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History
After World War I, George Oswald Slater (pictured right) left the army and went to Leeds University to study dentistry, qualifying in 1922.
In 1924 he moved to Hull, setting up a practice at 127 Anlaby Road. In World War II this property was bombed and demolished forcing George Oswald Slater to move his practice to 220 Anlaby Road.
In 1950, the practice moved again to part of its current site, 545 Anlaby Road. There has been a dental practice on the site for over 60 years. He was subsequently joined by his son Guy Dawson Slater (pictured below) in 1964.
After George Oswald Slater's retirement, John Groombridge joined the practice as an associate after qualifying from Newcastle University in 1970. In 1973, Mr. Groombridge entered into partnership with Mr. Slater. At this point the practice only comprised of 2 surgeries with Gordon Allhouse working as a dental technician to the rear of the premises.
Both Mr. Slater and Mr. Groombridge (pictured right with sons Duncan and Chris) worked from 545 Anlaby Road for 13 years until 1986. Whilst Mr. Groombridge still retained his surgery at 545 Anlaby Road, it was in 1990 that Mr. Groombridge acquired 543 Anlaby Road which had previously been the Rydal Café.
The expansion of the practice did not stop there and in 2002 John Groombridge acquired 547 Anlaby Road. The practice now has 12 surgeries all on one site. During the last 35 years Mr. Groombridge has acquired 5 other dental practices which he has either continued to practice in or has merged into what is now known as 543 Dental Centre.
On 31st October 2006 John Groombridge incorporated his practice into a limited company and formed 543 Dental Centre Limited. His intention, as Clinical Director, was to take the practice to the next level. In March 2008 John Groombridge became Chairman of 543 Dental Centre Limited with David Ward replacing him as Clinical Director. His sons, Christopher and Duncan Groombridge, became Joint-Managing Directors of 543 Dental Centre Limited with responsibility of running the company on a day to day basis.