Our Team

Raj Sajjanhar
Clinic Director | Dentist
BDS (Lond) 1991
LDS RCS Eng 1991
GDC Number: 66398

Raj has been placing dental implants for over 14 years. He has the Diploma in pain control and conscious sedation.

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Raj qualified from Guys Hospital in 1990 and moved to Newcastle in 1994.

He offers a very broad spectrum of dental care from specializing in Sedation and the treatment of Nervous Patients to Dental Implants and the rehabilitation of patients with missing teeth.

Raj has twins Max and Katie who endearingly occupy most of his spare time but he does make time for cooking and keeping fit and healthy…. hampered with a glass or two of red wine!

Andrew Ratsey
Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 2006
GDC Number: 103342

Andy qualified from Newcastle Dental School in 2006, since then he has been in general practice in Northumberland, Middlesbrough and at Heaton Dental Clinic.

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Andy qualified from Newcastle Dental School in 2006, since then he has been in general practice in Northumberland, Middlesbrough and at Heaton Dental Clinic. He has a keen interest in root canal treatment and minimally invasive aesthetic dentistry. He has completed his Diploma in Endodontology and is now working towards achieving his MSc. Andy completed training in 2013 for anterior alignment orthodontics including Inman aligners and clear smile braces.

He is a keen cyclist, and he races for Breeze Bikes race team. He competes in local time trials and road races.

He enjoy spending all his free time with his wife and his children.

Louisa Bushell
Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 2001
GDC Number: 79385

Louisa enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, especially working with anxious patients and children to ensure they have a positive experience when visiting our practice.

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Louisa qualified from Newcastle University in 2002 and joined the practice as an associate in 2003.

Louisa enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, especially working with anxious patients and children to ensure they have a positive experience when visiting our practice.

Outside dentistry Louisa enjoys spending time with her young family, and doing exercise.

Elaine McMinn
Associate Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 1993
GDC Number: 69341

Elaine enjoys all aspects of dentistry and in particular treating children.

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Elaine trained in Newcastle and qualified in dentistry in 1993. Then worked in general practice in the North East for 10 years before moving to Edinburgh. She later returned to Newcastle in 2006 and began working at Heaton Dental Clinic.

She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and in particular treating children.

Maddie Harrison
Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 2010
GDC Number: 192339

Originally from Manchester, Maddie graduated from Newcastle University in 2010.

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Originally from Manchester, Maddie graduated from Newcastle University in 2010. Over her career, she has gained experience across community dentistry, oral surgery, NHS and private practice.

Maddie strives to provide quality dental treatment and values the importance of a good relationship with her patients. Aiming to provide excellent patient care in a relaxed environment.

When Maddie is not working, she is happiest spending time with family and friends. She enjoys walking, cycling, cooking and reading.

Eleanor McLaughlan
Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 2018
GDC Number: 277977

Elle is one of the newest dentists to join our team and will be working at the practice part time Thursday and Friday. Elle will also be offering facial aesthetics at the practice!

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Elle is one of the newest dentists to join our team and will be working at the practice part time Thursday and Friday.

Elle will also be offering facial aesthetics at the practice!

Grace McCartney
Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 2019
GDC Number: 283442

Grace joined Heaton Dental Clinic October 2024.

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Grace joined Heaton Dental Clinic October 2024.

Insiyah Anjari
Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 2014
GDC Number: 251003

Insiyah is committed to providing patient-centred care and aims to tailor treatment plans to individual needs.

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Insiyah Anjari qualified as a dentist from Newcastle University in 2014.

In addition to her experience in general dental practice, Insiyah has worked in hospital settings within Restorative Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery departments. This has provided her with additional experience in managing complex cases, including treating tooth wear

Insiyah is committed to providing patient-centred care and aims to tailor treatment plans to individual needs. Outside of her professional work, Insiyah enjoys spending time with her young family.

David Ford
Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 2018
GDC Number: 277994

BDS Newcastle University, England, UK

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David grew up in the North East before graduating from Newcastle University in 2018. He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Operative Dentistry and a Certificate in Medical Education, and has previously served as an educational supervisor for newly qualified dental therapists. David is currently pursuing an MSc in Clinical Periodontology and is a dentist with a special interest in periodontology, accepting referrals for periodontal treatments.

