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Our Team

Bringing the highest quality private Dental treatments to Tavistock

Meet Our Team

We provide the highest standard of dental care, taking great pride in our patient’s well-being. We welcome new patients from all over Devon & Cornwall and we pride ourselves on providing a warm and welcoming environment for all our patients.

Our professional dental team are all friendly and approachable and will do everything possible to make sure you enjoy your visit.

Our Dentists

Andrew Brown

Principal Dentist –  B.D.S. Bristol 81 GDC: 55827

Andrew graduated from Bristol University in 1981 and has been practicing general dentistry for over 40 years. As a calm and dedicated professional Andrew endeavours to make every dental appointment both relaxed and positive.  With a gentle and confident manor Andrew will take his time at every appointment to ensure you are in control and fully understand everything that is being said.  Andrew has an excellent way with anxious or nervous patients and will aim to put you at ease from the moment you enter the practice

With an emphasis on high-end general and cosmetic dentistry undertaken with an up to date, high tech approach, Andrew focuses on a holistic and preventative approach to dentistry. Helping patients to understand their mouths and work towards maintaining healthy teeth and gums free from disease and decay.

With a special interest in cosmetic dentistry from expertly fitting crowns and bridges to beautiful tooth coloured restorations, Andrew will use his years of experience along with high tech equipment to care for all your dental needs. Alongside advanced intra oral cameras and instant digital x-rays, Andrew also carries out all dental treatments using a high spec dental microscope, meaning he can work in your mouth with absolute accuracy and detailed precision, seeing the smallest of surfaces at a high magnification.

Carys Lock

Dentist – BDS. Cardiff 2013. GDC: 244731

Hey, I’m Carys. I grew up in Plymouth and went to study dentistry at Cardiff University graduating in 2013. I have worked in general practice and in a postgraduate training role at Cardiff Dental Hospital which further developed my skills and interest in oral surgery and children’s dentistry. I spent a year in Australia working in coastal and rural Queensland which was an exciting and challenging experience, with some patients traveling over 100 miles to visit our practice for emergency treatment.

            Most recently I have worked in London, but decided to relocate back to my home county of Devon in 2020. As a friendly and personable individual, I aim to create a welcoming environment in which my patients feel relaxed. My effective communication enables me to provide the best possible treatment, especially for children or for those who are anxious. It is very rewarding being able to provide such a high standard of care for our patients here in Tavistock, supported by a great team. I particularly enjoy working on the edge of Dartmoor as I love everything outdoors. I have an energetic dog who I spend lots of time hiking with as well as learning agility and I practice yoga regularly too. I also sing in a choir so you might catch me performing somewhere locally! 

Dr Thomas Brew

Dentist – B.D.S Peninsula 2014. GDC: 251922

Originally hailing from Tunbridge Wells in the South-East , Thomas was unable to resist the charm of the West country, undertaking a Bachelors Degree in Biology at Bristol University, before completing a post-graduate degree in dentistry at Peninsula University Plymouth.

Since graduating, Thomas has undertaken a variety of appointments in both general practice and Hospital. This has included further training at Torbay Hospital’s Oral and Maxillofacial department, providing him with the skills required to carry out complex extractions and oral surgical procedures. Thomas regularly treated anxious and phobic patients, who felt unable to proceed with treatment by their regular dentist, with his caring and nurturing approach empowering patients to take control of their dental care.

Whilst working abroad in one of New Zealand’s premium cosmetic dental practices, Thomas was able to expand his interest in modern and minimally invasive restorative techniques, employing the use composite-resin to achieve aesthetically outstanding results. Upon returning to the UK Thomas has upheld his high standards of practice, undertaking further courses in more advanced restorative procedures and gaining membership to the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians by examination.

Outside of Dentistry, Thomas makes the most of the beautiful countryside that Devon has to offer, including trail running, cycling and hiking

Dr Ksenija Zimnikova DDS

Dentist – Riga Stradins Latvia, 2003. GDC: 181902

Hello, I’m Ksenija. I decided to become a dentist at 12 years of age when I had to see a dentist myself due to a toothache. I was so grateful and impressed after all the treatment has been finished, that I was adamant I must choose dentistry as my future career. I graduated from Riga Stradin’s University in 2003 with a dentist’s degree, but I started my dental pathway 3 years earlier working as a dental assistant and getting experience from observing other dentists’ work. After graduation, I worked in private dental practices in Latvia where my main interest was aesthetic dentistry.

In 2010, I moved to the UK and worked in mixed NHS and private dental practices in Cornwall. After more than 10 years of busy work I realised that I want to study further to enhance my knowledge and skills in providing high quality endodontics (root canal treatment). I started my MSc in Endodontics in January 2022 and I never regretted my decision. In November 2021 I joined Andrew’s team and I’m very happy to work in the practice where each member of the staff is a highly motivated professional. For me dentistry is an art – the art of composite restoration, the art of root canal treatment, even the art of extraction. My hobby is drawing and I’m glad that my profession and my hobby are so close. Every person and every tooth are unique and the approach to treatment must be individualized. For me the greatest reward is when a patient is smiling and saying that they were wrong about dentists being scary – it’s absolutely painless and comfortable!

Donna McCormick 

Dentist  – Cardiff, 2003. GDC: 115379

I was raised in West Devon and qualified in dentistry from Cardiff University in 2007. I since have undertaken roles in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery departments in Derriford and Torbay hospitals as well as the Oral Surgery department at the University of Birmingham Dental School. Somewhere in between this I squeezed in a year in Melbourne, Australia, doing emergency dental care and in 2013 I gained membership to the Royal College of Surgeons.

