Armagh is set to get a ‘polished’ new dental practice as Banbridge dentist, Dr Andrew Little has acquired two City practices to merge into one.
Qualifying as a dentist in 2008, Andrew has been a staple part of his family’s dental business ‘Cliffgar Dental’ for over 15 years. In 2023, Andrew took the leap to go out on his own and is now the founder and Principal Dentist of Precision Implant Clinic, a specialist practice which focuses on dental implants, IV sedation, and minor oral surgery.
Alongside his clinical practice, Andrew is actively involved in teaching and holds postgraduate qualifications in implant dentistry, periodontology, and medical education. He also serves as an Irish board member of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI).
Speaking to Armagh I, Andrew said: “Our ethos has always been that of a family-run business built on hard work, integrity, and doing what is right for our patients.
“We strive to maintain high standards and be at the forefront of dentistry by continuing education and development.”
And bringing that high standard further afield, Andrew has recently acquired two clinics in Armagh – Thomas Lee Dental and the premises of Armagh Orthodontic Clinic.
When the opportunity to purchase a new practice came up in Armagh, the new venture was a natural progression for the business. Having strong family ties to the local area – with Andrew’s wife Rebecca growing up in County Armagh – he was already very familiar with the area and dental practices in place.
Speaking of his new venture, Andrew said: “Our vision is to bring them both together into one modern, forward-thinking dental practice with a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention, serving the local community in the City of Armagh.
“We aim to also bring some more specialist services to the clinic over the coming years.”
Taking over the current Armagh Orthodontic Clinic premises, located on Loughgall Road, Armagh, Dr Thomas Lee will be moving with the business.
He will work within Armagh Dental Clinic for the foreseeable future with Dr Jane Gormley – Founder of Armagh Orthodontic Clinic – who will be on hand to complete any ongoing orthodontic treatment.
Armagh Dental Clinic will be retaining the current staff teams, with total employment of over 18 people. Andrew is committed to maintaining continuity and looks forward to building the Armagh Dental Clinical team around them.
“We are very much looking forward to investing in local dental care and serving the Armagh community for many years to come.”
With significant financial investment, a key aim of the development is to reduce waiting times, improve access to appointments and introduce modern technologies and techniques to provide a highly accessible, high-quality service.
After the takeover, Jane will continue working on her existing clients who have already started treatment, and Thomas will continue working for some time after alongside Andrew.
Existing Health Service patients registered at Thomas Lee Dental will maintain their registration. Armagh Dental Clinic are also accepting new patients on a private basis, offering both pay-as-you-go options and dental plan membership.
Easing concerns for any current Thomas Lee members, Andrew said: “Nothing changes if you are already a practice member at Thomas Lee. However, we will not be taking on any additional Health Service patients because we simply couldn’t afford to keep the service open.
“There will be a private element but we will be offering pay-as-you-go services as well as dental plans. We are very much looking to retain the loyal customers that Thomas has served for years.
Andrew states: “We do not want to pressurise anyone, existing clients will remain on current arrangements, but all new or re-registrants will be given options for private care.
“For us, it’s about continuing the service but just improving on it with additional staff, services and modernisation.”
Armagh Dental Clinic will open in May with quirky branding of a tree shaped like an apple to represent Armagh’s Orchard history, with the slogan ‘growing healthy smiles’ already in place!
With plans to invest significant money into modernising the premises, Armagh Dental Clinic will have seven surgery rooms with the introduction of state-of-the-art modern, digital equipment.
The new clinic will also bring a comprehensive system of new skill sets and services to the area, including implant work and surgical dentistry, which are not currently offered in any dental clinics in Armagh and that patients have to travel elsewhere for.
Armagh Dental Clinic also benefits from ample on-site free parking and is fully accessible with lifts and downstairs surgeries to meet all needs.
Armagh Dental Clinic’s website will be operational soon but if you would like to get in contact with the practice, you can email info@armaghdentalclinic.com for more information.
