Meet The Team

Robin Horton - Practice Principal

After qualifying from the Royal London Hospital in 1990, I went into general practice and also held the position of SHO and Locum Consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Bedford Hospital. I have been at Wayside since 1992.

I have undertaken post graduate education in advanced restorative and aesthetic dentistry and implant dentistry, having completed one year long courses in both. I have been doing cosmetic dentistry for well over fifteen years and implant dentistry for over 11 years and have successfully placed over two thousand implants. Many local dentists refer their patients to me for the placement of implants. I am also experienced in advanced implant techniques such as bone grafting and sinus lifts. I enjoy teaching other dentists how to place implants and act as a mentor locally and for Nobel Biocare-the company that manufactures dental implants. I am a member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Lasers are the future of dentistry and I am at the forefront of this in the UK. I now use my lasers in most dental treatments-even in your check up. I am a member of the US Academy for Laser Dentistry and lecture on lasers, in particular on their use in placing implants. I am also on the Academy for Laser Dentistry Education Committee.

I am on the interview panel for Barts and The Royal London Hospital. I find it invigorating going back to where I trained, meeting the students and seeing how dental training is progressing. The students seem younger and more enthusiastic every year!

I am a keen sportsman; I rowed for the hospital when I was a student and my crew won the inter hospital bumps. I have taken part in triathlons and my new passion is road biking. I also enjoy watching sport, especially the cricket and I am an avid Arsenal supporter! I am married with three children and a spaniel, and live in Harpenden.

Amit Maisuria - Associate Dentist

After qualifying from the University of Birmingham in 2002, I spent 3 years working in general practice in London. Escaping the grime and congestion, I moved to the more picturesque climbs of the North West where I completed an MSc in Prosthodontics at the University Dental Hospital in Manchester, passing with distinction.

My particular interests lie in complex dentures, crown & bridge, veneers, tooth wear and implants. In addition, I have received intensive training in Minor Oral Surgery and Conscious Sedation techniques for the treatment of anxious patients.

I continue to update my skills and knowledge by regularly attending specialist courses and have gained a Diploma in Implant Dentistry (with distinction) from the prestigious Eastman Dental Institute in London. I use dental lasers in my practice and have become one of the first dentists in the UK to obtain a Fellowship in Laser Dentistry. I am now working towards a masters degree in Endodontics (root fillings). I am a member of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners.

I am a highly motivated, personable individual with a strong work ethic. I pride myself on my excellent technical and artistic skills, am continually improving my level of clinical and academic knowledge, and the ability to tailor my knowledge and skill to deliver the highest level of care to every patient.

I am married with three young children and, in my spare time, I enjoy keeping fit, playing bass guitar and volunteering my skills to Tanzanian dental charity Bridge2Aid.

Mamta Gupta - Associate Dentist

I graduated from the University of Leeds in 1991 and I have worked in general practice since then, having spent most of my career in private practice.

I have been committed to maintaining up to date knowledge to enhance my professional experience and have completed a number of post-graduate courses. I am also qualified to provide Invisalign orthodontics. I have done a year long course in Advanced Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry, allowing me to provide cosmetic treatment to a very high standard.

I have also done several laser courses enabling me to use them in general dentistry. I provide a calm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere to ensure that all my patients receive the highest quality of dental care in a stress-free environment.

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and travelling and I am an avid reader. I am married with three children and have lived in Harpenden for the past 25 years.

Sheena Patel - Associate Dentist

I graduated from Kings College, London in 2011, and completed my training in the Oxford Deanery. I then went on to work at a family practice in Berkshire. During this time, I completed the post-graduate Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties at the Royal College of Surgeons. This is a prestigious qualification that gives dentists additional skills for working in general practice. Following my time in Berkshire, I went to work in an exclusively private practice providing high quality dental care before joining the team here at Wayside. I am committed to furthering my knowledge and skills and have completed an MSc in Restorative Dentistry at the renowned Eastman Institute, UCL, which I passed with distinction. This enables me to provide complex restorative treatments. I am also trained in the use of dental lasers. I have a gentle and caring approach to dentistry, with a strong emphasis on minimally-invasive and preventative treatments. I place a great emphasis on patient care and comfort whilst maintaining a high level of excellence in my work. Outside of dentistry, I enjoy baking, travelling and treasure quality time with my family and friends.

