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LOCATIONS
Brighton, East Sussex
Broadstairs, Kent
Central, Southampton
Dover, Kent
Eastbourne, East Sussex
Eastbourne Trinity, East Sussex
Eastleigh, Southampton
Gosport, Hampshire
Hamble, Southampton
Handcross, West Sussex
Hastings, East Sussex
Horsham, West Sussex
Margate, Kent
Marlborough, Wiltshire
Mayfield, East Sussex
Moulsecoomb, East Sussex
Sheerness, Kent
Shirley, Southampton
Shirley Dale, Southampton
St Leonards, East Sussex
Steyning, West Sussex
Westbury, Wiltshire
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About Us

Our Vision & ValuesOur Management TeamOur Expectations

South Cliff Dental Group is a group of practices that provide general dental services (both NHS and private) to patients of West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and Wiltshire. We offer the whole spectra of dental treatments including implants, endodontics, periodontics and sedation.

Founded in 2015, we’ve built a different group of dental practices. Dental practices open 6 days a week, with Saturday and late evening appointments. Dental practices that tell you exactly what you’re getting, in a language that actually makes sense. Dental practices which allow you to access NHS and Private dental care. Dental practices that put you first.

This is our promise to you

1

We will care for you, your dental health and general health.

2

We don't just listen, we take action.

3

We will always offer you NHS and private options.

Our Vision and Values

In all we do on a daily basis, our work is driven by our vision to provide excellent care to all our patients. To achieve our vision, we wish to develop a reputation for excellence and innovation so that no-one can doubt the central role that our healthcare service plays in the local community.

Our strategy to implement our ambitions focuses on quality improvement and assurance to deliver increased productivity and cost efficiencies. This strategy is informed by national and local strategic drivers and supported by a comprehensive range of clinical evidence-base criteria.

Our Values

Our values are as follows. They underpin our vision.

  • Compassionate Care
  • Working Together
  • Achieving Ambitions
  • Delivering Excellence

Our Objectives

Our vision is to continually provide excellent care to all our patients. In order to maintain and strive for this, we have devised the following three objectives:

  • We will provide excellent, compassionate care to our patients so they can achieve complete stable dental health.
  • Our services will be shaped by our patients, directors and staff; and personalised for the individual and their specific circumstances.
  • We will be a socially responsible, strong and sustainable business led by excellent staff.

Improving Care

South Cliff Dental Group intends to maintain good working relationships with colleagues who contribute to the overall care of our patients. For example, we are promoting the Kent County Council’s OneYouKent scheme in our Kent practices; working towards becoming Dementia Friendly Practices as part of the Health Education Thames Valley Scheme; strong promoters of Making Every Contact Count in our practices; and liaising with Health Visitors and local GPs to promote Dental Checks by 1 (DCby1) as part of the modified Starting Well Programme.

Sustainability

We have increased recycling of materials by 53% over the last 3 years, and reduced our carbon footprint through simple methods such as staff car-sharing to travel to work. In our Westbury practice, we exclusively use Renewable Green energy from Engie UK. We also  make use of energy efficient lighting, recycling waste bins, and sustainability posters on display for patient education.

electricity usage
recycling
reduce waste
water consumption

Information Management

To improve on service delivery, all patient data is held securely in an electronic format, and robustly protected. South Cliff Dental Group has achieved official accreditation with Cyber Essentials (a UK government backed certification programme).

Employee Diversity

Being open and welcoming is at our heart. Our aim is to build a truly inclusive environment where our employees can be themselves. From gender and ethnicity to our commitment to support our colleagues across generations, we value diversity in every sense. In a lot of businesses there are a lot more men than women in managerial positions. We have changed this, and our proud that over 50% of managerial positions are filled by women.

Our Management Team

Our senior team has a wealth of experience from the worlds of finance, healthcare, training and commerce. Our people have been drawn together by a collection ambition to focus on quality improvement and excellent care to all our patients.