I have always been drawn to caring for people, and I realised that dentistry was a path that enabled me to help others. Having any medical procedure can be really daunting and leave us feeling very vulnerable, and I aim to provide dental treatment in a calm and compassionate way, listening to you and working with you to ease any worries you might have.

My primary role for several years now has been in a community dental clinic in Plymouth where I work with highly anxious patients and those with additional needs and complex health issues. I also carry out clinical teaching sessions at the Peninsula Dental School in Plymouth with the next generation of clinicians.

My desire to nurture also extends outside of dentistry and, weather permitting, I am working on my gardening skills and tending my allotment.

 

Our Dental Hygienists

Sarah Parker RDH

Sarah Parker RDH

B.D.S Peninsula 2014. GDC: 251922

Hi I’m Sarah. I started my dental career in 1981 where I trained and qualified to become a Dental Nurse. This motivated me to qualify as a Dental Hygienist in 1993 at Cardiff Dental Hospital where I obtained a Diploma in Dental Hygiene. I then joined Andrew’s team in 1999 and I thoroughly enjoy working with the staff and patients here in Tavistock. My goal is to assist and encourage individuals to maintain optimal oral health. Out of work I enjoy Pilates, walking my lovely cockapoo and spending time with family and friends.

Emma Saunders RDH

Emma Saunders RDH

GDC No. 3508

Hello, I’m Emma. I qualified as a dental hygienist from University College Dental Hospital London in 1988. Staying in London, I worked for Dr Alan Sidi, a specialist periodontist and implantologist, for 15 years, before deciding to move to Devon. I love living in the countryside and my partner and I have a small holding keeping rare breed Valais Blacknose sheep.

Alison Dawson RDH

Alison Dawson RDH

GDC No. 17482

Hi, I’m Alison. I started my career in dentistry in 2007 working as a dental nurse. I then decided I wanted to become a dental hygienist and therapist so trained at Plymouth Peninsula Dental School and qualified in 2018. I am keen to educate and encourage my patients to improve their oral health and understand their periodontal conditions. I also think it’s important to keep up with reading the latest Dental Journals and attending courses. In my free time I enjoy walks on Dartmoor, so love being based out here in Tavistock.

Our support team

 

Vicky Busby

Practice Manager GDC: 249945

Hi I’m Vicky & i joined the practice in 2012, since then I have undertaken post graduate qualifications in radiography & oral hygiene education & completed an NVQ in business admin & customer services. I have thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of dental nursing over the years & assisting our various clinicians, heading up reception & decontamination. One of my passions is delivery oral health education talks to schools, care homes & charities, running our regular free lids club we hold at the practice. After 12 happy years working for Andrew & with our wonderful team I embarked on the next stage of my career as practice manager. I am a passionate vegan & enjoy baking goodies for my colleagues on a regular basis. I love keeping fit & regularly run in the wonderful countryside we have here & practice yoga daily. Weekends I fill spending time with husband, daughter & our Cocker spaniel who all keep me busy!

Abi Schuttkacker

Practice Manager GDC: 139520

Hi, I’m Abi. I started working in dentistry in 2002 with Andrew Brown and I gained my Dental Nursing  qualification in 2004. Over the years I have worked at various practices in all aspects of dentistry, including at a specialist orthodontic practice and came back to work at AB dental in 2016 and soon gained my qualification for Radiography. When I’m not working I’m busy looking after my 2 young daughters and studying.

Zoe Turner

Head Receptionist & Treatment Co-ordinater.

Hi I’m Zoe, I joined the practice in March 2024 to head up reception, I have many years of experience in business administration & customer facing roles. I love speaking to our patients & making them feel at ease when they visit us. In my spare time I enjoy dog walks & spending time with my three young children.

Kate Halfyard

Dental Nurse GDC: 200587

Hi, I’m Kate. I passed my dental nursing exam in 2008. I joined the team at Andrew Browns back in 2012 and went on to gain qualifications in oral health, taking impressions and most recently the implant nursing qualification. I enjoy all aspects of dental nursing and hope to continue my studies. When I am not at work, I spend my time looking after my two children and enjoy trips away in my camper van.

Stephanie Watson

Dental Nurse GDC: 300189

Hi, I’m Steph. I started working at the practice as a Trainee Dental Nurse in 2019, and since then have qualified as a registered dental nurse and gained my dental radiography qualification. I really enjoy helping make patients feel at ease and relaxed in our practice. I have two miniature dachshunds who keep me busy on the weekends and I love spending time with my family.

Daisy Darsley

Dental Nurse GDC: 266682

Hey, I’m Daisy! I trained as a dental nurse at Andrew Browns and have recently found my way back to the practice after more than a few years of adventuring. When I’m not at work I love spending time at the beach and am also a bit of a foodie…so restaurant recommendations are always welcome! I am very happy to be back and look forward to greeting all of our lovely patients.

Olivia Mackenzie

Dental Nurse

Hi I’m Liv I joined the practice in June 2021. I am now a qualified dental nurse and am about to embark on my post graduate dental radiography qualification. I love going to the cinema and looking after my puppy Luna in my spare time.

Katherine Duncan

Dental Nurse

Hi I’m Katherine, I joined the practice I. December 2022 and working in different medical sectors for the NHS. I enjoy all aspects of dental nursing and will embark on my dental radiography qualification next year. When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and going to the gym. I am looking forward to growing my skills and knowledge since qualifying as a dental nurse.