Meet our team
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Principal Dentist
Ms Maya Chohan BDS MJDF RCS (Lond) PG Cert (Restorative) PG Cert (Implants)
GDC No 114232
Maya qualified from the University of Sheffield in 2007 and joined the practice in 2008. She further qualified with a diploma of MJDF (Membership of the Joint Dental Faculty at the Royal College of Surgeons) in 2010. She worked at the practice first as an associate then bought the practice in late 2012, when she became the Principal Dentist at the practice and has overseen extensive refurbishments to make the practice a welcoming place to visit.
She has gained further experience and training by completing the UCL Eastman Dental Institute certificate in Restorative Dental Practice and has also completed two years of their Diploma programme. In early 2018 she completed the Implant Academy Certificate to allow her to place and restore implants. She genuinely enjoys all aspects of working in general dental practice, building long term relations with patients and especially being a part of a close knit family orientated practice. She has a keen interest in treatment of toothwear and full mouth smile design rehabilitation, and has helped many of her patients to regain confidence in their smile. Her main ethos is to find the best long term solutions for her patients.
In 2020, Maya completed the award winning Avanti Aesthetics facial aesthetics program on Harley Street. She is able to provide a range of facial aesthetics so please discuss any aspect of your smile or face with her.
She is always looking at the latest techniques and advancements in dentistry, and was one of the first dentists in our area to start to use the intra oral scanner instead of conventional impressions routinely.
Outside of dentistry, she loves music, going to the theatre and spending time with her young family.
Ms Maya Chohan BDS MJDF RCS (Lond) PG Cert (Restorative) PG Cert (Implants)
GDC No 114232
Maya qualified from the University of Sheffield in 2007 and joined the practice in 2008. She further qualified with a diploma of MJDF (Membership of the Joint Dental Faculty at the Royal College of Surgeons) in 2010. She worked at the practice first as an associate then bought the practice in late 2012, when she became the Principal Dentist at the practice and has overseen extensive refurbishments to make the practice a welcoming place to visit.
She has gained further experience and training by completing the UCL Eastman Dental Institute certificate in Restorative Dental Practice and has also completed two years of their Diploma programme. In early 2018 she completed the Implant Academy Certificate to allow her to place and restore implants. She genuinely enjoys all aspects of working in general dental practice, building long term relations with patients and especially being a part of a close knit family orientated practice. She has a keen interest in treatment of toothwear and full mouth smile design rehabilitation, and has helped many of her patients to regain confidence in their smile. Her main ethos is to find the best long term solutions for her patients.
In 2020, Maya completed the award winning Avanti Aesthetics facial aesthetics program on Harley Street. She is able to provide a range of facial aesthetics so please discuss any aspect of your smile or face with her.
She is always looking at the latest techniques and advancements in dentistry, and was one of the first dentists in our area to start to use the intra oral scanner instead of conventional impressions routinely.
Outside of dentistry, she loves music, going to the theatre and spending time with her young family.
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Dr Suganthan Mahalingam
BDS MFDS Part 1 - GDC No: 278109
Dr Suganthan Mahalingam qualified from King’s College London in 2018, undertaking his post-graduate training in Tring, Hertfordshire. Since then, he has worked in practices across London and Hertfordshire, providing a mix of NHS and private dentistry. His relaxed and friendly approach has enabled many of his patients to feel at ease, and he encourages open discussion throughout his consultations.
Throughout his years in practice, he has developed a strong passion for managing patients with dental phobia and anxiety. This has led him to further education and training in both neuro-lingustic programming and dental hypnosis at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute.
His calm, patient approach has made him popular amongst anxious patients who require extensive treatment. He has also undertaken additional training in cosmetic teeth alignment and composite bonding to provide the best aesthetic results for his patients. He is currently embarking on a post-graduate certificate in restorative and aesthetic dentistry to expand the variety of treatments he can offer. Outside of dentistry, he provides freelance writing for businesses and enjoys producing music and going to concerts.
