A dental practice widely acknowledged by historians and dentistry experts as being the oldest in the UK 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.

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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, Bullin established the practice in 1856.

A true pioneer, Bullin was one of the first dental professionals to obtain a formal qualification - gaining the newly launched Licence 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.

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 Monday 27 November by former England footballer and TV personality, Jill Scott MBE (pictured with dentist Dr Francis Martinez).

Dr Greg Paysden BDS, owner and clinical director of the Love The Dentist Group, said: ‘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.'