Chris Gait BDS FDSRCS DipOrthRCS MITG
Specialist Orthodontist
After qualifying from Liverpool in December 1971 (“where else to be a student in the 60s?” he asks!) Chris went on to follow a varied and illustrious career taking him the length of the UK and beyond. He has enjoyed a wide range of posts from travelling around Dorset with a mobile surgery for the School Dental Service to visiting clinics in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore as a Consultant. He set up and ran four orthodontic practices with colleagues, and is now an associate, working 2 days a week. He retired as Consultant Orthodontist for North Worcestershire in 2007 after 25 years in post. We’re honoured to have him here with us at Ortho 2008!
Chris loves to keep busy when not working and qualified as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide in 2007, which means he can be found taking groups around Worcester, Birmingham, Stratford, Oxford, the Cotswolds or anywhere in the Heart of England. He is involved in raising funds for Hospital League of Friends and Kemp Hospice and has made some impressive trips for the cause: cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats (twice) and across the USA from Seattle to Boston (once was enough).
Chris is married and has 4 children, who are all now off the payroll.
Andre Tomas BDS MSc
Andre Tomas graduated in dentistry in 2005 in Portugal and has since qualified as a Specialist Orthodontist at the University of Barcelona. Andre is in the 2nd year of his PhD.
With over 10 years of experience in dentistry he has a particular interest in orthodontics for children, interceptive techniques and facial skull development. He regularly attends conferences and courses to keep up to date on all the latest developments in orthodontics.
Andre joined us in 2011and is enjoying life in the UK! In his spare time he enjoys fishing, football and keeping fit at the gym.
Sarah Gleeson Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed), GDC no: 10758
Orthodontic Therapist
Sarah has a wealth of experience in orthodontics and has been with the company for
10 years. She spends time at our Blackburn, Wigan and Ormskirk centres and really
enjoys helping patients by improving their smiles and, as a result, their self-confidence.
Sarah enjoys getting out and about in her free time, attending festivals and live
music events.
Favourite food: Strawberries and ice-cream
Favourite TV show: Ugly Betty
Jenny Woodcock Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed), GDC no: 106849
Orthodontic Therapist
Joanne Fairhurst Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed)
Orthodontic Therapist
Gemma Connell
Orthodontic Nurse
Sophie Wildman
Orthodontic Nurse
Yasmin Ahmed
Orthodontic Nurse
Zoe Eckersley
Orthodontic Nurse
Sara Abbott
Orthodontic Nurse
Danielle Ahern
Orthodontic Nurse
Ruth Bower BSc Hons
Operations Director
As Operations Director, Ruth oversees the management of not only Blackburn Orthodontic Cente, but also of our two other practices in Ormskirk and Wigan. With a background in hotel management, she is well equipped to cope with the demands of three busy practices each day. Ruth's favourite aspect of her job is seeing team members grow in confidence and experience within the group. When she's not working, Ruth enjoys reading and spending time with her young family.
Favourite food: Anything cooked by my amazing chef husband, Simon! (Ruth, we're
jealous!)
Laura Kilpatrick
Practice Manager
Laura is a committed and hardworking manager, who doesn't mind being kept on her
toes, she runs all three of our practices in Blackburn, Ormskirk and Wigan! After spending time in various
roles within the business, Laura really found her niche in management, and regularly
draws on her previous experience to empathise with all members of her teams. Laura
has been with us for five years and loves all aspects of her role, especially being
organised and contstantly multitasking. When she's not at work, Laura makes sure
she spends plenty of time with her husband and baby daughter, Caitlin. Laura really
makes the most of her spare time with activities as diverse as walks in the Lake
District, catching shows or concerts and days out with family and friends. She also
plays badminton for a local team in the Southport and District League! Blimey, Laura,
you're making us tired just reading this!
Favourite food: Chicken omelette and chips from our local chippy! (We think you
well and truly earn it, Laura, looking at your weekly itinerary!)
Favourite band: Snow Patrol or Oasis. Or Take That. Or Cheryl Cole!
Gemma Crosbie
Assistant Manager
Laura Chapman
Head Patient Care Coordinator
Laura is the first point of contact for private patients who are considering having
treatment. Her friendly, patient and informative approach is perfectly tailored
to help potential new patients when booking their first consultation. She loves
getting to know patients before sending them off on the road to a brand new smile.
With a background in orthodontic nursing and experience of actually wearing braces
herself, Laura is well-equipped to answer any queries you may have. When not working,
Laura enjoys nothing more than a lazy weekend spent with her family, including her
beloved cat, Chandler Bing (really). Based at Wigan, Laura is just a phone call
away from all three of our practices’ patients.
Favourite food: “Anything healthy and weird!”
Favourite band: “Kings of Leon.”
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