I initially joined Smile Together to clinically lead their new contemporary private Keast Mews Dental Centre on the outskirts of Plymouth, moving from a private practice in London where I was an associate General Dental Practitioner. Prior to this I served for over ten years as a Dental Officer in the British Armed Forces, including working overseas, completing my military service holding the field rank of Major.
Following this I joined the Smile Together Board as Clinical Director and in 2023 I was admitted as a Fellow to the College of General Dentistry. I’m a compassionate, patient-centric and conscientious clinician, passionate about dentistry, patient care and my team. My role as Clinical Director reflects my continued commitment to clinical excellence, leadership, and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals. This includes supporting our foundation dentists, shaping clinical strategy, and helping guide the future of our organisation. Importantly, I’m still often found in my scrubs, treating patients — something that remains incredibly important to me.
My first attempt at university education was a degree in sculpture! I then qualified as a dental nurse before graduating in 2012 from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. My enduring commitment to post-graduate study has seen me attain Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties (MJDF) and Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS), a Certificate in Medical Education (PGCE), Diploma in Conscious Sedation and a Masters in Restorative Dentistry from the University of Plymouth in 2022.
Having been designated Senior Officer and lead clinician in a number of large and small dental practices, I’ve developed significant knowledge of healthcare governance and assurance, including clinical audit and service evaluation, aspiring to optimise patient safety and improve the quality of care provided.
For several years I was appointed Training Officer for London South Region, mentoring several student Dental Nurses and leading the strategic planning of continued professional development (CPD) for a large number of Military practices within the wider Defence Primary Healthcare organisation. I have been Project Lead for a number of ambitious policy change pilots, resulting in commendations from the Chartered Management Institute and Commander Defence Medical Services.
In 2019 I researched, analysed and reflected upon leadership training and development within Defence Primary Healthcare, devising and facilitating the execution of a regional-level guidance package which has since been developed and amplified into a programme open to the entire Defence Medical Service, across all healthcare sectors, ranks and services (circa 12,000 personnel).
In 2020 I headed a working group concerned with the regain of service output in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many of our recommendations implemented at regional and organisational level, resulting in commendations from the Chartered Management Institute and Commander Defence Medical Services.
I was also a mentor to several student dental nurses in both the NEBDN certificates in OHE and fluoride application, and IV sedation, which was thoroughly rewarding.
Away from work I am a keen long-distance swimmer and occasionally brave a competitive triathlon. I love to travel and experience new cultures and environments, especially food, and as a wine enthusiast I am WSET qualified with a particular love for English sparkling wine. I’ve been to Glastonbury festival ten times and de-stress with yoga, baking or making sushi. I live with my partner David and our blue cat, Balthazar, and we are currently renovating our Victorian house.
