Meet The Team

Dr Sonya Hamzehnejad-McCann

PrincipalDentist / Practice Owner

Special Interest in Implant dentistry and Prosthetics
DDS, Karolinska Institute, Sweden (1995)
GDC No. 72722

Dr Sonya Hamzehnejad-McCann is a DDS graduated from Prestigious World renound Karolinska Institute, Stockholm in 1995. Since Qualification she has expanded her education and developed a special interest in advanced restorative and implant surgery. Sonya has undertaken postgraduate training in Restorative dentistry at Royal College of Surgeons London and Implantology at Umeå University in Sweden. She is in regular attendance at national and international conferences and seminars.

In 2000, Sonya acquired the dental practice at 62 Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey. In 2005, she acquired and set up a multi surgery multidisciplinary dental practice in the prestigious Harley St area of London.

Dr Nikolaos Tatarakis

Implantologist

Specialist in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
DDS Degree. University of Athens, Greece (1999 – 2005)
GDC No. 215633

Further Qualifications

• Certificate/MS. Graduate Periodontics, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, USA (2008-2011)
• International Team for Implantology Scholarship. Unit of Periodontology, Eastman Dental Institute, University College of London, UK (2011-2012)

Academic Appointments

• Clinical Teaching and Research Fellow. Unit of Periodontology, Eastman Dental Institute, University College of London, UK (2012-2016)
• Clinical Research Fellow. Centre for Oral Clinical Research, Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK (2016-2019)
• Clinical Lecturer. Centre for Oral Clinical Research, Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK (2019)

Private Practice

Visiting Specialist with clinical practice limited to Periodontology and Implant dentistry (2011)

Dr Nikolaos Tatarakis trained at the University of Athens and qualified as a dentist in 2005. Dr Tatarakis worked as an associate in a Periodontal specialist practice and in the Oral Medicine Clinic of Andreas Syngros Hospital. In 2008, following his military service as a dentist in the Greek Air Force, he joined the University of Michigan USA as a postgraduate and completed a comprehensive three-year specialty program in Periodontology obtaining a Certificate and a master’s degree.

In 2011, Dr Tatarakis received a prestigious clinical and research scholarship by the International Team for Implantology and spent one year at the Unit of Periodontology, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London. During this period Dr Tatarakis completed the necessary examinations and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.

Between the period 2012-2016, Dr Tatarakis held Clinical Teaching and Research Associate positions at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute, supervising graduates’ students and conducting clinical research.

Dr Tatarakis spends time also in private practice limited to periodontology and implant surgery. He is a member of professional and educational association in the area of periodontics and implants. Dr Tatarakis also lectures and publishes in these fields. His main research interests include diagnostics and treatment of peri-implant diseases.

Appointments with Nikolaosare available at Sutton Dental & Medical Clinic

Dr Malihah Jilani

Endodontist

Dr Malihah Jilani MChD (Distinction), BChD, BSc (Hons), MFDS (RCSEd), MEndo (RCSEd), DClinDent
GDC No. 270810

Malihah joined the team in 2025. She graduated with Distinction from an undergraduate Masters degree from the University of Leeds and has also undertaken speciality training at the University of Sheffield. She has passed the Membership in Endodontics speciality examination and completed her Doctorate in Dental Sciences (DClinDent Endodontics), at the University of Sheffield.

Malihah has also completed her MFDS qualification to become a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and currently works in multiple practices across London providing endodontic treatment.

Outside of dentistry, Malihah loves all things health and lifestyle as well as socialising with her friends and travelling.

Appointments with Milhah are available at Sutton Dental & Medical Clinic

Dr Shikhar Wadhwa

Associate Dentist

GDC No. 290093

I am Dr Shikhar Wadhwa. I grew up in Sutton and attended Sutton grammar school which is where I found my interest in dentistry. After graduating in 2020 from Palacky university, I dedicated my career on trying to improve peoples’ smile.

