ARNICA - Key Persons
Alice, who joined Arnica at the beginning of May 2022, is a local girl who grew up in Cheltenham and attended Bournside School where she gained 8 GCSEs.
Instead of staying on to do her A levels Alice wanted to do something more hands on, and having enjoyed human anatomy and biology topics at GCSE, she decided to become a dental nurse starting her apprenticeship in 2020.
Alice is currently studying her dental nursing diploma with her sights set on being a hygienist at some point in the future.
‘'I was attracted to Arnica because of the range of treatments and procedures I will get involve in especially dental implants and dental sedation'.
‘'I love working at Arnica because everyone is so lovely, friendly and work as part of a team - I felt fully supported and involved from day one''
Alice's top tip for patients is to remain calm and feel relaxed with the knowledge that they are in full control throughout the appointment and all options will be explored.
In her spare time Alice likes shopping and travelling abroad - sometimes both at once. Alice is also keen on summer sports such as tennis and long distance running.
Cheyone grew up in Gloucester and took her GCSE's at Barnwood Park. She then went on to Gloucestershire College, studying Make Up Artistry. Following a year working in that field she went back to college to study Beauty and Therapy but in the end decided that neither field was really for her. During a period working in the family fruit and veg business she was able to really think about what it was she wanted to do. Remembering how fascinated she had been while studying anatomy and the physiology of the face as a module at college, she applied to several dental practices for a trainee dental nurse position. Rather than go back to college again, she knew that learning on the job would the right approach for her and was very pleased to accept the position at Arnica. "It's the best choice I've ever made!" says Cheyone. "The atmosphere is so friendly, and everyone is so helpful and understanding. Ellie and the team are all so lovey and kind. The treatments are amazing; what they are doing for patients here really blows my mind." Cheyone is looking forward to qualifying as a Dental Nurse and then moving on to training in sedation. She has her sights firmly set on being a Hygiene Therapist. "I find it so rewarding to be able to make patients happy." she says. "I don't like that people are insecure because of their oral health. Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves and I really want to help them feel amazing." In her leisure time, Cheyone loves music and writing songs. As a child she attended a drama academy for 6 years and singing and writing has been a passion ever since. She has been a big believer in supporting local businesses since her time spent working with her parents at their fruit and veg business. She and her partner love going out for food, and what they enjoy most is finding and trying out new local restaurants.
Job Titles:
- Royal Navy As a Dental Officer
After qualifying from the University of Glasgow in 2002, Dr Gillian Kemp joined the Royal Navy as a Dental Officer. During a Naval career spanning more then 14 years, she worked in different sized practices, aboard ships and was deployed overseas twice including a 6 month operational tour to Afghanistan.
She joined Arnica in 2015 with a keen interest in developing her experience of treating nervous patients. Having completed the SAAD National Course in Conscious Sedation in 2014 she then went on to gain her Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Conscious Sedation and Anxiety Management from the University of Bristol in 2018.
Gillian has gained a wealth of experience in treating both anxious adults and children using intravenous and inhalation sedation. She is committed to helping anxious patients and believes that establishing trust between patient and dentist is a vital step towards helping patients overcome their fears.
In her spare time Gillian spends a lot of time on the hockey pitch, either playing herself or supporting her two daughters. She also enjoys reading, skiing and travelling with her family.
Goldie Songra grew up in London and qualified in Dentistry from the University of Bristol in 2004. Following qualification, he worked in primary, secondary and tertiary care and held posts in Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative and Paediatric Dentistry at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn and Manchester Dental Hospital respectively. He also worked as a Community Dental Officer in Bolton, working with patients with dental phobia and severe learning disabilities.
His Orthodontic training was undertaken at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, as part of the South West Orthodontic Training Program and he obtained his Membership in Orthodontics with the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He also gained a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Bristol simultaneously in 2011. He continued his further Consultant senior training and completed his Post-CCST post at Bristol Dental Hospital and Royal United Hospital, Bath obtaining his Fellowship in Orthodontics in 2013 and is currently a Fellow of Dental Surgery in Orthodontics at the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Goldie is currently a full time Orthodontic Consultant at the Royal Worcestershire Hospital, where he takes an active role in postgraduate training of specialist registrars and senior trainees to Consultant level. He is also an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is Chair of the Orthodontic Managed Clinical Network for Herefordshire & Worcestershire where he leads collaborative working between clinicians and commissioners to improve and advance Orthodontics in the region.
Goldie has experience in treating a broad range of dento-facial problems in children and adults, including micro and macro smile aesthetics, dental health concerns, Orthodontics, digital Orthodontics. He has also managed patients with complex jaw and teeth problems that require Orthodontics in conjunction with other dental specialities, as part of a multidisciplinary team approach.
He has a particular interest in the management of dento-facial deformities and expertise in a number of contemporary Orthodontic treatment techniques, using various appliances, such as tooth-coloured white cosmetic fixed braces and clear aligners.
