MEET THE TEAM
Irina Sarbu - GDC no 181253
Principal Dentist
I qualified as a dentist in 2006 in Romania and practiced in private dental practices for 3 years until moving to the UK in 2009.
Relocating to the UK was a difficult decision to make as I fully enjoyed my professional years back in my native country. But committed to being close to my partner who had started a job as a medical doctor in the UK, I took on a job as a dentist in Nantwich, Cheshire.
After spending a few years consolidating my NHS experience in Cheshire, Gloucestershire and Wales, we relocated to Kent in 2015. Since then I have worked in several NHS and Private dental practices all over Kent, building up vast experience in the field. Over the years I have attended numerous courses to stay up to date with the latest developments and improve my knowledge, and I have also sharpened my managerial skills collaborating with the Practice Managers and Principals from the practices I worked for.
Clinically I enjoy a variety of treatments and general dentistry but I have a special interest in composite (white) fillings and the invisible braces system.
In 2017 I started my Invisalign training and I finalised it in 2020 with a Pg Dip in Clear Aligner Therapy. I am a Full Invisalign Provider.
I strongly believe that communication is the key to everything therefore I enjoy talking to our patients and ensuring that they get the best treatment possible in a manner that suits their needs and wishes.
I took over Sandwich Dental Surgery in April 2022 and since then we have worked hard to update the practice and offer our patients an improved experience and a wider range of personalised treatments.
We are learning every day and evolving together with you and this makes our journey even more satisfactory.
In my free time I like to go out, usually to London to attend concerts or theatre, or abroad, usually in a Mediterranean landscape as I love that food and weather.
I have been passionate about animal rescue all my life and I collaborate with a few shelters from abroad. I also have 2 rescue dogs and a cat and I want more. I am sure that if I would have more time off I would end up with a 'menagerie'.
Janki Patel - GDC no 177825
Dentist
I graduated from The University of Birmingham in 2009. After completing vocational training in general practice I worked as a Senior House Officer in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery. I have been a general practitioner for 14 Years.
I completed my initial training with Kent Deanery and worked as a general practitioner for 4 years. Following this I worked in Devon and worked as a general practitioner for 6 years. I gained further experience working in London for 2 years. I have permanently moved back to Kent and have been a General dental practitioner here for 2 years.
I really enjoy my profession and have developed a keen interest in restorative dentistry. The dental profession is continually evolving and I am a great believer in postgraduate education, I regularly attend courses in Aesthetic and restorative dentistry, which in turn provides better skills and care provided for my patients. I have been developing my skills further and am currently completing a Facial Aesthetics Diploma in providing Fillers and Botox treatments to the highest level 7 at The Harley Academy in London. I am a strong believer in understanding the science, the anatomy and skills in facial aesthetics to provide patients with the best care and in turn safe treatments.
I have a gentle and caring chairside manner and have the ability to make nervous patients comfortable in the dental chair. I believe is really important to listen to my patients and pride myself in maintaining the highest standards of care and treatment.
Outside dentistry, I enjoy cooking, travelling and spending time with my young
family.
KA YIU LO (JOHN) - GDC no 281842
Dentist
After graduating from the University of Hong Kong in 2013, I joined a non-profit making clinic in Hong Kong where I worked alongside two experienced dentists. Given the substantial dental needs of the local ageing population, I acquired invaluable experience during my three years there. After getting married, I came to the UK with my wife to Canterbury as she pursued her studies at CCCU. Whilst I prepared for the UK dental registration exam, I had the privilege of assuming various roles within a dental clinic. I have enjoyed assisting the specialists as a dental nurse, helping to sort out referrals at the reception desk, and going through practice policies as a compliance officer. These diverse experiences provided me with comprehensive insights into the collaborative nature of delivering exceptional patient care, as well as a deeper understanding of the intricacies of NHS and private dental care systems in the UK. In 2022, I commenced my work as a private dentist in the East Kent area, putting my full skillset to good use. Additionally, I am actively involved in domiciliary dental services in Kent. The purpose of this role is to extend care to individuals who face challenges in visiting traditional dental practices due to ageing or limited mobility.
I have a keen interest in contemporary dentistry, with a focus on disease prevention. Professionally, I am working towards gaining Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgeons in the Royal College of Surgeons of England. I strongly emphasise building trust between patients and their dental team, as I believe it is a cornerstone in any communication, and good communication is instrumental in achieving optimal patient care.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and am actively involved in my local church community. I am also fluent in Cantonese and proficient in Mandarin.