Outside of dentistry, he is an avid Newcastle United supporter and enjoys outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, and kayaking.

Alexander Zarkadis
Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 2005
GDC Number: 85805

In 2015 Alex was awarded an MSc in Implant Dentistry from Warwick University. He is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology, International Team for Implantology and the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation.

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Alex qualified from Newcastle Dental School in 2005 both as a dental surgeon and a research scientist. During his studies Alex completed an intercalated BMedSci degree in medical research.

Following his graduation Alex worked as a Senior House Officer in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at James Cook University Hospital, which led him in obtaining membership from the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh). Since then Alex has been working as a dental surgeon in the North East of England accepting referrals for surgical and implant dentistry.

For many years Alex has had a keen interest in treating anxious and phobic dental patients and provides sedation for advanced surgical procedures as well as general dentistry.

In 2015 Alex was awarded an MSc in Implant Dentistry from Warwick University where he carried out research into bone healing and dental implants.

Alex continually updates his clinical knowledge and skills attending many courses both in the UK and abroad. He is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology, International Team for Implantology and the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation.

Alex is proud to work with a highly skilled team of dentists, dental technicians and nurses to ensure that the highest standards of care are always delivered.

Dom Gundry
Dentist
BDS (Newcastle) 2024
GDC Number: 318399

Dominic enjoys supporting nervous patients and helping them feel more comfortable with their dental care.

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Dominic qualified with a BDS from Newcastle University in 2024 and enjoys a variety of general dentistry. He especially enjoys supporting nervous patients and helping them feel more comfortable with their dental care. He aims to create a calm and welcoming setting for patients of all ages.

Outside of the clinic, Dom enjoys staying active and is usually at the gym, out for walks and following Newcastle United.

Katherine Davies
Associate Dentist
MOrth RCS Edin 2000 FDS RCS Eng 1996
BDS (Lond) 1992
GDC Number: 68431

Katherine is our private orthodontist at the practice working friday mornings.

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Katherine is our private orthodontist at the practice working friday mornings.

Natalie Lawson
Dental Therapist
Dip Dental Hygiene (Newcastle) 2009
GDC Number: 185903

Natalie has worked within dentistry since 2005 and qualified as a Dental Therapist in 2009.

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Natalie has worked within dentistry since 2005 starting her career as a dental nurse. She always enjoyed the clinical hands on aspect of dentistry alongside the patient interaction especially with nervous patients, therefore chose to advance her skills by attending Newcastle University to study Dental Hygiene and Therapy qualifying as a Dental Therapist in 2009.

She thoroughly enjoys every aspect of her job and at the end of each day she looks forward to long walks with her husband and their dog.

Rebecca Gould
Dental Therapist
BSc (Hons) DHDT (Portsmouth) 2018
GDC Number: 220516
 
Claire McDougall
Practice Manager
National Certificate 2000
GDC Number: 106812

She qualified as a dental nurse assistant in May 2000 and began working at Heaton Dental Clinic in 2002. After focusing on her dental nursing she went on to develop her role as a practice manager.

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Claire has worked in dentistry since leaving school. She qualified as a dental nurse assistant in May 2000 and began working at Heaton Dental Clinic in 2002.

After focusing on her dental nursing she went on to develop her role as a practice manager. Her current role offers her an interesting and varied outlook including administration, finances, and regulation/legislation compliance. She enjoys the day to day challenges of working in a friendly practice with an enthusiastic and motivated team.

In her free time she likes spending days out with her family.

Kerry Singh
Clinical Manager/Treatment co ordinator
National Certificate NEBDN 1994
GDC Number: 119558

Kerry qualified as a Dental Nurse in 1994 and joined Heaton Dental Clinic when we opened in 2000. She gained a diploma in Conscious Sedation in 2002.

