VERNON DENTAL - Key Persons
Dawn join us in early 2017 having previously worked for many years in a dental practice in Hitchin. Dawn is very experienced in all aspects of dental nursing, and reception. Dawn is consistently professional, maintaining excellent standards throughout her work.
Dr Helen Eldret qualified as a Dental Surgeon in 2004 and went on to undertake postgraduate training in Restorative Dentistry at the prestigious Eastman Dental Institute. Following this, she developed a passionate interest in Facial Aesthetics, which gave her the tools to further enhance results achieved with dental treatment.
Training
Helen trained in Facial Aesthetics at the BK Institute under the guidance of one of the profession's most renowned, pioneering clinicians, Dr Bob Khanna. Helen continues to attend masterclasses and conferences to ensure that her techniques and products selected result in the most effective, beautiful results.
Helen has trained and has a close rapport with Dr Ruth Brady, who is highly acclaimed for her work in the field of advanced facial aesthetics.
Recognition for her work…
Helen achieved ‘Highly commended' in two categories at the International Academy of Advanced Facial Aesthetics Awards 2017 for her work using anti-wrinkle injections and for her lip sculpting work.
Helen is a highly experienced dentist having worked in general practice for over a decade. Helen qualified from Sheffield Dental School in 2004, and passed her membership of the faculty of General Dental practice. Subsequently she has studied at the Eastman Dental Hospital (London) in Restorative Dentistry whilst working in general practice.
As well as providing the full complement of general dentistry, Helen is highly trained and experienced in facial injectables and fillers. Facial aesthetics is a natural extension of the work we already do, and we are delighted to be able to further enhance the outcome of the dental treatment we provide.
Helen lives in Hitchin with her husband and 3 children, and enjoys family days out exploring the local countryside. She is a talented viola player for the Hitchin Symphony Orchestra.
Erin joined our team in 2012 having qualified from the Eastman Dental Institute.
Erin is a dental hygienist and is part of the preventative side of the practice.
She is very approachable and will help those struggling with maintaining their oral health. She undertakes much of the maintenance program for patients having received specialist periodontal care.
Erin also volunteers for Oxfam charity on Saturdays and has worked overseas for Dentaid, a charity providing dental care to deprived regions.
Hannah is a highly experienced hygienist and cares deeply about her patients care and prevention. Hannah is at the heart of our preventative and conservative ethos. Hannah is a social and bubbly character and cares very much for her patients and achieving results. Hannah is actively involved in her local church community, enjoys socializing and travelling.
Kerrie joined our practice 2013 and is a very experienced dental nurse. Kerrie a wealth of expertise having worked in a number of dental practices. She is both a dental implant and orthodontic nurse. Kerrie has a busy family life and has a very sporting family with two sons into football and golf.
Kimberly Joined the practice over 7 years ago, first starting as a highly competent dental nurse. In 2016 Kim qualified with distinction with a degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Essex. Kim is one of our dental hygienists and provides oral hygiene, prevention and treatment of gum conditions.
Lesley joined the Practice in 1985. Lesley has been practice manager for over 30 years. As of 2020 Lesley has decided to pass on this onerous and focus on dental nursing. Lesley nurses for our specialist periodontist assisting and supporting complex soft tissue regenerative procedures.
Lesley achieved merit in her dental nursing exams in 2006 and taught dental nurses at the Lister Hospital as part of their qualification training. Lesley also examines dental nurses for their training and qualification in the national diploma.
Louise joined the team in 2010, having previously worked in Welwyn Garden City. Louise grew up in York and qualified in 2002 from Bristol Dental School. Louise is excellent at putting patients who may be nervous in visiting the dentist at ease. She has a special interest in dental anxiety and has trained in dental hypnosis. Louise is particularly good a nurturing patients and building up their confidence. She has a loyal patient base. She has been with the practice since before Mark purchased the practice and has been instrumental in growing the practice with Mark.
Louise has a wealth of experience in restorative dentistry, such as crowns, bridges and dentures.
Louise has worked hard in the local region in helping and supporting dentists and dental services. In 2006 she was chairman of the local British Dental Association and as such organised regular meetings, lectures and even overseas excursions.
