Meet the Team

At HDS we pride ourselves on our expertise. A prosthodontist’s extensive training provides expertise in restorative treatment above and beyond a general dentist. Prosthodontics is one of the thirteen official dental specialties recognised by the General Dental Council, the UK dental profession’s regulatory body. A prosthodontist has completed an accredited specialist-training programme, usually an additional 3-5 years of dedicated training, which ensures a higher level of expertise in this field. Specialist training also involves knowledge of the other dental specialties, so a patient’s treatment plan can be integrated to ensure the highest level of care.

Dr Kate Heffernan MSC, BDS

Prosthodontics Specialist

Kate has been a specialist in prosthodontics since 2001. She started her career in 1988, qualifying as a dentist at the Royal London Hospital. She was invited to join the Department of Oral Surgery at the Royal London before her move to general dental practice. Kate completed her Masters Degree in Conservative Dentistry (with distinction) in 1997 at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute. She held the post of Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the Eastman in Restorative Dentistry between 1998 and 2002. 

Kate has since spent many years practising at a private referral prosthodontic practice in Beckenham, Kent. She has previously been appointed to the interview panel at Queen Mary University of London for selecting prospective dental graduates. She has also been active in the British Dental Association.

The drive behind Kate’s career as a specialist dentist stems from her childhood dream to follow in the footsteps of her dentist father, Peter. Her drive and passion remain undiminished. 

Of the specialist field, Kate says: “Prosthodontic dentistry is the perfect balance between function and aesthetics – it’s a hugely transforming experience for the patient because we create long-term solutions for maintaining excellent oral health, which is at the cornerstone of our thinking.” 

GDC number:63989

Dr. Nikhil Kanani BDS MFDS RCS (E.D)

Dentist

Nikhil qualified from the prestigious Kings College London at Guy’s, King’s, and St Thomas’ Hospitals, and has since been providing excellent ethical dentistry. He always strives to provide the highest possible quality dentistry to his patients and especially enjoys putting patients at ease and providing the best holistic care that he possibly can.

He has a special interest in Oral Surgery and Cosmetic and Restorative dentistry having completed numerous courses, including a yearlong course in Aesthetic Restorative dentistry with the world-renowned Dr. Chris Orr. In addition, he is passionate about teeth straightening and Invisalign provider. He is always looking to further the options he can offer his patients and is now also offering dental implants.

After graduating he has worked in various settings including as a Senior House Officer in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Bristol Royal Infirmary. At Bristol he continued as an SHO in Restorative Dentistry, also becoming an Honorary Teaching Associate. During this time, he has gone on to pass the exams to become a Member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons, in Edinburgh.

Outside of Dentistry, Nikhil is a sports fanatic, particularly enjoying cricket, football, skiing, and yoga.

BDS (KCL) MFDS RCS (ED)
GDC: 251048

Verity Dent NEBDN OHD DPM Dip (Lond)

Practice Manager

Verity is a highly organised & experienced practice manager with an aptitude for efficiency. Verity manages internal office protocols & procedures ,ensuring the practice runs smoothly. She possesses excellent communication skills, enabling her to explain complex treatments to patients in a clear and accessible way. Verity’s calm,friendly and reassuring presence at HDS is palpable, helping to identify and ease any patient nerves. 

GDC No: 142072

Mrs Sally Hill

Administrator

Sally joined the practice this year and has been of great value to the  reception team. Sally is helpful, friendly with a good knowledge of dentistry and the needs of the patients and always happy to help. In her personal time she enjoys spending time with her three children and husband.

Tracey Murphy CEB Dip Dent Hygiene

Hygienist

Tracey has amassed a wealth of experience since qualifying as a hygienist in 1994 at Kings College London. She has taught in prestigious dental hospitals and has administered training programs for dental hygienists. Tracey began her professional career as a dental nurse, working her way towards a senior nursing position at King’s College Hospital, London. Tracey’s experience is far-reaching, literally: she worked as a hygienist in Australia for four years. Her friendly demeanour and unwavering commitment to care continue to be vastly appreciated by her patients. 

GDC No: 4690

Miss Alexandra Lee Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Alexandra joined the Practice earlier this year and she is a welcome addition to the team. Alex has experience of treating a wide range of patients including those with severe periodontal disease, oral pathological conditions, pre & post radiotherapy conditions and supportive care patients.On graduation Alex was awarded with "Outstanding student of the year" by the teaching staff.

In her personal time she likes to travel, scuba dive, cycle and loves photography/wildlife.

Mrs Kerry Wellington Hygienist/Therapist

Hygienist & Therapist

My passion is people. I love people and that is why I love my job so much. Educating and caring for the public is so rewarding and gaining people's confidence through teaching and treating dental disease, never becomes mundane! I'm particularly interested in treating patients with dental phobias' and bad dental experiences.

Kerry is registered with the General Dental Council as a Hygienist Therapist.

GDC Registration Number: 192868

Miss Emily Brisley

Head Dental Nurse

Emily has been an asset to the practice, she has enjoyed learning all the aspects involved in being a dental nurse and looks forward to a long career in the profession at Heffernan Dental. Emily enjoys cooking, spending time with her partner and family and also keeping fit (European level gymnast) 

GDC number: 295271

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