BDS MFDS Part 1 - GDC No: 278109
Dr Suganthan Mahalingam qualified from King’s College London in 2018, undertaking his post-graduate training in Tring, Hertfordshire. Since then, he has worked in practices across London and Hertfordshire, providing a mix of NHS and private dentistry. His relaxed and friendly approach has enabled many of his patients to feel at ease, and he encourages open discussion throughout his consultations.
Throughout his years in practice, he has developed a strong passion for managing patients with dental phobia and anxiety. This has led him to further education and training in both neuro-lingustic programming and dental hypnosis at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute.
His calm, patient approach has made him popular amongst anxious patients who require extensive treatment. He has also undertaken additional training in cosmetic teeth alignment and composite bonding to provide the best aesthetic results for his patients. He is currently embarking on a post-graduate certificate in restorative and aesthetic dentistry to expand the variety of treatments he can offer. Outside of dentistry, he provides freelance writing for businesses and enjoys producing music and going to concerts.
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Dr Ventsi Dobrev
BDS MFDS Part 1 GDC No: 295867
Ventsi qualified from the University of Plymouth in 2021 where he gained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Honours (Top 10%). He has undertaken his post-graduate training in Bedford and Watford treating complex cases using state of the art techniques and equipment alongside advanced dentists. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive restorative dentistry utilising the latest techniques available to provide pain-free, reliable dentistry for his patients. Ventsi also has a keen interest in aesthetics, he has attended multiple courses to develop his skills in this field in particular with composite bonding and whitening. He also enjoys providing onlays and veneers to provide superior aesthetic results with minimal tooth preparation. With his calm and confident demeanour, Ventsi puts patients at ease during his appointments.
He is comfortable in the treatment of nervous patients helping them feel reassured by employing a calm approach with thorough explanation of all options. Ventsi is a big football fan and he attends football matches of his favourite team often. He also plays for a dentist's football team. He enjoys going to the gym, taking pride in his physique. Ventsi likes travelling and exploring new parts of the world such as Egypt and Thailand. Being a foodie, he likes to try out different cuisines absorbing the culture and exploring traditions.
BDS MFDS Part 1 GDC No: 295867
Ventsi qualified from the University of Plymouth in 2021 where he gained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Honours (Top 10%). He has undertaken his post-graduate training in Bedford and Watford treating complex cases using state of the art techniques and equipment alongside advanced dentists. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive restorative dentistry utilising the latest techniques available to provide pain-free, reliable dentistry for his patients. Ventsi also has a keen interest in aesthetics, he has attended multiple courses to develop his skills in this field in particular with composite bonding and whitening. He also enjoys providing onlays and veneers to provide superior aesthetic results with minimal tooth preparation. With his calm and confident demeanour, Ventsi puts patients at ease during his appointments.
He is comfortable in the treatment of nervous patients helping them feel reassured by employing a calm approach with thorough explanation of all options. Ventsi is a big football fan and he attends football matches of his favourite team often. He also plays for a dentist's football team. He enjoys going to the gym, taking pride in his physique. Ventsi likes travelling and exploring new parts of the world such as Egypt and Thailand. Being a foodie, he likes to try out different cuisines absorbing the culture and exploring traditions.
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Dr Ishira Shah
BDS GDC 296055
Ishira graduated from Kings College London in 2021. She joined the practice in February 2023. She has a calm, caring approach to patients making them feel comfortable during appointments. She is known for her gentle and friendly nature which is especially appealing for anxious patients.
Ishira enjoys practicing a range of general dentistry and is always endeavouring to improve her skills. She has attended multiple courses in a variety of fields to develop her general and aesthetic dentistry and will be undergoing a post-graduate certificate in restorative and aesthetic dentistry.
In her spare time she loves to perform and practice Indian classical dance (Kathak) and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
BDS GDC 296055
Ishira graduated from Kings College London in 2021. She joined the practice in February 2023. She has a calm, caring approach to patients making them feel comfortable during appointments. She is known for her gentle and friendly nature which is especially appealing for anxious patients.
