Children’s department transformed at Bristol Dental Hospital

Thanks to the incredible generosity of those who supported us at Glastonbury festival in 2024, the children’s dental theatre and dental health departments at Bristol Dental Hospital have been completely transformed into bright, welcoming spaces designed for young patients.

These refurbished areas now provide a calming, child‑friendly environment that helps reduce anxiety and improves the overall experience for children and their families during what can often be a stressful visit.

Why the PROJECT Was Needed

Children often experience significant anxiety in clinical settings, and the previous spaces offered little comfort, privacy, or distraction. There was also a lack of suitable areas for sensitive conversations and decision‑making.

The improvements were essential to create an environment that supports emotional wellbeing, privacy and dignity for young patients and their families. The new spaces are now more engaging, inclusive and designed around the needs of the people who use them.

THE CHANGE YOU'VE MADE

Thanks to our generous supporters, the reception areas, corridors and recovery spaces are now brighter, more welcoming, and intentionally designed to ease anxiety and offer soothing distractions - keeping children’s needs at the heart of every detail.

The refurbishments have:

Enhanced the patient experience – creating brighter, more welcoming and comfortable environments for young patients and their families.
Increased privacy and dignity – providing improved, more private spaces for sensitive conversations.
Enhanced patient recovery – offering calm, therapeutic surroundings that help reduce anxiety leading to reduced recovery times and improved patient outcomes.
Improved equitable access – designing spaces that better support vulnerable and underrepresented members of the community.

WELCOMING NEW SPACES

The stunning designs were created by Carys Ink in collaboration with the UHBW Arts and Culture Team.

The dental theatre now features beautiful Antarctic-themed artwork, while the dental health department has been transformed into a magical woodland world, filled with charming characters and playful details.

The refurbished spaces include:

Reception area and waiting room - Walls have been refreshed with bright colours and fitted with child-friendly seating, interactive toys, a multi-touch wall and a TV to keep children engaged and at ease.

Children's corridor - Once small and uninviting, the corridor has been transformed with lively murals and resin‑like flooring inspired by an under‑the‑sea theme.

Theatre waiting room and booking in room - This previously underutilised space has been redesigned with interactive and calming displays, continuing the sealife theme to help ease pre‑procedure nerves.

Theatre and recovery areas - Child‑friendly murals now accompany patients from sedation through to recovery. The recovery bays include welcoming imagery on both walls and ceilings to comfort children and their families during post-operative care.

Check out the beautiful new spaces below...

Childrens department mural at Bristol Dental Hospital