The present practice was started in 1990 by Andrew Brierley, having moved around the corner from Queens Road. In 1992 Paul Ethrington joined. At that time it was mainly an NHS practice, although alternative treatments on a private basis were available. It became obvious in the early 90’s that no government was interested in properly funding NHS dentistry. As Andrew and Paul improved their range of skills by attending post-graduate courses, there was an increasing frustration at the gap between adequate, basic NHS dentistry and the modern materials and techniques available outside. But the biggest disappointment was the failure of the NHS system to appreciate that time spent educating patients how to look after their own teeth and gums can dramatically reduce the need for active treatment. Consequently, in 1994 the decision was taken to withdraw from the NHS ( except for children ) and build a private practice based on prevention, where we could offer quality treatment when required, time to help patients help themselves, and backed by quality customer service in all areas of administration.

In 1994, an intra-oral camera computer system was introduced by Paul. This was the first in this area, and one of the early few in the country as a whole. This equipment optimizes patient education, as well as demonstrating treatment options, something Paul would now not do without. Running a picture database of his patients is an invaluable record of progress over the years, and now contains about 3,000 photos which also allow patients to see pictures of examples of proposed work. The PC and camera system was replaced and upgraded in October 2004, and again in May 2006 to keep up to date with the latest technological advances.

Southport Road Dental Practice was the only practice in this area chosen to participate in the year long trial of the Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme which finished at the end of September 1999.  October 1999 saw us as the first practice in the area to operate the Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme since its launch on  the first of October, and we remain the ONLY Denplan Excel Accredited practice in Chorley.

An independent customer satisfaction survey, conducted in March 2003, and again in 2005 and 2007 found that there was an over 98% excellent or very good rating in all aspects of enquiry, relating to staff, treatment and customer service!

Referral experts used by the practice.

Raj Patel is a consultant restorative dentist at Sheffield Dental Hospital, where he specialises in implants. He also teaches dentists postgraduate implant assessment and surgery, and lectures both in the UK and abroad. For several years now the practice has formed a team approach to implant dentistry with Raj coming to the practice to confirm treatment planning on complex cases with Paul and then perform the surgery here. Paul then completes the restorative phase. As one of this country's leading implant experts you can be assured of the best possible outcome and full confidence that your investment is sound for very many years.

Richard Brookshaw is a new addition to our team. He is an experienced implant surgeon, based in Manchester and a leading expert in the use of the Nobel Guide surgical planning technique. He has completed many cases  here at the practice and we look forward to his regular attendance in the future as the demand for implant replacement of missing teeth is rapidly increasing.

Steve Taylor and Steve Melia are both dental technicians with many years experience. Both run their own laboratories, in Leyland and Bolton respectively. Regardless of the dentist's skill, the success of the crowns and bridges we fit depends on the skill and close relationship we have with the craftsmen who manufacture each item. Every unit is custom made from scratch for each tooth. We thank them for their help and skill.

David Cohen is one of this country's leading root treatment experts, based in Manchester. Andrew and Paul have used his expertise on many occasions over the last 15 years to predictably complete root canal treatment on the difficult cases requiring referral.

Andrew Kidson is a specialist orthodontist in Preston and undertakes the orthodontic assessments and treatments on all our adult patients. He uses more "patient friendly" techniques, including the American Invisalign system. Sometimes this is all the treatment required to satisfy the patient's new smile criteria, otherwise it simplifies the further treatment with veneers etc..

We believe that we have assembled a dedicated team to offer the widest possible range of treatment options, where the foundation of the practice is  preventative, and all in a caring, relaxing atmosphere where YOU, the patient, are the most important person. We are never complacent and take into consideration any comments and criticisms to further develop and enhance YOUR practice.

Recent staff changes.

Another new recruit to the team is Samantha ( Sam ) who is new to the world of dentistry, but has found her work with Paul in the surgery both interesting and challenging. She has risen to the challenge magnificently and is now a well established member of the practice. She started her DSA course at college in September 2005 She has now PASSED her exam but has to wait till she has a full 2 years experience till she can use her new qualification as a title. We all congratulate her on a star performance..    
                                                                                                May 2005

Sarah has left the practice to take up a place at Manchester University to study general nursing which has always been an ambition of hers. Although we regret loosing her we also wish her every success in the future. She still visits the practice and occasionally fills some nursing sessions so her spirit is still with us!!!                                                                November 2005

Sam now has over 2 years experience at the practice and is now able to display her certificate on the wall with much pride. again, well done.(2008)
                                                                                     September 2006

Rachel joined our team in Autumn 2006 and has settled in well. She is presently on maternity leave and will be re-joining the practice next summer.

Lindsay  joined the team in November 2007, with a wealth of experience. She has quickly adjusted to our much smaller team and enjoying getting to know the patients. She will be working with Andrew. We wish her all the best for the future.                                                                   November 2007

HYGIENIST 

We interviewed candidates and it was a very close call between two, who were called back for a second time for the team as a whole to decide. We  offered the position to Rebecca, who accepted the post and started on Monday 21st of November 2005. She qualified at Manchester University with a BSc Honours degree in Dental Hygiene and Therapy.  All our patients have warmed to her and have now settled into this new relationship with which everyone seems very happy and appreciative of her kind, caring and professional manner. A great job, well done.

We are pleased to announce that Rebecca has decided to increase her time here by another full day, commencing in November 2006, so things should get back to normal soon after as far as bookings are concerned. We all thank you for your patience. 

 l                                                                                                 November 2006

NEW NURSE

Gill left the practice after nearly 3 years working initially with Paul, and then with Andrew after her return from maternity leave. We all wish her well in her new location. RACHEL has joined the team to work with Andrew. She has worked in several practices since qualifying some 8 years ago, and so brings much experience to Southport Road and is settling in quickly. We will find out a lot more when we all embark on the annual Christmas "Bash" in the middle of December. Good Luck and Welcome.

December 2006

NEW NURSE

In November 2007 we greeted another new nurse into the practice team, Lindsey (Linzi) who comes to us with a wealth of experience. She will be working with Andrew whilst his nurse, Rachel, is on maternity leave. She has settled into our team very quickly and seems to have been here for ages !! Welcome to the happy ship at Southport Road Dental Practice.

January 2008

General Dental Council Registration of Nurses

Although not required until April, by February our nurses at the practice had already registered.