Meet the team

Dentist with special interest in Endodontics, Aesthetics, Invisalign, and Orthodontics.

Alongside being very friendly, approachable, and highly skilled, Andrew is one of the most highly qualified and knowledgeable dentists in Cornwall. He was awarded an MSc with distinction in endodontics from King’s College London. This is the branch of dentistry concerned with saving teeth. His academic success has led him to teach on postgraduate courses for other dentists at both King’s College London and the University of Exeter and his academic research has recently been published internationally (read the publication here).

He has subsequently pursued postgraduate qualifications in aesthetic dentistry as well as orthodontics and enjoys making large and small changes to enhance patient smiles in a way that avoids long term damage. He regularly provides both high quality preventative general family dentistry, along with more complex treatment to restore mouths affected by decay, wear, gum disease, or deteriorating appearance.

Andrew founded the Observatory Dental Practice to pursue his philosophy of modern proactive preventative ethical dentistry. Outside of work, Andrew has lived in Falmouth for the last 8 years with his wife and two children. He enjoys running, swimming and attempting to surf.

Simon graduated from the University of Manchester in 1991. Since then, he has been principal of two successful dental practices. He has been placing implants since 2005 and was awarded the Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2011. The Diploma involved a minimum of two years post-graduate study based in London, Frankfurt and Tübingen. He also tutored on Cohort 13 of the RCS Implant Diploma and also as a final-year Day Book facilitator at Peninsula Dental School. He has been clinical mentor for MSc students.

He has been involved in the development of complex Straumann implant systems and is therefore able to treat cases from highly aesthetic single implants to full arch replacement. He is also experienced at minor oral surgery.

He also writes medicolegal reports for solicitors, primarily through British Medical Experts. These reports are specifically on issues of the planning, execution and outcomes of implant treatment but also cover more general areas of diagnosis of dental disease, and timely and appropriate intervention

Outside work, he mountain bikes enthusiastically, regularly travelling to the French and Italian Alps for excitement. He sails and skis for enjoyment and relaxation, while also enjoying hiking the Dartmoor countryside and Cornish coastline with his partner Yvonne.

Natalie is a dentist with Special Interest in Endodontics. Natalie qualified as a dentist from Birmingham University in 2007, where she won the James Youngson Prize for Introductory Clinical Dentistry and completed a voluntary special study module in endodontics.

Following this, Natalie gained experience working in dental practices throughout Cornwall and during 2016-2017 went on to complete her MSc in endodontics at the prestigious UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London. Natalie presented her MSc research poster at the British Endodontic Society Spring Scientific Meeting in London in March 2018.

Natalie also works as a Clinical Supervisor at Plymouth University Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry in Truro. She has provided endodontic lectures and practical teaching sessions to undergraduate dental students and general dental practitioners.

Natalie is passionate about providing the best possible endodontic care to her patients, attending conferences and reading journals in order to keep up to date with the latest research and techniques. She also has a very calming manner with her patients and always aims to ensure that the treatment process is as comfortable as possible.

Outside of work Natalie enjoys running, swimming, paddle boarding, scuba diving, yoga and anything to do with plants!

Yana graduated from Peninsula Dental School in 2021 with distinction and an academic award. She has previous experience since 2016 in dentistry as a dental nurse.

A holistic approach is at the forefront of Yana’s clinical practice, providing informative and gentle dental treatment in a calm environment.

Yana is keen to further her career and has plans to complete a masters in periodontology and postgraduate diploma in composite restorations.

Outside of work Yana is a keen sea swimmer, loves yoga and drinking speciality coffee.

Mel qualified in 2018, previously working within the veterinary care industry.

Having travelled around Cornwall providing locum cover for the last few years, Mel is very excited to be joining Andrew and the wonderful team at The Observatory, providing gold standard in patient care.

Mel has experience in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics and orthodontics, her favourite part is working with patients seeing their smiles restored and confidence soar.

In her role as head nurse she supervises various elements of the dental practice. Providing support and direction to enhance the performance, skills and knowledge of the nursing team.

Keen to expand and develop her skill set, Mel would like to complete further qualifications in oral health education, and implants.

Mel lives at home with her husband, and labrador retriever. They share a love of the outdoors, enjoying beach and coastal walks with plenty of bbq’s with family and friends. Mel also has a mare called Ella, so will often be found at the stables, or out riding around the country lanes.

After a 28-year career in Optics, Caila opted for a new challenge and role, and joined the Observatory in February 2023. She has described working alongside a highly skilled and professional team who put patient care at the forefront of every appointment as the best decision, as this aligns strongly with her own values.

Caila is married to Gary and has two grown up children. Family is very important to Michaela, who enjoys with her four grandchildren.

Caila grew up in Falmouth and loves enjoying coastal walks and the beaches.  Her passion is to travel, and she has been lucky enough to visit many countries, including China.

Helen joined the Practice April 2023 as a new venture following many years of working in childcare and has enjoyed the change and feels very much part of a successful professional team. Helen’s skills in caring for children has not left her, and ensures patient care is her top priority.

Working on reception in a busy dental practice has taught Helen many new skills and widened her knowledge of dentistry. It has also allowed Helen to meet many new people, and she especially enjoys hearing people’s tales of their travel experiences.

Helen lives nearby to the practice and enjoys Falmouth beaches for dog walks and sunrise swims.

Cornish born and bred, Julie started her training in 2007 and qualified in 2013.

Having worked in the dental industry for the last 16 years, Julie enjoys all aspects of dental nursing, particularly endodontics and all cosmetic procedures. Julie is looking forward to learning about new technologies and procedures and is keen to be part of a preventative approach. Julie likes to chat with patients, ensuring their continuous care needs and making sure they feel comfortable.

Julie was appointed IPC lead after completing Level 2 Certificate in her previous practice. She’s always looking to further her career with post qualification courses with interests in Oral Hygiene and Radiography.

Julie has recently moved to Falmouth with her husband, two teenagers and Spaniel Rolo. She loves being near the sea and exploring new walks, enjoy spending time with family and friends! In her spare time, Julie can be found baking or reading.

Gemma Qualified as a dental nurse in 2023, she has experience working in both NHS and Private dentistry. Gemma previously was a health care assistant before moving into the role of a dental nurse in 2020. Gemma lives with her partner and cat Hector. In her spare time, Gemma likes to enjoy socialising with friends and family, exploring Cornwall and travelling abroad.

Beth Qualified in Dental nursing in 2021 in an NHS practice and has experience in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and endodontics. She continued to complete impression taking in 2022 and had held a range of whitening clinics to help patients achieve their dream white smile.

Beth’s partner serves in the Royal Navy and together (along with their cat Milor) they have recently managed to purchase their first house together. Beth enjoys long walks on the beach in her free time and is a keen runner.