DR YANAN ZHAO- GMC no 7062985
General Practitioner
I’ve been practising as a registered doctor in the UK since 2015. Trained under leading UK aesthetics provider Cosmetic Courses, I am an experienced aesthetic doctor for anti wrinkle treatments, dermal filler and skin booster treatments.
After graduating from Peking University in 2008, I was awarded a full scholarship from the Healing Foundation UK for four years’ PhD study at the University of Manchester. I was fascinated by the skin, in particular scarless wound healing and tissue regeneration, so I researched differences in the healing process between youths and adults.
Before becoming a GP, time as an ear nose and throat surgeon had begun my interest in the complicated anatomy of the head and neck, and developed the delicate surgical skills required for aesthetic practice.
Outside the clinic, I love cooking traditional Chinese and English food, and make up for it by being addicted to running 5k (at least!) every morning. I’m a skilled rock climber, an enthusiastic but not-at-all skilled pianist, and last year I took up skateboarding with my daughter Anna – although you might not see me skating to appointments just yet!
Kirstin Cowell- GDC no 253902
Practice Manager
I have worked in dentistry since 2013. I started as a trainee nurse in Folkestone and qualified in 2014, following on with a post certificate qualification in Oral Health Education from King's College London Hospital. I became Head Dental Nurse in 2019 and Compliance Lead for my area, which covered 16 dental practices. I progressed into Practice Management in 2021. I have extensive experience working in NHS, Private and Corporate dental bodies.
I am passionate about dentistry and enjoy training others and sharing my knowledge and experiences, so others can develop themselves.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and dog, travelling abroad and going to music concerts.
Katarzyna (Kasia) Pedich - GDC no 283416
Hygienist
I have been working in dentistry since 2003. My journey started whilst at university in a part time job. In 2005, I received my masters degree in Social Sciences, but I had already fallen in love with dentistry. In 2014, I qualified as a dental hygienist. For 14 years, I worked in a dental clinic in Poland alongside dentists with a variety of specialisms, such as, oral surgeons, implantologists, orthodontists, periodontists and prosthodontists. I moved to the UK in 2017, and started working in a mixed NHS/private practice in Ashford, as a trainee dental nurse. In December 2021, I received my registration with the General Dental Council, and was able to treat patients as a hygienist.
I am passionate about my work, compassionate with my patients, and ensure a positive dental experience is had by all.
In my spare time, I enjoy good music, delicious Italian cuisine, dancing and the company of my family and friends. I am also a crazy dog lady!
Casey Duncan- GDC no 265207
Hygienist
I started my dental career as a dental nurse in a general dental practice in Dover. I loved helping patients improve their oral health and so I decided to go to university to study to help patients as a dental hygienist. I graduated with a Diploma in Dental Hygiene in 2016 from The Eastman Dental Hospital. I have worked in various practices across the Southeast since qualifying in 2016.
I enjoy treating patients and developing my skills and knowledge. My passions are helping patients on their dental journey and improving their oral health, to ensure they have bright and healthy smiles for years to come.
I also have a keen interest in facial aesthetics and I am qualified in providing anti-wrinkle treatments and facial fillers.
In my spare time, I enjoy health and fitness as well as spending time with my family.
Carol Webb- GDC no 113929
Dental Nurse
I have worked in Sandwich for 45 years as a dental nurse. Many of our patients that pass through our doors I now class as friends more than patients as I have known them for so long.
In my spare time, I play saxophone in a local community band and I take part in pub quizzes.
Lily-May Roberts
Trainee Nurse
I started in the practice in 2023 as a trainee dental nurse. I have always been interested in teeth and enjoying being able to give great patient care. I like working with both the dentists and hygienists within the practice and helping support them throughout each appointment.
In my spare time, I enjoy walking my dog and keeping fit by going to the gym. I love watching crime documentaries and in the summer watching sunsets.
Shelley Hardy
Receptionist
I started working at the practice in 2023. I really enjoy being the first face you see when you walk through the doors into our practice. I really enjoy helping patients in need and helping them on their journey with us.
In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog and travelling. I really enjoy exploring the UK and spending time with my family in the English countryside.