Meet the team

At Wootton Bridge Dental & Implant Clinic our highly skilled, friendly team shares the same single vision: we put you first. Together, we are dedicated to providing you with a first class experience, from the comfort of our reception to the very latest innovations in dental technology. We make sure you have the best possible care from the second you walk through the door.

Find out more about each of our practice team members below.

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Dr Nina Tsankova-Hristova

Dental Practitioner with Special interest in Aesthetic Dentistry and Orthodontics
DDM PGDipAES MSc (Orthodontics)
GDC No. 204037

Nina moved to the sunny Isle of Wight with her family in 2011. She qualified with Distinction at Plovdiv’s University in 2002 as a Doctor of Dental Medicine. Her clinical focus has always been to enhance aesthetics and oral health outcomes by delivering precise and efficient care in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Although she enjoys all aspects of dentistry, her special interest is in Aesthetic Dentistry including Smile Makeovers, Orthodontics, and Facial Aesthetics. In pursuit of continuous career development, Nina has undertaken many training courses in Advanced Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, and Facial Aesthetics and gained a Diploma in Aesthetic Dentistry from King’s College London and a Master’s Degree in Orthodontics from Warwick University. Nina has been an Invisalign Gold provider for the last few years. She prides herself in providing an excellent standard of care in all clinical scenarios from the short and simple to the more complex, often combining whitening, enamel recontouring, and composite bonding when necessary.

Nina joined the practice in 2018. Her priority is being kind, reassuring, and treating patients of various ages with empathy. She strives to build good relationships with her patients based on trust and a personal approach to care, but also because of her competence and expertise, attention to detail, and honesty. She has always aimed to use her experience and knowledge to provide long-term, functional, aesthetic dental treatment and oral health care.

In her spare time, Nina enjoys traveling with her family, gardening, handcrafting, and walking her spaniel. Helping the local community especially Mountbatten Hospice through charity fundraising has become her latest passion.

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Dr Liliya Ekova

Dental Practitioner - Special Interest in Endodontics
DDM (Sof), 2002
GDC No. 174040

Liliya qualified with Master's Degree in Dental Medicine from Sofia Medical University in 2002 following a change of career from nursing.

In 2010 Liliya and her family moved to the Isle of Wight. She has worked as a dentist on the Island ever since.

In 2016 Liliya earned MSc in Endodontics from King's College London. Recently she's undertaken further professional development in aesthetic dentistry.

Liliya believes that every patient is at the centre of their dental care and treatment, and the most important part of the dental team. She would like to treat patients in the same way/manner as she would like to be treated.

Liliya lives with her husband and their three children and enjoys history, reading and fine embroidery.

Asim Raja Wootton Bridge Dental Implant Clinic

Dr Asim Raja

Dentist
BDS
GDC No. 268119

Asim is an accomplished professional whose latest and most significant achievement is in the field of dentistry. A UK dental graduate hailing from London, Asim holds a Masters in Immunology, complemented by multiple degrees in biochemistry. Despite a robust academic foundation, Dentistry stands out as his most recent and paramount accomplishment.

Embarking on his dental career with foundation training in Kent in 2016, Asim has swiftly become a versatile practitioner in general dentistry. Beyond general dental skills, he has pursued further training in implantology, showcasing his commitment to mastering diverse facets of the dental profession. Oral surgery is his particular passion, and ongoing training in aesthetic and restorative dentistry underscores his dedication to continuous improvement.

Asim brings a contemporary perspective to dentistry. Patient care is his top priority, and he takes pride in ensuring each patient feels at ease during their visits. What distinguishes Asim is his commitment to understanding each patient’s needs and requirements, enabling him to provide personalised and holistic care.

Known for his kind and understanding demeanour, Asim embodies confidence, methodical precision, and thoroughness in his work. He upholds a commitment to delivering dentistry of the highest standard, with a focus on quality in every aspect of his practice.

Beyond his professional achievements, Asim leads a well-rounded life. In his leisure, he frequents the gym, nurtures social connections with friends and family, and indulges his passion for travel. Having explored Europe, Far East Asia, and South America, he's collected more stamps in his passport than most people have in their dental records. Asim's diverse experiences contribute to his perspective, both within and outside the dental profession. With dentistry as his latest and most significant accomplishment, Asim is not just a skilled practitioner, but a caring professional devoted to the well-being of his patients.

