A DENTIST is all smiles after his practice picked up a prestigious award.

Marsh Dental Care on Westbourne Road was handed the British Dental Association's Good Practice Award after completing a stringent 96-point check.

Practice co-owner and dentist Richard Hartley, 35, said he was pleased to receive the award.

He added: "It's nice to be receiving a plaque rather than removing it.

"People are now less and less scared about going to the dentist due to advances in modern technology and people seing what we actually do.

"Hopefully when people see this it will act as a quality mark and they know they will be getting quality treatment."