The Orthodontic Specialists

Dr. Hemant Patel
BDS, M.Orth RCS (Ed), M Orth RCS (Eng), MRCPS (Glas)

Principal Orthodontist

Hemant Patel qualified as a dentist in 1991 from the University of Liverpool. After a period of vocational training in general dental practice and various hospital posts he commenced specialist training at the University of Manchester. He obtained his certificate of specialist training and the membership in orthodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

He is registered as a Specialist Orthodontist with the General Dental Council. He is a member of the Specialist Practitioner Group of the British Orthodontic Society, and a fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists. He is also a member of the British Orthodontic Society University Teachers Group, the British Lingual Orthodontic Society, the British Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists and has been elected to be a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Dr. Patel is the principal of  Wigan and Blackburn Orthodontic Centres and The Liverpool Brace Place as well as Ormskirk Orthodontic Centre.

The Orthodontic Support Team

Andrew Hunter BDS MFDS RCS (Ed) 2004
Orthodontist

Andrew qualified in 2000 from Liverpool University. After a stint in General Practice, he took a hospital post which included surgery and orthodontics. He has been an orthodontist for 8 years now and wonders where the time went!

He spends his clinical time at three Ortho 2008 practices and loves the happy, positive atmosphere they all share. Of course, the main reason he does what he does is to make people smile. A keen football fan, Andrew likes watching sport in his free time, as well as going to the cinema and swimming.

Favourite film: "The Shawshank Redemption."
Earliest memory: "Getting stuck on a sand bank in New Brighton with my Grandad."

Thomas Philbin BDS (U. Liverpool)

Dr Ashok Simha, MDS, M.Orth RCS(Ed) Orthodontist

Elizabeth Philbin Dip Dent Hyg RCS (Ed), Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed)
Orthodontic Therapist and Dental Hygienist 

Elizabeth is a qualified Dental Hygienist as well as an Orthodontic Therapist, and so she has built up plenty of invaluable experience within the orthodontic environment. She loves seeing patients each day, carrying out their treatment in a professional, yet friendly way. Elizabeth is proud to ensure patients progress through their brace treatment steadily, achieving a fantastic result at the end. Outside work, Elizabeth enjoys nothing more than spending time relaxing with her family and friends.

Sarah Gleeson Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed)
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 

Debbie Copeland Trainee Orthodontic Therapist

Lindsey Canavan Senior Orthodontic Nurse

Joanne Cutler Orthodontic Nurse

Clare Nickson Orthodontic Nurse

Amy Newall Orthodontic Nurse

Emma Jackson Orthodontic Nurse

Alex Kirk Orthodontic Nurse

Ruth Bower BSc Hons
Operations Director

As Operations Director, Ruth oversees the management not only of Blackburn Orthodontic Centre, but also of Dr Patel's three other practices, in Liverpool, Ormskirk and Wigan. With a background in hospitality and hotel management, she is well-equipped to cope with the demands of four 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, as she also runs our practice in Blackburn! 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!

Louise Sinclair-Jones Marketing and Development Manager

Louise has covered a range of roles in orthodontics, from receptionist to practice manager, but this one suits her best. She ensures our website is kept up to date, accurate and interesting as well as overseeing our patients’ experiences with us. She’s always looking for new and innovative ways to move the practices forward and loves spending time with all three enthusiastic and highly skilled teams. When she’s not working, Louise likes to relax watching films, reading and playing on the Wii dancemat!

Laura Chapman Senior Treatment 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.

Janet Smith Receptionist

Lynne Fowler Orthodontic Secretary