The Team

We have a fantastic team of orthodontists, dental care professionals and administrative staff offering a wide range of orthodontic treatments.

Our orthodontists are highly qualified with extensive experience in managing all orthodontic problems.

Dr Brijesh Patel

Dr Brijesh Patel

Specialist Orthodontist

BDS (Hons), MSc, MFDS RCS, MOrth RCS, FDS (Orth) RCS

GDC No. 79144

Brij is our practice principal and his skills and expertise benefit many patients in our practice. He is a consultant orthodontist at Great Ormond Street Hospital with a particular interest in complex patients and those with acquired and congenital facial deformity.

Brij is actively involved in research: in particular, his research focuses on the management of complex multi-disciplinary cases, obstructive sleep apnoea and Invisalign. He has published scientific papers and has recently co-authored a book chapter. He has also presented his research at national and international conferences and is actively involved in teaching orthodontics at a post-graduate level. Brij is involved with developing multidisciplinary teams for treating cleft and craniofacial patients in the developing world through his charity work.

At Orthoclinique, Brij accepts referrals for all orthodontic problems affecting adults and children and where appropriate, provides treatment utilising a variety of orthodontic appliances including: Invisalign, cosmetic ceramic braces and hidden lingual braces.

Dr Michaela McErlain

Dr Michaela McErlain

Specialist Orthodontist

BDS, MFDS RCS (Ed), MSc Ortho (Lond), MOrth RCS (Ed)

GDC No. 192309

Michaela is a Specialist Orthodontist who joined our practice in October 2016. She qualified as a dentist from Newcastle Dental School in 2010, before moving to Edinburgh to gain experience in a variety of dental specialties including paediatric and restorative dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Michaela completed her specialist orthodontic training with King’s College London, passing her MSc exams with distinction. As a result, she was awarded the opportunity to spend time in a renowned orthodontic department in America. She has presented her research at national and international meetings.

Michaela enjoys all aspects of orthodontics, especially helping children who are self-conscious about their teeth to develop into confident young adults proud of their smile. She also enjoys the challenge of providing adult orthodontic treatment with a range of discreet, aesthetic options.

Dr Sonia Khela

Dr Sonia Khela

Specialist Orthodontist

BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng), MSc Ortho (London), MOrth RCS (Ed)

GDC No. 192155

Sonia is a Specialist Orthodontist who joined our practice in August 2017. She qualified as a dentist from The University of Birmingham 2010. Sonia then went on to gain experience by working in general practice in Leicestershire and Warwickshire, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Essex and has also spent some time volunteering in Tanzania with Bridge 2 Aid dental charity.

Sonia then went on to do Orthodontics and oral surgery at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, which led to her doing an MSc and passed with distinction from Kings College London. Her research project was investigating the effect of dental appearance on dating prospects.

As part of orthodontic training, she worked at Addenbrookes and Norfolk and Norwich University hospital. In her spare time, Sonia enjoys travelling and keeping fit.

Dr Abdi Mohamed

Dr Abdi Mohamed

Specialist Orthodontist

BSc (Hons), BDS (Lond), MFDS RCS), MSc Ortho (London), MOrth RCS Eng

GDC No. 252413

Abdi is a Specialist Orthodontist who joined our practice in April 2021. He graduated with a degree in Medical Genetics from Queen Mary, University of London before subsequently qualifying as a dentist from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Abdi then went on to gain experience by working in general practice in York followed by posts in general practice in Suffolk and Cambridge and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in London. He has also worked with nervous patients and those with learning difficulties and complex medical histories as a Dental Officer in Special Care Dentistry in Gloucestershire.

Abdi undertook his 3 year Specialist training programme at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup and completed his MSc in Orthodontics at King’s College London with Merit. His research project was investigating patient’s expectations of orthodontic treatment.

Having had orthodontic treatment as a child and as an adult, Abdi understands the impact orthodontic treatment can have on an individual and enjoys witnessing the joy of completing treatment.

