Meet the people behind your care.
A friendly, experienced team focused on calm appointments and clear communication, from your first hello to your follow-ups.
- Gentle, unhurried approach, we explain everything in plain English.
- Modern dentistry with a personal touch, comfort comes first.
- Clear plans and pricing, you’ll know what’s happening and why.

Meet the team
A big welcome from our team.
The people behind calm, personal care. Read more about them below.
Dr Sabah Ayub-Rodrigues
Co-owner and Business Director of Bridge Dental, King's College London graduate with a holistic, detail-led approach, advanced facial aesthetics training, and a genuine passion for making every patient feel truly welcome.
Dr Sabah graduated from King's College London School of Dentistry, earning her dental degree and a BSc in Human Sciences, then completed Oxfordshire Deanery's Dental Foundation Training.
As co-director of Bridge Dental Clinic, she creates custom treatment plans taking a holistic approach to restoring and maintaining health, function and natural beauty.
Trained in advanced Facial Aesthetics on Harley Street, she uses a tailor-made approach to enhance natural beauty while maintaining harmony.
Outside work: travel, music, yoga, countryside walks, cooking, and cuddles with her cats Bellatrix and Darcy.
Dr Jorge Rodrigues
Co-owner and Clinical Director of Bridge Dental, MSc Implant Dentistry (Warwick) with extensive implant surgery training, 15+ years of UK practice experience, and a relaxed, patient-centred approach that puts everyone at ease.
From Porto, Dr Jorge earned his degree at the University of Fernando Pessoa and has worked in the UK for 15+ years. After a decade at Bridge Dental he now leads the practice.
He completed advanced training in Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, earned an MSc in Implant Dentistry (Warwick, 2022), and undertook further implant surgery training in São Paulo.
Known for his calm, humour-filled style, he takes time to listen so patients feel comfortable and fully informed.
Dr Ali Raie
Highly skilled dental surgeon with a special interest in oral surgery and implants, bringing extensive surgical experience from a Maxillofacial Surgery Residency in Damascus.
Dr Ali qualified with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the International University of Science & Technology (IUST) and went on to complete an MSc in Medical Applications of Laser in Dentistry at Damascus University.
Between 2020 and 2023 he completed a Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at Damascus Hospital, where he developed advanced expertise in surgical procedures and patient care.
His training and hands-on surgical experience allow him to provide patients with confident, precise care, particularly when it comes to more complex treatments such as oral surgery and implant placement.
Patients love Dr Ali's calm, professional approach and the reassurance he brings to procedures that can often feel daunting. His sense of humour is always top notch, it's safe to say he's a real hit with both patients and team members alike!
Outside of dentistry, Dr Ali enjoys cooking, especially grilling meat and steak, and is a big football fan who supports Manchester United. He also enjoys keeping fit at the gym, travelling, discovering new restaurants with friends, and has a keen interest in cars. Dentistry must run in the family too, as Dr Ali's brother is also a dentist!
Sarah Russell
Qualified hygienist since 2002 with over two decades of experience, upbeat and evidence-led, with a real gift for personalised gum care and making every appointment feel relaxed and worthwhile.
Sarah has been a hygienist at Bridge Dental Smiles since 2002, bringing years of expertise and dedication to the team. She is passionate about staying up to date with the latest views on preventing gum disease and helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. Sarah tailors every patient's hygiene routine to their individual needs, providing personalised advice and even offering a percentage-based risk assessment for gum health.
A true people person, Sarah loves connecting with her patients and team members alike. Her surgery is often filled with contagious laughter, creating a warm and welcoming environment that puts everyone at ease. Whether she's sharing a joke with a patient or enjoying a lighthearted moment with her colleagues, Sarah's infectious positivity brightens everyone's day.
Outside of work, Sarah is married with two children and enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her creative side. She loves baking, especially cakes, sewing, reading, and embarking on camping trips with her family.
At Bridge Dental Smiles, Sarah's dedication to patient care and her vibrant personality make her an integral part of the team. Her ability to combine professionalism with a touch of fun ensures every patient experience is both effective and enjoyable.
Hope Powell
Qualified via apprenticeship in 2022 and radiography-trained in 2024, with a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics.
Hope began her journey at Bridge Dental in 2020 as a trainee dental nurse, qualifying in 2022 and adding dental radiography to her skillset in 2024, so don't be surprised if she's the one expertly taking your X-rays during your visit!
Hope thrives in the supportive, friendly environment at Bridge Dental, where laughter with the team and meaningful connections with patients are part of daily life. She loves getting to know each patient in a unique and personable way, ensuring they feel valued and comfortable.
What drew Hope to dental nursing is the dynamic nature of the role, each day brings its own challenges and wins. She is deeply passionate about the transformative power of dentistry and feels privileged to play a part in making life-changing differences for patients.
With a special interest in cosmetic dentistry, facial aesthetics, and oral hygiene education, Hope's dedication to enhancing patients' smiles and overall oral health is evident in everything she does.
Outside of work, Hope's love for animals shines through as she cares for her four cats and her new dog, Finley. She enjoys exploring National Trust sites, watching the latest blockbusters with her cinema pass, and diving into fantasy books. Italian cuisine and a glass of red wine are her go-to favourites.
Fun fact? Hope comes from a big family, she's one of seven siblings! This has helped shape her patience and mentoring skills, which she brings to training and guiding new dental nurses with care and expertise.
