Let us introduce ourselves!

Dr Vimal Patel BChD

Principal Dentist and Clinical Director

GDC Number:69620

Studied at

University of Leeds Dental School

Qualified dentist since

1993

Has been practising in the local area for the last 12 years.

Vimal is a Yorkshireman, born and raised, and likes to give no-nonsense advice. He is very keen on preventative and minimally invasive dentistry, attending dental courses on a regular basis, to keep up to date with the latest developments. Combined with a gentle touch and a cheeky sense of humour, he likes to put nervous patients at ease, taking the time to explain all aspects of the care involved.

He thoroughly enjoys his job, and in particular, likes to carry out a smile tidy, which can make a huge difference to someone’s smile, with just a small change.

He is married to Dershna, and they have 2 young children. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling and walking. he can often be seen walking the streets of Leighton Buzzard in his Lunch hour.

Joanna Stafford BDS

Dentist

GDC Number: 80600

Studied at

Newcastle Dental School

Qualified since

2002

Joanna has now been with us for 5 years, and has become an integral part of the practice. She has the ability of helping the most nervous of patients conquer their apprehensions with her calm and caring way.

Joanna is married to Matthew, and has a daughter and a baby son . She is currently on maternity leave – expected back in June 2012.

She has also qualified in the Postgraduate Advanced Dental Seminar’s Cosmetic Dentistry and Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry 1 year certificate course.

Christian Liebenberg BChD

Dentist

GDC Number:65696

Studied in

South Africa

Qualified since

1989

Has over 9 years experience in the local area, and enjoys improving smiles. Has a very calming and laid back attitude, and makes you feel relaxed.

Christian likes travelling and enjoys a paper in the morning. He will often squeeze in a visit to the gym when he gets a chance.

Navidah Chaudhary BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng), MClinDent (Periodontology)

Dentist

GDC Number: 83715

Studied in

University of Sheffield and The Eastman Dental Institute

Qualified Since

2003

Nav graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2004 before completing a year of vocational training in the Community Dental Services. She continued to develop her skills working for the Community Dental Services treating children and adult patients with additional needs as well as nervous and anxious patients. This position gave her the opportunity to enhance her surgical skills as she played an active role in the assessment of patients for general anaesthetic suitability and was able to provide restorations, exodontia and minor oral surgery to children under general anaesthesia in a hospital setting.

Nav then went onto work in general practice for NHS and private patients. She then persued further training and experience in periodontology and completed her 3 year training as a EFP accredited Periodontist at the Eastman Dental Hospital, London (2011). The position also gave her the opportunity to work part time at the Dental Access and Specialist Care Centre in Bedford as a Periodontist.

She has extensive experience in the treatment of advanced gum disease with expertise in both conventional and regenerative periodontal surgery and complex implant therapy. Nav is a member of the British Society of Periodontology.

Cosmin Fetcu DMD

Dentist

GDC Number: 120124

Studied in

IASI – Romania

Qualified Since

2003

Cosmin has a special interest in Endodontics (Root Canal Treatments). He is very patient, caring and also a perfectionist!

Cosmin is married with a little baby daughter, and he currently works thursdays and friday here at Whole Tooth.

 

Shazia Kaka BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng)

Dentist

GDC Number: 114324

Shazia graduated from the Dental Institute of Guys’, Kings’ and St Thomas’ in 2007. In the three years following, she pursued dentistry within a hospital setting, working in a number of different specialist departments to gain experience in restorative techniques and minor oral surgery proceedures, which she particularly enjoys doing! Having spent one year carrying out sedation to both adult and children. she understands the needs of anxious patients and is willing to spend time building up their confidence and ensuring their experience is a pleasant one!

In her spare time, Shazia enjoys rock climbing and playing the saxophone!

 

Malcolm Riley BDS(Lon), FDS RCS(Ed), FDS RCS(Lon), LDS RCS(Ln), MRD(Ed)

Dental Implantologist

Studied in

Kings College Hospital Dental School London

Qualified Since

1970

Malcolm Specialises in Periodontology and Implantology. He does all our implants treatment here at Whole Tooth. He lectures at the Eastman Dental Institute and teaches at seminars for the implant company Straumann.

Simon Moore B.D.S., M.Sc., F.D.S.R.C.S. (Ed.), M.Surg.Dent.R.C.S. (Eng.), M.SND.R.C.S.(Ed.)