Dr Mohamed Nabijee

Mohamed Nabijee

Dentist
BDS (Lond) 2021, MSc Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry (Manchester) 2012, PGCERT Clinical Education (KCL) 2022, FHEA
GDC No. 79864

Mohamed (Mo) Nabijee qualified from the Royal London Dental Hospital in 2001 and shortly afterwards began running three dental practices in South London. In 2014 he completed a Masters Degree in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry (MSc) with the University of Manchester, following which he then became a Dental Foundation Trainer for Kent, Surrey and Sussex. He now is a Clinical Tutor for Undergraduate dental students at Kings College London and combines education, experience and a gentle touch to provide his patients with exceptional dental care.

Mo places his patients’ comfort and satisfaction above all else. He takes the time to personalise the dental experience taking the fear and intimidation out of dentistry. His specialist interests are in cosmetic dentistry and implantology. Mo joined Wootton Bridge in 2023 to become our implant dentist.

When he is not working Mo leads an active life. His three daughters keep him busy and he stays fit by cycling and going to the gym. He has a passion for travel and loves to socialise with friends and family.

John Photo

John Urquhart

Dentist
GDC No. 73478

John, originally from Northern Ireland, joined our practice on the Isle of Wight in early 2024, bringing a wealth of diverse experience from his previous position in rural New Zealand. He qualified from the Royal London Dental Hospital in 1997 and has mainly practiced in NHS, private and Denplan practices in the south East of England. John is a committed general dentist with special training in clinical hypnosis from University College London and advanced courses in restorative dentistry from Tipton Training.

A moderator on the website Dental Fear Central, he is passionate about continuing professional development, John integrates the latest dental techniques and knowledge into his practice. He places a high value on patient involvement, ensuring that each patient is an active participant in the treatment planning process. Known for his gentle and understanding approach, John prioritizes honesty and patient comfort in every interaction.

Outside the clinic, John enjoys the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight through walking, fishing, and paddleboarding. His connection to the island's community and environment enhances his commitment to providing excellent dental care to its residents.

Anne-Marie Judge

Hygienist
Dip Dental Hygiene 2000 (Eastman Lon)
GDC No. 5701

Anne-Marie worked at the Wootton Bridge Dental & Implant Practice as a dental nurse before training to become a hygienist at the Eastman Dental Hospital in London. After qualifying Anne-Marie immediately returned to the practice to join the hygienist team here at Wootton. Anne-Marie enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. She is also a qualified CrossFit trainer and coaches both adult and kids classes in her spare time. Anne-Marie is happy to see patients who are not registered with a dentist at the Wootton Bridge Dental & Implant Practice.

Beckie Vockins

Hygienist
GDC No. 266367

Beckie began her career at Wootton Bridge as a trainee dental nurse. On qualifying, she decided to progress her career and enrolled at Portsmouth University to train as a dental hygienist. Beckie qualified as a hygienist in 2021 and will be seeing patients on Saturday mornings. Beckie is an accomplished ice skater and has an obsession with dogs!

Samantha Martin

Hygienist
CEB Dip Dental Hygiene 1995 (Univ. Lond)
GDC No. 4234

Samantha trained as a dental nurse with Ian Poplett, founder partner of the Wootton Bridge Dental & Implant Practice, before training as a hygienist. Samantha joined the Wootton Bridge Dental & Implant Practice after returning to the Island with her two daughters.

Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and is an active member of the Isle of Wight Pony Club. Samantha is happy to see patients who are not registered with a dentist at the Wootton Bridge Dental & Implant Practice.

Sarah Banks

Hygienist
Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Hygiene 1991; Diploma in Dental Hygiene 1995
GDC No. 4129

Sarah Banks qualified as a dental hygienist from Cardiff Dental School in 1991, gaining the British Dental Hygienists Association Award, Final Examination Prize and Clinical Prize. Sarah joined the team at the Wootton Bridge Dental & Implant Practice in March 2017, having previously worked at the practice for many years before starting her family.

Her time is spent with her husband and two children. She enjoys gardening, swimming, aerobics and reading. Sarah is happy to see patients who are not registered with a dentist at the Wootton Bridge Dental & Implant Practice.

Gemma Punter

Deputy Practice Manager
NEBDN, 2005
GDC No. 113388

Gemma joined the practice in 2003. Gemma is joint Infection Control Lead and is a qualified radiographer at the practice. Gemma was awarded the Lead Nurse role in 2017 and is in charge of arranging the implant clinics at the practice. Gemma also holds a qualification for Sedation in Dentistry. Gemma lives with beloved sausage dog Lincoln, husband Tom (in that order) and enjoys spending time with her step daughter.

