Refurbishment profile


Family values K


Two brothers expand their orthodontic empire in Scotland, starting with buying and refurbishing Nusmile Orthodontics in Lanarkshire


nowing that he has in some small way changed a patient’s life is the most rewarding experience of being a dentist, according to Saranjit Nandhra.


With brother Jasbir, the dentist runs


three orthodontic practices, including the newly revamped Nusmile Orthodontics in Carluke, South Lanarkshire. The Kirkton Street practice is the


brothers’ latest venture – and their first in Scotland (other practices were started from scratch in Birmingham 1993 and Tamworth 2004) – but it won’t be their last. Saranjit explained: “We are currently


acquiring six other practices in Scotland, it was always the plan to expand in Scotland. We looked at Glasgow and Edinburgh then we came across this practice. The dentist was about to retire, he was very passionate about his practice, and we liked the homely feel of a small town, that’s why we bought it. Although there was not that many patients and not that many rooms – we are used to multiple rooms.” So between September 2012 and February


2013, the Nandhra brothers – who have 50 years of experience in dentistry between them – embarked on a huge refurbishment programme that saw this practice multiply in size, thanks to an agreed purchase of the flat upstairs. With an architect who specialises in


dental practice revamps overseeing the Nusmile Orthodontics refurbishment, the five-month plan saw the Tardis-like premises being transformed. It created three surgeries, one laboratory, an office, a waiting room, an X-ray room, a staff room, and a treatment co-ordinator’s room. The latter was essential for Saranjit. “The treatment co-ordinator’s room is


where we can explain the treatment to patients in a non-surgical environment. Because the patient is more relaxed in this room, they listen,” he explained. The square-footage was not the only


thing that grew – Nusmile Orthodontics also increased its patient base from 200 in 2012 to more than 1,300 in 2014. Because Nusmile Orthodontics is the only orthodontic practice in the area, it


“When we take a patient’s braces off it brings us great satisfaction”


attracts patients and dentist referrals from far and wide. Some celebrity clients are also having their teeth straightened by the talented team, which includes practice manager and orthodontic nurse Vicki Smillie, orthodontic therapist Cerianne Gilmour and dental nurse Liz Pollock. The practice also has no waiting list


(despite their heavy workload), has a late- night opening on Tuesdays until 8pm, and treats both children and adults on the NHS. Of course, relocating to Scotland


has been challenging for the Nandhra brothers, who still run the Birmingham and Tamworth practices. It has meant that they have had to split their time between the three premises, as well as overcome other barriers: “The Scottish accent was one of the biggest challenges! I still look to Vicki for assistance in understanding,” laughed Saranjit. For Vicki, who is local to the area, the


arrival of Nusmile Orthodontics was a blessing and the practice manager/ortho- dontic nurse has worked closely with Saranjit and Jasbir in project managing the


refurbishment programme and building up the client base. She has also built a rapport with referring dentists. She said: “Because I have been here since


the start, I have seen it through. There is a great sense of pride working here at Nusmile Orthodontics. Morale is high, we all enjoy working here and the guys are great to work for.” Today, the fuchsia pink of Nusmile Orthodontics’ waiting room is almost as warm as the welcome from the friendly staff. In the past two years, there have been


big changes at Nusmile Orthodontics with the introduction of new technology such as Orthotrac, which makes digital X-rays immediately available onscreen in the surgery. Similarly, dentistry and orthodontics has also changed significantly. Saranjit explained: “In the past ı0 years,


people have become more aware of their appearance. They are altering their appearance, and along with that, they want straight teeth.”


Continued » Scottish Dental magazine 67


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