The Practice

Cherry Trees Dental has been caring for the local community since 1980s. When you visit us, you can look forward to a high-quality care using the latest materials and modern techniques.

Committed To Excellence

The Cherry Trees team is made up of experienced & highly qualified dentists, specialists and hygienists supported by an amazing nursing & reception team. Each of us care deeply about your dental health.

Dentists

Dr Sushma Rao

Principal Dentist
(GDC: 137110)

“Wonderful! Sushma, as ever, explained everything and took amazing care & attention to detail. I now have a great smile :-)”

1. My qualifications and experience

I have over 12 years experience as a General dentist. I started my career as a Resident Surgeon in an Oncology Institute in the Oral Surgery Department. I have worked in multiple practices in and around London before embarking on practice ownership at Cherry Trees Dental.

My treatments options are focused on preventive and minimally invasive dentistry, keeping patients best interest in mind.

I completed my BDS in 2002. I completed Postgraduate Diploma in Restorative Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons in 2015. BDS (Lon) 2002.

2. Favourite part of the job

If I had to pick one, seeing a patient pain-free and satisfied at the end of a treatment makes my day.

3. What would patients say about me ….

‘Calming’ and ‘Gentle’ are two of the common compliments I usually receive from my patients.

4. When I’m not at work, I like to….

Spend time with my family – my son, my husband and our new puppy Zeus. Weekends usually involve watching cricket matches that my son plays.

5. Hidden talent …

According to my family & friends, I am a good cook and baker. My son keeps encouraging me to take part in the Great British Bake off. Maybe someday!

6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…

New to the area, but really like Linslade. Also, the Bluebell woods. I look forward to more nice walks and enjoying the blue carpet on the ground.

Dr Peter Chilvers

Senior Dentist
(GDC: 74938)

“Over 20 years of experience as a dentist. When not caring for patients, Dr. Chilvers, serves the community as the minister of a large local church”

1. My qualifications and experience

Having graduated from Guys Dental Hospital in 1998 I’ve worked in general practice for 23 years. BDS (Lon) 1998 GDC: 74938

2. Favourite part of the job

Definitely the sense of satisfaction from a patient who starts unhappy with their dental health and appearance and finished with the knowledge and desire to keep their now restored and stablilised dentition, healthy and something to be satisfied about.

3. What would patients say about me ….

Possibly ‘have I seen you somewhere before?’ See next question …

4. When I’m not at work, I like to….

I’m the minister of a large local church that is full of people of all ages.

5. Hidden talent

Scoring ‘strikes’ at the Cherry trees Christmas Ten pin competition whilst playing blind, and backwards.

6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…

Running the paths of the river, canal, woods and sand pits.

Dr Mitesh Mehta

Senior Dentist
(GDC: 178497)

“Rather apprehensive about having a root canal filling but Mitesh did a superb job (as always)!”

1. My qualifications and experience

Mitesh qualified with a distinction from Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2009 and two years later, received a diploma of Membership from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. BDS (Lon) MFDS RCS Ed PgCert (Rest)

Mitesh has completed a year-long course in advanced cosmetic dentistry. He has a keen interest in teeth straightening and composite bonding and is therefore Invisalign and Smilefast accredited. Mitesh is a long-standing member of the team since January 2012.

He is passionate about his dentistry and takes time to provide you the best care in a gentle and caring manner.

2. Favourite part of the job

Meeting and developing relationships with people, relieving their pain, improving their oral health and giving them the confident smiles they desire!

3. What would patients say about me ….

I hope they would say, kind, approachable, excellent clinician with good communication and interpersonal skills, who is always able to put a smile on our faces.

4. When I’m not at work, I like to….

Travel, play and watch football and socialise with friends and family.

5. Hidden talent …

Good runner, training for a charity marathon.

6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…

My favourite parts would have to be the lovely parks and the canals

Specialists

Dr Navidah Munday

Specialist Periodontist
(GDC: 83715)

“Highly qualified periodontist, practicing at Guy’s and St Thomas’s hospital and involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.”

1. My qualifications and experience

I graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2004 and passed the MJDF examination at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2007. I then pursued further post- graduate training and experience in periodontology completing a MClinDent in Periodontology as well as obtaining accreditation by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) at the Eastman Dental Hospital, London in 2011. I was then successful in passing the specialist entry exams at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and was entered on the GDC specialist list for Periodontology.

2. Favourite part of the job

Helping patients achieve a healthy, pain-free mouth

3. What would patients say about me ….

I would hope they say I’m passionate about my job and enjoy doing what I do

4. When I’m not at work, I like to….

Spend time with my family and go for walks

5. Hidden talent

I have been told I bake the best sticky toffee pudding (don’t tell Jamie Oliver)

6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is …

Going for long walks in Rushmere Park and along the Grand Union canal

Dr Manoj Bhatia

Specialist Implantologist
(GDC: 102497)

“Highly experienced Implantologist. Dr Bhatia is one of the very few dental surgeons to hold a Master’s of Science (MSc) in Implant dentistry in the UK”

Qualifications:
BDS, MSc (Imp Dent), AssocFCGDent (UK) Stat Exam (UK)
GDC No: 102497

Dr. Bhatia has completed his initial dental education (BDS) in 1995 and his MSc (Implantology) in 2011. He has been placing and restoring implants since 2001 and his work is exclusively limited to Implantology.