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Kerry has worked in dentistry since leaving school. She qualified as a Dental Nurse in 1994 and joined Heaton Dental Clinic when we opened in 2000. She gained a diploma in Conscious Sedation in 2002 and has gained extra training in dental implantology nursing.

As well as nursing she also holds the role as Clinical Manager.

Angela Douglas
Dental Nurse
Verified experience in Dental Nursing
GDC Number: 106813

Angela registered as a Dental Nurse in 2007 and began working at Heaton Dental Clinic in 2018.

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Angela enjoys all aspects of her dental nursing role. She has a keen interest in orthodontics. In her spare time she enjoys days out with her family and spending every weekend with her grand children.

Sarah Wilde
Dental Nurse
NEBDN 2011
GDC Number: 225733

Sarah qualified as a Dental Nurse in May 2011 and joined our team July 2021. Sarah enjoys all aspects of dentistry. In her spare time she enjoys being with her family and friends.

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Sarah qualified as a Dental Nurse in May 2011 and joined our team July 2021. Sarah enjoys all aspects of dentistry. In her spare time she enjoys being with her family and friends.

Megan Gallagher
Dental Nurse
Diploma in Dental Nursing City & Guilds 2016
GDC Number: 267898

Megan first qualified as a dental nurse November 2016 and joined the Heaton Dental Clinic team July 2019.

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Megan has worked in a number of different practices gaining new dental experiences along her way. She enjoys all aspects of her job role and is a valued member of the Heaton Dental team. In her spare time she enjoys socialising with her partner, friends and family.

Jade Vickers
Dental Nurse
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing City & Guilds 2023
GDC Number: 312368

Jade qualified in 2023 as a dental nurse after completed her training at Heaton Dental Clinic. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family and friends and her favourite thing to is go shopping!

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Jade qualified in 2023 as a dental nurse after completed her training at Heaton Dental Clinic. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family and friends and her favourite thing to is go shopping!

Alison Smith
Dental Nurse
NEBDN 2002
GDC Number: 125433

Alison qualified as a dental nurse in 2003 and has been part of the Heaton dental clinic team since 2021. She enjoys being down the coast having long walks, looking after dogs and eating out with her friends and family.

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Alison qualified as a dental nurse in 2003 and has been part of the Heaton dental clinic team since 2021. She enjoys being down the coast having long walks, looking after dogs and eating out with her friends and family.

Ana-Maria Lacatus
Dental Nurse
NEBDN 2025
GDC Number: 330325

Ana-Maria qualified in 2025 and has a caring and dedicated approach to patient care and continuous learning. Outside of work Ana-Maria is an animal and book lover, enjoying painting, crafts & spending time with her dog, Milo.

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Ana-Maria qualified in 2025 and has a caring and dedicated approach to patient care and continuous learning. Outside of work Ana-Maria is an animal and book lover, enjoying painting, crafts & spending time with her dog, Milo.

Sophie Bryden
Dental Nurse

Bio coming soon

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Bio coming soon

Casey Clark
Dental Nurse

Bio coming soon.

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Bio coming soon.

Julie Drape
Receptionist

Julie is one of our receptionists who has recently returned to our team at Heaton Dental Clinic. She has been a receptionist for 17 years working at Heaton Road which was previously owned by Raj. She enjoys all aspects of being on reception and dealing with all patients and working along side her family members […]

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Julie is one of our receptionists who has recently returned to our team at Heaton Dental Clinic. She has been a receptionist for 17 years working at Heaton Road which was previously owned by Raj. She enjoys all aspects of being on reception and dealing with all patients and working along side her family members and best friend Tracey. In her spare time Julie enjoys spending time with her partner and family.

Tracey Lowry
Receptionist

Tracey is one of our reception staff who has recently returned back to our team at Heaton Dental Clinic. She started working as a receptionist in 2004 and has loved it ever since. She loves socializing with all the patients and in her spare time enjoys spending time with family and friends, and nights out […]

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Tracey is one of our reception staff who has recently returned back to our team at Heaton Dental Clinic.

She started working as a receptionist in 2004 and has loved it ever since.

She loves socializing with all the patients and in her spare time enjoys spending time with family and friends, and nights out with the team.