New chapter for UK's oldest dental practice

A dental practice, widely acknowledged by historians and dentistry experts as being the oldest in the United Kingdom, is celebrating a new chapter in its long and proud history.

White Friars House Dental Practice in Chester, which has been serving the local community for over 165 years, is set to maintain its tradition of exceptional patient care following a change of ownership and a major refurbishment.

The practice, located at 14 White Friars in the city, has been acquired by the Love The Dentist Group. The new owners have invested significantly into refreshing key areas, such as the practice's reception area and treatment rooms, to ensure it can build on its impressive legacy.

The renovations have focused on preserving the historic, largely Georgian character of the building and on complementing this with the very latest, state-of-the-art treatment technology and facilities to benefit patients.

Before adopting its current name in 1956, White Friars House was known as Messrs Bullin reflecting the name of its founder - Frederick Bullin. Originally from Bath, Bullin established the practice in 1856.

A true pioneer, Bullin was one of the first dental professionals to obtain a formal qualification - gaining the newly launched License in Dental Surgery (LDS) from the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) in 1861. His patients included four time prime minister, William Gladstone as well as the Duke of Westminster at the time.

Bullin also served as the Honorary Dental Surgeon and Honorary Consulting Dental Surgeon to the Chester Royal Infirmary until his death in 1904.

Following the recent change of ownership, the expert team at White Friars House Dental Practice will offer a full range of treatments and services - from routine check-ups and preventative care to advanced restorative and cosmetic procedures.

To celebrate White Friars House joining the Love The Dentist Group, as well as the revamped interior and facilities it now offers, the practice was officially opened on Monday 27^th November by former England footballer and TV personality, Jill Scott MBE.

Speaking of the opening, Jill said:

"It's an honour to help celebrate such a proud part of Chester's history. White Friars House has been caring for the smiles of people from across the city for over a century. I am sure that as part of the Love The Dentist Group and following the recent investment that it will continue its long tradition of dental excellence."

Dr Greg Paysden BDS, owner and clinical director of the Love The Dentist Group, added:

"Everyone at the Love The Dentist Group is delighted to welcome White Friars into the wider business. Owning this practice equates to owning an important part of dentistry history. We are the caretakers of an important legacy and we have every intention of doing the practice's past custodians proud."

He continues:

"The recent refurbishment and investment are just the start of that and we have many other exciting plans for the practice for the future.

• White Friars House Dental Practice is part of the independent Love The Dentist Group, which operates a number of practices across North West England. 
• The Love The Dentist Group is led by Dr Greg Paysden BDS as its owner and award-winning clinical director.
• Greg graduated from Manchester Dental School in 2003. Driven by a desire to ensure a more positive treatment experience and to help people love, rather than hate, going to the dentist, he moved into practice ownership within a few years of graduating. 

• Every practice within the Love The Dentist Group aim to be a centre of dentistry excellence, serving the needs of people of all ages and backgrounds from across the local community.
• White Friars House Dental Practice, like all the practices with the Love The Dentist Group, is committed to enabling patients to enjoy optimum levels of oral health by offering a wide range of competitively priced dental treatments backed by the very best in service and care.

• The treatments available to patients from the practices within the Love The Dentist Group include examinations, scale and polishes, stain removal, fillings, veneers, crowns, tooth whitening, dentures/denture repair and implants bridges, Invisalign, composite bonding, sedation, anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers.

• All treatments are carried out using the most modern equipment and in environments where the highest possible standards of hygiene are maintained.

Pictured - Jill Scott MBE (seated) with dentist, Dr Francis Martinez (standing) from the White Friars House Dental Practice team.