The Orthodontic Specialists
Dr. Hemant Patel 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. Since February 2008, Hemant has been Honorary Senior Lecturer in Orthodontics at the University of Central Lancashire, as well as Academic Lead for the Orthodontic Therapy Programme.
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 Ormskirk and Blackburn Orthodontic Centres and The Liverpool Brace Place as well as Wigan Orthodontic Centre.
The Orthodontic Support Team
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."
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 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
Samantha has been a valued member of our team since 2004 and particularly enjoys the friendly environment in all of our centres. Like all of our Therapists, Sam makes an effort to ensure that our patients' experiences are pleasant and relaxed. Since qualifying, Sam has enjoyed the extra free time she's gained and loves to spend it socialising with her friends and family. Favourite film: Dirty Dancing Favourite food: My Nan's lamb dinner!
Chloe Spencer Orthodontic Nurse and Treatment Coordinator
Laura Silverlock Orthodontic Nurse |
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!)
As Wigan’s Practice Manager, Linda is the indispensable go-to lady for everything and anything to do with the day to day running of the practice. With an impressive twenty four years of experience clocked up in the dental field, it’s easy to see why. She loves all aspects of her role, especially the fact that she never gets a chance to get bored! When she’s not busy at work, Linda enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing on holiday and getting some well-earned sleep. Favourite book: “A holiday brochure.” (Enjoy with a sangria and it’s almost the real thing!) Favorite films: Grease and Mama Mia.
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! Favourite TV show: Strictly Come Dancing
Favourite food: “My mum’s sausage casserole, followed by home-made rice pudding.”
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.”
Lynne Fowler Orthodontic Secretary |











Andrew Hunter BDS MFDS RCS (Ed) 2004
Hilpa Amin BDS MFDS RCS qualified in dentistry from Manchester University in 2000.
Thomas Philbin BDS (U. Liverpool)
Elizabeth Philbin Dip Dent Hyg RCS (Ed), Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed)
Sarah Gleeson Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed)
Samantha Binns Dip Ortho Ther RCS (Ed)
Joanne Fairhurst Trainee Orthodontic Therapist
Leanne Hitchen Orthodontic Nurse
Laura Clare Orthodontic Nurse
Nicola Sharples Orthodontic Nurse
Rebecca Crook Orthodontic Nurse
Ruth Bower BSc Hons
Linda Jones Practice Manager
Louise Sinclair-Jones Marketing and Development Manager
Laura Chapman Treatment Coordinator
Natalie Goulding Receptionist