A husband and wife team have bought their first dental practice after getting a £850,000 investment from the bank.

Dr Bilal Afzal and Dr Sarah Nazir have taken over Park Road Dental in Sittingbourne after its previous owner retired.

The new owners aim to carry out a refurbishment of the NHS and private practice.

They will employ two dentists and retain its five staff, with the aim of creating more jobs in the near future.

Dr Afzal said: “We feel very fortunate to have secured such a credible practice and fully intend to continue the legacy this practice has delivered over the years. “We are excited and full of fresh ideas but above all we are looking forward to getting to know our patients and improving their oral health.”

Dr Afzal qualified in Pakistan in 2002 with wife Dr Nazir following suit in 2004.

The pair were able to afford the practice after gaining the six figure investment from Royal Bank of Scotland.

Senior relationship manager Paul Barnes said: “Owning your first surgery is always a very exciting step and we are proud we could assist this couple’s aspirations. We wish them all the very best as they settle in and enjoy having full control of their own practice.”