This month, everyone at The Priors Dental Practice is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Principal Dentist Mark Emms marks 41 years since qualifying as a dentist and 40 years since purchasing and leading The Priors Dental Practice.
Having qualified from Edinburgh’s Royal College of Surgeons in 1985, Mark purchased The Priors just one year later, in 1986. Four decades on, his passion for dentistry remains as strong as ever, and his commitment to providing exceptional patient care continues to shape the practice he has built.
Throughout those years, Mark has established The Priors as a respected multidisciplinary referral centre, known for clinical excellence, innovation and a patient-centred approach.
To celebrate this incredible achievement, we sat down with Mark to reflect on his career, the evolution of dentistry, and what this milestone means to him.
Looking back over 40 years in dentistry and 40 years at the helm of The Priors, what memories stand out as the most rewarding and memorable in your career?
With his trademark sense of humour, Mark’s first response was:
“When I could brush my hair!”
On a more serious note, Mark highlights one of the most important decisions of his professional life:
“Having foresight into specialist training in restorative dentistry.”
That commitment to continued education and professional development has been a defining feature of Mark’s career. Throughout the years, he has consistently invested in advanced training, helping to bring new techniques and treatments to patients while ensuring The Priors remained at the forefront of modern dentistry.
When you purchased The Priors in 1986, what was your vision for the practice, and how do you feel it has evolved over the past four decades?
Mark’s vision was simple but ambitious:
“Build it. Multi-disciplinary referral base.”
What began as a single practice has grown into exactly that. Over the years, The Priors has evolved into a highly regarded centre where patients can access a wide range of advanced dental treatments under one roof.
Through careful investment in technology, specialist expertise and clinical excellence, Mark’s vision has become a reality, creating a practice respected by both patients and referring dentists across the region.
Dentistry has changed enormously during your career. What developments in the profession have had the biggest impact on patient care, and what has kept you passionate about dentistry throughout that time?
For Mark, there is one clear answer:
“Dental implants have been the biggest game changer (30 years doing them).”
Having placed dental implants successfully for more than three decades, Mark has witnessed first-hand the transformative impact they have had on patients’ lives. The ability to restore function, confidence and quality of life through implant dentistry has revolutionised treatment options and helped countless patients regain their smiles.
Yet while technology and techniques have evolved dramatically, Mark’s enthusiasm for dentistry has remained constant. His passion stems from the challenge of continually improving outcomes for patients and embracing new developments within the profession.
As you celebrate this milestone, what are you most proud of when you look at the team, patients and reputation that The Priors has built over the years?
For Mark, the answer begins with loyalty.
“Two longstanding members of staff, Maxine and Erica, who have been with me and stayed loyal with me over 30 years, along with the ever-growing team I have to this day.”
Strong relationships have always been at the heart of The Priors, and Mark is quick to acknowledge the people who have helped shape the practice’s success.
Reflecting on dentistry as a profession, Mark adds:
“Dentistry is a brutal career, heavily involved and hard work (it’s not easy), however it is rewarding and I am still as enthusiastic as I was when I was a kid. I get great job satisfaction, and this is key – fixing people that are broken.”
That passion for helping people remains his greatest motivation. Whether restoring a smile, rebuilding confidence or solving complex dental problems, Mark continues to find immense satisfaction in making a positive difference to his patients’ lives.
Perhaps most tellingly, he says:
“Many of my patients have now become friends over the many years.”
After 40 years at The Priors, that sentiment speaks volumes about the relationships, trust and community that Mark has built throughout his career.
A legacy still being written
While 40 years of ownership is an extraordinary achievement, Mark’s story at The Priors is far from over. His enthusiasm for dentistry, commitment to learning and dedication to his patients remain unchanged.
Everyone at The Priors Dental Practice would like to congratulate Mark on this incredible milestone and thank him for four decades of leadership, innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Here’s to 40 remarkable years at The Priors — and to many more successes ahead.
