Member Article

£330k funding helps transform Bradford dental practice

An established NHS dental practice in Bradford has formally re-opened under new management following extensive expansion and renovation work, with the support of a £330,000 loan from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Now rebranded as R Dental Clinic, Dr Ritesh Lad purchased the practice on Idle Road in 2010, which had originally been established as a dental practice in the 1950s.

Prior to the takeover it was known as C J Shaw & Associates, where Dr Lad had worked as an associate dentist for two years.

Following an extensive planning application and redesign period, work began last July to upgrade the traditional house-style two-surgery NHS practice in order to improve access for the less able, complete the modernisation and expand the facilities.

R Dental Clinic now employs over ten members of staff, with new recruits including a dental hygienist, a second full time receptionist and an apprentice dental nurse.

In addition to purchasing three new dental chairs, x-ray units and other related equipment, the work has also enabled the practice to offer a wider range of dental treatments including cosmetic dentistry.

Dr Lad approached Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking for the Government-backed Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) loan, to help design and provide the modern facilities that had been recommended for dental practices by the Department of Health in its 2007 review and the Care Quality Commission.

Dr Lad said: “The practice really has undergone a complete transformation, creating a modern and welcoming place for all our patients, as well as laying the foundations for our continued growth over the coming years, as we aim to become one of the most modern and patient centred practices in the north of England.”

Steve Midgley, healthcare banking relationship manager for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “R Dental Practice is very much an integral part of the local community, providing a vital service to its patients, and watching its transformation into a modern clinical environment, has been immensely satisfying.

“Dr Lad’s ability to successfully maintain patient care whilst also dealing with architects, planners and contractors demonstrates that his dental skills are matched by his business acumen.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .