Vermilion – The Smile Experts was founded in 2011 by Dr David Offord, who envisioned a specialist dental referral clinic offering exceptional care for patients needing advanced treatment. Inspired by the vermilion border – the red line where lips meet – symbolising our commitment to creating confident, healthy smiles.
We began as a private dental clinic in Edinburgh, welcoming patients referred by their general dentists for complex dental treatment. Located at 24 St John’s Road in Corstorphine, our Edinburgh clinic grew rapidly, and in 2023 we expanded from five to ten state-of-the-art surgeries to meet increasing demand. Today, our Edinburgh practice offers advanced dental technology, an in-house laboratory, a comfortable and modern patient lounge, a dedicated recovery room for those undergoing sedation, complimentary refreshments and the convenience of free on-site parking.
We offer a full range of specialist-led services, including dental implants, periodontics (gum treatment), oral surgery, endodontics (root canal treatment), orthodontics, complex restorative dentistry, dental hygiene and conscious sedation. All care is delivered in close collaboration with referring dentists to ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient. Once patients finish their treatment with us, they return to their own dentist for ongoing dental care.
In 2018, we opened our second location in Kelso – a modern private dental clinic serving the Scottish Borders. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, the clinic features three fully equipped surgeries, an in-house laboratory, and calming views over the surrounding countryside. Patients and visitors benefit from ample free on-site parking and complimentary refreshments.
As a leading provider of complex dental care in Edinburgh and the Borders, Vermilion has proudly held BDA Good Practice accreditation since 2016. Our commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centred care has been recognised at the Private Dentistry Awards, where we have been awarded:
Referral Practice of the Year (North) – 2022
Best Patient Care (Scotland and Northern Ireland) – 2022
Best Referral Practice (North) – 2024
Whether you are a referring dentist or a patient in need of expert treatment, Vermilion offers a trusted, specialist-led service tailored to individual needs. We are proud to be one of the most respected private dental clinics in Edinburgh and the Borders.
Dr David Offord is a highly respected Specialist Oral Surgeon with 30 years of experience. He founded Vermilion, driven by a commitment to delivering high-quality, specialist-led dental care in a collaborative, patient-focused setting.
Before Vermilion, Dr Offord gained international experience working in Scotland, Singapore, and Australia. Together with the Vermilion team, Dr Offord is actively involved in the wider dental profession. He regularly hosts clinical case study evenings and CPD events for referring dentists, fostering shared learning and best practice across disciplines. He is also a strong advocate for collaboration and continuous improvement in dentistry, working alongside colleagues to raise standards and drive positive change in specialist dental care across Scotland.
Today, he continues to combine expert surgical treatment with leadership at Vermilion, ensuring the practice maintains its reputation for clinical excellence, innovation, and trusted patient care.
At Vermilion, we combine advanced technology with a patient-focused approach to deliver clinical excellence and personalised care tailored to your needs.
Our expert multi-lingual team delivers care in a relaxed environment, working closely with referring dentists across Scotland. After specialist treatment, patients return to their general dentists for on-going dental care, ensuring continuity and trust.
Our values are built around empathy, consistency, integrity and collaboration. From first referral to final review, we strive to make the process seamless for both patients and dental practitioners, always with the aim of achieving the most effective outcome.
At Vermilion – The Smile Experts, we believe in giving back. Our commitment to giving back is deeply rooted in supporting local charities and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Each year, our team takes part in fundraising efforts for causes including Red Nose Day, MacMillan Cancer Support and Fresh Start. Whether we are baking, running, hiking or volunteering, we come together to support those in need.
Since 2018 we have raised over £17,000 for Fresh Start alone. In 2024, our team ran the Edinburgh Marathon, completed the Seven Hills of Edinburgh Hike and volunteered hands-on with Fresh Start – painting homes and assisting in their warehouse. Together, we raised £4,257 that year.
For 2025, an ambitious fundraising goal of £5,000 has been set through participation in the Hefty Hike: a challenge designed to test endurance, teamwork and spirit. Two Vermilion teams take on separate routes: one summiting the iconic Munro Schiehallion, the other trekking a scenic stretch of the Rob Roy Way from Aberfeldy to Pitlochry.
Support from the community is always welcomed. While the world may not be changed overnight, someone’s day can be.
