Gafyn qualified from Bristol University in 2010 and has been working as an associate dentist for the last seven years at various dental practices across South Wales. A retirement opportunity led to Gafyn taking on the ownership of Hawthorn Dental, a practice that has been established in the village for 37 years.
The practice currently serves NHS patients but Gafyn is slowly introducing private treatments to his patients such as anti-wrinkle treatments and tooth whitening, with a view to extending cosmetic treatments even further alongside an affordable dental care plan.
Gafyn has retained a receptionist and dental nurse as part of the acquisition and he plans to extend the surgery to a three or four surgery practice over the coming years. This will create further jobs for associate dentists and a hygienist.
Investment in the practice is already underway as Gafyn embarks on a cosmetic refurbishment, mainly focussing on the communal areas. Computerisation is planned over the next month which, amongst other things, will ensure patient bookings and payments are handled more efficiently.
Gafyn Poulton, owner of Hawthorn Dental practice, said, “It took me by surprise when the opportunity to acquire the practice came along but it felt right to invest in it now and build up this well-established practice. So far I’m really enjoying being my own boss in the knowledge I have secured a brighter future for my family.
“Royal Bank of Scotland approached me with such a wealth of knowledge in the healthcare sector and proved that dental acquisitions is clearly a sector they have an appetite to support. Mark really held my hand throughout the whole funding process and helped get the deal complete, for which I am very grateful.
“Looking forward, I have lots of plans in the pipeline and I fully intend to use my general and cosmetic dentistry experience to introduce further treatments that will benefit the local community.”
Mark Woolley, relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, added, “We welcome Gafyn to the bank and wish him all the best as he enjoys the benefits ownership brings. He is an ambitious individual and we’ve no doubt this will serve him well as he builds his business and reputation in Pontypridd.”