01305 263 492 The Gardens Dental Practice, 18 Cornwall Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1RU

The Team

Dr Matthew Higginson BSc (Hons), BDS, PGDip, PGCert Implantology

Principal Dentist (GDC no. 150205)

I qualified as a dentist in Newcastle with merit in both clinical and academic dentistry.

I constantly strive to maintain the highest professional, technical and artistic standards, keeping at the forefront of modern techniques.
I have particular interests in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry and endodontics (root canal treatment) for which I recently received a prestigious national award.

I have developed an excellent reputation for my gentle, calm, and understanding approach to patient care and it is my aim to ensure that every patient receives the personalised care and attention needed to make each visit to our practice an enjoyable experience.

I’m very much a family man and at weekends can be found either on the beach or exploring the countryside with my three children, Madeleine, Isabella, and Hugo. I also love racing my sailing dinghy around Poole Harbour

Dr Philip McCauley BSc, BDS, MFDS RCS ED. FICOI

Dentist with Special Interest in Oral Surgery and Implants (GDC no. 76491)

Philip graduated from Queen’s University Belfast Dental School in 1999.
After a year in general practice, Philip moved to the Oral Surgery Department at Poole Hospital and progressed to a senior level before moving into specialist private practice.

Philip is now one of the most eminent and well-respected Oral Surgeons on the South Coast of England. As a valued member of our team he offers his skill and experience to provide an outstanding level of care to patients at The Gardens Dental Practice.

Whilst Philip enjoys and thrives at all aspects of oral surgery including complex extractions and soft tissue surgery, dental implants are a particular passion of Philip’s. Having successfully placed and restored around 4000 implants since 2002 Philip can certainly be regarded as an expert in implantology. Indeed, he has been awarded the coveted Fellowship of the International Congress of Oral Implantology.

Philip carries out all aspects of implant dentistry including multiple implant cases, full mouth rehabilitation on implants, bone augmentation and bone grafting. He has a special interest in the field of immediate loading of dental implants for single, multiple, full arch and full mouth implant cases.

More recently Philip has been to Bologna, Italy, to learn the application of cutting-edge technology to help in the rehabilitation of immediately placed implants, using the Weld-One intra-oral resistance spot welding device. This is a very exciting new field in implant dentistry!

Dr Izabella Bryant BDS, MFGDP(UK), CMI RAF

Dentist (GDC no. 81295)

We are very proud to introduce our lovely dentist Izabella.

Izzy has a wealth of experience in general practice with over 18 years spent providing the highest standards of dentistry and care to a wide variety of patients throughout the world.

Coupled with a passion to consistently achieve clinical excellence in the treatment that she provides, Izabella is also a superb communicator and is renowned for her personable and empathetic chairside manner. She is very calm and gentle and always shows sensitivity and consideration to every patient’s individual needs.

Izzy has a particular interest in dental and facial cosmetic treatments and strives to create long lasting aesthetic results using minimally invasive techniques. Her amazing work has provided life changing results for many delighted patients.

Dr Mike Wiktor, Lek Dent, PG Cert Contemporary Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry

Associate Dentist (GDC no. 204241)

With advanced training including aesthetic, restorative and surgical dentistry and a wealth of experience gained working throughout the USA and Europe, we are really lucky to have Mike on the team at The Gardens Dental Practice.

Mike was born in Poland, but was brought up in Portland, Oregon in theUnited States. He returned to Poland to complete his undergraduate educationin dentistry in 2009. Mike then commenced years of broad ranging post-graduate training which involved working internationally in a series of specialist dental centres.His ongoing passion for professional development means that he continues toremain at the forefront of the latest developments in dental care.

Mike’s ability to combine the high-level knowledge and skill that he has acquired in each discipline of dentistry enables him to provide the best care for patients with even the most complex array of problems, predictably ensuring successful and long-lasting results.

He particularly enjoys the rehabilitation of heavily broken-downteeth and providing innovative yet practical solutions to boost patients’confidence by restoring their smiles and ability to chew and enjoy their food pain-free.

Mike strongly believes in a conservative and minimally invasive approach to dentistrywhere possible and appreciates the importance of always effectively engaging with his patients and fully involving themthroughout all stages of their care.

