Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

When Dr. Hema Dhingra joined Ballard & Tucker Dental Practice in 2003, she had no idea she was beginning a journey that would see her transform the practice into one of the most acclaimed dental centres in the region.

Now, over two decades later, Biggleswade Dental Centre has grown into a 16-dentist, multi-specialist clinic and was recently crowned overall winner at the 2025 SME Bedfordshire Business Awards.

“We were absolutely bowled over,” says Hema. “To be recognised among such a high calibre of businesses in Bedfordshire was completely unexpected and incredibly meaningful.”

We spoke with Hema and her colleague Joanne Beard about their award-winning journey, their plans for the future, and how they’re building a practice that goes far beyond dentistry. 

From Local Practice to Regional Centre of Excellence

Founded in 1938, the practice was already a longstanding part of the Biggleswade community when Hema joined in 2003 as an associate. In 2012, she became a co-owner and by 2021, Hema had taken over as sole owner and set about an ambitious programme of growth and transformation. “We went from three dentists to 16,” she explains.

“The team is now 32 strong, and we’ve refurbished everything. We are proud to have eight surgeries, state-of-the-art equipment, digital scanners, and rebranded as Biggleswade Dental Centre. The vision was to create not just a dental practice, but a centre of excellence.”

And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Biggleswade Dental Centre is a modern, specialist hub offering a wide spectrum of services under one roof, from routine dental care to complex treatments traditionally only found in major cities.

A Destination for Dentistry

What sets Biggleswade Dental Centre apart is its commitment to offering a truly holistic approach. “Most places either offer general or specialist dentistry,” says Hema. “We combine both, so patients don’t have to travel out of county to see a specialist and we bring London-calibre professionals to them.”

This means patients can receive full-spectrum care, from general check-ups and hygiene, to Invisalign, implants, cosmetic dentistry, and specialist gum treatments, without being referred out of county.

“We treat the patient as a whole, not just their teeth,” says Hema. “We’ve created a model where each patient journey is seamless, fully integrated, and personalised.”

The team is also launching a new sedation service soon, one of the only such offerings in Bedfordshire, specifically designed to support nervous and anxious patients. “There’s a lot of stigma around dental anxiety,” adds Joanne. “Our job is to help people feel safe and supported. We’re here to help people get their smile back—without fear, without judgement.”

Accessibility is also a priority. Located just five minutes from the train station, the practice is purpose-built, wheelchair accessible, and has on-site parking. “We want to make it as easy and welcoming as possible for people to come through the door,” says Hema.

Glowing Reviews and Growing Recognition

When Hema took over, the practice had just 13 Google reviews. Today, they’re nearing 800 and almost all are 5-star.

And it's not just patients who are taking note. In addition to their recent SME Bedfordshire Business Awards triumph, the practice has also earned finalist spots in the prestigious Private Dentistry Awards and Dentistry Awards. These include a highly commended award for Most Improved Practice in the South East, and recognition for Best Patient Care and Team of the Year, reinforcing the centre’s commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate service.

“We were one of the only finalists not from London,” Joanne notes. “To be recognised nationally, coming from a family-led, independent practice in Biggleswade, was incredible.”

Community, Care and Charity

For Hema and the team, community spirit runs deep with staff regularly fundraising and supporting causes close to their hearts. “We’ve supported The Daisy Charity, The Samaritans and local food banks,” says Joanne. “Last Christmas we hosted a Giving Tree for the national KidsOut charity, collecting hundreds of gifts for children who otherwise would have had nothing.”

This year, six members of the team are tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in September to raise further funds for KidsOut. “It’s a big physical and emotional challenge, but we wanted to do something as a team that really makes an impact,” Hema explains. You can support their fundraising efforts here.

From local art trails to environmental initiatives like dental recycling programmes, the team is committed to giving back. “We try not to be just another practice,” says Joanne. “We want to do more than what’s expected.”

Looking Ahead

Ask what makes Biggleswade Dental Centre special, and Hema doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the people – our patients, our team and our community.” Continuity is another strength. “These days, patients often don’t see the same clinician twice. We’ve kept that old-school continuity as it builds trust and makes a real difference, especially for anxious patients.”

That sense of belonging extends beyond staff and patients, into the wider community. “Our long-term vision is to be sought out, not just locally, but across the region, as the leading destination for dental care in Bedfordshire and beyond.

Future plans include adding more surgeries, keeping pace with new technology, and expanding the practice’s already extensive treatment portfolio.

Proud Chamber Members

The team joined the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce just a few months ago, but the connection was immediate. “As a business owner, it’s easy to feel alone,” Hema reflects.

“The Chamber offers that sense of community with shared support, opportunities and celebrating each other’s successes—it’s something really special.”

Biggleswade Dental Centre is more than a success story—it’s a blueprint for what dentistry can be: innovative, inclusive, compassionate, and deeply rooted in its community. With a relentless focus on excellence, a growing list of accolades, and big ambitions for the future, the team shows no signs of slowing down.

To learn more about Biggleswade Dental Centre, visit www.biggleswadedentalcentre.co.uk

To join the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, visit www.chamber-business.com  or call 01582 522448.