Ishira enjoys practicing a range of general dentistry and is always endeavouring to improve her skills. She has attended multiple courses in a variety of fields to develop her general and aesthetic dentistry and will be undergoing a post-graduate certificate in restorative and aesthetic dentistry.
In her spare time she loves to perform and practice Indian classical dance (Kathak) and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
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Dr Nishma Ardeshna
BDS AKC MFDS, GDC No 278154
Dr. Nishma Ardeshna is a passionate and caring dentist who is committed to helping her patients achieve their best smile. Nishma graduated from Kings College University in 2018 and went on to complete post-graduate training in Norwich. In 2020, she spent a year in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Northampton General Hospital.
Nishma creates a warm and welcoming environment for anxious dental patients, earning her a reputation as a caring dentist with a gentle approach. Her commitment to ongoing education is evident in her Post Graduate Certificate in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry from Aspire Dental Academy and she is currently pursuing her Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry. Nishma's experience in providing a range of treatments, including clear aligners, teeth whitening, aesthetic veneers/ crowns, composite bonding, and dentures, allows her to provide a holistic and personalised treatment plan that meets the unique needs of each patient. When she's not working, Nishma enjoys spending time with her family and friends, including her sister's adorable puppy. She loves exploring new cultures through travel.
BDS AKC MFDS, GDC No 278154
Dr. Nishma Ardeshna is a passionate and caring dentist who is committed to helping her patients achieve their best smile. Nishma graduated from Kings College University in 2018 and went on to complete post-graduate training in Norwich. In 2020, she spent a year in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Northampton General Hospital.
Nishma creates a warm and welcoming environment for anxious dental patients, earning her a reputation as a caring dentist with a gentle approach. Her commitment to ongoing education is evident in her Post Graduate Certificate in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry from Aspire Dental Academy and she is currently pursuing her Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry. Nishma's experience in providing a range of treatments, including clear aligners, teeth whitening, aesthetic veneers/ crowns, composite bonding, and dentures, allows her to provide a holistic and personalised treatment plan that meets the unique needs of each patient. When she's not working, Nishma enjoys spending time with her family and friends, including her sister's adorable puppy. She loves exploring new cultures through travel.
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Hygienist - Anita Sarkadi GDC 263414
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Foundation Degree in Oral Health Science University of Essex 2020
Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds 2016
Anita graduated from the University of Essex in 2020. Beforehand, Anita worked as a dental nurse for 4 years and she provided oral health education in primary schools.
Anita is a friendly and enthusiastic hygienist and aims to provide the highest standard of patient care. Anita especially looks forward to spending time getting to know her dental patients and building rapport with them. She is dedicated in her job of improving your oral hygiene and maintaining oral health.
Outside of work, she enjoyes travelling, working out and spending time with her family and friends.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Foundation Degree in Oral Health Science University of Essex 2020
Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds 2016
Anita graduated from the University of Essex in 2020. Beforehand, Anita worked as a dental nurse for 4 years and she provided oral health education in primary schools.
Anita is a friendly and enthusiastic hygienist and aims to provide the highest standard of patient care. Anita especially looks forward to spending time getting to know her dental patients and building rapport with them. She is dedicated in her job of improving your oral hygiene and maintaining oral health.
Outside of work, she enjoyes travelling, working out and spending time with her family and friends.
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Natalie Radway GDC 159736
Compliance & HR Manager and Senior Dental Nurse
Natalie is a long standing, key team member. She has been part of the team at Knightsfield since 2000. She qualified with the National Certificate NEBDN dental nurse qualification in 2005, and has been GDC registered since 2008. She has since further gained qualification in radiography. She has steadily taken on a multitude of varied roles and responsbilities within the practice and is our lead on all aspects of compliance, HR, health & safety, radiography, data protection and IT. She is great at organisation and has an eye for detail. She is also a mentor to our trainee dental nurses. Natalie is also a first aid trained and a fire marshal.
