Dental practice JV all smiles with bank support
A DONCASTER dental practice is expanding its services and creating jobs following a change of ownership supported by Yorkshire Bank.
Edlington Dental Practice was partly acquired by local dentists Mo Sheikh and Andrew Harrison at the beginning of this year after former dentist and co-owner Ian Kellam retired.
The pair, who formed Edlington Care, to invest in the practice, now own two thirds of the business with a third partner owning the remaining 33%.
Since the pair took over, the practice has invested in new software to improve the management of appointments and is working with local schools and midwives to introduce preventative education.
They have also added a new surgery and plan to appoint two new full-time dentists by September.
Although Mr Sheikh and Mr Harrison already operate their own practices Edlington is their first joint venture.
Their investment in the business was supported by Yorkshire Bank’s South Yorkshire Customer Banking Centre, with the deal delivered by relationship manager Richard Boor.
Mr Sheikh said: “When Andrew and I heard about Edlington we immediately felt it was an opportunity we wanted to explore. The practice is located in a high needs area and we believed that with our experience we could make a difference to the oral health of the local community.
“Since we got involved, we have modernised the way the practice is run and created a new focus on preventative dentistry.
“Yorkshire Bank has been very supportive of our plans to develop the business. The main reason we chose Yorkshire Bank as our funding partner was because Richard, our relationship manager, demonstrated a real understanding of the industry and what we want to achieve.”
The practice was built in 2008 and is located within a purpose-built multidisciplinary health centre. It currently employs three registered dental surgeons, a part-time hygienist and four registered dental nurses. There is also a full time receptionist and practice manager.
Derek Breingan, head of healthcare at Yorkshire Bank, said: “Mo and Andrew have formed a dynamic management team with ambitious plans to grow Edlington Dental Care and offer improved services to the local community.
“We welcome them to Yorkshire Bank and we look forward to working in partnership with them as they develop the practice. Yorkshire Bank is committed to supporting the growth aspirations of well managed healthcare businesses with strong growth plans.”