Dr Ashkan Pitchforth BDS (Hons)

Chief Executive Officer and Founder

Ashkan founded South Cliff Dental Group in April 2015 following his desire to create a group of practices which puts patients’ interests at its heart. He is responsible for the overall strategy of the group and its focus. His extensive dental knowledge and experience is vital to the dental industry and the group. Ashkan qualified from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Dental School in 2009 with honours.

Ashkan is an Executive Member of the West Sussex Local Dental Committee, which strives to represent dentists on a local and national level. He has mentored younger dentists for Health Education England over a three year period. For 3 years, he worked as a Clinical Advisor for NHS England South East. Outside of work, Ashkan relaxes by watching films and visiting the gym.

Dr Manar El-Alami BDS (Hons)

CO-Founder

Manar is the Co-Founder of South Cliff Dental Group, and she currently provides advice and support to the Management Team who work within the group. Her clinical abilities and experience has gifted her this title.

After qualifying from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Dental School in 2009 with honours, she practised dentistry in various practices in Kent and Sussex to build up her clinical experience and expertise, before undertaking her role within South Cliff Dental Group. To relax, Manar enjoys spending time with her family and reading novels of various genres.

Dr Laura Smith BDS

Clinical Director (Kent)

Laura graduated in Biomedical Science (Neuroscience) from Kings in 2005 and followed this with a post-graduate Dental qualification at Guys Kings and St Thomas’ graduating in 2009.

Following graduation Laura worked within NHS and Private Dentistry and is now the Clinical Director for our practices in Kent. General dentistry is her passion, family dentistry, prevention and cosmetics. Her current role includes supporting and mentoring dentists within the practices.

In 2016 she gained membership to the joint dental faculties of the Royal College Surgeons of London (MJDF RCS). She sits on the Local Dental Committee for Kent and is the Kent representative in the Managed Clinical Network for Routine Dentistry across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Laura loves baking and travelling in her spare time, as well as high intensity interval training.

Dr Emile Tadros MDDr Prague

Clinical Director (Sussex)

Emile qualified in 2008 and has worked as an associate, locum and regional dentist in Yorkshire, Cumbria and Sussex.

He is the Clinical Director for South Cliff Dental Group, covering seven practices in Sussex which involves supporting and advising the dentists and hygienists in their roles.

In his spare time Emile enjoys visiting new countries and listening to music.

Natalie Gibson

Head of Clinical Governance

Natalie began her career in 2007 when she was just 16 years old. Natalie then sat her dental nurse exams in 2010 and gained her qualification. In 2016 Natalie moved from Norfolk to Crawley where her journey with Ash began. In 2019 Natalie was appointed Head of Clinical Governance. In Natalie’s spare time she enjoys travelling and spending time with her cats and future husband Craig.

Rachel Pithie

Human Resources Manager

Rachel studied at the University of Essex and gained her qualification in Sociology in 2016, she then went on to start a career within the NHS. She joined our Head Office team July 2019 and progressed to become the HR Manager in March 2020.

She was commended by all staff by planning South Cliff Dental Group's 2019 Christmas Party for all the staff which was held in London.
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Rachel rarely spends a weekend at home; she is constantly trying out new activities, attending events and parties.During the weekday evenings she enjoys watching TV with her cat and has probably watched everything on Netflix. She also enjoys attending lots of comedy improvisation shows to watch.

Helen Freeman

Finance Manager

Helen began working for Battle Road Dental Practice in 2000 as a receptionist, gaining a certificate in Dental Reception. Helen’s flair for business and administration were soon recognised and her qualifications in Integrated Business Technology and Accounting were put to use working in the office. In 2008 Helen was appointed as Finance Manager alongside Sharon Hay, where she played a part in the relocation and expansion of the then three surgery practice to a thriving eight surgery practice with an additional three surgery practice at the Station plaza Health Centre. Helen continues to work as a dual site Practice Manager alongside Sharon Hay as well as Managing the South Cliff Dental Group Payroll Department.In her spare time, Helen enjoys reading, theatre, dining out and socialising with friends and family.