He is a registered dentist with the GDC (UK) and also a member of the ITI (international team of oral Implantologist – Switzerland), the ICOI (international congress of oral Implantologist – USA) and a full member of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (Royal College of Surgeons-UK)

Dr Bhatia’s special interest is Dental Implantology. He has completed his Diploma (2009) and Masters (2011) in the same from the University of Central Lancashire (Preston – UK), where he currently teaches.

In addition, he has attended various courses nationally and internationally including the Masters course in Bone grafting and Sinus lift from the University of Bern (Switzerland).

Dr Bhatia is one of only a few dental surgeons to hold a Master’s of Science (MSc) in Implant dentistry. He has placed and restored many implants from the straightforward to more complex cases.

His other interest away from dentistry includes travelling, golf and swimming. He is also involved in alternative healing and is a trained Reiki Master.

Therapists / Hygienists

Anna Darby

Hygienist
(GDC: 163471)

“Visited the hygienist today. Very helpful and thorough giving me good advice.”

1. My qualifications and experience
My name is Anna and I am a qualified and GDC registered dental hygienist.
I qualified as a dental hygienist in Poland in 2019. After my qualification I have successfully completed an adaptation period in the UK which involved working under supervision in order to become registered with the GDC. In addition, in 2020 I obtained a BDA dental radiography certificate. Most recently I have attended a 5 day hands on periodontal course, ”Perio with Deepak” in order to develop the best care for my patients. In the future I would like to enrol onto a tooth whitening course.

2. Favourite part of the job
See a smile on my patients face after a successful treatment.

3. What would patients say about me
That I have a friendly personality but also that I am very thorough as a dental hygienist 😊

4. When I’m not at work, I like to….
Spend quality time with my family and friends. I also like to listen to rock music, read books and partake in winter sports including ice skating, snowboarding and skiing.

5. Hidden talent
Well I think I am still waiting for my hidden talent to appear 😊

6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…
I love cycling along the canal in Leighton Buzzard with my family. In summer our favourite cycling route is towards the Three Locks Pub. I am always stunned by the beauty of the nature on that route. This year I am planning to launch my inflatable canoe and see the area from the waters perspective.

Grazielle Mattos

Therapist
(GDC: 287306)

“Dentist and PhD by qualification, Grazi works as a Therapist along with her Post-doctoral Research Associate role at King’s College London”

1. My qualifications and experience

BDS (2006), MSc (2009), Ph.D. (2014) Federal University of Minas Gerais – Brazil/King’s College London – UK. Dental Therapy and Hygiene training by the University of Plymouth (2018/2019). Post-doctoral Research Associate at King’s College London (at present).

Dr Grazielle Mattos Savage (Grazi) qualified as a Dentist in Brazil in 2006. Following her passion for preventative dentistry, she undertook a Master of Science degree and a PhD in Dental Public Health and decided to practice dentistry in the UK as a Dental Therapist/Hygienist.

 

2. Favourite part of the job

My favourite part of the job is seeing patients smile and oral health maintained or even better, improving, every time they return to the practice. Helping people to maintain their oral health through sharing the latest preventative dental care information and techniques, empowering patients through education and putting them in control of their dental care plans.

3. What would patients say about me ….

Passionate about patient’s oral health, friendly and cares about each patients needs.

4. When I’m not at work, I like to….

Travel, when possible, walking in the Chiltern Hills close to my home and reading just about everything and anything if it involves current affairs or world history.

5. Hidden talent

I can make a pretty decent “Caldo de Mandioca”. It’s a Brazilian meet and casava stew….my husband says its amazing…but he is English so…

6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…

The history. The town and surrounding area have such rich and fascinating history connected to some of the unique events.

Nursing & Reception Staff

Mrs Deborah Cox

Lead Receptionist

“Debbie is a super woman ensuring everyone gets the correct appointment & the practice is well managed”

1.  Qualifications and experience: 

I have 15 years dental reception experience in general dentistry and sedation.

2. Favourite part of the job: 

My favourite part is the interaction with patients.

3. What would patients say about me: 

Happy and helpful.

4. When I’m not at work, I like to…

go shopping, spending time with family and my new grandson.

5. Hidden talent:

making others happy and laugh

6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is: 

the High Street.

Sophie Page

Lead Nurse
(GDC: 295999)

“I have had an extraction today which I was really nervous about! But I don’t know why I was as it was such a relaxed atmosphere and Nurse (Sophie) was so lovely.”

1. My qualifications and experience

I started my career here at Cherry Trees in 2018 as a trainee and have since qualified as a registered dental nurse.

2. Favourite part of the job

I love meeting different people every day and making sure they are comfortable in the practice. I like to try and put a smile on someone’s face.

3. What would patients say about me ….

My patients and colleagues say I am “friendly and caring”

4. When I’m not at work, I like to….

Go to church, spend time with friends, play video games, go camping and go on walks.

5. Hidden talent

I could probably beat you in a swimming race

6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is… 

The fact that the whole town is surrounded by fields and woodlands and hills – it’s so refreshing.

Aqsa Gul

Trainee Nurse

“Sushma and Aqsa did a great job this morning of making sure my gnashers sparkling for Christmas”

1. My qualifications and experience
I am a trainee dental nurse on my way to becoming a professional dental nurse

2. Favourite part of the job
I love working with everyone at the practice and making nervous patients feel comfortable. I love to help the elderly in any way possible and helping children feel at ease

3. What would patients say about me ….
I am friendly and helpful

4. When I’m not at work, I like to….
I like to go out with my friends and try new food and also love to watch movies

5. Hidden talent
I am good at art

6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…
I love the greenery and how quite the area is