Shae Baker
Joined 2023, thriving on surgical procedures, implants and CEREC, energetic, ambidextrous, and an absolute team superstar.
Shae is a talented and dynamic dental nurse who joined the Bridge Dental team in 2023. She quickly became a valued member, thriving on the solidarity and the lively, supportive relationships with her colleagues. For Shae, every day at Bridge Dental is filled with hard work, laughter, and plenty of fun, living by her "work hard, play hard" life anthem. In Shae's own words, the team feels like a second family, and Bridge Dental truly feels like home.
Shae loves the variety her role offers, with every day bringing something new. She has a particular passion for surgical procedures, dental implants, and CEREC crown technology, excelling in these areas with precision and skill. Fun fact? Shae is ambidextrous when it comes to her nursing, a rare and impressive talent!
Outside of work, Shae's life is just as vibrant. She's a proud pet parent to her one-eyed Shih Tzu, Tiffany, and her Welsh Cob horse, Jubilee. When she's not riding Jubilee, you'll likely find her hitting the gym three times a week, indulging in her love for Thai food, or sipping a glass of her favourite Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc. And if you're looking for someone who can conquer a weekend abroad without missing a beat, then turn up to work like an absolute superstar, Shae's your person!
Emily Benson
A warm, welcoming presence who helps create the friendly atmosphere our patients love from the moment they walk in.
Emily is a valued member of the team at Bridge Dental and helps create the warm, welcoming atmosphere our patients love. She enjoys building relationships with patients and making sure everyone feels comfortable and cared for during their visit.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys staying active with walking and running, as well as baking and trying new restaurants with friends. Her favourite meal is a good steak, often paired with a glass of Zinfandel rosé. At home, she loves spending time with her black Labrador, Millie.
Emily says the best part about working at Bridge Dental is the team: "Everyone is so lovely and welcoming." Her friendly nature and positive attitude make her a fantastic part of the practice.
Nicky Deer
Over 30 years of dental experience, from nursing to army service, with a particular gift for putting nervous patients at ease.
Nicky brings over 30 years of experience in dentistry to Bridge Dental. She began her career as a dental nurse and later spent many years working within the army before moving into a front-of-house role. With such a wide range of experience, she is especially skilled at supporting and reassuring nervous patients, helping them feel relaxed and confident during their visits.
Outside the practice, Nicky enjoys walking and getting creative with crafting projects. She's also a big fan of Italian food and a good glass of red wine. At home, she has a sausage dog called Clive, and she loves spending time with her granddaughter, Willow.
Nicky's wealth of knowledge, calm approach, and genuine care for patients make her an invaluable part of the Bridge Dental team.
Danielle Knight
In dentistry since 1998, starting as a Dental Nurse, bringing warmth and a genuine understanding of patient care to the front of house team.
Danielle has been part of the dental profession since 1998, beginning her career as a Dental Nurse before bringing her wealth of experience to the front of house team. Her background gives her a great understanding of both the clinical and patient care sides of dentistry, helping her ensure every patient feels welcomed and looked after from the moment they walk through the door.
What Danielle loves most about working at Bridge Dental is being part of such a fantastic team. She also enjoys meeting the many interesting people who visit the practice every day, no two days are ever quite the same!
Away from work, Danielle is a keen baker and is always happy to test out a new recipe (much to our delight). She shares her home with her husband, two teenagers, and a much-loved rescue cat, Belle, who firmly believes she is in charge of the household.
One of Danielle's biggest adventures was moving her entire family to France for a couple of years to try something completely different. It was a wonderful experience filled with great memories, although she is delighted to return to her roots in Shropshire.
When it comes to food, Danielle can't resist Italian cuisine, and if she's enjoying a well-earned evening off, you'll likely find her with a glass of wine or a margarita cocktail in hand. Friendly, approachable, and always ready with a smile, Danielle is a friendly face that patients love seeing at reception.
Becky Halstead
In dentistry since 2008, with a decade of front of house experience in reception, patient care and GDPR, and a warm welcome for everyone.
Becky began her career in dentistry in 2008 as a Trainee Dental Nurse, qualifying the following year. After welcoming her first child, she discovered a passion for the patient-facing side of dentistry and transitioned into a front of house role. Over the past decade, she has built extensive experience in reception, patient care, and GDPR, helping to ensure that every patient receives a warm welcome and exceptional service.
What Becky loves most about Bridge Dental is the people. She feels incredibly lucky to work alongside such a wonderful team and to care for such lovely patients, making every day enjoyable and rewarding. She loves getting to know patients and helping them feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they arrive.
Outside of work, family life keeps her wonderfully busy. She has two children, aged 4 and 11, who certainly keep her on her toes but are absolutely her world. Becky says she doesn't know what she'd do without her family, they mean everything to her, and she feels truly blessed to have them.
On the rare occasions her children allow her a little free time, Becky enjoys Pilates, baking, travelling, and is currently spending her spare time planning her wedding to her fiancé after eight happy years together.
When it comes to food, Becky is the first to admit she simply loves it all! If she had to choose a favourite, Greek cuisine would be at the top of the list. As for drinks, she's not particularly fussy, whether it's a glass of Rioja, a cocktail with friends, or a refreshing beer, she's happy to join in.
Friendly, approachable, and always ready for a chat, Becky is one of the smiling faces you'll see in our Front of House team at Bridge Dental.