Highfield Dental was established around 1937. The land surrounding the surgery was, at the time, largely owned by St Thomas’ Hospital.

The first dentist to run the practice was Mr. Wilson, who opened it as a purpose-built dental surgery with residential accommodation.

In the early 1950s, the practice was purchased by Geoffrey Stedham (Geoff), a trained dental technician who had served in the Dental Corps during WWII. After the war, Geoff trained as a dentist at the Royal Dental Hospital. At the time, Highfield was a single-surgery practice with a dental laboratory at the rear.

Geoff later acquired a second practice at 29 Station Road (No. 29) and even set up a clinic to treat workers at the Morphy Richards factory (est. 1936). Geoff was well-known, well-liked, and deeply respected by his patients. He also worked part-time as a demonstrator at the Royal Dental Hospital.

In 1955, Mr. Tony Kershaw (Tony) joined the practice. Also from the Royal Army, he began as an associate and soon became a partner. Around this time, a second surgery was installed in the front room of the ground floor.

Mr. Don Blackman (Don), another Royal Dental Hospital graduate, joined as an associate in 1961 and became a partner within three years. By then, Highfield Dental had grown to three surgeries: Tony downstairs, and Don and Geoff upstairs. The area was still semi-rural, with homes yet to be built — those that were, sold for just £3,000 each!

David Kennedy Joins

Mr. David Kennedy (David) had been a patient of Geoff’s in the early 1950s. He recalls having his deciduous teeth removed under general anaesthetic — in the very room that later became his surgery.

After qualifying from the Royal London and working at the Tower Hamlets School Dental Service, David joined Highfield in the summer of 1969, working both at No. 29 and at Morphy Richards.

A Sudden Loss and a New Partnership

In March 1974, Geoff tragically passed away at just 54 years old while attending a Masonic Ladies Night. Following his death, No. 29 was sold, and Highfield was purchased by Tony, Don, and David.

At that time:

  • Tony worked in the downstairs surgery,
  • Don in the upstairs front room,
  • and David over the garage.

The surgery was still modest: a desk at the bottom of the stairs served as reception, and heating came from electric storage radiators and a solid-fuel boiler. Central heating and double glazing were added in the late 1970s/early 1980s. Around then, the hallway and waiting room were opened up, creating space for a new reception area with two receptionists.

Tony moved upstairs; Don relocated to a newly built rear upstairs surgery; and Tony’s old downstairs room became a staff lounge. Tony reduced his working days and an associate was brought in.

The Associate Years

Mr. Brett Sinson, from St Lucia and a fellow ex-Army Dental Corps member, was the first associate — staying for a year or two before opening his own practice in Oxfordshire. He was followed by Lynne Doggett.

When Tony retired (around age 58), Mr. Simon Ho (Simon) joined as a full-time associate, just as Lynne moved on. Air conditioning was installed shortly thereafter.

Going Private

Until 1992, Highfield had operated almost entirely within the NHS. That year, due to Government cuts in NHS fees, the partners made the decision to convert to private practice. Letters were sent to every patient household explaining the reasons for the change, and most patients chose to stay.

Modernising the Practice

A major renovation followed:

  • The front room was partially opened to create a new reception and staff room.
  • In 1997, Don retired. Simon and David became partners and welcomed Mr. Martin Turner as an associate.
  • Martin became a partner a few years later.
  • When Martin later moved North, he was succeeded by Mr. Salil Patel (Sal), an experienced dentist with 15+ years across practices in Bayswater, Brixton, and Clapham.

By 2006, the partners were David, Simon, and Salil.

In 2008, David retired. Simon, preparing for his own retirement, stepped down as partner and remained as an associate. Salil became Principal and Owner of Highfield Dental.

Into the Digital Age

Around 2010, Highfield became fully digital, discontinuing paper notes.

In January 2021, the reception area was relocated back to its original position in the hallway. A new ground-floor surgery was installed in February 2021, along with a new sloped path in the front garden to aid accessibility for patients with walking difficulties.

A Lasting Legacy

Throughout its long and evolving history, Highfield Dental has been fortunate to have a loyal, professional, and caring team — and equally wonderful patients. Some are now third or even fourth generation visitors to the practice.

Conversations in the waiting room often reflect this history — touching on everything from childhood memories and sports, to holidays, current events, and of course, dentistry.

Highfield Dental remains rooted in its community — always evolving, always caring.

Watch this space…

Contributed by Don Blackman, David Kennedy & Salil Patel