MEET THE TEAM
Dr Martina Hodgson BChD MJDF
PRINCIPAL DENTIST | GDC 79295
Dr Martina is a Diamond Invisalign provider and owner of The Dental Studio. She is a Speaker for Invisalign and Aligner Consulting and a Key Opinion Leader for Dental Monitoring.
Named in the Dentistry Top 50 2021 and voted Best Dentist North and Central 2020 (highly commended), she has the Postgraduate Diploma in Clear Aligner therapy, sits on the Private Dentistry Journal Editorial Advisory Board and regularly writes articles for the dental and general press.
Martina is the co-founder of Inspiring Women in Dentistry, organising events, mentoring and support for women in dentistry.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Tracie Barnett – Head Treatment Coordinator
Tracie is the head of our New Patient department, with almost 30 years in the dental industry she has used her knowledge and experience to help develop the perfect patient journey. Her passion for patient care shows in her day-to-day work, and she ensures this is shared by all members of the new patient team.
Tracie was the 1st Treatment Coordinator in Yorkshire to gain an advanced diploma in Treatment Coordination with a special Invisalign element, which has enabled her to produce an outstanding complimentary Invisalign consultation for our patients. Tracie is also a trainer and mentor for other Treatment Coordinators, and enjoys teaching her skills to her peers.
Outside of work Tracie enjoys eating out, walking and spending time with her 3-year-old Grandson Vinnie.
Mel Lockwood – Practice Manager
Mel qualified as a dental nurse in 2002, and has worked at The Dental Studio for 9 years. She was previously head nurse and decontamination lead for a number of years, after completing a qualification in ILM Leadership and Management in Dental Decontamination. After a number of years of experience in the dental industry, she has now progressed into the role of practice manager. She enjoys laughter, and lots of it! She also enjoys going out, and socialising with family and friends. You will find her most weekends living the camping life, or taking her tent to the nearest festival to party!
Jeff Dumbrell - Operations Manager
Jeff is the Operations Manager for The Dental Studio and The Dental Architect. He qualified as a dentist in 2006 from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Jeff has a keen interest in the management and business development of dental practices. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 sons. He also likes playing tennis and golf, and doesn’t mind a night out!
Eby Valli – Head Receptionist
Ebrahim Valli, better known as Eby, joined The Dental Studio team in 2019. He joined the team as receptionist and dental nurse. He is now Head Receptionist, and occasionally you will find him in surgery going back to his nursing roots. Eby did his dental nursing qualification at Leeds Dental Institute and qualified in 2014. Outside of work Eby enjoys spending time with his family, friends and his much-loved cat Simba. He also enjoys eating out and travelling.
CLINICAL TEAM
Zaid Ali – Dentist
Zaid qualified as a dentist from Leeds University in 2006. He did his vocational training in a busy NHS practice in Barnsley, and senior house officer training posts in Leeds and Bradford in Restorative Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, completing his Membership Diploma in the Faculty of Dental Surgery with the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. Zaid then spent 3 years in dental practice as a general dentist in Huddersfield, and doing some part time roles in hospitals in Restorative Dentistry and Oral Surgery before he decided to go and specialise in 2011. He went on to do 7 years of training and exams, including a Masters in Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics, a PhD in quality of life for people after they lose teeth, and his Fellowship examination in Restorative Dentistry again with the Royal College in Edinburgh.
Zaid is currently the Restorative Dentistry department lead for Head and Neck Cancer rehab, Honorary Senior Lecturer and Training Program Director for Dental Core Training in Leeds Dental Institute.
Outside work, he loves spending time with his wife and 3 kids, playing 7-a side and making sure he gets to the gym.
Paula Calvo – Dentist
Paula qualified in 2012 in Madrid at University Alfonso X ‘El Sabio’. She did an internship in Italy working in Microdentistry, which is dentistry carried out using a microscope. She then completed the aligner therapy diploma.
Paula is always striving to become better in her field. She routinely attends courses and conferences to further her skills, and provide the best quality of care for patients. She is very focused on cosmetic dentistry, with a minimally invasive approach.
