John Wibberley set up Waters Edge Ceramics in September 2004. After selling his previous dental laboratory, Portland Ceramics, to Boots the high street Chemist, he realised that his work was still in high demand from a number of practitioners. He saw this as an opportunity to single-handedly provide a laboratory service to these dentists. Since he had sold his previous premises along with his business, and had no staff under his employment, he decided to purpose-build a workshop (or shed, as it is often known as) in his back garden. This would house all the equipment and work benches a one-man laboratory would need.

John worked at the bench in his new ‘home laboratory’, covering all manufacturing stages of restorations and appliances sent to Waters Edge Ceramics. His wife, Janet, covered all aspects of administration and deliveries as she had previously done for Portland Ceramics. After two months, Waters Edge Ceramics reinforced its reputation as a dedicated family business when Gemma, John’s daughter, and talented Gold technician jumped on board. Productivity increased dramatically, and so, the business began to grow. Gemma is now the company secretary, and supervises all aspects of administration. Even with her responsibilities, she still finds time to sit at the bench to

In the summer of 2005, the business had to move from John’s back yard shed to several rented units in Tanner Bros mill, situated in the same village as the family home. This was due to a large number of John’s former employees finishing their working contracts with Portland Ceramics, and coming back to work with him under the new banner of Waters Edge Ceramics. The timing could not have been better. This is because John was in a position to hand pick his team from a large number of Technicians of whom he’d previously trained and employed.

In January 2006, John’s son Chris also joined the now flourishing business. After spending time being trained under the supervision of head Gold technician, Tony Mallinson, Chris began to establish himself as a capable technician. He is currently training to become a Clinical Dental Technician.

Waters Edge Ceramics now employ 26 members of staff in total. The laboratory now has a notable reputation amongst clinicians across the UK. This is largely due to John Wibberley’s focus on staff training and development. You can experience John’s tuition first-hand by taking one of his relevant courses detailed on the Training/Tuition link. If you would like to see some of the high quality cases Waters Edge Ceramics produce, then feel free to browse our website, and get in contact with us on the home page form to let us know what you think.

John Wibberley FBIDST RDT

Gemma Taylor (nee Wibberley) RDT

Christian Wibberley BA RDT