History of Griffen Dental Laboratory
Incorporated in 1965
Griffen Dental Laboratory, located in Byfleet, Surrey, has been serving private dental surgeons with excellence since its incorporation in 1965. The lab provides a daily delivery and collection service to local clients and extends its reach to central and southwest London, as well as other areas via Royal Mail Freepost. Griffen offers a wide range of solutions, including crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and custom mouthguards. The business is collaboratively owned by Rosemont Dental Group, Ian Cleaver, and Graham Eke.
Rosemont Dental Group is one of the UK’s fastest-growing dental laboratory groups, renowned for its innovative, partnership-driven investment model. By focusing on collaboration, RDG aims to create growth opportunities for its partner businesses through investments in new technologies and technical education. RDG’s approach is built on a foundation of clinical excellence, with a strong commitment to supporting and developing staff across all its laboratories. Its mission is to form long-term partnerships, ensuring sustainable growth while preserving the values and legacy of each business it acquires.
Ian Cleaver and Graham Eke, both registered dental technicians with nearly 70 years of combined experience, have been integral to Griffen’s success. Growing up as childhood friends in Byfleet, they shared a fascination with their neighbours' dental laboratory. Ian joined Griffen as an apprentice in 1975, worked his way to directorship in 1991, and later invited Graham to join the team as a director in 2001. Together, with the backing of Rosemont Dental Group, they continue to uphold Griffen’s reputation for quality craftsmanship, innovation, and personal service, while embracing the future of dental technology and patient care.
Graham and Ian have worked successfully together for about 33 years, an achievement they attribute to their shared values of teamwork, technical competence, quality, and innovation. The team includes accredited GDC registered technicians and process workers who share a busy laboratory comprising a scanning suite equipped with a Medit iTero Scanner, a Denture Department, a casting and model room, and a Crown, Bridge, and Implant room. The lab is conversant with many of the leading implant systems.
The Griffen Dental team works closely with dental surgeons, providing essential support in case planning, preparing diagnostic presentations, and offering customised shade-matching services both in-surgery and in-laboratory. This collaborative approach ensures seamless integration with the dental surgeon’s team, enhancing patient care. The technical team is supported by two administrators and two dedicated drivers, ensuring timely daily deliveries.
Years of experience and a well-organised team are key to producing high-quality, functional restorations, but the directors also recognise that maintaining consistent product quality is critical to meeting the expectations of both dentists and patients. To ensure they meet these standards, Griffen Dental Laboratory follows stringent operational processes that adhere to quality benchmarks, and they are proud to hold DAMAS certification. Keeping up with changes in UK legislation, new products, and training is a priority for the directors, and their membership in the Dental Laboratories Association (DLA) helps them stay informed and compliant with industry regulations.
In the rapidly evolving world of aesthetic dentistry, staying ahead of trends, technology, and material developments is essential for dental laboratories. Ian and Graham, supported by Rosemont Dental Group, are committed to doing just that, ensuring Griffen Dental Laboratory remains at the forefront of the industry. Their goal is to offer clinicians exactly what they need: a personal service that is efficient, flexible, and reliable, backed by expertise in cutting-edge technology, skilfully crafted aesthetic restorations, and unparalleled technical support. While the landscape may be challenging, their clear vision, along with the collaborative partnership model of Rosemont Dental Group, keeps Griffen aligned with the needs of dental surgeons and patients alike.
A word from the owners
Graham Eke (Griffen Dental Laboratory)
“The Griffen Dental Laboratory was established in 1948 to provide its clients with an outstanding level of service and satisfaction. More than sixty years on and we are still committed to offer the Dental Profession the same efficient and reliable service combined with cutting edge dental technology.”
Ian Cleaver (Griffen Dental Laboratory)
“Our investment in innovative cad-cam design equipment and commitment to ongoing training in cutting edge technology for our team of highly skilled GDC Registered Dental Technicians enable us to keep both you and your Practice one step ahead. Our aim is to deliver more, exceeding both your and your patient’s expectations.”