Goldie's real passion is helping people achieve a positive body image through Orthodontics and treats every patient in a caring, conscientious and compassionate manner. His ethos is about working together with patients to produce a beautiful, healthy smile and his goal has always been a satisfied patient, with a positive overall experience.
Goldie is friendly, approachable and always enthusiastic about providing an enjoyable dental experience. He is happy to work through any questions or concerns that you may have prior to tailoring the treatment uniquely to your individual needs.
In his spare time, he likes to travel and visit different countries and experience diverse cultures. He loves trying different cuisines and enjoys watching Marvel, Science Fiction and Action movies.
Nicola studied dentistry at the University of Birmingham
Sarisa grew up in Surrey and studied dentistry at the University of Bristol, graduating in 2001. After completing her vocational training in Herefordshire, she has worked in general practice as well as working in a variety of healthcare settings and clinical fields including Community Dental Service, Urgent Dental Care, Gerontology, Paediatrics, Domiciliary Care and Special Care Dentistry. Sarisa has a real interest in care for anxious patients, which has been the focus of her work for the last eight years and has become an experienced sedation practitioner. In 2010 she completed the SAAD National Course in Conscious Sedation, and ‘The Wand' Course for Pain Free Anaesthesia in 2015. She then gained her Post Graduate Certificate in Dental Sedation and Pain Management in 2017. "I find it rewarding helping those that have struggled to cope with dental treatment previously to receive the care they need. I enjoy creating a relaxed, supportive, and confident clinical environment. As a well-established and successful sedation dental practice, Arnica fulfilled all the aspects I was looking for. I am very excited to be joining the team!" Sarisa enjoys life on the side of the Malvern Hills with her husband and seven-year-old son. She loves walking on the hills and gym classes. The proud owner of an ex racehorse, her passion outside of work is horse riding. GDC Registration 79141 See Sarisa's Page
Dr Toby Mitchell-Innes was born and raised in Herefordshire, England.
He graduated from Manchester Dental School in 2016, and over the last 5 years has pursued a career in specialist dentistry working closely with consultants in Oral Surgery, Paediatrics, Restorative Dentistry, Special Care, Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Job Titles:
- Dentist
- Principal
- Dental Implant Dentist
- Member of the Association of Dental Implantology
Ellie has been placing dental implants since 2001
She has a special interest in the all-on-4 dental implant procedure and the all-on-4 zygomatic dental implant procedure
Dr. Eleanor Ledger (Ellie) qualified from Cardiff University in 1991 and spent her early career working in hospital dentistry, gaining a Fellowship in Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1994.
Ellie gained valuable maxillofacial surgery experience working in the casualty department of Cheltenham General Hospital. She is now a registered specialist in surgical dentistry and regularly accepts referrals from other dentists for complex dental procedures. Ellie has specialised in treating nervous and anxious patients and is qualified to administer various sedation techniques including intravenous anaesthesia.
Ellie has been placing and restoring dental implants since 2001 and has completed a year-long multisystem dental implantology course at Trafford General Hospital in Manchester.
Ellie is proud to place and restore implants herself, from simple single-tooth replacements to large bridges and complete mouth implant rehabilitations using the latest All-on-4 technique. She is also experienced with cases requiring bone grafting, from simple alveolar grafts to sinus lifts and complex grafting procedures.
Ellie keeps up-to-date by attending several courses a year and is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology UK.
Following her A-levels, Emma realised that an apprenticeship as a dental nurse would be the best option for her. She applied for a job at Bupa Dental Care Leckhampton and joined the team in September 2022. After the closure of the practice, Emma moved a few minutes up the road to Arnica. Emma is enjoying learning all about the dentistry industry and is excited to learn more about the treatments we offer, such as sedation.
Emma graduated from Bristol University with a Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy in 2010.
With a passion for helping patients improve their oral health not only is Emma a dental hygienist she is also a qualified and experienced dental therapist that enables her to complete additional treatment under prescription from dentists including fillings and baby tooth extractions.
Emma joined the Arnica team in February 2019 and the feedback from patients has been excellent.
As well as working at Arnica Emma continues to work in community for Gloucestershire Care Services as a dental therapist.
Emma has a young family to keep her busy and to relax she enjoys gardening and socialising with family and friends.
To keep fit she is a keen runner and is currently focusing on smashing her 5K personal best at her local Park Run
Hannah joined Arnica in August 2021, having worked at Bupa Dental Care Tewkesbury for over two years.
Qualifying in 2021, Hannah is new to dental nursing, although she wanted to work in the healthcare sector after university, where she studied Social Policy - Health and Social Care.
"I have always wanted to work in a healthcare setting where I am able to help patients, while working as part of a team."
Hannah joined Arnica to gain experience in looking after anxious patients using gentle dentistry and sedation, as well as assist in more complex procedures such as dental implants.
Hannah re-joined Arnica in February 2023 as Treatment Coordinator.
Her six years' dental nursing experience prior to this includes 4 years at a Bupa Dental Care practice in Ross-on-Wye, 2 years at Arnica Dental Care and further year working for a dental implant team.
