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Essex Family Dental on Gale Street, Becontree - Dagenham

Originally established back in the 1920s, our Gale Street practice has been trusted by local patients in the Dagenham and Barking area for an entire century. With a wealth of experience in all types of dental services including routine, emergency and even aesthetic treatments, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the best care with us; your local dentist.

Address

513-515 Gale Street, Dagenham, RM9 4TP

Opening hours:

Monday: 08:30–17:30

Tuesday: 08:30–17:30

Wednesday: 08:30–17:30

Thursday: 08:30–17:30

Friday: 08:30–17:30

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

How to find us

Becontree station, part of the District Line, is directly adjacent to the practice (just 75m away). Trains run every 2-5 minutes towards Upminster (east) and Wimbledon, Ealing Broadway and Richmond (west), with easy connections to the Elizabeth, Hammersmith and City, Liberty and Suffragette lines as well as the DLR, National Rail and C2C trains. So whether you’re visiting us from Barking, Dagenham and Redbridge, or even from Romford, Ilford or Stratford, you’ll be able to reach us quickly and easily.

Buses run every 4-10 minutes from the bus stop just outside the practice (only 10m away):

  • Route 62 runs to/from Dagenham, Barking, Becontree, Chadwell Heath, Gascoigne and Marks Gate Estates.
  • Route 145 connects to/from Beam Park Estate, Barking, Dagenham Heathway, Becontree, Martins Corner and Ilford, Redbridge, Wanstead and Leytonstone.

Parking your car near the surgery is straightforward, with lots of parking available:

  • 8 public parking bays are available directly outside the practice on a first come, first served basis (free Mon-Sat 8am-6.30pm).
  • A further EV-charging only bay is also situated directly outside.
  • Private parking, including a dedicated disabled bay with step-free access to the practice, is available to the rear of the building. Number plates must be registered via the touchscreen in reception to enable free parking.
  • Additional free street parking and PayByPhone car parks (which are free for the first 30 minutes) can also be found within 150m of the practice.

Conveniently located next to Becontree tube station and situated along multiple bus routes, it’s extremely easy to reach us by public transport and, for those who are travelling by car, there are even free car parking spaces available directly outside. As we’re right in the heart of the community, you can make the commute more efficient by popping in to your appointment on your way home from your workplace, the school run or even a spot of shopping at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford.

So, whether you’re looking for implants near Ilford or teeth straightening near Stratford, we’re easy to get to here at Essex Family Dental and are ready to give you and your family the best care.

Accessibility

There’s a dedicated disabled bay, with step-free access to the practice, in our car park at the rear of the building. You’ll also find drop kerbs, tactile paving and level access on the routes from neighbouring car parks and street parking bays to the surgery, should they be needed.

Smiling young woman sitting in a wheelchair points to her cheeks against a pink background.

What's in the local area?

There is lots to see and do in the local area near the Gale Street surgery:

  • Valence House Museum, 1.5 miles away: a historic building with a focus on local history.
  • Dagenham Civic Centre, 2.1 miles away: a grade II listed Art Deco building which forms part of the CU London campus for Coventry University.
  • Becontree Health Leisure Centre, 1.9 miles away: A facility with 2 swimming pools, a range of aquatic activities, a gym, sports halls and group exercise studios.
  • Eastbrookend Country Park, 2.6 miles away: a large country park with a visitor centre, scenic meadows, trails for walking and fishing lakes.

We’re also within a short distance of community services such as schools, hospitals and GP clinics.

Education:

  • Mayesbrook Secondary School – 0.2 miles
  • The James Campbell Primary School – 0.3 miles
  • Jo Richardson Community School – 0.5 miles
  • Roding Primary School – 0.6 miles
  • Goresbrook School – 0.7 miles
  • Monteagle Primary School – 0.8 miles
  • Sydney Russell School - 0.9 miles
  • Parsloes Primary School - 0.9 miles
  • Dorothy Barley Primary School – 1 mile
  • The Saint Teresa Catholic Primary School – 1 mile
  • Godwin Primary School - 0.6 miles
  • Village Infants School - 1.3 miles

Healthcare

  • Barking Hospital – 1.5 miles
  • Queen’s Hospital – 3.7 miles

What's in the local area?

There is lots to see and do in the local area near the Gale Street surgery:

  • Valence House Museum, 1.5 miles away: a historic building with a focus on local history.
  • Dagenham Civic Centre, 2.1 miles away: a grade II listed Art Deco building which forms part of the CU London campus for Coventry University.
  • Becontree Health Leisure Centre, 1.9 miles away: A facility with 2 swimming pools, a range of aquatic activities, a gym, sports halls and group exercise studios.
  • Eastbrookend Country Park, 2.6 miles away: a large country park with a visitor centre, scenic meadows, trails for walking and fishing lakes.

We’re also within a short distance of community services such as schools, hospitals and GP clinics.

