinicians, working collaboratively to provide exceptional care across every area of dentistry.
As an independent practice, Dartmoor Dental has the freedom to place patients at the centre of every decision. This allows the team to deliver care that is personal, ethical, innovative, and deeply rooted in community values.
An Award-Winning Success Story.
The growth of Dartmoor Dental has been nothing short of extraordinary. Through strategic investment, strong leadership, and a relentless focus on quality since acquisition in 2021, the practice has grown to achieve annual revenues exceeding £2 million.
This outstanding transformation was recognised nationally when Dartmoor Dental received the prestigious Most Improved Dental Practice Award at the 2025 Private Dentistry Awards in London – one of the industry’s highest honours.
Committed to the Community.
Despite its rapid growth and investment in advanced private dentistry, Dartmoor Dental remains deeply committed to serving our local community Tavistock.
The practice continues to provide NHS care and proudly operates Tavistock’s only dedicated NHS Kids Club, helping ensure children have access to essential emergency dental treatment during school holidays. This commitment reflects the practice’s belief that excellent oral healthcare should be accessible, compassionate, and community-focused.
Shaping the Future of Dentistry.
Education and professional development are central to the practice’s long-term vision.
Dartmoor Dental works closely with Peninsula Dental School, supporting the training, mentoring, and development of future dental professionals. By investing in education today, the practice is helping to shape the future of dentistry across the region for generations to come.
Investing in Innovation and Sustainability.
The transformation of Dartmoor Dental extends far beyond clinical care.
Significant investment has created a fully digital practice environment, incorporating advanced 3D scanning technology, digital workflows, state-of-the-art imaging systems, and modern treatment facilities designed to enhance accuracy, comfort, and patient outcomes.
As custodians of the beautiful Grade II listed Lynbridge House, the Heskeths have also carefully balanced innovation with preservation, restoring the building’s historic character while adapting it for modern healthcare.
Looking ahead, plans are already underway for further expansion, including additional treatment rooms, enhanced staff facilities, and the integration of renewable energy solutions such as solar power to support a more sustainable future.
A Practice Built on Purpose.
At its heart, Dartmoor Dental is about far more than dentistry.
It is a story of vision, investment, leadership, and community. It is a story of transforming a historic building into a modern healthcare destination, of creating opportunities for talented clinicians, and of delivering exceptional care for thousands of patients across the region.
Through continuous innovation, commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for improvement, Dartmoor Dental continues to raise the standard for modern dentistry in the South West – proving that first-class care can thrive at the very heart of the local community.
Visitor Information
If you need assistance during your stay, the practice can be contacted on 01822 612828, where the team will be happy to advise on the next available appointment and the most appropriate course of care.
See Dartmoor Dental: Award Winning Dentist in Tavistock for more information.