Jennie Birch

Therapist (GDC no. 136623)

Qualifications: BSc Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Portsmouth 2013
NVQ L3 Oral Health Care: Dental Nursing & Indp Asses City & Guilds 2007

Jennie has really thrived in the world of dentistry; building on years of experience as a dental nurse, she gained a degree with honours in dental hygiene and therapy from Portsmouth University in 2013, and has never looked back!

Prior to joining The Gardens Dental Practice team, Jennie worked as a dental therapist at two other private dental practices in Dorset where she developed and honed her skills and knowledge with the benefit of multiple postgraduate qualifications.

As a highly experienced and well-respected dental therapist, Jennie is very able to offer our patients a wide array of services from check-ups, x-rays, fillings, gum disease treatment, and tooth whitening and can even provide emergency care when required. She enjoys helping building positive long-term relationships with all patients whether they be adults, children, those with special needs or very nervous patients.

Jennie is always super keen to learn new things that will help the patients under her care; she loves to keep at the forefront of developments in dentistry and enjoys discovering and perfecting new techniques.

Away from work, Jennie definitely likes to make the most of the outdoors, whatever the weather! She has camped and hiked all around the UK and explored countries all over the world. However, Jennie reassuringly vows that Dorset will always be her favourite place!

Kate Nash

Hygienist/Therapist (GDC no. 207885)

Qualifications:

BSc Oral Health Science, University of the Highlands and Islands 2013

NVQ, VRQ Dental Nursing Level 3 2010

Kate has a wealth of experience in dentistry, beginning her dental career as a Dental Nurse in 2009, qualifying in 2010. She worked for a few years as a Dental Nurse before attending the University of the Highlands and Islands to graduate as a Hygienist/Therapist in 2013.

As a therapist, Kate is able to offer an extended scope of practice to patients, including check-ups, x-rays, fillings, gum disease treatment, and tooth whitening and can even provide emergency care.

In addition to her role in practice, Kate also sits on the Fitness to Practice board with the General Dental Council since 2013. She enjoys dedicating her time to the panel which has enhanced her insight into the dental industry.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Kate lent her skills to Test and Trace and became a Tier 2 Contact Tracer.

Outside of the world of dentistry, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children by going on adventures, especially enjoying our local beaches and walking amongst the Purbecks.

Shannon Kinnersley

Hygienist (GDC no. 273686)

Qualifications: Diploma in Dental Hygiene

Shannon has been working in dentistry since 2017, starting out as a young, keen trainee dental nurse.

After qualifying as a nurse, her passion for dentistry drove her to further her career and, whilst working for Matthew, Shannon also studied to pursue her dream of going to university to become a dental hygienist.

After much hard work and studying at Cardiff University, she returned to The Gardens Dental Practice as a qualified dental hygienist in the summer of 2021!

You will find that Shannon is gentle and caring, compassionate and able to put her patients at ease so always ensuring a positive dental experience. She enjoys getting to know her patients and building long-term relationships, whilst educating and encouraging them along their dental journey.

Shannon grew up locally and resides in Weymouth with her partner. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and making the most of the nearby beaches and towns. She loves baking and is a big fan of Fleetwood Mac! We especially look forward to her bringing in her legendary chocolate brownies for the team to enjoy as a special treat…!!

Jackie Hoddinott

Practice Manager (GDC no. 136510)

Jackie is the most popular and well known member of the team who has been working at the practice for over 40 years!

Her level of customer care and communication skills are beyond compare – all of our patients love to see her familiar face and enjoy sharing their news of weddings and grandchildren with her.

Behind the scenes Jackie works meticulously to ensure all of the practice policies, procedures and handbooks are all up to date and informing all members of staff of any changes. She also manages the staff, the providers, Denplan and does an overall excellent job of keeping the practice organised and moving in the right direction.

Her recent managerial role at the practice involved arranging and overseeing the building works for the two new surgeries we’ve had built!

Jackie rewards herself for all her hard work in the week by enjoying weekends away and day trips to see friends and family. She also loves looking after her grandchildren which keeps her very busy outside of work!!

