Because Every Smile Deserves to Shine—Let’s Begin!

James gained the BChD Degree from the University of Pretoria in 1984. He always had a passion for orthodontics and surgical dentistry. He was one of the founding members of The Nightingale Clinic in 1993. In 2001, he completed the Prosthetic and Surgical programs in Implantology at the world-renowned Misch International Institute for Implantology in the USA. James is very active in pursuing up to date knowledge and attends many lectures and courses every year. He is also keen to learn and share current knowledge and progress refining procedures to provide the best possible up to date service available.

Dan graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1984. His professional career started as a dental officer in the South African Medical Services. In 1986, he established his own private practice where he practised for 11 years. In 1997, Dan relocated to the UK where he provided NHS general dental services in East London for five years. From 2002 until 2021 he worked in his own flagship practice in Danbury, where he excelled in all areas of dentistry, including surgical dentistry. Dan joined The Nightingale Clinic in 2021 and accepts patients on referral for minor oral surgery procedures. Outside of Dentistry, Dan is a dedicated beekeeper and enjoys fly fishing.

Dr. Naveen Sunkada is an experienced oral surgeon specialising in conscious sedation, known for his calm, patient‑centred approach. After graduating from Manipal College of Dental Sciences, he continued his career in the UK from 2004, gaining extensive surgical experience at Guy’s Hospital and other centres before completing sedation training in 2013. He has since treated over 10,000 patients under sedation, focusing on anxiety‑free extractions and complex procedures. Outside dentistry, he enjoys badminton and travelling, and remains committed to continuous learning and advanced dental and implant techniques.

Mr. Gillan is a highly experienced oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist with a focus on intermediate to complex extractions, particularly wisdom teeth. He qualified as a dentist from the University of Glasgow in 1991 and later as a doctor in 1999 from Saint Bartholomews and the Royal London Medical School, and he is a member or fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England across multiple surgical disciplines. With extensive experience in oral surgery, maxillofacial surgery, teaching, and mentorship, he has played a key role in postgraduate training and exam preparation. He is well‑regarded for providing safe, supportive one‑to‑one mentorship and is dedicated to delivering compassionate care, especially for highly anxious adult and child patients under local anaesthetic or sedation.

Graduated from Barts and the London School of Medicine in 2023 with BDS (Hons). She went on to complete her foundation training in a practice in Harlow, gaining insight into dentistry and the importance of continued care. Ayesha now works in East London as a general dentist. Having grown up in East London, she has a clear understanding of the local population needs, which has helped further her role and passion in promoting patient oral health and prevention of oral disease. She is passionate about all aspects of dentistry, with keen interests in sedation and paediatric dentistry.

Wouter qualified as a dentist in 1995 at the University of Pretoria. His first appointment as a dentist was at The Nightingale Clinic. Since then, he has become a senior partner of The Nightingale Clinic. He has a special interest in orthodontics and sedation. Wouter is very active in pursuing up-to-date knowledge and has been awarded a diploma as well as a Master of Science in Sedation and Pain Control. Since joining The Nightingale Clinic, Wouter has had many years of experience treating both NHS and private patients. Making people confident about their smiles is what makes him enjoy what he does every day. Seeing a nervous patient after their treatment, relaxed and relieved is a very rewarding experience for him.

Claire holds an Honours degree in Human Biology from King’s College London (1996) and qualified as a dental surgeon from Bart’s and the Royal London Hospital in 2002. She gained extensive experience as an NHS dentist and later as a senior house officer in oral and maxillofacial surgery, managing facial trauma, TMJ issues, cancer cases, and complex oral surgery, followed by a role in paediatric dentistry working with children with complex medical and dental needs. She then pursued specialist orthodontic training, completing a three‑year programme at The Royal London Hospital, earning a Master’s degree in Orthodontics with a dissertation on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, and achieving Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2007. Claire has since worked in private practices in Chelsea and Canary Wharf and has been part of The Nightingale Clinic since 2009, providing both private and NHS orthodontic care.

Ben graduated from Leeds University in 2010 and began his career in Bradford, working as an NHS dentist and a maxillofacial senior house officer at Bradford Royal Infirmary. After seven years in the North, he moved to London, where he served as a community dental officer providing care to vulnerable groups, including care‑home residents, housebound patients, homeless individuals, and people with addiction—often using IV sedation or gas and air to treat those with severe dental phobia. This rewarding experience led him to pursue specialist orthodontic training at the Eastman Dental Institute, completing a three‑year programme and earning an MSc focused on ethical advertising in orthodontics, graduating in 2017. Ben now works as a specialist orthodontist at The Nightingale Clinic, offering both NHS and private orthodontic care, including Invisalign treatment.

Dr. Nikhil Joshi graduated from Barts and The London Dental School and strengthened his surgical expertise through roles in Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial departments across London and the Midlands. He holds a Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, a Postgraduate Certificate in Dental Education, and a Master’s degree in Implant Dentistry, and is accredited as a Dentist with a Special Interest in Oral Surgery. Known for his calm, friendly manner, he is highly regarded by anxious patients and provides advanced implant treatments including bone grafting and sinus lifts. Dr. Joshi has also served as a Clinical Lecturer at King’s College London, mentoring dentists in training, and remains committed to lifelong learning as a member of the International Team for Implantology and the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians.