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Our Team

Meet our amazing team who will take care of you at The Sandford. All members of our team are experts in dentistry and provide reassurance and exceptional care to all our patients.

Our team of professional nurses, dentists, specialists and together with our state-of-the-art practice is designed to be able to offer everything under one roof without the need for using third party services.


Clinicians


Hussein Shaffie

Principal Dentist / Implant Surgeon

[GDC No. 74026]
DDS Sweden

Dr Shaffie is the founder and the principal dentist of Bexleyheath Dental Practice and The Sandford Implant and Cosmetic Centre. He relocated to the United Kingdom with his family 1998 and began his highly ambitious career in general dentistry, especially treating patients with severe dental phobia using intravenous sedation. Read More

In October 2011, Dr Shaffie underwent his Diploma in Implantology at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and has undertaken several complex multidisciplinary cases alongside his team of two other implant dentists. Furthermore, Dr Shaffie attends both national and international courses on a regular basis, and has received certificates in sedation, dental phobia and facial rejuvenation. He is a member BDA, FGDP RCS Eng, SAAD, ADI, RSM

Katarzyna Shaffie

Implant Surgeon

Registered Nutritional Therapist

[GDC No. 84563]
DDS, DipImpDent RCS (Eng) MSc, Diploma as Nutritional Therapist, CNM London 2023

Having graduated with honours from Pomeranian Medical University in Poland in 1999, Kat is a general dentist with special interests in ... Read More

advanced restorative procedures and dental implants. She started her journey working in a community hospital and later as an assistant in the Department of General Dentistry of the Medical University in Poland, where she was successfully awarded with DDS in the following subject "Oxidant and antioxidant mechanisms in pathogenesis and periodontitis".

Then she started to specialise in prosthodontics and completed many international courses. Kat moved her professional career to the UK in 2005. Since then she has subsequently attended extensive higher education courses across Europe and the UK, ran by some of the most eminent clinicians. Kat has been awarded the highly regarded Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons in London in 2008 and works closely with Nobel Biocare and Ankylos implant systems. After submitting her dissertation Kat was awarded the degree of MSc in Dental Implantology from the University of Salford 2010. She is an author of many dental articles and Kat is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology, The Faculty of the Royal college of Surgeons, British Dental Association, General Dental Council, Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry and the Royal Society of Medicine.

Maria Victoria Rincon Castro

Dentist with interest in Periodontology

[GDC No. 160263]
BDS (Col) Spec perio oral med (Col) PG Cert Surgical and Prosth Imp (Lon)

Dr Victoria Rincon graduated from the School of Dentistry of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia in 2000. She spent several years developing and... Read More

enhancing her general clinical skills before deciding to pursue the specialty of Periodontology & Oral Medicine at Universidad El Bosque, Colombia. During her training she spent two months at the Forsyth Institute in Boston, USA as a volunteer student at the Microbiology Department and completed her degree in 2006. After her postgraduate training, she moved to London and successfully completed her registration process as a dental surgeon in June 2008. She worked mainly in private practice as a general dentist with an interest in Periodontology during 4 years before completing her training in Surgical and Prosthodontic Implantology at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute. She now limits her practice to periodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Nina Shaffie

Orthodontic Specialist

[GDC No. 194069]
BDS Honours (Lond) MJDF RCS (Eng), MSc Orth (Lond), MOrth RCS (Edin)

Dr Nina Shaffie, our multiple award-winning orthodontist, prides herself in offering an extremely high standard of orthodontic treatment in a relaxed and friendly environment. She graduated with Honours from Barts and The London School of Dentistry in 2010. Read More

She continued her training completing a year as a dentist followed by a year as a Maxillofacial Senior House Officer at The Royal London Hospital and The Homerton Hospital, where she gained experience in head and neck, trauma and orthognathic surgery. Following this, she continued work in practice as a dentist and part time teacher at Barts and Then London dental school working as an Honorary Clinical Supervisor in Oral Surgery.

Nina undertook her three year Orthodontic Specialist postgraduate training course at King’s College Hospital, Stoke Mandeville Hospital and Wexham Park Hospital. She qualified top of her class with a distinction in her Master of Science in Orthodontics and was presented with the prestigious Philip Walther Prize for the most outstanding performance, awarded by King’s College London. She also attained the Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Furthermore, she was awarded and selected for a short clinical attachment in the Orthodontic department in Sydney, Australia.

In 2018, Nina was awarded the ‘Best Young Dentist in the South East’ at the very prestigious private dentistry awards for her clinical excellence and commitment to her patients. She has also been a finalist in multiple other dental awards.

Nina is a prominent member of the dental community and a Key Opinion Leader, involved with teaching and training dentists. Her patients include high profile clients and celebrities; with her work having been featured live on the Brit Awards, in magazines such as Vogue and Billboard, and mentioned on BBC News.

Nina has been heavily involved in orthodontic research and audits, and has presented her work at national and international conferences, as well as having papers published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. She is an active member of a number of orthodontic societies both nationally and internationally.

Ioannidis Konstantinos

Endodontic Specialist

[GDC No. 207658]
D.D.S. (GRE) MSc, Specialization (Endodontics) (GRE)

Kostas is a specialist endodontist. He qualified as a dentist in 2007 and continued his post graduate studies, completing his MSc in Endodontics in 2010. In 2011 Kostas applied for entry into the GDC Specialist List (Endodontics UK) and was successful. Read More

Following graduation, Kostas worked in private practices across Northern Greece.

He enjoys working in private practices in the UK, limiting his work to challenging orthodontic cases. Kostas believes in continuous education, professional development and lifelong learning. He is an active member of the British Endodontic Society, participating in more than 30 international congresses, symposiums and practical courses.

Currently Kostas is affiliated with the Department of Tissue Engineering and Biophotonics, Dental Institute, King's College, London, UK as a research associate and is due to complete his PhD. Meanwhile he lectures several endodontic topics to post-graduate dental students.

Kryspin Stepien

Consultant Anaesthetist

[GMC No. 6107438]
MD, FRCA, FCARCSI, EDRA

Dr Stepien’s role is Clinical Lead in sedation, providing it to anxious patients undergoing long procedures such as dental implants. His anaesthesia skills and use of modern drugs and equipment make it a pleasant (or at least not remembered) experience. He is also responsible for educating dentists ... Read More

and dental nurses in sedation techniques, maintenance of equipment and drills - all for the patient’s safety. Dr Stepien graduated from Pomeranian Medical Academy in Poland in 1999 and has trained in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care in Poland, UK and Australia. He was awarded Certificate of Specialist Training by Royal College of Anaesthetists having trained in some of the best known hospitals in London, such as University College, Royal Free, Royal Marsden and Royal London Hospitals. His special interests are acute pain management (after surgical operations), regional anaesthesia and sedation for procedures like gastroscopy, colonoscopy and bronchoscopy.

Dr Mohamed Asif Mughal Dentist

Asif Mughal

Dentist & Clinical Director

[GDC No. 73664]
BDS (Lond)

Asif qualified from King's College London in 1997. After carrying out a further year's postgraduate study at Oxford University postgraduate centre he began general practice. He has been working in private practice since 2004 focusing on restorative, minimally invasive and cosmetic dentistry. Asif has also been... Read More

providing emergency dental care for Croydon Primary Care Trust. He has worked in many practices over his career, providing him with a detailed insight into clinical dentistry working alongside numerous specialists. He enjoys all aspects of cosmetic and restorative dentistry and has attended numerous courses in Aesthetic dentistry in the UK as well as America (Chicago Dental Conference). Asif is fully committed to ongoing professional development in order to provide his patients with high standards of dental care and a wide range of dental services. He currently has the responsible role as the clinical director within the practice focusing his time on maintaining and driving standards higher for the benefit of our patients. He spends much of his clinical time working with the specialists in a team care environment, ensuring continuity of care and clinical back up.

