Vishal Kumar (Practice Partner)

Having been local to Crowthorne for most of my life, I moved to London to study Dentistry at King's College, graduating in 1997. In 2002, I completed the noted Certificate in Restorative Dentistry at the well renowned Eastman Dental Institute. I started working part time in Heathwood Dental Practice in 2003, and in 2005, my wife, Neena, and I commissioned an architect to design new state of the art dental premises, which were built that year. In December 2005, we took over the practice and relocated it to these new premises at Kings Road. That same year, our little girl, Anna, was born. Between 2006 and 2007 I completed the Eastman Dental Hospital Certificate in Endodontics. This is advanced training in the field of root canal treatments, in which I have a special interest. Out of work, my time is taken up with my family, my hobbies of computers, reading, scuba diving and photography. A number of my pictures can be seen hanging in the practice!

Neena Kumar (Practice Partner)

I graduated from King's College London with Vishal in 1997, and we were married in 1999. Since also doing the Certificate in Restorative Dentistry at the Eastman Dental Institute, I have developed a special interest in Cosmetic dentistry, and have attended a number of courses by world leaders in this field. 2005 was an incredibly busy year with the arrival of our daughter, the building works at the practice, and finally all the administration and organisation of moving a practice from one site to another. In 2008 our son, Rowan completed our family. I work part-time at the practice including running a Saturday Clinic. I am always happy to take care of our nervous patients or discuss cosmetic dental enquiries at any appointment.

J.E.T. Smith (Practice Colleague)

I graduated from Glasgow University in 1966, and worked in Reading until 1970 before becoming a partner in a practice in Bracknell. In 1975 I started Heathwood Dental Practice in Ellis Road. I sold it in 2005 and it now in the very capable hands of Neena and Vishal at 1 King’s Road. I am happy working 3 days per week for the foreseeable future. I married Ann in 1968, we have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.

Peter Cobau (Practice Colleague)

I graduated in Australia and came to England shortly afterwards. I have owned practices in Crouch End London and Bucket Wood, Hertfordshire; both a mixture of NHS and Private work. In 1992 I came to Crowthorne to the Heathwood Dental Practice and have been there ever since. I am married with two teenage boys.

Ross Wilson (Practice Colleague)

I graduated from King's College, London, together with Vishal and Neena. Following qualification, I worked in a number of London teaching hospitals and district general hospitals. In 2000, I gained the MFDS RCS (Eng) qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons. I am also a member of SAAD, the Society for the Advancement of Anesthesia in Dentistry, and can offer sedation dentistry for nervous patients. I have attended many postgraduate training courses and have particular interests in Oral Surgery and Dental Implants. I am married to Fiona, and have two children, Toby and Maisie.

Nicola Hayes (Practice Manageress)

Having been a dental nurse for 17 years & passed my exams with Merit in 1995, I am now the Practice Manager here and have been in my role since 2005. Working behind the scenes to ensure the practice is run smoothly and efficiently, I am also responsible for staff welfare, clinical governance, internal communications and nurse occasionally to retain those skills. I attended an 8-week Dental Practice Managers course in 2006. I thrive on the challenges and diversity my job offers together with working alongside such a fantastic team. I live in Basingstoke.

Wendy Green (Dental Hygienist and therapist)

I qualified at Bart’s and the Royal London hospital in 2002 as both a dental hygienist and dental therapist. After qualifying I spent several years in a children’s community clinic working with young and phobic children. Following on from this experience, and as a therapist, I look after many of the children’s dental health within the practice. My role includes restorative work and basic dentistry in addition to my role as a dental hygienist.

Pauline Hampton (Dental Hygienist)

I qualified as a dental nurse in 1977 and then as a hygienist in 1979. I gained a Diploma in Dental Health Education in 1983 and in the same year joined Heathwood Dental Practice. My role as a hygienist has changed and grown over the years – from working part-time to fit in with my husband and two daughters, to gaining additional training to keep abreast of new ideas, materials and procedures.
I have really enjoyed being a member of the Heathwood Dental team for the last 25 years and hope this continues for many years to come. I love meeting and working with people – it’s the best part of the job.

Joanna Craig (Dental Hygienist)

I qualified as a Dental Hygienist in 2004 from Guy’s and King’s in London. I then spent 41/2 years working in London, spending most of that time helping to build a new practice into a busy specialist Dental Centre.
I moved to Berkshire in August 2009 and joined Heathwood Dental Practice.
I love sport and have involved in rowing and more recently running and triathlons.

Nicole Sculler (Dental Hygienist and Therapist)

I started my career as a dental nurse in 1997 and discovered my passion for all things dental. In 2007 I fulfilled my ambitions and graduated as a Dental Therapist with Distinction and was awarded the prestigious GDC prize for professionalism. I work with both adults and children in the practice and adapt each appointment to suit individual needs. I love helping people to achieve and maintain a healthy smile. I have been the practice since 2008 and thoroughly enjoy working as part of the team at Heathwood.

Helen Smith (Receptionist and Nurse)

I have been a dental nurse for 18 years and qualified in 1992. After a career break to bring up my 2 sons, I now work part-time as a receptionist and cover nursing when required. I have been with the practice since August 2006.

Pamela Dodd (Receptionist)

I joined Heathwood Dental Practice in 1997 as a Receptionist, having previously worked as a medical secretary in a Doctor’s surgery and hospital. Being the first person every patient meets when they come through the door, my working attitude is based around providing a friendly and relaxed environment as well as being professional.

Clare Sansom (Receptionist)

I joined Heathwood Dental Practice in April 2009 as a Saturday Receptionist after a career break bringing up my three children. I enjoy being part of such a friendly team and meeting lots of new people.

Helena Fletcher (Dental Nurse)

I have been a dental nurse since 1997 and qualified in 2001. I work full-time with Dr Vishal Kumar. I have a special interest in Oral Health Education and am waiting to start a course to continue my development in this area.

Zoë Pickett (Dental Nurse)

I am a qualified dental nurse and have been with the practice for many years. I enjoy working with an excellent team which makes my job that much more enjoyable. I am currently on maternity leave having had a baby girl earlier this year.

Miriska Lindholm (Dental Nurse)

I have been a Dental Nurse for 11 years and genuinely enjoy it. I came from South Africa in 1999 and passed the British NEBDN exam in 2000. I have worked here since 2002, and it really feels like being part of a big family. I am supported and encouraged to attend regular courses to update and enhance my Dental nurses skills. Being able to work part-time is a bonus, as I then have time to spend with my 3-year-old son. I find working and living in Crowthorne a real pleasure.

Jo Thomas (Dental Nurse)

I joined the practice in 1982 with Eric Smith as my principal. I left for some years to have my two children and then returned to work part-time with Dr Peter Cobau. I now do specialist implant nursing with Ross, which I really enjoy. Heathwood is a modern, forward thinking, family practice.