15 Feb ESSEX DENTAL PRACTICE BRACED FOR GROWTH FOLLOWING EXPANSION
A family-run dental practice in Essex is positioning itself for growth following an expansion of its premises, with support from Lloyds Bank.
Burnham Dental Practice offers a range of general, family, orthodontics, restorative and cosmetic dental services. The practice has grown year-on-year since opening in 2018, and now provides care for more than 11,000 NHS and private patients in the area.
To help meet demand, the business secured a £175,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank to acquire and renovate the flat above its existing surgery in Burnham-on-Crouch.
The expansion, which created space for a new state-of-the-art treatment room and waiting area, will enable the practice to take on more patients and grow its offering. This includes increasing the number of specialist services it offers by creating permanent roles for a full time implantologist, endodontist and anaesthetist.
The practice is also hoping to introduce a new subscription model, allowing patients to pay a yearly flat fee that will cover all routine treatment including check-ups and regular hygienist appointments.
The dental practice currently employs 11 staff and, following the investment, is forecasting growth of 50% and the creation of four new jobs.
Dr Jasdeep Hall, principal dentist and managing director at Burnham Dental Practice, said: “The dental industry has faced significant pressure over the last 12 months, as practices look to continue providing an essential service to patients, while also adapting to changing the restrictions and demand. We’re fortunate to have been able to turn our downtime into a positive by expanding our premises and implementing new plans for growth.
“Since the pandemic began, we’re also seeing increased numbers of local people who no longer wish to travel into central London for specialist dental treatment and currently our visiting clinicians are seeing greater demand in areas like ours than at their own practices on Harley Street.
“The support we’ve received from Lloyds Bank has given us the flexibility needed to meet that growing demand, while also continuing to provide routine care to our existing NHS patients.”
Mike Philpot, healthcare relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Taking the opportunity to expand its practice during lockdown has proven to be a great move for Burnham Dental Practice. Thanks to Jasdeep’s forward-thinking approach, the business has been able to continue providing a critical NHS service to its patients in a more Covid-secure way, while also investing in the practice’s future and creating employment opportunities in the process.
“Lloyds Bank is working closely with business customers right across the UK to guide them through this challenging period and help them access the support that’s available.”
Burnham Dental Practice also received separate support of £50,000 from Lloyds Bank through the Bounce Back Loan scheme after the practice was forced to temporarily close its doors when all routine dental care in England was suspended in March last year.