Dr Rajeshree Shah

Dr Rajeshree Shah

Dentist with specialist interest in Orthodontics

BDS, MSc

GDC No. 63750

Raju qualified as a dentist from the University of Bristol in 1988 and subsequently completed a Masters degree in paediatric dentistry from the University of London. She developed her interest in orthodontics and gained vast experience through working in various orthodontic departments both in the community and hospital service. She is a dentist with special interest in orthodontics and has been an orthodontist at the practice since 2003 and has a particular interest in treating anxious children and improving their self-esteem by creating a great smile.

Mike Valente

Mike Valente

Dentist with specialist interest in Orthodontics

GDC No. 56211

Mike brings loads of experience to the team at Orthoclinique, having been a practicing dentist for over thirty years. He finished his Masters in Orthodontics in 2016, fully qualifying as an expert in teeth straightening. Mike’s favourite part of being an orthodontist is witnessing the results when the braces come off. Sharing in the joy when his patients see their new smile properly for the first time makes the job all that more worthwhile.

Outside of the surgery, Mike enjoys being out on the water, sailing. He also loves to ski and is a dab hand at DIY.

Cristina Azoicai

Cristina Azoicai

Orthodontic Therapist

GDC No. 253258

  • Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy – University of Warwick 2020

Cristina is a passionate, enthusiastic, and caring therapist, who likes to continuously learn and challenge herself.

Her work is always exciting, challenging and creative. She is proud to be a part of a team that transforms the smiles and lives of our patients.

Outside of work she loves spending time with her family and travel.

Michelle Vivash

Michelle Vivash

Orthodontic Therapist

Dip Orth Therapy Warwick 2014

GDC No. 128494

Michelle started her career in Dentistry in 1996 working as a Dental Nurse in General Practice, she then progressed to a Senior Dental Nurse Specialist in the Maxillofacial & Orthodontic Department for many years.

Michelle has always had a keen interest for Orthodontics and commenced her training at The University of Warwick and Qualified as an Orthodontic Therapist in July 2014.

Upon receiving her Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy, Michelle also received the award for the most outstanding Student Orthodontic Therapist of the year.

Michelle enjoys all aspects of Orthodontics carrying out her role between Milton Keynes Hospital and Orthoclinique. She finds it very rewarding to be part of the patient’s journey and seeing patients satisfied with their end result.

In her spare time Michelle loves spending quality time with her family and twin girls.

Lora Hui

Lora Hui

Nursing Team Leader

GDC No. 199983

  • National Certificate in Dental Nursing – NEBDN 2010
  • Certificate in Dental Radiography – NEBDN 2011
  • Certificate in Dental Impressions Taking – in house training
  • Certificate in Dental Practice Management – 2022

Lora heads our nursing team at Orthoclinique. Having been at our practice for over ten years, she knows how we click. She loves being a part of such a lovely nursing team, making sure everyone has the support they need so they can deliver the best care possible. Her team do a fantastic job assisting the orthodontists.

Lora spends a lot of time in the kitchen, serving up new dishes to try. She loves cooking and enjoying new culinary experiences. When she has some down time, she likes to read.

Lisa Stapleton

Lisa Stapleton

Orthodontic Nurse

GDC No. 252146

  • NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing – Kings College London 2014
  • TRES Radiography for Dental Nurses – 2015
  • First Aid at Work

Lisa joined our team in 2018. In that time, she’s come to love being a part of our patients’ journeys. Her favourite part of orthodontic treatment is seeing the reactions when we take off braces, showing our patients their new smiles for the first time. It’s so rewarding to see the joy and building confidence first-hand.

A bit of a film buff, Lisa likes to keep on top of all the latest films and loves going to the cinema. She has recently joined a gym to work on my fitness. At the moment, she’s also hard at work writing her second novel.

Raksahna Ahmed

Raksahna Ahmed

Orthodontic Nurse/Treatment Co-ordinator

GDC No. 227977

  • NEBDN Dental Nurse Qualification – 2011
  • BDA Certificate for Dental Radiography – Dec 2014

Raksahna’s been helping our experienced team for over six years, assisting as a nurse and as a treatment co-ordinator. She enjoys meeting and speaking to patients, helping them to relax and be more at ease when having their treatment. Her favourite moments will always be seeing how happy patients are when they finish their treatment and can smile again in confidence.

