Shirley Dental Practice, 189 Wickham Road, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 8TF
Shiv graduated from King’s College London Dental Institute and has been working in general dental practice since. Shiv, along with his wife Minal, are the principal dentists after taking over the dental practice in 2015.
Shiv is a very friendly and enthusiastic practitioner and is regularly complimented by patients for his gentle approach and light touch. He is dedicated to providing ethical and evidence based general and cosmetic dentistry using the most up to date materials and techniques. He received a postgraduate Certificate in Restorative Dental Practice from the prestigious Eastman Dental Institute in 2012 after a year long course, whilst also completing his MJDF qualification. He has recently completed a year long Advanced Dental Seminars course in Cosmetic Dentistry and Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry with the renowned Chris Orr (2020). He also provides simple teeth straightening treatments using Invisalign Go.
Shiv also has a keen interest in root canal treatments (Endodontics) and completed a 2-year Diploma in Endodontic Practice at the Eastman Dental Institute in 2016. This enhanced his knowledge, ability and skills to treat root canal treatments of a more complex nature.
When he is not at work, Shiv is a keen sportsman, particularly enjoying cricket and football. He is also an avid traveller, immersing himself into different cultures around the world.
Minal graduated from King’s College London Dental Institute achieving her BDS degree with Honours. Minal, along with her husband Shiv, are the principal dentists after taking over the dental practice in 2015.
She undertook a postgraduate Certificate in Restorative Dental Practice in 2012 from the well renowned Eastman Dental Institute over the course of a year, as well as completing her MJDF qualifications. This enabled her to increase her skills for treating more complex restorative cases.
She is a friendly, caring and enthusiastic dentist whose calming nature makes her popular with patients of all ages. Minal has a keen interest in general dentistry, with an emphasis on prevention and minimally invasive techniques. Minal also enjoys cosmetic dentistry with a conservative approach, being committed to providing high quality care for her patients so they can be confident and happy with their smiles. She is a certified practitioner of Invisalign Go to help straighten front teeth safely and efficiently and enjoys providing mini smile makeovers using combinations of teeth whitening, composite bonding and teeth straightening.
Outside of dentistry, she loves to travel around the world exploring new cultures and foods, meeting with her friends and reading a good book!
Sapna qualified from King’s College London Dental Institute in 2009 with Honours. After completing her three-year specialist training at King’s College Dental Hospital and St George’s Hospital, she now restricts her practice solely to Orthodontics.
She obtained her Membership in Orthodontics from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2014 as well as a Masters in Orthodontics for which she was awarded a Distinction and the Philip Walther Prize for the highest mark.
Sapna has since undertaken training to be an Orthodontic Consultant with two further years of training at Guy’s Hospital and Queen Victoria Hospital, treating patients with complex orthodontic problems, passing her Fellowship examinations. She currently also works as an orthodontic consultant at St George's Hospital and St Helier Hospital.
Sapna has lectured and presented her research nationally and internationally. She takes a keen interest in teaching trainees and is carrying out a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education. Sapna takes pride in providing an extremely high standard of orthodontic care based on the latest clinical evidence. She is trained in a variety of appliances in systems including Invisalign and aims to tailor patient treatment to their individual needs and expectations.
When not straightening teeth, you will find Sapna hiking, practising pilates or travelling.
Dr Ronak Patel or Ronnie, as he is known to his patients and colleagues , graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2008 and has been involved in dentistry for over 20 years.
He returned to work in London in private practice and quickly found himself a key position with King’s College London Hospital. Ronnie developed his knowledge in dentistry by completing his MJDF at the Royal College of Surgeons, from here he progressed his clinical knowledge and skills by completing the certificate in Advanced Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry and Advanced Endodontics. This has allowed him to carry out high class quality dentistry for all his patients providing a range of dental care. Endodontics is only one of his greatest skills and he has completed part speciality training to help tackle both simple and complex referral cases.
He now has completed his post graduate certificate in Dental Implants which has allowed him to continue his passion to treat patients that require multidisciplinary treatments. This has allowed Ronnie to treat and complete over 2000 cases involving extractions, root canal treatments and dental implants. Dr Ronnie now mainly focuses on referral work using the most up to date and state of the art dental equipment.
Dr Ronnie has the unique dual skill to either save and prolong a tooth’s health with root canal treatment or remove and replace a missing tooth with a dental implant.
Dr Ronnie regularly mentors and teaches graduates and postgraduate dentists who have a keen interest in cosmetic dentistry across seven hospitals in London. He also held a teaching position at Kings College Hospital for over 7 years, developing and helping undergraduates develop their dental passion and skills.
Dr Ronnie was the winner of the 2021 Chrysalis patient care award. The patient care awards recognise outstanding team members for all their efforts and hard work in 2021. The aim was to find someone who provided exemplary levels of patient support and care in what was an extraordinary year and challenging year in healthcare. Dr Ronnie was picked out of 3000 practices by a panel of judges who commented how lovely it was to read about how Dr Ronnie had gone above and beyond for his fellow co-workers and patients.
“Dentistry is my passion – this is evident from when you first meet me and right throughout my work. My drive comes from being able to provide good quality dentistry to my loyal patient base while delivering high results which can be life changing.
Being a dental phobic myself I have a unique understanding for nervous patients.
My promise to patients is the idea of accessibility, ensuring patients can have contact prior and AFTER treatment giving patients that extra reassurance should they need help short or long term. I will always go that extra mile to ensure my patients are comfortable, fully informed of their treatment and have the ability to have some control.
Outside of dentistry I am a keen sports fan, enjoying boxing, golf and football to name . I thoroughly enjoy the transition from my high energy hobbies to the delicate art of delivery of dentistry!”
