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, Messrs established the practice in 1856.
A true pioneer, Messrs 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 November 27, 2023, by former England footballer and TV personality Jill Scott MBE.
Jill Scott MBE (centre) and practice owner / clinical director, Greg Paysden (left) cut the ribbon to declare the refurbished White Friars House Dental Practice officially open.
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.”
Greg Paysden, 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 continued, “The recent refurbishment and investment are just the start of that, and we have many other exciting plans for the practice for the future.