'It’s great to have such a talented and innovative dentist in Carmarthen'

Dr James Hayden qualified with a distinction in Clinical Dentistry at the University of Birmingham in 2007. He gained experience in Maxillofacial Surgery at Southampton General Hospital, before working in General Dental Practice across the UK. James quickly became interested in Dental Implant surgery, and started placing implants very early in his career. 

James builds such trust and rapport with his patients, that they travel not only from across Wales, but also from London, Manchester, Europe, and the USA to continue seeing him.  He undertakes all his implant work at his own practice in Carmarthen, which he meticulously designed and had purpose-built in 2017. 

James is dedicated to keeping ahead of the latest advances in digital dentistry, and has equipped Hayden Dental with high-end technology for every stage of implant treatment. He continually invests in new equipment and techniques — including 3D CBCT imaging, digital scanning, advanced implant planning and guided surgery — with a focus on improving precision, predictability and the patient experience.

James is a highly skilled Implantologist, with over 15 years experience placing dental implants and caring for patients throughout their implant journey. He has a rare skillset combining advanced surgical experience with a strong restorative focus. He plans the implant around the final restoration from the very beginning, rather than treating surgery and restoration as separate procedures. By managing the entire case - from assessment and digital planning, through implant surgery, to the final result - James understands both what the restoration requires from the surgery, and what the surgery allows from the restoration. This joined-up approach provides continuity throughout treatment and allows every stage to be planned with the final aesthetic, functional, and biological outcome in mind.

Dental CV & Implant Education:

• 2022 | MSc in Dental Implantology with Merit, Edgehill University (Implant Centres of Excellence) 
• 2020 | Director Regional ITI Study Club South Wales (to present)
• 2013 | Certificate in Implant Dentistry, University of Salford
• 2010 | Member International Team for Implantology (to present)
• 2008 | Member of Joint Dental Faculties of the Royal College of Surgeons England (MJDF RCS Eng)
• 2008 | Vocational Dental Practitioner Endodontics Prize (Oxfordshire)
• 2007 | BDS Birmingham, Distinction in Clinical Dentistry
• 2007 | Cale-Matthews Prize in Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, University of Birmingham

• Publication: BDJ October 2016 'Factors affecting the complexity of dental implant restoration - what is the current evidence and guidance?' SP Wright, J Hayden, JA Lynd et al https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27857100/

James enjoys sharing his passion for implants with the rest of the clinical team and offers mentorship to dentists interested in exploring this surgical pathway, including our Associates Dentists, Dr Nadia Khan and Dr Cerys Edwards. 

James, Nadia, and Cerys are supported by our experienced Implant Dental Nursing Team, led by Ela, who have undergone additional training and pride themselves on providing a slick, professional and comfortable surgical experience for patient and dentist alike.

James was awarded Principal Dentist of the Year at the Welsh Dental Awards 2026, recognising his commitment to his patients, his practice, his team, and the wider Welsh dental community.

Proud husband and father to four sons - when he's not in clinic, he can usually be found coaching grassroots sport, on a rugby sideline or cricket boundary, or on the beaches of Pembrokeshire - sailing, surfing, or trying to balance on a wing foil. The Hayden family love the mountains and travel to the Alps as regularly as possible.

Dr James Hayden | Principal Dental Surgeon | BDS (Birm) MFDS Dip. MJDF (RCS), MSc Dent Imp, MCGDent | GDC 112822