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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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
(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.
Louise Dennis
“Distinction in Oral Health Science, with a flair for making nervous patients comfortable. I used to have dental anxiety as a child, so knowing that I can now make a difference to others means a lot to me.”
1. My qualifications and experience
I graduated from the University of Essex with a distinction in Oral Health Science. During my studies, I gained both theoretical and practical skills in oral health education, infection control, radiography, and periodontal treatment. I have over 6 years of combined experience in the dental field and am passionate about educating and supporting patients in improving their oral health.
2. Favourite part of the job
Seeing nervous or anxious patients become comfortable during their appointment and gaining their trust. I used to have dental anxiety as a child, so knowing that I can now make a difference to others means a lot to me.
3. What would patients say about me ….
Patients often feedback that I am very gentle and thorough.
4. When I’m not at work, I like to….
Meet with friends for coffee and good food. I also like to keep fit in the gym, as well as practising wellness with yoga.
5. Hidden talent
I’m not sure it is a talent but, I am double-jointed!
6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…
I am a big foodie, so it has to be Mama Rosa’s.
Nursing & Reception Staff
Aqsa Gul
“Sushma and Aqsa did a great job this morning of making sure my gnashers are sparkling for Christmas”
1. My qualifications and experience
I started as a trainee dental nurse in 2021 and have since qualified as a registered dental nurse here at Cherry Trees Dental.
2. Favourite part of the job
I really like talking to patients when I’m at reception and making them feel comfortable before supporting in the treatments. Also, I love looking after the children and interacting with different types of patients.
3. What would patients say about me ….
My colleagues and patients would say I am ‘friendly, caring and helpful.’
4. When I’m not at work, I like to….
Try new food and recipes, go shopping with my sister as we both love similar things, but my favourite thing to do is watch a bit of Netflix 😊
5. Hidden talent
I am very creative, I love art and like to cook.
6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…
I love the greenery and woodlands in the area. There are also nice restaurants around.
Nina Ille
“Attention to detail, careful and considerate with patients”
1. My qualifications and experience:
I am proud to have kick-started my career in January 2021 and have achieved the qualification of a dental nurse in just two years, as of May 2023.
2. Favourite part of the job:
I am passionate about showcasing my dedication to this profession, and I am excited to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained to ensure that my patients receive the best possible care.
3. What would patients say about me …
My patients value my attention to detail and careful approach during treatment.
4. When I’m not at work, I like to….
I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring new places through driving. I also have a passion for traveling, experiencing different cultures, and learning about their unique traditions.
5. Hidden talent :
Although I haven’t discovered any hidden talents yet, I am always open to exploring new things and discovering abilities that I may not have known existed.
6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…
Although I am a recent resident of Leighton Buzzard, I am captivated by the area’s rich and intriguing history. Exploring the surrounding regions has allowed me to delve deeper into the fascinating stories and events that have shaped the area over time.
Dawn Parker
“Dawn always has a smile on her face, ensures everyone feels welcome and has a great customer experience all around”
1. My qualifications and experience:
GCSE in English, Maths, Geography, Science, And Home Economics, Pitman’s shorthand and typing Business studies. I also have multiple airport specific qualifications, having worked there several years.
2. Favourite part of the job:
Meeting different patients and helping them.
3. What would patients say about me …
I hope they would say that I am polite, meet them with a smile, easy to chat to and offer a good customer experience.
4. When I’m not at work, I like to….
See my Grandchildren , and go on holidays, and I love cooking
5. Hidden talent:
Still searching 😊
6. My favourite part of Leighton Buzzard is…
The market and Whipsnade Zoo.