Family’s jewel in the crown

A FAMILY business with an Oldham connection spanning more than 25 years has expanded into a private dental practice in Uppermill.

The Wibberley family from Greenfield has invested more than £120,000 to establish the Saddleworth Denture Centre in High Street in premises formerly occupied by a bridal boutique which has moved across the road.

John Wibberley and his son Chris are directors of the new venture with former Saddleworth resident Nicola Leetham, from Bingley in Yorkshire, as practice manager.

Father and son are currently studying to become denturists — a new qualification — which will allow the person crafting a denture to practice.

John Wibberley said: “This will bring the expertise of the laboratory to the team of people treating our local customers.

“Denturists actually spend longer learning about dentures than general dentists do in their training. We are all registered with the General Dental Council working to and helping set professional standards.”

Mr Wibberley senior owns what has been described as one of Saddleworth’s best kept secrets — Waters Edge Ceramics, manufacturers and suppliers of dentures, crowns and bridges to dentists across the UK.

The business was started 25 years ago in Ashton before moving into the old Post Office in Manchester Road, Mossley.

Portland Ceramics was sold in 2001 to Boots The Chemists, who pulled out of the market four years later.

John started the business again from his garden shed in Greenfield and Waters Edge Ceramics now employs more than 30 people at Tanners Mill. John’s daughter Gemma is also involved with the business.