Our Client Care Team

Meet the team

Our Client Care Team are here to ensure your visit is stress free and enjoyable. Take a look at some of the faces you will see when you first step inside the practice, from our Reception Team to our Practice Manager, we’re all here to give you the best possible patient experience.

We will help you book your check ups and treatments, arrange payments, and as we know our patients have increasingly busy lives, we’ll even give you a call to remind you of an upcoming appointment.

michelle - for website
Michelle – Operations Manager

Michelle spent her career working for the banks, insurance companies and big corporates in the city before founding a successful Montessori Nursery.

Most recently managing volunteers and staff for a large charity, Michelle has a real knack for developing people and supporting them in their personal development plans. She loves managing staff and helping owners develop and grow their businesses.

At The Essex Smile Centre, Michelle is responsible for overseeing the current expansion and growth of the practice. Supporting Declan and Stephen to provide operational insight and enhancements to the patient journey.

Michelle lives with husband Declan, their children and dog Paddy. Energetic and passionate about travel you can guarantee any spare time will be used planning their next adventure, walking the dog, working out in the gym or socialising with friends and family.

We asked… 

What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to tick off your bucket list, but haven’t yet?

A: Going to see South Fork in Dallas. I loved the TV programme

bethm-web
Beth – Practice Manager (BA Business and Marketing)
GDC No – 290293

Beth joined the team in September 2018 having attained her Level 3 National Diploma in Dental Nursing from Colchester Institute and gained 2 years’ nursing experience at a Chelmsford-based practice. Beth originally joined us as a Dental Nurse assisting with Invisalign, composite bonding and implant procedures, helping to transform our patients smiles or maybe giving them the confidence to smile again.

Beth then attended The University Of Hertfordshire and gained her bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing in 2022. Beth has now joined the Client Care Team and is our Practice Manager. Beth over sees the daily running over the practice, setting goals and making sure the practice is achieving its targets and offering leadership to the staff.

You could say she fitted straight in – just like part of the family – but we wouldn’t expect any less given that her Mum Michelle is our Operations Manager and stepdad Declan is one of our principal dentists. Beth is a massive lover of dogs and dreams of owning her own golden retriever!

We asked… 

What is your greatest vice or weakness?

A: I can never decide what to wear.

sophie-web
Sophie – Treatment Co-ordinator (TCO)

Joining our team in January 2024, Sophie brings a wealth of experience and a friendly smile to her role as Treatment Coordinator. With 8 years in the healthcare field, including previous nursing experience, Sophie understands the importance of compassion and clear communication.

Her passion lies in building trusting relationships with patients and guiding them through the process of achieving their dental goals. She thrives on simplifying complex procedures, ensuring every step is clear and comfortable. Some of her fondest memories from her previous role involve sharing hugs and conversation with customers who knew her by name, a testament to her genuine care and commitment.

Outside of the practice, Sophie enjoys spending time with her partner of 5 years and their extended family, filled with nieces and nephews who keep her on her toes! When she’s not busy coordinating dental journeys, you can find her swimming laps, hosting game nights with close friends, or visiting family.

Sophie’s dedication to patient well-being and her ability to navigate complex situations seamlessly makes her an invaluable asset to our team. We’re thrilled to have her on board, ensuring your dental journey is smooth, informative, and filled with smiles!

We asked…

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

A: When I was younger, I was chosen to hand flowers to the late Queen at the Golden Jubilee on behalf of my school.

sue-web
Sue – Head Receptionist

Sue joined us in 2003 and works part time on reception. She is a very bubbly, caring individual and one of our senior personnel. She’s much loved by colleagues and patients alike. Sue’s daughter Katie also works here, as a qualified Dental Nurse.

Sue isn’t just a receptionist, she creates a better experience for our patients. She makes them feel special. Her favourite aspect of dentistry is seeing patients finish their treatment plan successfully, and the team being thanked for their encouragement and support.

Sue started Dental Nursing in 1979 so there’s not much she hasn’t encountered in her career. She is a proud Mum and Grandparent. She enjoys going to the theatre and has seen many shows in the West End and at Cliffs Pavilion. Her favourite all time show is The Jersey Boys, which she has seen four times.

We asked…

Which living person do you most admire and why?

A: My mum, a beautiful woman who is caring, loyal and admired by the whole family… she is our Queen.

clare-web
Clare – Receptionist
GDC No – 109551

Clare is another original member of Denis’s nursing team. She left to start her family but returned in 2009 and now works front of house but can also be called to surgery as a qualified nurse.

Clare has a wealth of experience in dentistry and uses this knowledge to assist patients throughout their patient journey. She will often be there to greet patients and offer support whether it is to listen to their dental concerns and phobias or organising their appointments.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves to travel as much as possible with husband Dave.

We asked…

Who would play you in the film of your life?

A: Kate Winslett

D852310-780x405
Denise – Receptionist
GDC No 159094

Denise has been with The Essex Smile Centre since 1993 and worked with Declan and Stephen’s father Denis Keane.

Denise loves to chat to our patients both on the phone and in person, she is calm, friendly and goes out of her way to make all the patients feel very welcome.

Denise originally started her career as a Dental Nurse and spent many years working in a Practice Management role. She is now focusing on the customer service side of dentistry, where she’s passionate about making a difference.

Because she understands the clinical and operational side of dentistry she is unflappable and calm in a crisis. Outside of work Denise is big fan of 1950’s fashion, music and dancing.

We asked…

What 3 luxury items would you take to a desert island?

A: Loo roll, a boat full with petrol and a hunky masseur

sophie2-web
Sophie – Receptionist

With her cheerful and welcoming manner, Sophie fitted straight into our friendly client care team when she joined the Essex Smile Centre in July 2021.

Having trained as a legal secretary and worked in a variety of office admin and receptionist/PA roles, Sophie brings both organisation and customer facing skills to her role as receptionist. She says that “meeting new people” is the most rewarding part of her role and her enthusiasm to ensure patients feel welcome and prepared for their appointments is evident for all to see.

Sophie is married with a daughter and, when she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with friends, family and her dog. Her favourite food is cheesecake and her favourite tipple is a close call between Prosecco and a G&T.

If Sophie could invite any four celebrities to a dinner party, she would choose David Attenborough, Vin Diesel, Jennifer Anniston and Chris Hemsworth.