Bernadette Clements

Finance Manager

Bernadette started her working life in Australia, beginning her career at Monash Hospital in Victoria. Her life in the hospital was continuous (between having 3 children) until 2000 when she returned to live in the UK. Once back in the UK Bernadette worked in customer service before starting her own small business in 2010. In 2018 she had the opportunity to sell her business and take 18 months off work so that she could spend time with her new Granddaughters.

Bernadette began working for South Cliff Dental Group at our Head Office in May 2020 as an administrator. Since starting she has taken on more responsibilities within the finance department. Bernadette loves to dance at least 3 times a week and on weekends spends quality time with her family.

GArima Garg

Finance Assistant

Garima has done her Bachelors in Electronics engineering in 2014. During her final year, she started her own business in online retail where she won the young entrepreneur award. She was enticed by Finance and accounting when she started to manage accounts for her startup and there was no looking back. She did her diploma in accounting and completed AAT 3 and worked at various companies as an account assistant and specialist when she moved to the UK in 2018.

She joined South Cliff Dental Group in Feb 2021 where she assists in managing the accounts and billing for all the practices. On the personal front, she loves to travel to new places and is an excellent cook. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family.

Charlotte Foley

Personal Assistant to CEO

Charlotte joined South Cliff Dental Group in December 2020 as an Admin Assistant and Personal Assistant to the CEO which she thoroughly enjoys. Charlotte enjoys going to the gym in her free time. She also spends a lot of time going out with her friends and family.

ELLA SPARROW

HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT

Ella enjoys working with the friendly team, gaining new skills and is looking forward to progressing in her role. Before starting at South Cliff Dental Group, Ella did an apprenticeship in Business Administration Level 2 and she has a vast knowledge about Administration.

Negash Khiar

Area Manager, Sussex

Having spent  many years in retail as a Store Manager and then Area Manager with global brands such as Starbucks, Negash entered the dental world back in December 2014. Negash brought with him his leadership and organisational skills and used this to improve performance in the practices at Southern Dental. An aspect that Negash excelled at, is the development of his practice managers. Negash embraces new challenges and ensures that he works alongside his managers to deliver excellent patient experience in his practices. Negash joined South Cliff Dental Group at the end of June 2021 and is looking forward to influencing the business in a positive way.

Michael Ridley

Area Manager, Kent

Michael started his career at just 16 when he joined the British Army. He enjoyed a rewarding 8 year military career serving in many hostile environments across the world. In 2008 he began his journey into management starting as an Operations Manager in the corporate security industry. He joined South Cliff Dental Group in July 2021 where he brought a dynamic and methodical approach to procedures, recruitment, and many other areas. Michael enjoys his role and hopes to develop a prosperous career in the Dental sector.

Carla Francom

Practice Manager Shirley, Southampton

Carla became Manager of Pro-Dent in 2016, shortly after actually starting as a receptionist in 2014 and then qualifying as a Nurse! Carla thrives in a management role and always exceeds her expectations. Her experience and clinical knowledge are such a dependable asset to our Pro-Dent practice and provide both her Staff and Patients with the highest level of integrity and attentiveness.In Carla’s spare time she loves spending time with both her husband and her baby boy and trips to see her family back home in South Africa!

Nora Elahcene

Practice Manager Eastleigh, Southampton

Nora joined South Cliff Dental Group in Eastleigh as Practice Manager in January 2021. She is friendly, hardworking and stands out for her positivity. She started her career in dentistry in 2015 and qualified as a dental nurse in 2017 and has gained considerable experience in the industry since then. She enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

Alison Williams

Practice Manager Gosport, Hampshire

Alison is a recent addition to South Cliff Dental Group having joined us in November 2019 as Practice Manager at Gosport. She's worked tirelessly to recruit, train and manage her new team and raise standards in all areas. She's completed training as a Dementia Champion and taken a leading role in the NHS initiative to ensure that all our practices are Dementia Friendly. She has a wealth of experience within dentistry previously working as a receptionist, patient care coordinator, smile advisor and in several management roles developing and supporting practices within the private sector. In her spare time Alison enjoys travelling, cookery, spending quality time with her husband, family and friends and walking her beloved dog Honey.

