Meet the Deddington Dental Team
Friendly, experienced and patient focused
Meet the Deddington Dental team. Our clinicians and support staff work together to provide high-quality private dental care in a calm and welcoming environment.
Dentists
Dr Akhil Gupta BDS (Hons)
London MFDS RCS (Ed)
Dr Akhil Gupta is one of the principal dentists and co-owners at Deddington Dental, having taken over the practice in September 2015. Since then, he has been dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centred dental care to the local community.
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With a calm and friendly approach, Dr Gupta strives to make every patient feel comfortable and well informed about their dental health. He has a particular interest in cosmetic orthodontic treatments and is passionate about helping patients achieve confident, natural-looking smiles.
As part of the wider Deddington Dental team, Dr Gupta is committed to clinical excellence and ongoing professional development, ensuring that patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care possible.
Outside of dentistry, Akhil enjoys travelling the world and capturing his adventures through photography. He is always happy to share a travel story or two during your visit—when he is not talking teeth!
Dr Tajinder Sihra BDS London
MJDF RCS (Eng) PG Cert (Implants)
Dr Taj Sihra is co-principal dentist at Deddington Dental and a valued member of the Deddington Dental team. She brings a calm and compassionate approach to dentistry, especially when caring for nervous patients. She takes great pride in helping individuals overcome their dental anxieties and regain confidence in their smiles.
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Dr Sihra has a strong interest in cosmetic dentistry and is passionate about delivering natural, aesthetic results. With over a decade of experience, she has trained under the renowned Dr Bob Khanna in facial aesthetics and is highly experienced in treatments such as wrinkle reduction (Botox), dermal fillers, PRP therapy and advanced skincare techniques. Her artistic eye and gentle technique make her a popular choice for patients seeking both dental and facial rejuvenation.
In addition to her aesthetic expertise, Dr Sihra has completed certified training in implant placement, allowing her to offer patients high-quality restorative options for missing teeth.
Away from the clinic, Taj enjoys spending time with her family, staying active and keeping up with the latest innovations in both dentistry and aesthetics.
Dr Kristlee S Fernandes BDS
2002, MDS (Endodontics)
Dr Kris is a distinguished Specialist Endodontist with a clinical career spanning more than two decades. He obtained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in Goa in 2002, followed by a Master’s degree in Endodontics in 2007. He has worked at Deddington Dental since 2015.
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He is widely respected among his peers for his precision, clinical insight and consistent ability to manage some of the most challenging endodontic cases.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr Kris is an active thought leader in the field and regularly publishes in respected international journals, where his insights continue to influence contemporary endodontic practice.
Dr Sophia Puri BDS MFDS RCS(Ed) PG Dip (clear aligners)
Sophia graduated from King’s College London and has been part of the team at Deddington Dental since 2018.
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She has a special interest in oral surgery and receives referrals from surrounding practices for complex extractions, including surgical and wisdom tooth extractions. During her time as a Senior House Officer in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at a North West London hospital, she developed advanced skills in managing more challenging cases, including broken-down teeth and surgical extractions.
Sophia is known for her calm, reassuring approach, helping even the most anxious patients feel comfortable and supported throughout treatment. She also provides treatment under sedation where appropriate.
Alongside her oral surgery work, Sophia is highly experienced in general dentistry and clear aligner treatment. She holds a postgraduate diploma in clear aligners and has completed advanced training in operative and aesthetic dentistry, allowing her to deliver well-rounded, high-quality care tailored to each patient.
Dr Angela Onchwari BDS London MFDS RCS (Glas)
Angela graduated from King’s College London. She has developed a passion for all aspects of general dentistry and for building rapport that encourages trust, allowing patients to feel safe and empowered in relation to their oral health. She works patiently and thoughtfully to reduce the fear and anxiety often associated with dentistry.
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Angela is also committed to continuing professional development. She has completed her membership diploma from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, alongside postgraduate courses including Invisalign Go, Monik Vasant’s composite course and programmes in Advanced Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry. She has also worked as a foundation trainer for the Oxfordshire scheme, supporting newly qualified dentists in general practice.
In her free time, when she is not making a mess on a canvas, Angela enjoys cooking with family and friends, reading fantasy novels and dominating the leaderboards on Candy Crush.
Dr Alice Lewis BDS BRISTOL PG CERT (Restorative)
Alice qualified from the University of Bristol in 2014 and later completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Restorative Dentistry at University College London.
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She is passionate about providing high-quality, modern dentistry with a strong focus on prevention and long-term oral health. Her clinical interests include minimally invasive restorative dentistry, aesthetic composite bonding and Invisalign, with an emphasis on natural, long-lasting results.
Alice takes pride in creating a calm and welcoming environment where patients feel relaxed and well cared for. She particularly enjoys helping nervous patients and children feel comfortable and confident in their dental care.
Outside of dentistry, Alice enjoys spending time with her young family and going on long dog walks.
Dr Nimi Samra BDS Europea De Madrid, Spain (2017)
Dr Nimi has a patient-centred approach, taking particular care to support nervous patients with kindness and understanding.
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Her clinical interests lie in general dentistry, with a strong focus on prevention and minimally invasive techniques, helping patients maintain healthy smiles while preserving natural tooth structure.
Alongside dentistry, Dr Nimi has a keen interest in facial aesthetics, with a particular focus on improving skin quality and texture. She has undertaken extensive training with pioneers in the field, developing a high level of knowledge in facial rejuvenation treatments. Her philosophy is centred on subtle, natural-looking results that enhance rather than change a patient’s appearance.
