From NHS Roots to a Modern Dental Centre of Excellence: The Story of Woodberry Down

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Woodberry Down Dental Practice has been caring for the North London community for over 40 years.

Located on Seven Sisters Road — one of the busiest arterial routes in North London — the practice first opened its doors in 1983 as a small, NHS-focused clinic. Founded with a simple but powerful mission — to provide reliable, high-quality dental care to everyone — that commitment to the local community has remained constant through decades of change.

Today, under the leadership of Principal Dentist Neil Shah, Woodberry Down has evolved into a thriving, modern dental centre of excellence — while staying true to its founding values of trust, care and accessibility.

Continuing a Family Legacy

Neil Shah joined the practice in 2008 after graduating from the University of Manchester and completing his foundation training in London. Taking over from his father, he saw both the strength of what had been built — and the potential for something more.

At the time, the practice had three surgeries, was predominantly NHS-based, and operated from a building that had seen many years of service. While the quality of care was strong, Neil recognised opportunities to modernise systems, improve workflow, and elevate the overall patient experience.

The first steps were foundational:

  • Digitalising patient records
  • Introducing robust computer systems
  • Moving towards a paperless environment
  • Installing a fully CQC-compliant decontamination suite

These changes laid the groundwork for the practice’s future growth.

A Vision for Modern Dentistry

In 2020, Woodberry Down secured planning permission to expand from three to six surgeries — a pivotal milestone in its transformation.

This expansion wasn’t simply about adding more treatment rooms. It was an opportunity to completely reimagine the space and create a practice that reflected 21st-century standards in both clinical care and patient experience.

Key additions included:

  • A dedicated call-handling room to ensure patient calls are managed privately and efficiently
  • A treatment coordinator room for confidential discussions about treatment options and finance
  • A state-of-the-art CBCT imaging suite
  • Belmont Eurus S6 and S8 treatment centres in every surgery for enhanced comfort and ergonomics
  • Improved accessibility in line with modern disability standards

The result is a practice designed with both form and function in mind — supporting clinicians, streamlining workflow, and creating a seamless journey for patients.

Designed to Feel Different

One of the most noticeable aspects of the refurbishment is the atmosphere.

Rather than feeling clinical or impersonal, the new Woodberry Down has been designed to feel calm, welcoming and contemporary. Working alongside Bellis Architect and KTM Design, inspiration was taken from high-end residential developments nearby — including the Berkeley Homes opposite the practice.

Soft neutral tones, natural wood textures and light-filled surgeries help reduce dental anxiety and create a sense of warmth. The aim was simple: to make the space feel more like a boutique hotel or spa than a traditional dental clinic.

This environment reflects the practice’s core values — trust, care and excellence — and helps patients feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door.

Growth Through Investment in People and Technology

With the expansion came growth.

Today, Woodberry Down is a predominantly private dental centre with an 18-strong clinical and support team. Associates, hygienists, therapists, dental nurses, call handlers, a treatment coordinator and management work together to deliver comprehensive, patient-centred care.

The practice has steadily diversified its services beyond NHS dentistry, responding to increased demand for private treatments while maintaining its commitment to high clinical standards.

Alongside the physical transformation, the practice has:

  • Launched a modern, patient-friendly website
  • Developed a dedicated recruitment platform to attract top talent
  • Continued to invest in staff development and training

This focus on people — both patients and team members — has been central to its success.

Staying True to Its Roots

Despite its modern facilities and expanded services, Woodberry Down’s core mission remains unchanged.

The practice continues to prioritise:

  • High-quality, accessible care
  • Preventive and minimally invasive dentistry
  • A welcoming, community-focused approach
  • Continuous innovation and improvement

Neil Shah’s leadership honours his father’s founding vision while ensuring the practice continues to evolve in line with modern expectations.

As demand grows, the six-surgery layout provides the flexibility to welcome new clinicians and introduce additional services — ensuring Woodberry Down remains at the forefront of dental care in North London.


For over four decades, Woodberry Down has served its community with care and integrity. Today, it stands as a modern centre of excellence — built on legacy, driven by innovation, and focused firmly on patient experience.

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