Ahssan Sarvestani

Dentist and Implant Surgeon

[GDC No. 177820]
BDS (Lond) PG Dip Rest Dent MClinDent implant

Dr Sarvestani graduated from Barts London School of Dentistry in 2009. He has been working in our practice since August 2010.

He strives to provide a specialised tailor made service to all of his patients. Read More

His patients can expect an enthusiastic and warming approach with complete explanation of treatment options, so they can make informed choice on the best option of treatment. Having completed university accredited postgraduate qualifications he is confident in providing general dentistry to advanced level. His focus is strictly on providing clinical dentistry to the best of his ability using the best possible materials and techniques.

He enjoys treating nervous patients helping them overcome their anxieties. He is a qualified SAAD practitioner and can provide Intra-Venus conscious sedation.

He completed a two-year part-time hands-on and theory course in restorative dentistry (2012-2014). He was awarded the best dentist by the training academy (2013). He obtained his Diploma in Restorative Dentistry from British Academy of Restorative Dentistry in 2017.

He started a Master Degree in Implant Dentistry in 2014. Following completion of an in-vitro research project, he successfully completed his Master Degree (MClinDent Implantology) in June 2018.

He has been involved in Implant Dentistry research and audits. He has completed an in-vitro research study and presented his work at national and international conferences.

Katarzyna Stepien

Dentist and Facial Aesthetics Practitioner

[GDC No. 84291]
DDS, FGDP(UK)Masterclass in Facial Aesthetics

Dr Kasia Stepien graduated from Pomeranian Medical University, Poland in 1999. She started her career in paediatric dentistry, followed by cosmetic and implant dentistry. She has been successfully practising providing her patient with high quality care. Read More

In 2015 Dr Kasia turned her special interest towards facial aesthetics. She gained her degree at The Faculty of General Dental Practitioner at The Royal College of Surgeons followed by many postgraduate courses covering all aspects of facial treatments. She has a special interest in full face rejuvenation using muscle relaxants, dermal fillers and facial threads. She prides herself in delivering beautiful and natural looking results and her aim is to bring the best to her patients.

Marta Sarvestani

Dentist with Special Interest in Endodontics

[GDC No. 101080]
DDS, PG Dip Rest Dent, MClinDent Endo (Lond)

Dr Marta Sarvestani graduated from the Pomeranian Medical University, Poland in 2001. She has been working at the practice since 2006. Marta has spent the last 22 years developing her dental skills and knowledge; making her highly qualified to care for all your dental needs. She Read More

has extensive experience in general dentistry, undertaking all aspects of general dental practice, and her particular areas of interest are centred around endodontics, restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

She is dedicated to her profession by providing treatment focused on the needs of each individual and aims to make dental visits a pleasant experience for every patient. She is fully committed to the furtherance of professional development and keeps up-to-date with the latest evidence-based dentistry by frequently attending advanced dental courses, as well as conferences ensuring that she delivers the highest quality of dental care tailored to each patient.

Marta completed a two-year part-time combined hands-on and theory course in restorative dentistry (2014-2016). She obtained her Diploma in Restorative Dentistry from The British Academy of Restorative Dentistry in 2018. She completed three years of training in Endodontics leading to the award of Master of Clinical Dentistry in Endodontics in 2018. Her in-vitro research project has been presented at national and international conferences. In 2019 she was accredited as a Level 2 complexity care performer in Endodontics and since then undertaking referrals for complex root canal treatments.

Marta is very passionate about her work and enjoys every aspect of dentistry, particularly the technical precision involved in the field of Endodontics.

Farhad Momeni

Dentist

[GDC No. 245022]
BDS (London) MEng (London)

Dr Momeni graduated from Barts and the London school of Medicine and Dentistry in 2013. He started his career in dentistry after completion of Masters in Medical Engineering. Dr Momeni completed his NHS foundation training at the East of England deanery and he started to work at the Bexleyheath Dental Practice in September 2014. Read More

Dr Momeni has a particular interest in aesthetic, cosmetic dentistry, minimally invasive dentistry, composite bonding and joint orthodontic-restorative dentistry.

He enjoys providing care for nervous and dental phobic patients under local anaesthesia or intravenous sedation.