I strongly believe in prevention being better than cure, which I incorporate in my practice as a dentist on a day-to-day basis. If we take care of our teeth today, we will have them for longer! From composite bonding, to veneers to general dentistry, I enjoy all parts of dentistry allowing me to offer what is best for my patients. My main goal is to ensure the patient is confident smiling. I strive to make my patients feel at ease at all times throughout their dental journey with me.”

Appointments with Shikhar are available at Sutton Dentists

Paulius Ugincius

Associate Dentist

GDC No. 270346

Appointments with Paulius are available at Sutton Dentists

Debbie Bell

Hygienist

CEB Dip Dent Hygiene 1999, UK
GDC No. 5507

Over the last 26 years Debbie Bell has enjoyed working in various general Dental practices and alongside a Periodontist. Debbie Bell has also developed Fresh Breath systems, founded a children’s Dental Education company (ToothyPegs)

Debbie Bell also provides professional Tooth Whitening Services. Debbie is highly professional in her approach with patients always putting their needs first. She is gentle & caring while being extremely thorough in her treatment to gain the best oral health care for the patient. She is a valued member of our team.

Treatments offered by Debbie Bell

• Tailor-made Full mouth Cleaning & Tooth polishing with Home Care Advice
• Guided Biofilm Therapy
• Home and In Surgery ‘Laser light’ Tooth Whitening available (GDP RX)
• Topical local anaesthetic gel for comfort
• Stain removing – Prophy Jet
• Deep Cleaning with local anaesthetic
• Implant maintenance and advice

Appointments with Debbie available at Sutton Dental & Medical Clinic

Lisara Thapa Gurung

Dental Nurse

GDC No. 315839

Originally from Nepal, born in Hong Kong, and grew up moving around thanks to my dad being in the army. That experience helped shape me into someone bubbly, Chatty, and comfortable adapting to new environments.

Currently, I’m diving deeper into the world of dentistry as a dental nurse, where everyday brings a new challenge, something to learn and I’m loving it, especially the hands-on surgical work. I’ve got a soft spot for nervous patients and enjoy helping them feel relaxed and taken care of.

Big foodie at heart! I love cooking and eating Asian food. Forever obsessed with momo from Nepal and anything Korean- Yes, even the super spicy food.

Debbie Faulkner

Dental Nurse

GDC No. 140373

I have worked as a dental nurse for over 30 years and continue to thoroughly enjoy my job, particularly in helping patients of all ages feel comfortable and at ease during their visits. Outside of work I have 3 children and I enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Medea Khasaia

Dental Nurse

GDC No. 285370

Coming soon…

Amy Kipps

Trainee Dental Nurse & Aesthetics Practitioner

Amy brings nearly 23 years of experience in the beauty industry, with a background in nursing and work across both Private and NHS hospitals. Over the past 7 years, she has specialised in Aesthetics, where her passion lies in providing personalised, solution-focused treatments that leave clients feeling understood and confident in their results.

Alongside her established aesthetics practice and training courses, Amy has built a loyal client base who value her expertise and care. She is also continuing her studies in dental nursing, enabling her to extend her skills and support within the dental field.

Tina Acheampomaa

Trainee Dental Nurse

Coming soon…

Lily Braybrook

Trainee Practice Manager

Coming soon…

Sophia Ramdany

Receptionist/Beautician

I am a receptionist/beauty therapist here at Sutton Dental & Medical Clinic. I have a strong passion for customer service and taking pride in helping people.

With a background in beauty therapy, I really enjoy connecting with people and making them feel good about themselves – whether it’s through a great service or a little confidence boost!

Onora Menekse

Receptionist

My name is Onora, and I’m part of the friendly reception team here at Sutton Dental & Medical Clinic and Sutton Dentists. I love helping patients feel welcome from the moment they arrive, and I look forward to meeting you at our front desk.

Outside of work I enjoy playing the violin with a local orchestra, as well as sewing or getting lost in a good book.