Dr David Hickey, has joined the practice to take over from Paul who has decided to retire as he reaches his 60th birthday.  David has moved over from Yorkshire with his wife and has bought into the practice as a partner. 

Dr Hickey has completed a two year restorative diploma at the Royal College of Surgeons allowing him to restore even the most difficult of smiles. He is now continuing his studies at Masters level.  He has also been awarded the MJDF postgraduate qualification form the Royal College. 

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.

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.

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 with Paul since 2005 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

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

Sam is now on maternity leave having had a baby girl. Mother and daughter are great. We look forward to her return later in the year.         January 2009
Now back to work in May                                                  May 2009

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

Lindsay is now on maternity leave and will be re-joining the practice in late spring. Mother and baby are doing fine.                                 January 2009
Now returned to duty                                                              May 2009

Christine   ( yes another one ! )  has returned to the practice on a part time basis.. She nursed for Andrew for 15 years till taking time out to start a family. Much remains the same but many protocol changes to adjust to but is catching up fast. She has also registered with the General Dental Council after taking the new style dental National Certificate for Dental nursing. Congratulations.  Welcome back!
                                                                                       January 2008    

Rachel has left the practice after returning part time after maternity leave. Family commitments meant that more time was required at home. We take this opportunity to thank her for her good work during her time with us and wish her all the best in the future.

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

General Dental Council Registration of Nurses

Although not required until April 2008, by February our nurses at the practice had already registered.