Dr Momeni has completed the first part of the MJDF examination, Royal College of Surgeons, and he is looking forward to completing a Master’s degree in Fixed and removable Prosthodontics at Kings College London. In addition, Dr Momeni has won various awards for Audits and presentations during his career

Tilemachos Makropoulos

Tilemachos Makropoulos

Specialist Periodontist

[GDC No. 265422]
DDS (GR), MclinDent in Periodontology UCL Eastman

Dr Makropoulos graduated from the School of Dentistry of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 2014. He subsequently spent a year in the Greek Military (Special Forces Unit) working as a dentist. He then continued with gaining further experience in the field of general

Read More

dentistry, by working one year in a private practice in Greece and then moving over to the UK where he practised general dentistry for three more years. During that time, he attended several courses and congresses to further develop his knowledge and skills in dentistry. He took a special interest in the field of Periodontology. In 2019 he was accepted on the Periodontology specialisation programme of the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, which he completed in 2022. During his further training he was exposed and treated numerous advanced and complex cases in the hospital setting (UCLH Eastman Dental Hospital). During his time at UCL he was fortunate enough to be taught by leaders in their field and he gained significant theoretical and practical knowledge and an advanced skillset towards the treatment and management of periodontal diseases, plastic aesthetic surgery cases as well as implant patients. Since 2020 he has been working in private practice limited to periodontics and gaining further mentoring by great figures of the field, in parallel with his training. In September 2022, he was awarded the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) Certificate of Completion of Specialised Training (CCST) in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. He now limits his practise to Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Forouzan Pessian

Forouzan Pessian

Specialist Oral Surgeon & Prosthodontist

[GDC No. 68474]
BDS, FDS RCS (Eng), MClin Dent (Pros), MSurg Dent, MRD RCS (Eng)

Dr Forouzan Pessian gained her Bachelor of Dentistry degree (BDS) from Guy’s Hospital in 1992. After which she undertook senior house officer posts in several reputable hospitals around the country. This led to her registration with the Royal College of Surgeons of England Read More

as a Specialist in Surgical Dentistry (MSurg Dent, FDSRCS). Following completion of her specialist training in surgical dentistry, she joined the Restorative Clinical team at Guys Hospital and under the leadership of two renowned professors in the field of dentistry she undertook her research in adhesive and minimally invasive dentistry there and her post graduate training in Prosthodontics. This led to her membership in Restorative dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons in England (MRD RCS Eng).

Dr Forouzan Pessian is a registered specialist in Prosthodontics and strives to provide her patients with the best well-fitting and natural looking dentures. Whilst obtaining her post graduate degree at Guys Hospital, Dr Forouzan Pessian also worked part time as a clinical tutor for more than 10 years, teaching and supporting a group of 10-15 dental students. Since then, her concentration has been towards developing her skills and running her own business and charity for orphans in Iran. Dr Forouzan Pessian owned her own practice Danson Park Dental for 16 years and has recently joined us at The Sandford.

She strives to provide her patients with the best conservative and minimally invasive solutions available to them. Her main area of experience is oral surgery and fixed and removable prosthodontics. She is dedicated in providing her patients with exceptional dental treatment and ensures all patients have a pleasant experience. Her patients can expect to be welcomed with her kind approach and made to feel at ease immediately.

In her spare time she concentrates on the growth of her charity which she holds close to her heart. The charity provides care and education for underprivileged children in Iran.

Angelo Zavattini

Angelo Zavattini

Specialist in Endodontics

[GDC No. 243381]
DDS, PhD, M Endo RCSEd

Dr Zavattini is a specialist in Endodontics and a Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. He qualified in Italy in 2012 from the University of Rome Tor Vergata where he started his career as a general dentist. After attending numerous courses and conferences he decided to move to London where he undertook further clinical training in restorative Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Endodontics. Read More

Dr Zavattini completed three years of academic clinical training in Endodontics at Guy’s Hospital King’s College of London and has limited his activity exclusively to this specialty.

