Our Team - Dentists

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 as an Associate 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 as an associate until early 2013 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 community 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 smiling.
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. Outside of dentistry, she loves 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 as an Associate 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 as an associate until early 2013 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 community 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 smiling.
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. Outside of dentistry, she loves going to the theatre and spending time with her young family.
Associate Dentists

Associate Dentist - 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.

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.
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.

Dr Ishira Shah BDS GDC 296055
Ishira graduated from Kings College London in 2021. 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.
Ishira graduated from Kings College London in 2021. 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.

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.
Our Team - Hygienists
Allf of our hygienists are dedicated in their job of improving your oral hygiene and are key to maintenance of oral health. Our practice is focused on prevention.

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 is especially looking forward spending time getting to know her dental patients and building rapport with them.
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 is especially looking forward spending time getting to know her dental patients and building rapport with them.
Outside of work, she enjoyes travelling, working out and spending time with her family and friends.
Hygienist - Thea Gaglani GDC No 104021
(currently on maternity leave) 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. |

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.
All of our dentists and hygienists are registered with the GDC General Dental Council, they are contactable on https://www.gdc-uk.org/contact-us or 020 7167 6000.
Dental Nurses and Receptionists
Stevie Ward GDC 142813, Natalie Radway GDC 159736, Kath Irons GDC 159852,
Kirsty McAuley GDC 277278 , Sarah Peterson GDC 287340
Trainee dental nurses Anna Barzowska, Teah Webb
Our nurses are registered with the General Dental Council and attend regular courses to maintain and develop skills and knowledge on all aspects of dental care.
Receptionists - Nhi Connolly, Amanda Malekides
Our friendly and helpful front of house, feel free to approach them with any questions or feedback.
Kirsty McAuley GDC 277278 , Sarah Peterson GDC 287340
Trainee dental nurses Anna Barzowska, Teah Webb
Our nurses are registered with the General Dental Council and attend regular courses to maintain and develop skills and knowledge on all aspects of dental care.
Receptionists - Nhi Connolly, Amanda Malekides
Our friendly and helpful front of house, feel free to approach them with any questions or feedback.

Feb 17
Team Trip to play Darts!
Team Trip to play Darts!
Our team outing in Feb 2016
Practicing filling in holes at mini golf one evening Summer 2015
A Photograph from our Christmas Do of our lovely Dental Team - Xmas 2014
Established Welwyn Garden City Dentists for more than 50 years.
Knightsfield Dental Practice is here to serve you and your family.
Knightsfield Dental Practice is here to serve you and your family.
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