Dr Anjali Patel BDS (londs) 2006 MJDF RCS (UK) 2011
Practice Principal
GDC Registration: 104010
“I decided to set up my own practice because I wanted to offer great quality dentistry without any compromises. I love my job and my patients, and always strive to give them the best that I can. The team and my patients are like family, and make it a pleasure to come to work. The nicest part of my job is being able to help people (especially nervous ones!), whether it is to relieve pain or rebuild your smile, or rebuild your faith in dentists! In my spare time, when my 3 year old son Rohan isn’t keeping me busy, I love spending time with friends and family, and am a keen runner/gym goer!”
Fara Akinleye BDS Newcastle University 2015
GDC Registration:258854
Fara joined us in 2023 and has quickly established herself within the practice. Fara graduated from Newcastle University in 2015 and has worked and has worked in Sussex ever since. She has a vast range of experience from her 8 year experience working at the Maxillo-Facial Departments of EDGH, Conquest and Uckfield Hospitals, as well as working in local Private Practice. She enjoys working in all areas of dentistry with particular interest in endodontics and restorative dentistry and has completed further qualifications with Reveal Clear Aligners and Composite Bonding.
In her spare time, Fara is a skilled climber and can often be found either bouldering indoors or conquering the rocks outdoors.
Josef O’Keeffe BDS NU Ireland 2002
GDC Registration:81275
Josef qualified in Dental Surgery at University College Cork in 2002 and achieved post graduate training at Eastman/UCL in Conscious Sedation in 2005. He draws on his years of experience to structure a patient relationship centred on motivation and dental health management.
Josef lives in Old Town with his wife, Melanie, and daughters Poppy and Edythe.
In his spare time he has a passion for historical fiction and enjoys playing the piano and guitar. Padel tennis is a year long interest but he concentrates on squash in the winter and spends the summer months competing in all types of triathlons from sprint to full Ironman distance.
Mr Andy Gibbs CDT 2008
“Andy has been a fantastic asset to the practice, taking on most of our denture cases and also our Implant-denture work, and patient’s love his kind and caring manner.
“I hugely enjoy what I do, and feel privileged to do it. I love talking with and listening to patients as we discuss together how we’re going to go about making their new denture. Away from work I enjoy most sports or though nowadays my participation seems to be more and more from the comfort of a sofa.”
Mr John Tighe MB BS (Hons) 1986 Bristol, BDS (lond) 1995, FDS RCS, FRCS (OMFS)
GDC Registration: 61530
“Mr Tighe is a Consultant in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery based at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead appointed in 2002. He is both dentally (U.Brist 1986) and medically (U.Lond 1995) qualified and holds higher fellowships in oral, general and maxillofacial surgery. He can help you with minor Oral Surgery procedures, from difficult Extractions to Implant work.”
Natalie Woodlock BDS ,MFDS,MSc ,MClinDent ,MRD
GDC Registration: 76558
“Natalie first qualified in dentistry from Guys, Kings & St. Thomas’ Dental Institute in 1999. Since then she has gained extensive experience in a variety of settings. These have included general practice, community dentistry, oral surgery, and providing dental care for the staff of Unilever.
In 2001 she was successful in achieving Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgeons from the Royal College of Surgeons.
Whilst working as a Senior House Officer in Restorative Dentistry, she developed an interest in periodontology. She completed the four year specialist training programme at King’s College London.
She was successful in gaining a Master of Science in Periodontology, and went on to gain further expertise in the subject achieving the Master of Clinical Dentistry in Periodontics and the Membership in Restorative Dentistry to become a Specialist in Periodontics. Natalie limits her practice to periodontics.”
Natalie is on the Specialist Register of the General Dental Council.
Mrs Sharon Finch DHT 2003
GDC Registration:6325
“ I absolutely love my job and particularly enjoy helping nervous patients overcome their fears and start enjoying their visits! I can help you to get your mouth healthy, clean and bright using the latest equipment in a caring and friendly environment. Outside of work I try to keep active and enjoy running and skiing. I also love to travel and enjoy cooking (and eating!).”
Mrs Wenonah Bubb BSc DHDT 2019
GDC Registration:284275
Wenonah joined the Lushington Road Dental Practice team in 2024. Qualifying at Teeside University in 2019. Wenonah’s calm and supportive approach to dentistry has already made her a firm favourite amongst patients and she’s definitely slotted right in as one of the team. In her spare time, Wenonah is a keen runner and recently completed her first Marathon in Amsterdam raising an incredible £2847 for SADS UK!
Miss Polly McGrane RDN 2008
“I qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2008. Because I work both in the surgery and on reception, my job is always interesting and varied, and I love the interaction with our lovely patients. Outside of work I enjoy going to the local theatre as well as dabbling in performing too as I am a member of the East Dean Players! I also love getting lost in a good book and spending time with my friends and family.”
Clare Reed
“I have been a qualified Dental Nurse since 2005 and have been working at Lushington – with a small gap in between to focus on my family – since 2012. I work with the Practice Principal and our Oral Surgeon and really enjoy the variety of working between the two. Patients often mention how well myself and Anjali work together, and I really like that it makes them feel comfortable in surgery. In my spare time I enjoy family life and socialising with friends.”
Laura Bailey National Certificate in Dental Nursing NEBDN 2011
Laura joined Lushington Road Dental Practice in 2023 but has been working in the dental industry since 2010 and she still enjoys it as much now as she did then! Laura loves learning new skills and always tries to make patients feel relaxed and at ease in the dental chair. Outside of work, Laura enjoys staying active whether that’s in the gym or training for her next marathon!
Samantha Walder NEBDN National Certificate in Dental Nursing 2008
The lovely Sam joined Lushington Road Dental Practice in 2024, and despite her youthful looks, Sam has been dental nursing for over 22 years and always on hand to help others with her wealth of knowledge. In her spare time Sam loves to cook and her happy place is in the kitchen trying new recipes with her family.
Amy Simmons Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing NCFE 2023
Receptionist/Dental Nurse
Amy started working in the dental industry in 2020, and brings both skill and passion to her dual role as a Dental Nurse and Receptionist. Amy enjoys making patients feel at ease and works hard to ensure patients have a positive and comfortable experience at the practice. Outside of work, Amy is a keen traveller and most recently has spent her travels soaking up the sun and culture in Bali!
Kerry Webster National Diploma in Dental Nursing NEBDN 2016
Receptionist/Dental Nurse
Kerry started working in dentistry in 2013 and has worked both within the clinical and practice management side of dentistry. She thrives interacting with patients and enjoys building relationships throughout the patient journey from behind the desk to in surgery with a special interest in oral surgery and dental aesthetics. In her spare time Kerry can usually be found in the gym or spending time with her young family.
Samantha Spink
“I have over 17 years of experience in dentistry, working in both nursing and reception roles. After a few years off with my children, I’m very much enjoying the challenge of being back and getting to know patients again. Outside of work, I really enjoy keeping active outdoors with my family.”
Click here to check our GDC registration numbers.