Dr Zavattini believes in the importance of research and education. He has been extensively involved with academic institutions, collaboration of research projects and the teaching of postgraduate dental students.

Dr Zavattini concentrates entirely on root canal treatment, surgical root canal treatment and vital pulp therapy. His sole focus is on saving teeth, particularly those that require complex treatment and multidisciplinary management.

Dr Zavattini is a member of the British Endodontic Society and the Association of Trainee in Restorative Dentistry.

Dr Zavattini is a kind and conscientious dentist who understand the apprehension that patients may feel before dental care. He will take the time to explain the procedure of his treatment and all advanced equipment we have in our practice.

Hygienists


Karon Priestman

Hygienist / Therapist

[GDC No. 155073]

Karon started working at the practice in 2010 as a dental nurse, she then went on to become an oral health educator. In 2012 she wanted to further her dental career and went to study dental hygiene and therapy at The University of Portsmouth, graduating with a BSc in hygiene and therapy in 2015. Read More

After graduating Karon came back to work full time at the practice offering patients a relaxed and friendly environment. Karon has a passion in educating patients on preventing tooth decay and focusing on periodontal health. She also works under prescription of a dentist to carry out routine dental procedures on adults and children. She enjoys treating nervous patients to overcome their anxieties to restore their confidence in hygiene and therapy. Karon keeps up to date with new and improving techniques in both hygiene and therapy.

Zoe Wills

Hygienist / Therapist

[GDC No. 186920]

Originally from Poole in Dorset, Zoe moved to London and qualified as Dental Hygienist and Therapist from Kings College Hospital winning the award for Professionalism. Having gained experience in specialist private practices in central London Zoe enjoys working with all members of our dental team to give patients the best possible overall dental care. Read More

Alongside her roles as a Hygienist, Zoe is especially keen on prevention. Seeing patients as individuals and creating a tailored oral hygiene regime for each patient. Zoe is a member of the BSDHT and attends dental conferences to keep up to date with new techniques.

Nurses


Archana Gurung

Nurse

[GDC No. 274759]



Behice Kaplan

Nurse

[GDC No. 227761]



Carla McKie

Nurse

[GDC No. 134625]



Eliza Acharya

Nurse

[GDC No. 195018]



Treatment Co-ordinators


Sarah Persechino

Treatment Co-ordinator

Sarah has worked within dentistry for almost 20 years. She started out as a dental nurse, before moving onto dental receptionist and finally progressing onto her role as treatment co-ordinator. Her role as treatment co-ordinator includes helping patients understand dental... Read More

treatment options available to them and interacting with the whole dental team, ensuring a smooth and relaxed patient journey, whilst providing a point of contact for all patients undergoing treatment.

She enjoys her role and prides herself on her friendly manner, being able to deliver clear and precise information to our patients.

Sarah is also an integral part of the marketing team, working well within the team to ensure our marketing is up to date, well planned and informative.

Reception


Sarah Bastick

Receptionist

Sarah started her career in dentistry 30 years ago as a dental nurse. She has joined our practice in 2018 and has integrated really well within our team. With her excellent communication skills and bubbly personality, Sarah provides an excellent service to our patients. Read More

Management



Denise Bradford

Administration Manager

Denise has managed office and customer service functions for most of her working career spent in the finance sector and health sector. Prior to joining Bexleyheath Dental Practice, Denise managed a physiotherapy and sports injury clinic... Read More

and her knowledge of finance and office systems and experience of staff support helps to ensure the best possible service for patients.

Joanne Moore

Administration Assistant

Joanne joined the practice in December 2016, having worked in the finance sector for all of her working career. She also helps with the running and maintaining of businesses owned by two of her family members. Read More

WINNERS OF Clinical Dentistry Awards 2023 - Orthodontic Practice & Highly Commended Clinical Practice
The Sandford Bexleyheath Award Winner
The Sandford Clinical Dentistry Award Winner
The Sandford awards and associations
The Sandford Bexley Business Awards Winner
The Sandford Private Dentistry Awards Winner
The Sandford Nina Shaffie Best Young Dentist Award
The Sandford awards and associations