When Dr Sam Hainsworth walks through his gleaming new practice in Hale Barns Square, it's clear this isn't your typical dental clinic.
Gone are the sterile waiting rooms and clinical smells that many associate with the dentist. Instead, patients are greeted by a space that feels more like an upmarket spa, complete with ambient music, calming scents from essential oil diffusers, and video testimonials playing on wall-mounted screens.
"It shouldn't feel like somewhere you're apprehensive to go to," said Sam, co-founder and clinical director of Smile Stylist. "It should feel different when you first walk in - more like a nice hotel waiting room than a traditional dental surgery."
This attention to patient experience reflects the philosophy that has driven Smile Stylist's journey from a single chair in House of Fraser to becoming Manchester's top Invisalign provider since 2012, having treated over 3,000 patients.
Sam, who qualified in 2008, initially joined the practice as a one-day-a-week associate when it launched in House of Fraser in 2012. By 2018, he had become a full partner and the driving force behind the clinic's success. When House of Fraser faced closure, Sam and business partner Sandeep Kumar made the bold decision to establish their own independent practice, opening on King Street in Manchester in September 2020.
The continued growth of the practice has brought it to Altrincham, and the timing of Smile Stylist's arrival in Hale Barns could not be more opportune.
With NHS dental services increasingly difficult to access, private practices are filling a crucial gap in the market.
However, he's quick to point out a truth that many people don't realise: “If I wanted an NHS contract for this practice, I wouldn’t be able to get one. You can’t simply open a practice and decide to provide NHS dentistry - it’s only possible if you’re already an established NHS practice with an existing contract.”
This reality has shaped Sam's approach to making private dental care accessible. "Our adult plans start at £19.99 a month, and our child plans start at £5.99 a month," he said. "For a young child, that includes being seen every six months, cleaning if required, fluoride varnish application, and any X-rays required."
The practice offers something increasingly rare in today's healthcare landscape – genuine accessibility. "Same day emergency appointments seven days a week, free parking. No matter what your dental needs, our wide range of treatments will cover you," says Sam. "Everyone talks about NHS orthodontic waiting lists - 'My child's been on the waiting list for three years.' Well, here we have a specialist orthodontist on site."
The decision to open in Hale Barns was both practical and personal. Having moved to the area in 2021 with his wife Michelle and their growing family, Sam found himself commuting to Manchester five days a week. "I wasn't seeing the kids five days a week - I was a weekend father," he said. "I thought, 'I can't carry on this lifestyle.'"
When the unit became available, Sam quickly realised the location offered everything he'd been looking for. "It's got car parking - and you tell me another dental practice near here that has car parking as big and accessible as this. People always struggle to park when they go for dental appointments. We can be open seven days a week because there are no parking restrictions."
Aside from the convenience, Sam also highlights Smile Stylist's commitment to cutting-edge technology and long-term patient care. Every patient receives a 3D scan at each checkup, building a comprehensive digital record of their oral health over time.
"I saw a patient last week where we compared two scans - one from 2023 and one from 2025," he said. "We could see that the teeth had moved a bit. You wouldn't notice it, but in two years, you can see half a millimetre's worth of movement. We can say, 'That's not good. Let's do something about it.'"
This data-driven approach extends to their Invisalign expertise. As Manchester's leading Invisalign provider, Smile Stylist has built its reputation on minimally invasive cosmetic work that prioritises long-term results over quick fixes.
"We're not grinding teeth down and putting big crowns on them," Sam added. "We're thinking long-term - what are your teeth going to look like when you're 55 or 70? The Invisalign model allows us to safely line teeth up first, then add minimal composite or veneer work if needed. We're looking at your smile for life."
Smile Stylist prides itself on being a true one-stop shop. The core team includes Dr Hainsworth, Dr Kumar and colleagues who provide general dentistry, orthodontics and Invisalign treatments.
The practice carries out a wide range of treatments including implants, oral surgery, sedation, endodontics, specialist periodontal services, specialist orthodontics, root canal work, gum treatments and facial aesthetics provided by a qualified dentist. “You don't need to go anywhere else,” says Sam.
Half-term Special Offer
To introduce Altrincham families to their services, Smile Stylist is running a special offer during October half-term week. Children 16 and under receive a completely free examination, including 3D scan and any necessary X-rays, when accompanied by a parent booking a full examination.
"It's an opportunity for people to come and see what makes us different," Sam said.
For Sam, Smile Stylist represents more than just a business venture. "We're here for a long time. We want to look after the local community's teeth in the long run. That's something I'm passionate about."
Smile Stylist, 2 The Square, Hale Barns, Altrincham WA15 8ZN. For more information about their services and membership plans, visit smilestylist.co.uk or call 0161 390 0900.
