Meet the Team

BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng), Cert Clin Ed
GDC No. 82345 – United Kingdom

John is the Principal Dentist at Sandygate Dental. After graduating from Sheffield University in 2003 he spent a few years as an associate dentist in Doncaster, before buying Sandygate Dental in 2009.

John continues to invest in his dental education and has been a Foundation Dental Trainer for 14 years, where he guided newly graduated dentists in their first year of dentistry. He is skilled and experienced in the placement and restoration of dental implants, and is interested in advanced restoration, developing techniques of restoring patient’s confidence in their smiles. He is also skilled and experienced at moving teeth using the clear Invisalign aligner system.

Alongside work, John can be seen in the local area with his family. His interests are wide and varied including rowing. One of his proudest sporting moments was to qualify and row at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta and has raced the Vesta Head of the River Race , he and 8 other rowers including his wife Nicola, were the fastest crew in their category and came 15th out of 350 boats.

BDS (Hons), MFDS RCPS (Glasgow), PgDip (Prosthodontics)
GDC No. 278260 – United Kingdom

After graduating from the University of Sheffield with honours in 2018, Chris started his general practice career at Sandygate Dental. He was delighted to return to the team following a year working in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Nottingham, where he accumulated great experience in oral surgery, TMJ, facial trauma, infections and oncology management. In this time, Chris has also completed the MFDS post-graduate examinations with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has also recently completed postgraduate training enhancing his skills in restorative dentistry, called Prosthodontics.

Chris takes great pride in taking time to get to know patients and trying to put them at ease. Growing up locally, Chris can often be found running or hiking in the area. He also has a passion for live comedy and theatre and has a diploma in music tuition.

Facial Aesthetics
BDS, Level 7 Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine
GDC No. 252250 – United Kingdom

Dr Jenny Dorward is a dental surgeon that has a special interest in facial aesthetics. She qualified from Sheffield University in 2014 and has been providing injectable treatments since 2017. She has a Level 7 Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine, the gold standard qualification if you are providing toxin and dermal fillers as per Health Education England. She provides aesthetic treatments for the ageing face, as well as non-surgical alternatives to improve facial proportions. Jenny has also trained in treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and TMD (teeth clenching) with injectables.

As part of her holistic approach to aesthetics, she has trained with Medik8 skincare products and is an advocate for the CSA philosophy, a simple yet clinically proven approach to skincare.

BDS
GDC No. 296126 – United Kingdom

Emily graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2021 and started her career at Sandygate Dental Practice, where she completed her foundation training.

Following this, she completed further training at Manchester Dental Hospital, where she gained a wide range of experience working across multiple dental specialties including Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine and Special Care.

When not at work, Emily enjoys spending a lot of her free time in the Peak District. She also loves Pilates and spending time with her family and friends.

BSc (Hons)
GDC No. 309861 – United Kingdom

Zahra graduated from the University of Leed in 2023, and has since worked across several Dental Practices, continuing to build her skills at every opportunity. Zahra joined Sandygate Dental in May 2025, and is passionate about helping our patients feel at ease during their visits. Zahra loves working with children and families, to share her oral healthcare knowledge and set children up for a healthy and happy smile for life.

Outside of work, Zahra loves spending time in the Peak District with her family, and travelling to experience new cultures.

BSc

Nicola is an experienced manager and after graduating from University in Sheffield she spent over 15 years in the Third Sector, raising millions of pounds for charitable projects all over the UK.

After marrying John Alesbrook, she decided to use her business skills in the dental sector and now works alongside John running the business.

Along with John, Nicola enjoys her family and can be found in the local area cycling or rowing.

National Certificate NEBDN 2002
Certificate in Dental Implant Nursing 2017
Certificate in Dental Radiography 2013
ILM Level 5 Diploma in Principles of Leadership and Management (2025)
GDC No. 119175 – United Kingdom

Emma joined Sandygate Dental after leaving school and qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2002. She progressed to Lead Dental Nurse, before taking the Practice Manager role in 2021.

As Practice Manager, Emma combines her clinical experience with her knowledge in compliance management to ensure our Practice operates smoothly and adheres to the highest standards of care.

Outside work, Emma is kept busy with her two children, and regularly runs with Hillsborough and Rivelin Running Club and enjoys baking.

Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds 2019
Certificate in Dental Radiography 2023
GDC No. 283147 – United Kingdom

Phoebe joined the team as an apprentice in 2017, before becoming a qualified dental nurse in 2019. She is now our lead nurse and Patient Care Coordinator and enjoys her leadership role, as well as helping support the apprentice dental nurses in their training.

As Patient Care Co-ordinator, Phoebe role is to monitor the patient experience and work with the team to ensure we are delivering high standards of patient care at all times. She also works closely with the dentists and patients to ensure the treatment planning and implementation runs smoothly. She runs clinics for patients who want more time to understand and make informed choices about the treatment they have been offered and associated costs.

She has recently completed a Certificate in Dental Radiography in 2023, and is looking forward to how this will develop her role and responsibilities moving forward. When not at work Phoebe is kept busy with her baby and enjoys trying new restaurants and food experiences with her family.

Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds 2021
GDC No. 295188 – United Kingdom

Lawza joined the Sandygate Dental Practice in October 2023 as a trainee dental nurse. She enjoys working with the team to develop her knowledge and skills. In her spare time she like to go shopping, try out new restaurants and spend time with her nieces.

B. Tech.

Rukayat graduated from one of the Universities of Technology in Nigeria in 2019, along with other leadership training and international qualifications with UNESCO. She majored in Teaching before discovering her interest in healthcare after getting to the UK in 2022. Rukayat’s desire and passion for caring for people and working with experienced dental professionals in gaining hands-on experience propelled her into the field of dentistry. She started her career as a trainee dental nurse in 2024, working towards obtaining the NEBDN Level 3 National Diploma at Sandygate Dental. Rukayat prides herself in her ability to multi-task, solve problems and build good relationships with patients by discussing their needs and accordingly proffer solutions as fast as practicably possible, ending up putting smiles on patients’ faces before leaving the practice.

Rukayat loves spending time with her family and enjoys cooking all sorts of local Nigerian dishes, as time permits, she usually loves speaking and chatting with friends and surfing the net.

BA

Loti enjoys bringing her love of people and organisation together in her role. After studying English Literature and Creative Writing at University, she now uses her creative skills to help advertise and promote our practice. Her favourite parts of her job are organising our events and getting to know all our patients. In her spare time, you’ll find her exploring Sheffield and The Peak District with her toddler or dreaming of her next spa day!