Maria completed her studies in dentistry in Athens in 1997 and her Masters in Prosthodontics in Queen Marys University London in 2003. Maria is the lead for removable prosthodontic education at Barts and the London Dental Institute. Maria is particularly skilled in complex cases and especially dentures.
Her creativity combined with her fascination with jewellery, has led to her also studying at the London College of Fashion, which was followed by an MA at The Sir John Cass School of Art and Design where she is currently an artist in residence.
Maria is also fluent in German and Greek.
Job Titles:
- Practice Owner of the Vernon Dental Practice
Mark is the practice owner of The Vernon Dental Practice. He is the implant dentist at the practice and is proficient at complex dental restorative cases. For the past 12 years Mark was a clinical lecturer at Barts and the London Dental Institute teaching restorative dentistry to final year dental students. Mark qualified in 2000 from Leeds University and went on to work in Maxillofacial oral surgery for 18 months. Mark also examines overseas dentists looking to register to work in the UK as part of the Royal College of Surgeons. Mark has been a senior dental volunteer for the homeless charity Crisis and was also a dentist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Mark has achieved the advanced surgical Diploma in Dental Implants from the Royal College of Surgeons. In 2014 Mark was made a Fellow of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners, the highest award the the faculty can grant. Mark recently was awarded merit for an MSc in dental implants from the University of Leeds.
Mark purchased the practice from his father Tim in 2009. He thoroughly enjoys dentistry and has a special interest in dental implants for which he offers both a referral and a dental mentoring service.
Mihelle Parker is our Head Nurse.
Michelle joined our practice in 1998 and is a registered dental nurse. Michelle has wealth of experience in all aspects of dental nursing. Michelle is highly competent in orthodontic, implant and general dental nursing.
Michelle is the cross infection lead for the practice and overseas the ongoing implementation of cross infection procedures.
Michelle enjoys socialising and travelling.
Mika joined the team in 2009 and is both a dental hygienist and a therapist.
Mika qualified at Leeds University. Mika is very popular with her patients due to her caring and thorough approach. She is extremely methodical and gentle. Mika is our resident action hero as she loves to travel, has her private pilot's licence, and likes scuba diving.
Mika is fluent in Portuguese.
Mike qualified as a dentist at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa and moved to the UK in 1990. Mike has been in general practice in Letchworth for the past 20 years and has joined our practice in 2015. Mike plays an active part on the local dental committee which has important roles in implementing dentistry in the region. He is committed to on going professional development and has completed a Diploma in General Dental Practice (MFGDP) at the Royal College of Surgeons UK in 1997. Mike has a post graduate certificate in dental Law and ethics which he is continuing with to achieve an MSc. Mike also works part time in the orthodontic department at the Lister Hospital and is an examiner for the dental nursing diploma.
Mike is President elect for the local BDA Branch.
He is a keen sportsman both playing and umpiring cricket with Letchworth Circket Club.
Sheila is a highly experienced dental nurse having worked in general practice for a number of years. Sheila is highly proficient in all aspect of dental nursing. Until recently, Sheila ran the dental nurse training course at the Lister hospital for many years and has contributed greatly to training hundreds of local dental nurses. Sheila mostly works alongside Mike and is highly proficient in orthodontic nursing and digital workflow procedures.
Sheila is the education lead for the practice and will be coordinating the academy facility at our practice, drawing on her significant experience in dental education.
Stathis join our practice in 2016 and is a specialist periodontist. Stathis is a specialist periodontist and is a clinical research fellow at the center of Clinical Oral research at the Insitute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London. Stathis qualified from Athens in 2009. Stathis undertook his periodontal training at the Eastman Dental Hospital in London. Stathis provides expert specialist care for the treatment periodontal (gum) disease. He also provides dental implant treatment and management of peri-implantitis. Stathis also speaks Greek.
Sue joined the practice in 1995 and is both receptionist and dental nurse, she is highly experienced in all aspects of dental nursing.
Sue is responsible for coordinating patient appointments, keeping track of stock and liasing with patients and dentist. Sue is a often our front of house friendly face, manning the desk and keeping the ship afloat.