A well-loved family-run dental practice in the heart of Andover is marking a major milestone this month. New Street Dental Care, established by Julian Chen and his daughters Chloe and Clarissa, is celebrating 10 years of providing high-quality, compassionate care to the local community.
Reflecting on the journey, Chloe Chen said, “It feels amazing to have achieved this milestone. We are so proud and grateful for everyone’s hard work to get us here – and for our wonderful patients that have made it all possible.”
The inspiration for the practice stems from a childhood experience that left a lasting impression on founder Julian Chen. “Dad wanted to be a dentist since he was nine,” explained Clarissa. “He had a really painful trip to the dentist and vowed that no one should have to go through what he did. When Chloe and I were at university, one studying dental hygiene and therapy and the other dental nursing, he decided it was time to set up something closer to home — and that’s how New Street Dental Care began.”
The practice started with just two surgeries – one for Julian and one for Chloe – but quickly expanded. “We saw the need for more space,” said Chloe. “So we added a third surgery downstairs and then completely renovated the upstairs to create three more. We’ve always had state-of-the-art equipment – if there’s a gadget, Dad will have it!”
Running the practice as a family has become one of its defining strengths. Clarissa, who manages the practice, ensures that staff are looked after as much as patients. “We really are like a family here,” she said. “There’s so much mutual respect between us all, and we each bring something unique to the table. Dad is fantastic with patients, Chloe has absorbed so much of his clinical knowledge, and our sister Sally brings the patient’s perspective, especially when it comes to communication and social media.”
Their bond helped them through one of their biggest challenges – the COVID-19 pandemic. “Getting through COVID was one of our proudest achievements,” said Chloe. “We worked hard to make sure our practice was the safest place to be, investing in air purifiers and filters, and even gave advice over the phone before we were able to open.”
When asked what sets New Street Dental Care apart, Clarissa said, “It’s that family feel. From the moment patients walk through the door, they’re treated like one of us. Whether it’s the reception team, our nurses or the clinicians, we ensure everyone feels cared for and comfortable.”
That commitment is particularly meaningful for nervous patients. “We listen first,” said Chloe. “Most fear comes from a bad experience in the past. We take time to reassure people and show how much things have changed. Dentistry has evolved — and we’ve evolved with it.”
Long-term relationships with patients are central to the practice’s philosophy. “It’s quite humbling to still see patients who’ve been with us since day one,” said Clarissa. “Some just pop in for a catch-up when they come for their check-up — it’s like seeing old friends.”
Working with family comes with its quirks, too. “We’re lucky — we’ve never had a major disagreement,” Chloe laughed. “Dad sometimes comes up with these wild ideas and forgets that our brains haven’t caught up with him yet! But once he explains them, they always make perfect sense.”
The practice is deeply embedded in the local community, supporting events like the Pride of Andover Awards and the Test Valley Young Entrepreneurs Contest. “Andover isn’t just where we work — it’s our home,” said Clarissa. “Without the community, we wouldn’t have a business. Giving back is our way of saying thank you.”
Over the past decade, the team has supported numerous local causes and attended countless charity events, including for the Abel Foundation. “The Pride of Andover Awards have really opened our eyes to all the amazing things people are doing here,” said Chloe.
As for the future, the sisters are confident that the heart of the practice will remain the same. “We’re proud of our reputation — just look at our Google reviews,” said Clarissa. “We’ve found a balance with the size of the practice that works, and we don’t want to lose that family atmosphere. But we’ll always grow with technology. Dad will make sure of that!”
Ten years on, the ethos at New Street Dental Care remains unchanged: quality care, a personal touch, and a deep-rooted commitment to the community. Or as Chloe puts it, “Coming into work every day doesn’t feel like work – and that’s a gift we never take for granted.”