Debbie Basill

Dental Nurse
NEBDN, 2012
GDC No. 235033

Debbie joined the practice in June 2018. She has a grown-up family but loves to spend her spare time enjoying her two new grand- sons, gardening, baking and reading.

Joanne Murton

Dental Nurse, First Aider
NEBDN, 1999
GDC No. 113386

Joanne `Jo` was an original member of the practice when it opened in 1997. Jo is responsible for COSHH in the practice and ensuring all the equipment is well maintained. Jo’s hobbies include yoga, walking, going to the cinema and trying to persuade herself that her neighbour’s cat hasn’t moved in!

Fern Doyle

Dental Nurse
NEBDN, 2006
GDC No. 123370

Fern joined the practice in 2004. Fern is joint Infection Control Lead and ensures that all our procedures meet Government best practice guidelines. Fern also runs her own company, Dolly Mops, and carries out the practice housekeeping. She lives with her husband and son.

Jodie Parsons

Dental Nurse
NEBDN, 2008
GDC No. 170688

Jodie joined the practice in March 2017 after leaving a practice manager role in Portsmouth. Jodie attended Portsmouth University and carried out some of her chair-side training at Wootton ten years ago. Jodie lives with her husband and son. In December 2021, Jodie qualified in dental radiography.

Suzanna Rayner

Dental Nurse
Qual- National Certificate NEBDN 2003
GDC No. 113387

Suzanna has worked at Wootton Bridge for the past fifteen years recently re-joining the team after a short break to undertake further study to qualify as a sports therapist. Suzanna lives on the Island with her husband and twin daughters.

Rachael Gulliver

Dental Nurse
National Certificate NEBDN 2000
GDC No. 113389

Rachael worked at Wootton Bridge for twenty years before leaving for a short while. We are delighted she has rejoined the team. Rachael lives in Newport with her husband, son.

Sophie Price

Dental Nurse
NEBDN 2021
GDC No. 294646

Sophie is a fully qualified and experienced dental nurse who joined the practice in July 2021. Keen to expand her skills, in November 2022 Sophie qualified in dental radiography.

Alison Langdon

Practice Manager/Registered Manager

Alison qualified as a dental surgery assistant in 1994. She was part of the original practice team when the practice opened in June 1997 and went on to reach the final 5 in the National Receptionist of the Year Award run by Denplan in 1998. Alison won Portman DentalCare Practice Manager of the Year in 2016.

`Excellent patient care` is and always has been her focus and she prides herself on the fact that Wootton Bridge is a great place to work and for the patients to visit! As well the managing the practice, Alison has also acted as assistant to the Secretary General of the International College of Dentists (European Section) and was responsible for constructing their website and annual publication. Alison was born and raised on the Island, lives with her husband and two children and has no plans to ever leave the most beautiful place in the Country.

Julie Vockins

Receptionist/Decontamination Nurse

Julie joined the practice in 1999. Julie enjoys caravan holidays and lives with her husband and three children. Julie enjoys walking her three dogs – one of which she inherited!

Sarah Tomlin

Trainee Dental Nurse/Receptionist

Sarah joined the reception team in 2015. She loves the practice so much, she bought the house next door! Sarah lives with her husband Dan and two daughters. From 2024 Sarah has changed her role to begin training as a dental nurse.

Nicola Tucker

Decontamination Nurse

Nicola `Nicky` joined the practice in 2016 and is Validation Lead, which means she ensures all the equipment in the decontamination room meets Government standards of best practice. Nicky lives with her husband, two children and beloved Cockerpoo Ozzie!

Samantha Botwright

Lead Receptionist

Samantha joined the practice in 2016. In November 2017, Samantha won the Portman DentalCare Star of the Month award for excellent patient care. Samantha lives in Wootton with her family. Samantha has a passion for cake in any form!

Robyn Hartup

Receptionist

Robyn joined the reception team in 2024. Robyn comes from a background of hospitality and really enjoys taking care of people and chatting to them. She lives with her family in Newport and enjoys sports, board games, spending time in the great outdoors and coffee dates with her best friend.

Carol Godsell

Housekeeper

Our statement of care

The care of our patients is always our primary concern.

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    Portman Dental Care Awards

    Fmc Logo 2019 Winner Oby M25
    Award Logo 2018
    Dental Industry Award - Portman Dental Care
    The Dentistry Awards - Portman Dental Care
    Private Dentistry Awards - Portman Dental Care
    Elite Practice Award - Portman Dental Care