Qualifying in 2019, Hannah has also completed sedation training, dental impression and shade taking courses.
Hannah's Treatment Co-ordination focuses on looking after patients prior to, during and after their treatment journey whether it's a simple extraction with sedation or a full mouth rehabilitation requiring the all-on-4 procedure. Hannah will also provide extra support to anxious and dental phobic patients.
Job Titles:
- Practice Manager
- Practice Manager, at the Address below
Jenny, who joined Arnica in November 2022, grew up in Newmarket Suffolk moving to Aberfan in Wales when she was 16
Shes completed a two-year course in business studies and is also a qualified hairdresser.
Jenny has worked in hospitality as well as in the care industry which she loved and where she decided she wanted to work in patient care in particular dentistry.
Jennifer jumped at the chance to join Arnica as the receptionist role is all about looking after patients before and after treatment as well as making sure patients get the treatment they need when they need it.
Jo joined Arnica in November 2021. Her childhood was spent in Poznan in Poland where she went to school and then qualified as a dental clinician in 2003.
Since moving to Britain she has worked in dental practices in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham and Monmouth, gaining experience in both NHS and private settings.
Jo is a member of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) and has trained to provide whitening treatments.
Her focus is providing excellent dental care and the most important thing for her is prevention. She finds treating anxious patients is the most fulfilling part of her job and she enjoys helping them relax and overcome their fears.
She says, "Everyone at Arnica is so lovely and helpful, you have made me feel very welcome."
In her spare time Jo loves spending time with her two children, her husband and her two dogs. One of her most proud moments was completing the London Marathon in 2021.
Julie joined Arnica in 2005 bringing with her a wealth of nursing experience having qualified as a dental nurse in 1974.
During her time as a dental nurse Julie has attended numerous courses on oral surgery, implants and sedation.
She particularly enjoys assisting with cosmetic dentistry as she loves to see the pleasure on patients' faces when they see how good they look in the mirror, when their procedure is complete and they can smile with confidence.
As a little girl, Lesley loved going to see her dentist because ‘'she was so nice and so much fun'' - and, without knowing it then, her future career path was set!
Later, after joining the RAF, she decided she wanted to train to become a hygienist. So, Lesley applied for, and was successfully awarded, a place on the highly esteemed RAF's Institute of Dental Health and Training at RAF Halton. She graduated in 1995.
Louise joined Arnica in 2013 and has been instrumental in shaping the non-clinical aspect of how we look after our patients, referral patients and referral dentists.
Married with two grown up children Louise enjoys spending time with family and friends and out walking with their miniature schnauzer Remi.
Lucy joined the Arnica team in August 2023 following eight years of working as a hairdresser. Lucy loves meeting new patients and putting them at ease from the beginning of their patient journey, and she enjoys the busy environment in which every day is different.
Lucy Conrad qualified from the University of Birmingham in 1991 and has many years of experience in general practice in Cornwall, London and Cheltenham. Lucy also teaches dental students at the university of Bristol, and continually updates her skills by attending postgraduate courses. She is known for her gentle and thorough approach and is popular with our community of patients.
Nikita, who was 21 when she joined Arnica, grew up in Coleshill in Birmingham and completed her dental nursing qualifications at Walsall College
Nikita has since worked at a general NHS practice and a private orthodontic practice and is currently enrolled on a sedation nursing course hoping to complete a canulation course and radiography course soon.
Nikita chose Arnica because she'd like to assist with complex procedures as well as look after anxious and dental phobic patients. She also loves our lovely location and beautiful working environment.
Job Titles:
- Head
- Practice Manager
- Lead Nurse
Breaking from the tradition of appointing practice managers from outside the practice, Bupa Platinum's regional management team were so impressed with Cloe's achievements as Head Nurse and the overwhelming support from other team members that she was the obvious choice for Arnica's new PM.
Cloe joined Arnica in January 2021 with eight years of dental nursing experience, having completed her National Examination Board for Dental Nurse (NEBDN) Diploma in 2015.
In 2022 Cloe was promoted to Lead Nurse, a role that saw her managing a 7-strong nursing team and successfully steering the practice through Covid and a CQC (Care Quality Commission) review.
Due to her attention to detail, excellent people management skills and popularity with both clinicians and patients, Cloe was promoted to Practice Manager in March 2023.
During her spare time, Rachel enjoys swimming, paddleboarding and camping when the weather's fine.
Rebecca embarked on her dental journey in 2010 within a bustling Bristol practice, achieving her dental nursing qualification in 2012. Her journey led her to Bupa Dental Care in 2013, where she thrived in a private Clifton practice. Transitioning to Bupa Dental Care Leckhampton in 2014, Rebecca took on the role of lead nurse, gaining invaluable experience in implants, oral surgery, and endodontics. In 2022, she added radiography to her skillset.
Following the closure of Bupa Dental Care Leckhampton in 2023, Rebecca found her new home at Arnica, eager to pursue a sedation qualification and delve into orthodontics. Rebecca is keen to expand her knowledge and gain new experiences while at our welcoming practice.