Catherine Gallagher

Practice Manager Marlborough, Wiltshire

Catherine passed her NEBDN National Certificate in 2005 in Swindon. With over 20 years’ experience in providing high quality, patient-centred care, she took on her next journey at becoming a manager in Marlborough and is enjoying her role in dentistry.

Catherine leads her team managing the daily goings on of the practice. She helps organise the staff and the business, so they keep delivering exceptional dental care. When she is not working, she likes to spend quality time with her family and 3 children; enjoying long walks in the countryside and baking.

Sharon Hay

Practice Manager St Leonards, East Sussex

Sharon began working for Battle Road Dental Practice in 1984 as a junior nurse, her customer service skills were quickly recognised by the then practice manager and she was offered a role as a receptionist where she gained a level 3 BTEC advanced award in Dental Reception. In 2008 Sharon was appointed the position of Administrative Manager in what was then a 3-surgery practice alongside Helen Freeman. Since then the practice has grown immensely and now has 8 surgeries with an additional 3 at the branch practice at Station Plaza Health Centre.Sharon gained her level 5 diploma in Management in 2013 and continues to develop her skills in an ever-changing environment. In her spare time Sharon is a gym enthusiast and enjoys dining out and socialising with her family and friends.

Cassie Halstead

Practice Manager Hastings, East Sussex

Cassie joined Station Plaza Dental Practice in early 2016 as a decontamination nurse and receptionist after completing an NVQ in business administration at a previous job within a local solicitors. After a year, Cassie then progressed to lead receptionist at the practice where her customer service skills grew with the day to day challenges. 3 years later, Cassie is now Practice Manager of Station Plaza Dental Practice where she continues to develop new skills within this job role. In her spare time, Cassie enjoys travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Jodie Vaughan

Practice Manager Westbury, Wiltshire

Jodie has had 4 years experience in Dental Practice Management with previous clinical experience in specialist subjects such as Implantology, Endodontics and Orthodontics. Jodie, as a qualified nurse, loves every aspect of dentistry and enjoys bringing her previous business experience into practice. In Jodie's spare time she enjoys spending time in the countryside with her dog (Peter the Pug) and her loving partner.

Wendy Grogan

Practice Manager Steyning, West Sussex

Wendy has had a long diverse career in dentistry; she has worked in hospital settings, community settings and general practice. She has qualifications in dental nursing, sedation nursing and practice management. Wendy enjoys long walks on the beach and up on the south downs; she loves nothing more than spending time with her family and with her grandson.

Michelle Sibanda

Practice Manager Shirley Dale and Central, Southampton

Michelle began her Dental nursing career in 2010. She completed her Dental Nursing Diploma at the London Waterloo Academy. She qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2013, achieving a National Diploma in Dental nursing.

Michelle was a nurse before becoming a Practice Manager for two locations. Michelle is very passionate about dentistry and likes to deliver the best patient care.

Michelle enjoys spending time with her son and husband; they travel to South Africa frequently. Michelle is originally from Zimbabwe. She moved to United Kingdom at the age of 18. Since than England has become her home.

Sam Tucker

Practice Manager Margate, Kent

Samantha’s journey started in January 2018, when she joined the High Street Dental Practice as a full time receptionist, something completely different to anything she has ever done before as she has come from 10 years retail working within Customer Service. Late 2018 she went onto the sister practice in Margate to train to be a dental nurse, which is where she found her passion in dentistry. October 2019 she came back to Broadstairs to start her new career as Practice Manager. Her aim is to ensure that our Broadstairs practice provides the best possible care for our patients, within a calm relaxed and happy atmosphere. When she is not working, she spends a lot of time with her partner and family making memories.