When outside the practice, Raksahna’s free time is taken up with her family. With three kid and a husband, she’s kept busy! When she’s got a moment’s peace, she enjoys a long country walk.

Cristina Evans

Cristina Evans

Orthodontic Nurse / Treatment Co-ordinator

GDC No. 280072

Level 3 Diploma in Dental nursing – Barnfield College 2018
Certificate in Dental Radiography – BDA 2020
Mental Health First Aid – 2022

Cristina’s been part of our nursing team for over three years. She assists in the surgery, helping patients achieve their dream smiles. Every day is different and this variety makes the job all the more enjoyable. Cristina’s favourite part of working in an orthodontic clinic is getting to share the joy her patients have when they see the end result of their treatment.

In her spare time, Cristina enjoys a good book, both at home and abroad. She likes visiting new places and travelling.

Edyta Maslowska

Edyta Maslowska

Orthodontic Nurse

GDC No. 263874

  • National diploma in dental nursing – January 2016
  • Certificate in dental radiography – July 2017
  • Certificate of competence in alginate impression taking – December 2017
  • First Aid at Work
  • Mental Health First Aid – 2022

Edyta fits in perfectly with our team. Her caring nature immediately makes our patients at ease. She enjoys having the opportunity to help patients with their smiles and being a part of treatment that bring them back confidence.

Aside from dental nursing, Edyta has a keen passion for history. She also enjoys reading history books and exploring the great outdoors with trekking.

Courtney Doyle

Courtney Doyle

Orthodontic Nurse
  • Diploma in Dental Nursing – City & Guild 2022

Courtney started her nursing journey in 2019 and became a fully qualified dental nurse this year.

Courtney has a particular interest in orthodontic work and finds it very rewarding to see a patient’s reaction to their end result.

In her spare time, Courtney enjoys socialising with her friends and family, looking after her mischievous cats and exploring different places abroad

Khadijah Begum

Khadijah Begum

Trainee Dental Nurse

Khadijah is currently completing an apprenticeship to qualify as a dental nurse. Although she is a new member of the team, being here for less than a year, she can say the best part of the job is the excitement of the patients as they’re having the braces removed to reveal their new smile.

In her free time, Khadijah enjoys playing online games. She also enjoys sleeping.

Shelley Raperport

Shelley Raperport

Receptionist

Shelley loves working as part of the reception team at Orthoclinique. Seeing just how much an effect orthodontics can have makes the job more rewarding every time. She loves seeing regular patients leave the surgery after having their braces removed and seeing them beam with confidence.

In her free time, Shelley likes to enjoy a good film. She also enjoys reading comic books and spending time with family.

Lynn Travers

Lynn Travers

Receptionist

Lynn has been at the clinic for many years, and loves working with such committed and lovely people. When not at work she enjoys reading, entertaining family and friends, and spending time with her husband.

Sini Chung

Sini Chung

Receptionist

Sini has been part of the team since 2021. She is passionate about meeting people, always striving for excellent customer service in providing the best possible experience for patients.

Outside the practice, Sini always spends time with her family and two cats. She also loves listening to music and doing the gardening and enjoys strolling in nature to reenergise herself.

Emily Cheung

Emily Cheung

Receptionist

Being friendly and patient in nature, Emily enjoys being part of the reception team at Orthoclinique. She likes assisting patients by answering their enquiries and addressing their concerns. She also loves seeing patients smiling with confidence at the end of treatment.

Emily enjoys travelling to other countries to experience their cultures. She loves listening to music and spending time with friends and family during her leisure time.

Amy Yip

Amy Yip

Receptionist

Amy has been working in the secretarial & administration field for years.  She enjoys team work and is delighted to be part of the Orthoclinique team. It has been exciting working in the front line.  She loves music, movies and experiencing different cultures.

Troopers Yard 23 Bancroft Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1JW
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