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.

Alison Johnson BDS (Man), Morth RCS Ed, MSc (Man)

Specialist Orthodontist

Hilpa Amin BDS MFDS RCS, GDC no: 77504

qualified in dentistry from Manchester University in 2000.

Priya Antony

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.

Favourite TV show: “Strictly Come Dancing”

Sarah Gleeson Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed), 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

Joanne Fairhurst, Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed), GDC no: 107113

Orthodontic Therapist

Chloe Spencer, GDC no: 148333

Trainee Orthodontic Therapist

Leanne Hitchen

Senior Orthodontic Nurse

Laura Clare

Orthodontic Nurse

Nicola Sharples

Orthodontic Nurse

Rebecca Crook

Orthodontic Nurse

Laura Silverlock

Orthodontic Nurse

Kerrie Williams

Orthodontic Nurse

Amy Schofield

Orthodontic Nurse

Ruth Bower BSc Hons

Operations Director

As Operations Director, Ruth oversees the management of not only Wigan Orthodontic Cente, but also of our two other practices in Ormskirk and Blackburn. 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!

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.”

Natalie Goulding

Receptionist