EMMA SCOTT

Practice Manager DOVER, KENT

Emma has been in dentistry for 7 years and started as a receptionist working her way up to management. She has only been with South Cliff Dental Group since the end of March 2021 when the Dover branch opened, but she is very much looking forward to progressing her management career with the group. In her spare time she enjoys working out and going for long walks in the countryside.

Priya Ram

Practice Manager SHEERNESS, KENT

Priya joined South Cliff Dental Group in April 2021 as a Practice Manager. She started her career in dentistry in 2016 as a dental nurse. Priya enjoys going to the gym and spending time with friends and family.

Stacey Cornelius

Clinical Manager St Leonards, East Sussex

Stacey joined South Cliff Dental Group, St Leonards, in 2018 as a trainee dental nurse and receptionist. Something completely different as she used to be a supervisor in a local nursery with 2–4-year-olds for 8 years. After two years of working at the practice Stacey was approached to join the team as the Clinical Manager. Stacey works alongside the Practice Manager Sharon Hay. In her spare time Stacey enjoys the gym, dining out and socialising with her family and friends.

Iris Cavey

Practice Manager Broadstairs, Kent

Iris qualified at Guys in 2000 both in Adult and Dental Nursing. She worked for community clinics and anaesthetic centres in London as a Head Nurse. She then went on to do her level 5 Business Management Diploma and went to work at the local PCT as a Tendering Manager. She has been involved in all areas of management within dentistry from business management to practice management and has been a radiation supervisor and a registered manager for the CQC.

Alison Shorman

Practice Manager Mayfield, East Sussex

Alison joined Mayfield in 2011 with a previous background in business sales and licensing.Alison enjoys the challenges and diversity that this role brings. She strives to maintain an efficient, smooth running practice ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care. Alison enjoys cooking, entertaining and exploring the UK with her friends and family.

Wendy Smith

Practice Manager Horsham, West Sussex

Wendy began her career in Dentistry in September 1981, where she worked as a receptionist and dental nurse for John Cannon at 'The Old House' surgery in Horsham for 5 and a half years.

She then moved to Worthing Road Dental Practice in May 1987 as Practice Manager and passed her National Certificate in Dental Nursing in 1989.

She has seen many changes in dentistry, having been in the profession for nearly 40 years, but is happy to embrace any new challenges.

In her spare time, she loves gardening, drawing, painting, watching movies and spending time with family.

Beth Morris

Practice Manager Eastbourne, East Sussex

Beth previously worked within the insurance industry for nearly 10 years, with 6 years as a Customer Service Manager. During this time she also has had experiences working within Training, Sales and Fraud.

Beth enjoys working together within the whole management team to excel and provide a great environment for both patients and staff.

In her spare time she enjoys working out and going on weekends away with friends.

What We Expect From You

We are here to provide you with care. However, in order for us to deliver the highest quality care, we ask the following from you:

  • To let us know by phone or email if you are unable to keep your appointment. In this way, we can give this appointment slot to someone else.
  • To let us know what your worries and concerns are when you see our dentists. They will then make you feel more at ease. We want you to be involved in your treatment, so you can make informed choices.
  • To follow all of our advice and instructions we give you concerning your oral health. We advise you on brushing techniques and the types of interdental cleaning aids to use in order to keep you smiling, but only you can use them!
  • To let us know of any changes in your medical history and exemption status (if applicable) at each appointment.
  • The only way we can improve our service or change things is if you tell us. We therefore want you to tell us how we can improve and change our services for the better. We have Patient Satisfaction Surveys which can be filled out at reception or you can simply email us.
  • Alternatively you can just have a chat with our staff and they will make a note of it. Also we hold regular Patient Participation Groups to obtain your views.
Thank you,

South Cliff Dental Group
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