Outside of work, Dr Nimi enjoys keeping active and can often be found working on her latest Lego project.
Hygienists
Alexandra Cross
Alexandra is one of our dental hygienists at Deddington Dental. She graduated with distinction from Cardiff University in 2021.
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Alex has a special interest in the oral microbiome and in how holistic approaches can complement the clinical treatments she provides. She uses a gentle approach, aiming to build trust and reduce patient anxiety.
Sara Reid
Sara qualified from Portsmouth University in 2012 after working in a variety of roles within dentistry. She enjoys motivating her patients and ensures that everyone is treated as an individual, with tailored advice to suit their needs.
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In her spare time, Sara enjoys knitting, crocheting, cooking and music. She has played the piano since she was five years old, and the oboe and bass guitar since secondary school.
Gisela-Denisa Cremenea
Gisela is a qualified dental hygienist with a clear focus on providing gentle, thorough and patient-centred care. She aims to create a calm and comfortable environment while delivering high-quality preventive treatments and clear oral health guidance.
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With her detail-oriented approach and warm manner, Gisela is committed to supporting each patient on their journey towards better oral health.
In her spare time, Gisela enjoys salsa dancing, which reflects her energy and love of connecting with people.
Charlotte Stacey
Charlotte joined Deddington Dental in 2026 after qualifying with a Foundation Degree in Oral Health Science from the University of Essex in 2023.
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She provides hygiene appointments using Guided Biofilm Therapy and takes an evidence-based, patient-centred approach to care. Charlotte enjoys building lasting relationships with her patients, helping them improve their oral health and feel more confident in their smiles.
Committed to continuing professional development, Charlotte is also planning further training in facial aesthetics.
Practice Management, Nurses & Receptionists
Karen Cheetham
Karen has been with the practice since 2015 and took on the role of Practice Manager in 2017. She is local to Deddington and is highly experienced in dental nursing and management, having worked in private practice in Oxford as well as previously at Deddington Dental. Karen is excellent at reassuring anxious patients and helping to make their treatment more comfortable. She prides herself on providing the best possible patient experience and keeping up to date with the latest CQC policies and procedures.
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Outside of work, Karen has Myla and Frankie—two cheeky miniature schnauzers—to keep her busy on long walks through the local countryside.
Clare Walker
Clare joined us in 2017 as a dental nurse and has since become our lead nurse for cross-infection control within the practice. She brings a great deal of experience, having qualified as a dental nurse in 2011. Clare has a warm nature and is passionate about what she does. After working in and around Oxfordshire for several years, she chose a long-term position closer to home.
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Outside of work, Clare has a passion for gardening and has gained her RHS Level 2 Certificate.
Zoe Carroll
Zoe has been a dental nurse for over 35 years and has extensive experience working with both specialist and general dentists. She is excellent at reassuring nervous patients and is known by patients and colleagues for her sunny disposition.
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Her pastimes include watching football and netball, taking long walks, visiting the seaside and regularly attending the theatre and concerts.
Adina Bazavan
Adina moved from London in 2022, where she worked at a dental practice in Marylebone, before joining our expanding team at Deddington Dental. She holds additional qualifications that enable her to scan patients’ teeth using our dental scanner and take dental radiographs for our dentists.
Sarah White
Sarah joined the team in 2022 and has since become an invaluable team member, introducing new processes while remaining highly efficient and friendly to everyone who walks through the door.
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In her spare time, Sarah enjoys watching her husband and son play rugby, seeing her daughter perform in drama productions and taking country walks with her three dogs, Brandon, Luna and Libby.
Isabel Knibb
Isabel joined our team in 2023. She qualified in 2007 and has worked as both a dental nurse and receptionist.
In her spare time, she enjoys dog grooming, Clubbercise and running—something she started in 2021. She successfully completed her first half-marathon in Oxford for Cancer Research in 2022.
Ashlyn Coombes
Ashlyn is one of the dental nurses at Deddington Dental. She has extensive experience working with a range of clinicians within dentistry and provides calm, professional support to our dentists and patients.
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Ashlyn lives locally with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her Sproodle, Bella, in the local countryside and spending time with her two cats, Hughie and Roarie.
Millie Morris
Millie is one of the dental nurses at Deddington Dental and has experience working with a range of clinicians within dentistry. She provides friendly and professional support to our dentists and patients.
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Millie lives locally with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting new places and spending time with her dog, Poppy.
Visiting Clinicians
Dr Riz Syed (Implantologist)
Dr Riz Syed visits Deddington Dental to provide treatment for our most complex implant cases. He qualified in 1999 at the Royal London Hospital, after which he worked in an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department.
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He has since completed extensive postgraduate studies in both implant and restorative dentistry, including a master’s certificate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has trained extensively in America and Europe in advanced soft- and hard-tissue management and has completed advanced training in oral plastic surgery in Dallas, Texas.
Dr Syed lectures nationally and internationally on all aspects of implant dentistry, including hard- and soft-tissue management and NobelGuide.
Dr Rob Endicott BDS pgcert
Rob began his sedation career in 2003 after experiencing dental phobia himself for many years.
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He has carried out thousands of intravenous sedation procedures, mainly using midazolam. He has also completed numerous intranasal and oral sedation procedures, as well as hundreds of relative analgesia cases.
In 2018, he established Midlands Dental Sedation Services to work full-time as a sedationist.
Using his dental and sedation experience, Rob is able to advise on techniques that help dentists treat anxious patients with less stress for everyone involved.