Oral Surgeon

GDC Number: 62955

Studied in Guy’s Hospital University of London

Qualified Since

1987

Simon is the Regional Advisor for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and a member of the British Association of Oral Surgeons.

He works as at Stoke Mandeville Hospital as an Oral Surgeon, and also works as an Oral Surgeon here at Whole Tooth.

Etienne Deysel MBChB(Pret), PDDSED(Stel)

Sedationist

Qualified Since

1989

Since qualifying, further training includes: Advanced cardiac support, Paediatric advanced life support, Advanced trauma life support and Immediate life support.

In 2003 Etienne was awarded the PDD.SED (Post graduate qualification in sedation and pain control) from the University od Stellenbasch, South Africa.

He is Registered with the GMC (registeration number 4562333) and South African health Professions Council. He is a member of the society of conscious sedationists UK and the society for the Advancement of Analgesia in Dentistry.

Cara McAleavey

Hygienist

GDC Number: 127742

Studied at

Eastman Dental Hospital

Qualified since

2007

Cara will help you look after your gums, hold onto your teeth, and maintain fresh breath. She has a very gentle touch, and is able to motivate patients, without giving them a lecture.

She has helped many patients to turn a visit to see a dental hygienist into positive experience.

Carol Berra

Dental Therapist / Hygienist

GDC Number: 178846

Studied at

Portsmouth Dental School

Carol has a very gentle touch and helps to look after the teeth of our child patients, in addition to helping you have clean teeth and fresh breath.

She also helps patients to look after their teeth and gums with simple practical advice on preventative care.

Glynis Soper

Practice Manager

Glynis maintains a tight grip on all the team, and keeps the practice running smoothly. There is very little that Glynis will not know about, and is a constant source of enlightened wisdom.

She has lived in the town for over 20 years, and knows 94% of the people in the town. Although given a chance, would rather be living in Canada.

Apart from her job, her second most favourite pastime is spoiling her Grandson and shopping.

Dershna

Administration Manager/Dental Nurse

GDC Number: 189160

The real boss.

In addition to helping out with reception, administration, and occasional dental nursing, Dershna can be found fitting carpet tiles, painting, and carrying out various other tasks around the practice.

Nikki

Dental Nurse and Receptionist

GDC Number: 141921

Nikki is part of our core reception team. Don’t let that quiet and innocent facade fool you. She is very efficient and full of ideas.

Nikki is our dental implant coordinator, ensuring that any patients requiring implants with Malcolm Riley are looked after, and happy.

She also looks after our retail dental products section, making sure that we are well stocked with all the relevant dental care aids.

Anne

Dental Receptionist/Trainee Dental Nurse

Anne is one of our lovely reception team so look out for her when you book your appointment! She is married with two grown up daughters and two granddaughters. As well as reception, Anne is beginning a refresher course in Dental Nursing. Aside from work, Anne likes reading, shopping, travelling and swimming.

Kelly

Clinical Manager / Treatment Coordinator

GDC Number: 125509

Kelly is our clinical manager and is in charge of maintaining stock levels of our equipment and materials.

In addition Kelly is our Treatment Coordinator, and helps liaise with patients with complex treatment plans to give them all the information they need to understand the treatment proposed, and help with any payment finance applications

Lizz

Lead Dental Nurse and Administrator

GDC Number: 175510

As well as leading our team of highly effective Dental Nurses, Lizz is always cheerful and helpful. Lizz is our troubleshooter, and computer Whiz. If any changes, or new processes need implementing, Lizz is our Go-to Girl. Her attention to detail has been put to great use, looking after our Health and Safety system, and Care Quality Commission issues.

Kirsty

Dental Nurse

Kirsty has a natural talent for dental nursing, and has now achieved her professional qualification. She is our plaster model and whitening tray specialist. When she is not rushing around the practice, she can often be heard singing.

Emma

Dental Nurse

Emma loves dental nursing, and has now achieved her professional qualification. She is our website and graphics specialist, and keeps our websites current and easy to understand.

You may even see Emma on reception occasionally, as she wants to add the role to her repertoire.

 

Sharon

Trainee Dental Nurse

Sharon is the latest edition to our team, she is working towards a qualification in dental nursing. She has two daughters and is currently doing a course in sugarcraft when she’s not at work.