Dr Ronak Patel
Ruchika qualified as a dentist with an honours degree from University of Bristol in 2003. She then worked in general dental practice before being accepted onto the Bristol General Professional Training (GPT) scheme. In Bristol, she worked as a senior house officer in oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and paediatric dentistry. During this period, she was awarded the Membership of the Faculty in Dental Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of England. She was mentored by one of the leading Orthodontists in the country and this is where she discovered her passion for Orthodontics.
In 2006, Ruchika undertook her three year Orthodontics Specialist postgraduate training at King’s College and St George’s Hospital, London. She was awarded a Master of Science (MSc) with Merit in Orthodontics from the University of London. She also attained the Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) from The Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2009. Ruchika is registered as a specialist orthodontist with the General Dental Council. She is also a member of the British and European Orthodontic Society.
Ruchika restricts her dentistry career solely to Orthodontics. She also currently works at a specialist orthodontic practice in West Sussex. Ruchika focuses on delivering the best care to her patients, improving the smiles and confidence of children and adults in a relaxed, friendly and approachable manner. Ruchika is trained in a variety of appliances including cosmetic braces, Invisalign (clear aligners) and lingual braces where appropriate.
When Ruchika is not treating patients, she enjoys her time off with her young family, exercising and travelling.
Payal qualified from King’s College London in 2005 with prestigious awards in restorative dentistry, and for a research project she carried out in Periodontology. She gained her early professional experience in general practice in London, before undertaking a 2-year Diploma in Endodontic Practice. This has allowed her to grow as a clinician, increasing her skill set and ability to carry out more challenging endodontic cases.
Payal is an enthusiastic and devoted dentist whose top priority is to provide her patients with the highest standard of dental care at all times. She is especially empathetic to nervous patients and is committed to making people feel at ease during appointments and ensuring that everyone leaves her surgery smiling. Payal enjoys working in general dental practice and her artistic nature and attention to detail fuels her interests in a wide range of dental specialties including restorative and aesthetic dentistry and endodontics. Always striving to improve and develop as a clinician, she continually enrols in courses to keep in touch with new techniques and treatments.
Payal also has a keen interest in facial aesthetics, particularly in anti-wrinkle injections and skincare. She enjoys helping patients age gracefully and as naturally as possible.
Outside of dentistry, Payal is a mother of two and loves spending time with her young family. She also enjoys pilates, baking, travelling and exploring new places.
Dr Kirtan Patel graduated from King’s College London in 2013 and completed his foundation training in Norfolk within the prestigious East of England Deanery. Since then, he has worked in South West London caring and tending to a range of patients with varying dental needs and conditions
His warm and positive personality makes him very popular with patients and the team.
He is a sociable character with a great knowledge of the city of London, if you are ever stuck for an idea of what to do over the weekend, Kirtan will always have a suggestion at the ready!
Dr Kirtan also has a deep, almost encyclopaedic knowledge of music having been a DJ throughout his university years and uses this to good effect in the surgery catering to patient’s individual tastes to try and make the whole dental experience as pleasant as possible.
Dr Kirtan provides all aspects of general dentistry and is adept at treating and calming nervous and anxious patients along with a special interest in oral surgery.
Amie graduated from King’s College London in 2009. In addition to this she has completed the 3 year Diploma in Restorative Dental Practice at the Eastman Dental Institute. This has helped her in delivering the highest standards of patient-centred dental care.
As a general practitioner, Amie is committed to continuing her professional development in order to provide a wide range of treatment options for her patients. Her approach is to focus on health and function, alongside preventative and minimal intervention treatments.
Amie likes to be able to make her patients feel at ease at all times, and to create a positive and comfortable experience.
Chloe is one of our hygienists, who with her kind and bubbly personality will make you feel at ease during your appointment. She focuses on prevention and oral hygiene instruction, as well as making your teeth clean, in order to keep your gums and periodontal health stable.
Anna graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2017 with a BSc (hons) in Oral Health Sciences, achieving the medal for academic excellence. She is passionate about making patients feel comfortable and working through any anxieties you may have surrounding your dental hygiene appointments. Working with you to achieve your optimal oral health in a way that works for you.
Outside of dentistry she enjoys live music and outdoor swimming.
Jess has been an integral part of team since she joined us in 2018. Since starting as a fantastic full time dental nurse and receptionist, Jess has now taken the role of our practice manager. If she is not helping you with your appointments on the phone or at the front desk, she will be working behind the scenes ensuring the practice is fully compliant with all regulations.
With her warm personality, well-organised nature and experience in all things dental, she is always available to discuss the different treatment options to patients, allowing them to make choices that they understand and best suit them.
Rose is our friendly and experienced dental nurse and has been with us since 1998. She understands the full operational practices of this surgery and will be more than happy to assist with any questions you may have. With her bubbly personality, she will make you feel comfortable and at ease.
Erica is one of our friendly and experienced dental nurses. With her caring and supportive nature, along with her good sense of humour, she will ensure you feel at ease at all times. Erica has been with us since 2000 and will be with you throughout your implant journey.
Leanne joined the team in 2020 and has since passed her dental nursing exams, to become a fully qualified dental nurse. You may also find her helping out at the reception or assisting with your orthodontic journey.
When Leanne is not at work, you will find her maintaining her fitness and enjoying play dates with her son, Jesse.
Adaleene is our part-time receptionist. She has been working in the dental field for many years and as such has lots of experience to be able to organise your next appointments and answer any questions you may have.
Our experienced team is dedicated to offering you a relaxed, comfortable dental experience at all times.
MEET THE TEAM