  • Mayesbrook Secondary School – 0.2 miles
  • The James Campbell Primary School – 0.3 miles
  • Jo Richardson Community School – 0.5 miles
  • Roding Primary School – 0.6 miles
  • Goresbrook School – 0.7 miles
  • Monteagle Primary School – 0.8 miles
  • Sydney Russell School - 0.9 miles
  • Parsloes Primary School - 0.9 miles
  • Dorothy Barley Primary School – 1 mile
  • The Saint Teresa Catholic Primary School – 1 mile
  • Godwin Primary School - 0.6 miles
  • Village Infants School - 1.3 miles
  • Barking Hospital – 1.5 miles
  • Queen’s Hospital – 3.7 miles

Meet the team

Dentists

Dr Tjaart Schutte
GDC 71695

After his qualification in 1996, Dr Schutte started work in London as a general dentist. Dr Schutte worked as a private dentist for over 10 years before returning to doing both NHS and private dental care at Essex Family Dental in 2021. He obtained a PG certificate in aesthetic dentistry from Tipton in 2023 and completed a certification in facial aesthetics in 2024.

Dr Louise Riddick
GDC
BDS

Dr Louise Riddick trained with The LAAM (London Academy of Aesthetic Medicine) and creates bespoke dental treatment plans for her patients, tailored to their individual goals. Louise also treats facial fine lines and wrinkles, teeth grinding and excessive underarm sweating. By offering anti-wrinkle treatments to her patients, Louise helps them to feel rejuvenated and confident.

Dr Khushboo Unnadkat
GDC
BDS

Dr Unnadkat qualified at Kings College University in London with a BDS (Hons) and takes an innovative approach to dental health. She has also completed training in both anti-wrinkle and filler treatments with Harley Academy. When she's not working, she enjoys travel, fitness and food.

Hygienists

Mirela Stefan
GDC

Mirela is registered under s36C of the Dentist Act 1984 and qualified as a dental hygienist from Universita Degli Studi Di Bari, Italy. She is passionate about preventing gum disease and educating patients in a gentle and friendly manner.

Dental Nurse

Claudia
GDC
Irina
GDC
Chazan
GDC

Receptionist

Zoe
GDC
Sandra
GDC
Alicia
GDC

Manager

Gerda
GDC

Treatment Co-ordinator

Kaelah
GDC

Our patients love us

LA
Lisa Allen

I attended for a routine check up and having completed the online health check there was no waiting around on arrival. Pleasant reception staff greeted me. The dental nurse was lovely as was the dentist. All over and done with in no time which is good for me as a nervous patient!!! Would definitely recommend this practice.

ZN
Zalia Nottage

Absolutely the best dentist I’ve been to! Staff on reception are very polite and always helpful. You don’t have to wait long to get an appointment! The dentists are very caring and do a great job 👏

GW
Graham Wilson

I have used this dentist for years and have no complaints about them whatsoever. My latest visit was on Monday 23 June 2025 and as usual, the receptionists were lovely. I was checked by a new dentist who was also very pleasant. Can recommend this practice without hesitation.

KT
Karlene Thomas

I took my 6 year old for a routine check up. The dentist was nice and friendly and made my daughter feel at ease. The dental nurse was friendly and accommodating, even when finding stickers that she liked.

LS
Laura S

By far the best dentist. I called 111 due to my son having a sensitive tooth & in lots of pain. Got an emergency appointment and from the minute we arrived everyone was fantastic! The receptionist with blonde hair was such a lovely lady & very welcoming. All the staff were so attentive & made my son feel so relaxed. They gave us very good advice and reassurance why my son had pain. My son was so happy and even got a sticker too. Thankyou so much to all the team here. We will both be coming here as our dentist. Such a clean, stunning dentist was absolutely blown away

TU
tracey unknown

Went for routine check up and was concerned regarding something, walked in the new design deco is so nice , lovely and clean..receptionist greeted me nice and polite...The dentist Sara I saw, she was lovely smiling and the dental nurse was smiling too both polite and positive attitude.. dentist listened to my concerns and referred me to the hospital. Reassured me also, so cosy in dental room I could have nodded off lol.. left happy 😊

NMN
naseem mc nellie

When I got there I was amazed to see the renovation done to the surgery. It was very cosy and welcoming. The staff were very professional and nice. When I was seen, the dentist was very thorough in explaining the treatment that will follow. It was overall a good experience.

KJ
Kevin Jones

Very polite and friendly service. I myself am petrified of dentist's and they put me completely at ease. Recommended

MC
Maison Clay

Having been a patient for a decade+ it's refreshing to know that when I had a problem it was addressed by the hospitable general manager himself (Mr. S Morgan) and a follow up was conducted during my next visit. This was a kind gesture. The receptionists are friendly and welcoming. Dr Ganesalingam is a respectful dentist who answers questions thoroughly and gives compassionate advice 🌟

MJ
Michael Johnson

The treatment I received was life-changing. The doctors took the time to explain everything and answered all my questions. I felt valued as a patient, and the results exceeded my expectations.

KW
Kevin Wheeler

Have seen Emma a few times now, I cannot fault her excellent dentist. Saw Hygienist Phoebe for first time, what a steady hand she has, excellent work. Very pleased with both of these young ladies at Essex family dental care 5* treatment. Thank you.

SAS
Shahina A S

Absolutely Outstanding Experience! Dentist Sara was truly exceptional! From the moment I sat in the chair, she was kind, understanding, and incredibly cordial with every action she took. She explained everything clearly and made sure I was comfortable throughout the procedure. Her professionalism and gentle manner made a big difference. While it was a bit on the costly side, the quality of service made it well worth it.

Did you know that we have multiple dental practices across East London?

Whalebone Lane

Romford - Chadwell Heath

Orchard Road

Dagenham

Southend Road

Rainham
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essexfamilydentalcare
Providing dentistry in the community for over 40 years. New surgery now open at 57 Mawney Rd!