A dentist realised his dream of owning and running his own practice after receiving a six-figure funding package from the bank.

Dr Dev Patel aims to create more jobs at Dental Beauty Swanley, which already employs three full-time dentists and a hygienist.

After qualifying in 2012, he has worked at various practices across Kent as an associate and was highly commended as Best Young Dentist South in the Dental Awards 2015.

His practice on Swanley High Street, which has been open for 50 years, will serve half NHS and half private patients from its four surgeries.

He said: “This is a really exciting time as I embark on owning and running my first practice in a county I have gained many years’ experience in.

“It has been an ambition of mine since I qualified and with the support of The Royal Bank of Scotland it has now become a reality.

“I am looking forward to continuing traditional dentistry services to the local community as well as leveraging my cosmetic and orthodontics experience.“

Paul Barnes, senior healthcare manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland, added: “We are so pleased to support Dr Patel’s new venture.

“As a bank we are helping an increased number of customers set up their first-time practices, allowing them to achieve ownership and expansion.

“We wish Dr Patel all the best as he establishes himself in Swanley to assist new and existing patients with first-class dentistry care.”