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Dentist buys Durham practice decade after work experience

AN ambitious dentist is all smiles after he unknowingly enquired about, and subsequently bought, the same Durham dental practice where he completed work experience a decade ago.

Born and bred in Sacriston, Dr David Lamb has bought the historic Kingsgate Dental practice in the city, which has been established for almost 70 years, from retiring owner Peter Gourlay.

The private practice’s dental nurses Christine Peart and Michelle Stewart, who both still work at the surgery 10 years later, instantly remembered the 30-year-old from his training days before he went off to dental school.

Now the modern day team are keen to treat more local families and children, looking for high quality, compassionate treatment with access to modern technologies and aesthetic results.

Dr David Lamb, who completed his dental degree at Newcastle University, said: “I registered my interest online in Durham practices for sale and received a mini description of Kingsgate but I didn’t know which practice it was until after I signed the standard non-disclosure agreement.

“As soon as I got the picture through I thought ‘I recognise that front door’ and called Peter immediately. I knew this would be the perfect business for me to take over as a sole dentist.

“I have a great affinity with Durham, and have childhood memories of fishing on the river and visiting the cathedral, which we have spectacular views of out the back of here.

“The whole thing just slotted into place and having worked here before, knowing how well the patients feel they have been looked after over the years, I thought this was the perfect foundation for me to build on.”

Long term, Dr Lamb hopes to double the size of the patient base, add another surgery within the premises on Church Street and bring in a hygienist.

They have already begun refurbishment of the surgery’s reception area and plan to update the patient waiting room and staff facilities soon.

In addition, the practice is finally online, with its new website just launched, and an online booking system in place for existing patients.

Retiring former owner Peter Gourlay said: “We had a few people interested in the practice but it’s nice to think that a local boy is taking over, he’s a bit younger than me with some new ideas.

“The practice has been there such a long time and we have always been renowned for our customer service. I know David shares that passion of making sure patients are really well looked after so I hope he and his team enjoy as many happy years as I did at Kingsgate.”

As well as taking on the practice, Dr Lamb has also taken on post graduate study and is a member of the Faculty of Dental Surgeons of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is also qualified to train and supervise graduate dentists in their foundation year in practice.

A big believer in continuing his professional development, he is currently undertaking specialist implant dentistry training, working with some of the best implant specialists in the profession.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Caroline Cameron .