June 9, 2021 9.34 am This story is over 33 months old

Emotional goodbyes as Lincoln family dentist closes after 140 years

It will become four new flats
Thomas Powell in his surgery with his staff holding the first photos of the Dentist opening. | Photo: James Mayer

A Lincoln High Street dentist is set to close its doors after 140 years and become four new flats.

Dentist Thomas Powell and his wife Agnes have owned Thomas Powell & Associates Dental Practice on 157 High Street since 1985, when Thomas took over the business from his father, and his father before that.

The couple are set to retire soon and the practice is expected to close in the coming weeks.

The building has been sold to developers, and the NHS contract is going to an undisclosed dental practice elsewhere.

First owners of the High Street dentist.

Thomas Powell, dentist and practice manager told the LDRS: “Before COVID happened, it was a happy practice, it was lovely, we used to be busy and we could see lots of people.

“Since COVID, it’s been a bit different. Most of my staff have left now, I’ve just got two full time nurses left and I’ve got receptionists and there’s just a few of us doing the work we can, and we’re only doing emergency work at the moment.”

He added: “I’m sad to be going from that point of view, but I’m relieved to be leaving to enjoy my retirement.”

The dental practice opened in the 1880s under the hands of a Mr Uttley, where Mr Powell’s grandad and grandmother worked.

Mr Powell said his grandma was the first female dental nurse at the practice.

The deeds to the building are now in Lincoln archives and it is thought the images below will also go there.

Thomas Powell & Associates Dental Practice. | Photo: James Mayer

Applicant Oliver Cox has been granted planning permission by City of Lincoln Council to turn the practice into two one-bedroom flats and a couple of two-bedroom flats.

A date for works to begin has not been set yet.

Designs for the new four flats on the High Street.