You might see Natalie in surgery supporting our clinicians or on reception or in our office, she is usually multi tasking! Outside of work, she enjoys music, fitness, and spending time with her family and pets.
Compliance & HR Manager and Senior Dental Nurse
Natalie is a long standing, key team member. She has been part of the team at Knightsfield since 2000. She qualified with the National Certificate NEBDN dental nurse qualification in 2005, and has been GDC registered since 2008. She has since further gained qualification in radiography. She has steadily taken on a multitude of varied roles and responsbilities within the practice and is our lead on all aspects of compliance, HR, health & safety, radiography, data protection and IT. She is great at organisation and has an eye for detail. She is also a mentor to our trainee dental nurses. Natalie is also a first aid trained and a fire marshal.
You might see Natalie in surgery supporting our clinicians or on reception or in our office, she is usually multi tasking! Outside of work, she enjoys music, fitness, and spending time with her family and pets.
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Kirsty McAuley GDC 277278
Head Dental Nurse and Infection Control Lead
Kirsty joined the practice in January 2016 from a background in caring. She qualified with a Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds in 2018. Kirsty is the head of the dental nursing team, she is a great leader to our junior and trainee dental nurses, and looks after clinical areas of the practice. Kirsty is the infection control lead and medical emergencies lead in our team, as well as being our lead first aider and fire marshall. You will usually find her assisting our clinicians in surgery with a kind and caring nature, she loves all aspects of clinical dentistry and especially looking after our nervous patients. She is currently undertaking a course in fluoride application for dental nurses. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family including her young grandson and her pet cat.
Head Dental Nurse and Infection Control Lead
Kirsty joined the practice in January 2016 from a background in caring. She qualified with a Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds in 2018. Kirsty is the head of the dental nursing team, she is a great leader to our junior and trainee dental nurses, and looks after clinical areas of the practice. Kirsty is the infection control lead and medical emergencies lead in our team, as well as being our lead first aider and fire marshall. You will usually find her assisting our clinicians in surgery with a kind and caring nature, she loves all aspects of clinical dentistry and especially looking after our nervous patients. She is currently undertaking a course in fluoride application for dental nurses. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family including her young grandson and her pet cat.
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Sarah Peterson GDC 287340
Treatment and Patient Care Co-ordinator, Dental Nurse
Sarah joined our team at the start of 2018. She qualified with a distiniction in her Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds in 2019, an amazing achievement. She further qualified in radiography in 2020. Sarah is also a first aider and fire marshal. She is our treatment co-ordindator, and carries out the majority of all intra oral scans taken in the practice, working in a smooth and efficient manner. Sarah is our patient's main point of contact for any queries or questions relating to their treatment, this may be during the planning stages, or whilst treatments are being carried out or for post treatment advice. Please feel free to approach her with any feedback. She is the main adminstrator of our practice membership plans. She is also your point of contact for queries related to the day to day running of the practice, stock control and dental materials as well as other adminstrative duties. Outside of dentistry, Sarah enjoys netball, gardening, and baking.
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Kathleen Irons GDC 159852
Dental Nurse and Receptionist
Kath is key cornerstone of the team, part of the foundations of Knightsfield, having featured as a reliable team member since 1975. She has been GDC registered since 2013 via a verified competency in Dental Nursing. She is a kind caring dental nurse and receptionist. You may see her in either role keeping things running smoothly and calmly. Outside of work, Kath enjoys spending time with her family and her grandchildren, gardening and occasionally knitting.
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Amanda Malekides
Receptionist
Amanda joined the team at Knightsfield in March 2018. She joined as a dedicated receptionist and has also taken on additonal adminstrative roles including adminstation of our membership plans and management of credit/collections. She is calm and efficient, and always looking to help assist our patients. Outside of dentistry, Amanda is interested in fitness and travelling, as well as spending time with her young family.