Theresa Phillips

Lead Receptionist

Theresa is our superstar lead receptionist who always welcomes our patients into the practice with a beaming smile and exceptional attentiveness.

She is truly determined to give all of our patients the best service, which means finding them short notice emergency appointments, times which suit their busy schedule and getting all appointments booked before a certain deadline. Patients always comment on how grateful they are for her patience and proactive approach when managing their requests and queries.

Theresa has a wide range of experience working in health care settings and administrative roles and has gained excellent communication and organisational skills. She is naturally positive and enjoys interacting with patients!

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and exercising. Although Theresa is keen on health and fitness she likes to keep life balanced and loves to dine at independent local restaurants and attend fabulous theatre shows with her friends and family.

Jamie-Leigh Rickett

Front Desk Receptionist

Jamie is our lovely full time receptionist who joined our team in the Autumn of 2023. She has a wonderful welcoming smile and a positive, joyful personality.

Patients have commented on how attentive and organised Jamie is when booking appointments. She aims to achieve the best outcome for all of our patients, in a reassuringly calm and patient manner.

Jamie enjoys being part of our friendly team and has become a very valuable member, and when she helps on her family farm outside of work – I think she appreciates how well behaved and hygienic we all are..!

Anne Constable

Head Nurse (GDC no. 110904)

Anne is our Head Nurse which means that she leads our nursing team.

She is an excellent role model, guiding and mentoring using over 20 years’ experience, ensuring the highest level of patient care from our nurses.

Anne herself has an exceptional chair-side manner which puts our patients at ease. Dentists and Hygienists enjoy her calm and organised way of working.

Anne also enjoys spending time on reception, using her knowledge and experience to advise and help our patients. Her warm and friendly personality and big smile are a perfect welcome to our dental practice.

We know that Anne is a super sporty, outgoing girl as she always leaves the practice at the end of the day in the most fantastic, colourful active wear! She enjoys running and sea swimming, and occasionally attempts paddle boarding with her friends!

Jennifer Brewer

Dental Nurse/Treatment Co-Ordinator (GDC no. 276367)

Jennifer has started providing consultations at the practice for patients looking to discuss treatment options in a more relaxed environment. She is able to give a detailed explanation of each option with picture examples, and can help with any questions or concerns patients have regarding the treatment.

Jennifer is also the first point of contact for those particularly interested in dental implants. She provides a free, online chat service for patients not registered at the practice but interested in finding out more about the service and looking to book in for a consultation.

Jennifer also works as a general nurse and implant nurse alongside Matthew Higginson and Philip McCauley. She enjoys assisting for the complex and varied treatment that they both offer, and works exceptionally well under pressure.

In the evenings and at the weekend, Jennifer is down the beach as much as possible. She is a confident sea swimmer, and enjoys paddle boarding and relaxing with a good book!

Emma Collier

Dental Nurse / Treatment Co-ordinator (GDC no. 275899)

Emma is a Qualified Dental Nurse and has been working in dentistry since September 2016. She joined the Gardens Dental Practice in January 2022 and has proceeded to take on additional roles and responsibilities.

Whilst managing and organising the stock she is now seeing patients for implant consultations and treatment co-ordinating appointments! The patient experience is her priority and she works hard to ensure they feel comfortable in our practice, with an excellent understanding of their forthcoming treatment journey. Her extensive knowledge and calming personality help to comfort patients before, during and after their dental procedures.

Outside of work Emma enjoys attending car events all over the South West! Her passion and knowledge for all things motor is lost on us but a lot of our patients enjoy a good car chat with her.

Georgina Quartermaine

Dental nurse (GDC no. 300162)

Georgina is a very valuable member of our team. She is cheerful and enthusiastic and always keen to help. With her welcoming, kind and gentle nature, Georgina can easily put the most nervous patient at ease and she always helps to make any visit to us a pleasure.

As a newly qualified nurse, she is very eager to learn more! She has shown great interest in seeing more dental implant cases and training in radiography. Georgina is a very speedy, young learner, and we are keen to help her with these goals.

When she’s not working, Georgina likes to spend her time at fund raising events and creating wonderful hand crafts to raise money for charity. If we hear of any bake sales we will let you know !!

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