Mitul Shah - Specialist in Periodontics

I graduated in dentistry from King’s College London in 2012. After working in general practice in Oxfordshire, I gained experience in the fields of oral and maxillofacial surgery and restorative dentistry at the Royal London Hospital.

My experiences in primary and secondary careinspired me to pursue a career in Periodontics. Ihave completed an intensive four-year specialist training programme in Periodontology at Guy’s hospital (King’s College London) where I graduated with a distinction. I also haveattained the Membership in Periodontics of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh.

I am passionate about teaching. I am a specialist clinical teacher for the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London. This role entails supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students. I am currently working towards the completion of a postgraduate certificate in academic practice and applying for fellowship of the Higher education academy (FHEA).

I play a prominent role within the British Society of Periodontology (BSP). I am the current chair of the Early Career Group and also have a role on the main BSP council. I try to engage with other clinicians and members of the public to raise the profile of the society and to encourage participation with conferences and events. I have presented regionally and nationally on behalf of the BSP.

I fully understand the need for continued professional development so that I can continue to offer the highest standards to both referring clinicians and patients. I frequently attend courses and strive to familiarise myself with the latest advances in clinical practice.

I am experienced in the management of the most complex gum disorders, reconstruction of missing bone and the placement of dental implants. I find It amazing to witness the impact that my treatments can have upon a patient’s confidence and lifestyle. My care is characterised by precision and attention to detail. I feel I am a caring professional who always takes the time to listen to patients and to tailor treatment to the individual in a holistic approach.

Outside of dentistry, I live nearby with my wife and 18-month old daughter. I enjoy cooking, learning new languages and travelling, I try to stay fit with frequent dog walking and park runs.

Nick Powrie - Associate Dentist

I graduated from Newcastle University in 2014 and have been working in general practice ever since, first in London and then in Brisbane, Australia. I am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons and have completed a course in Advanced Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry, along with training in invisible orthodontics. Next, I am embarking on a MClinDent in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics at Kings College London.

Outside of dentistry I enjoy keeping fit and following football (I support Newcastle United) as well as travelling and cooking.

Anita Burrows - Dental Hygienist

I qualified as a dental hygienist at the Eastman Dental Hospital in 1994 and have since worked in a wide range of practices in Hertfordshire and in Central London. I believe that practising as a hygienist is as much about the patient as it is about the teeth, and so I strive to ensure that every patient is relaxed, comfortable and involved. I stay up-to-date with all the latest techniques by furthering my dental education, with a focus on preventative dental care. I live in Harpenden with my partner and two sons and in my spare time am a keen runner.

Eileen Vallely - Dental Hygienist

I qualified as a dental hygienist at the Eastman Dental Hospital in 1993. My aim is to help each patient achieve their oral hygiene goals through preventative care and regular treatment. I am actively involved in the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, and I regularly attend courses to stay up-to-date in my clinical skills and knowledge, to provide my patients with the best treatment possible. An example of this is my training in the use of the airflow, to enhance the appearance of teeth. I enjoy spending time with my family, playing the guitar, tennis and going to the theatre.

Rebecca Katesmark - Dental Hygienist

I qualified as a dental nurse in 2004 and went on to complete a Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, in 2011. During my time there I won the prize for “Most Outstanding work of a Dental Therapist 2009-2011”. I am passionate about my work and strive to educate patients about dental hygiene and preventative dental care. I have undertaken additional training in the use of the airflow to enhance the appearance of teeth. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends, going to the cinema and walking my dog, Truffles.

Danni Fox - Practice Manager

I started my career as a dental nurse in 2012 when I enrolled at Kings College London. I went on to gain my Diploma in Dental Nursing in 2014. I then gained a wealth of knowledge working in general practice and at a sedation clinic. I joined the team at Wayside Dental Practice early 2016 as a full-time dental nurse. Whilst at Wayside I have achieved my certificate in Dental Radiography and can now assist the dentists taking radiographs and CBCT scans. As Practice Manager, I ensure the smooth running of the practice and strive to provide our patients with a seamless and comfortable dental visit.

I live with my fiancé and we are currently planning our wedding in May 2019. In my spare time I enjoy watching movies at the cinema and bouncing to keep fit.