She is passionate about providing good dentistry, whilst putting the patient’s health first. Paula aims to create ethical, beautiful smile makeovers that are long lasting, and aims to work in her patient’s best interests.
Anastasia Zygkridi – Dentist
Anastasia qualified as a general dentist from Aristotle University of Greece, and is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to patients. She has a special interest in root canal therapies (Endodontics). She is currently completing her MSc master’s degree in Endodontics at University of Chester. This allows her to carry out more complex root canal treatments, where heavily decayed or infected teeth can be saved and restored to function.
She is passionate about helping nervous patients overcome their fears in a gentle and professional manner. Her aim has been to listen to patients’ concerns, and make them feel at ease and focus on their needs.
In her spare time, Anastasia enjoys travelling, running, and playing tennis.
Justin Hall - Dentist
Justin has been providing high quality dentistry since he qualified at Manchester University in 2002. His friendly personality quickly puts people at ease and he dedicates himself to understanding his patients needs and exceeding their expectations. Justin has a son and daughter who keep him very busy with their social calendar. When he has spare time he enjoys Tough Mudder events, regular cross training and cinema trips.
Ricky Duggal - Dentist
Ricky has a keen interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and aims to deliver the highest standard of care to all of his patients with a safe and minimally invasive approach.
Ricky’s main interests lie in providing treatments such as Invisalign, teeth whitening, composite bonding and natural porcelain veneers, as well as routine general dentistry.
Since graduating from the University of Sheffield, he has gone on to complete numerous post graduate courses around the world to further develop his clinical skills, most recently completing the well renowned yearlong Dr Chris Orr Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry course. He is also currently studying for an Orthodontic Clear Aligner Diploma which will help him to excel in delivering the best results and treatment outcomes for his patients.
Ricky has a calm and friendly persona, which is well received by his patients who can often be quite anxious about visiting the dentist.
Outside of work Ricky enjoys keeping fit by regularly going to the gym, and loves to watch football on the weekend, as he is a devoted Manchester United supporter!
Rachael Tyzzer-Smith – Dentist
Rachael qualified as a general dentist in Newcastle in 1996. Since then, she has been dedicated to providing excellent patient care, with a welcoming and caring manner. She is especially good with nervous patients and children, helping them to feel relaxed and at ease! Outside of work, Rachael enjoys walking her dog, socialising and reading.
Zainab Patel – Dentist
Zainab qualified as a dentist in 2020 at Newcastle University. She has a big interest in Invisalign, smile makeovers, and educating patients on oral health. She aims to be very approachable, and likes to listen to patients needs and concerns, and answer any questions they may have!
In her spare time, Zainab loves baking, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends.
Maisha Ugradar – Dentist
Maisha qualified as a dentist at the University of Leeds. She has a keen interest in Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. She loves to provide a comfortable environment for patients, making them feel at ease in the dental chair. She has a friendly and calm approach, making her excellent with nervous patients.
In 2022, Maisha attended a Dentaid charity trip in Malawi, which she really enjoyed!
Outside of work, she loves to socialise and go on hikes.
HYGIENE TEAM
Gemma Sinnett – Dental Therapist and Hygienist
Gemma graduated from the University of Leeds in 2013 as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist, and has been a valued member of the team at The Dental Studio since. She has worked in dentis-try since the age of 17 and is particularly good with nervous patients. She enjoys getting to know her patients, putting them at ease, and helping them maintain excellent oral health.
You’ll find Gemma at the practice 4 days a week, always there to welcome her patients with a big smile.
Away from work Gemma loves holidays, socialising, spending time with her family, and walking her beloved Rottweiler, Dottie.
Susan North – Hygienist
Susan qualified as a hygienist in December 2002 in Newcastle, and then returned home to Leeds. She was happy to be back though she did miss the friendly ‘Geordies’! She has since settled into two practices, joining The Dental Studio in 2003.
Her role as a hygienist allows her to meet many people. Lots of her patients look forward to their appointments and an opportunity to catch-up, whereas other can be a little more apprehensive.
Susan married her husband in 2004 and they have two children together. As a family they like to get out and explore. They have a Motorhome called ‘Clara’ and enjoy travelling both home and abroad. This allows them to pursue the outdoor lifestyle that they love.