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Nhi Connolly
Business Adminstrator
Nhi joined the practice in May 2013 as a receptionist and over the years, she has steadily grown into an instrumental key team member. She has taken on multiple additional duties and responsibilities to ensure the business and practice is running as smoothly as possible. Usually you will find Nhi in the office or behind the scenes working hard in duties relating to organisation and running of the business, on some ocasssions Nhi may be covering reception. Outside of work, Nhi enjoys travelling and is a keen foodie who enjoys cooking.
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Jennifer Ross
Trainee Dental Nurse
Jennie joined the team in September 2023. She first started as a receptionist and then started the apprenticeship in Dental nursing soon after. She is currently training to become a dental nurse, and enjoys supporting our dentists and hygienists. She is friendly and always happy to help. Outside of work, Jennie enjoys horse riding and spending time with her young family.
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Jessica Pamparau
Trainee Dental Nurse
Jessica is our newest member of the team, she joined us in January 2024 as an apprentice dental nurse. She is a fast learner and she is doing a great job of caring for our patients.. She is enjoying learning about dentistry and supporting our dentists and hygienists. Outside of work, Jessica loves spending time with her family, especially her siblings.
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Teah Webb
Newly qualified dental nurse - awaiting GDC number
Teah joined the Knightsfield team in May 2022. She originally started as a decontamination assistant and then progressed to start her dental apprenticeship soon after. Teah has completed all her dental nursing examinations and assessments in May 2024 and currently waiting for her GDC number following application. Teah is a friendly, competent and helpful member of the team, and you will usually find her assisting the clinicians in surgery or also supporting on reception. Outside of work, Teah enjoys going to the gym and spending time with her friends and family.
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Dental Hygienist - Thea Gaglani GDC No 104021
Wednesdays
Diploma Dental Hygiene London 2006
Thea is a long standing, dedicated, caring team member. She has been a hygienist at Knightsfield since 2009. She has a gentle and friendly nature, and her patients travel from far and wide to see her at the practice. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her young family.
Wednesdays
Diploma Dental Hygiene London 2006
Thea is a long standing, dedicated, caring team member. She has been a hygienist at Knightsfield since 2009. She has a gentle and friendly nature, and her patients travel from far and wide to see her at the practice. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her young family.
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Paulina Blizzard GDC 237760
(Mondays/ cover for other hygienists annual leave)
BSc Hons Hygienist qualification recieved from University of Malta 2016
Registered under s36C of the Dentists Act 1984 2022
National Diploma in Dental Nursing NEBDN 2012
Paulina is a dedicated and enthusiastic dental hygienist providing quality treatment with tailored advice to help her patients achieve and maintain good oral health. She has a very gentle and and calm approach that helps our nervous patients. She is especially interested in treating patients with periodontal disease. Away from dentistry Paulina has an interest in human and animal behaviour and spending time with her young family.
(Mondays/ cover for other hygienists annual leave)
BSc Hons Hygienist qualification recieved from University of Malta 2016
Registered under s36C of the Dentists Act 1984 2022
National Diploma in Dental Nursing NEBDN 2012
Paulina is a dedicated and enthusiastic dental hygienist providing quality treatment with tailored advice to help her patients achieve and maintain good oral health. She has a very gentle and and calm approach that helps our nervous patients. She is especially interested in treating patients with periodontal disease. Away from dentistry Paulina has an interest in human and animal behaviour and spending time with her young family.
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Stevie Ward
Dental Nurse GDC 142813
Stevie is an experienced and dedicated dental nurse, she has been part of the team at Knightsfield for over 35 years. Stevie retired from regular hours in 2023, but occasionally still covers staff annual leave and assists with implant surgery. You are lucky if you still get to have her as your dental nurse! When she is not at work, she's enjoying travelling as much as possible, water colour painting and reading.
All of our dentists, hygienists and qualified dental nurses are registered with the GDC General Dental Council, they are contactable on https://www.gdc-uk.org/contact-us or 020 7167 6000.