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Meet our wonderful team

Our fantastic team of specialist orthodontists, orthodontic therapists, nurses, treatment coordinators and admin staff work closely together to provide every patient with the best possible care and service.

We’re extremely proud of the results we achieve and the number of happy smiles we see as our patients reach the end of their treatment. We’re looking forward to showing you what we can do!

Find out how we can help you
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Gareth Davies Principal Specialist Orthodontist View Gareth's profile

Gareth Davies

Principal Specialist Orthodontist
BDS MSc (Lond) 1994, LDS FDS RCS (Eng), MOrth RCS (Edin)
GDC: 59843

BORING STUFF: I’m Gareth Davies and I’m the Principal and senior Orthodontic Specialist at Colchester Orthodontic Centre. I qualified from The Royal London Hospital as a Dentist in 1984 and subsequently as an Orthodontic Specialist from Guy’s Hospital, London in 1997. Before commencing my specialist training, I gained experience in many areas of hospital and general practice based dentistry, from both home and abroad. Following completion of a Master’s Degree in Orthodontics, and being accepted onto the General Dental Council specialist register as an Orthodontic specialist, I moved with my family to Essex. Colchester Orthodontic Centre was established in its current site in 2006 and now provides orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages.

EXCITING STUFF: I lead a superb team of orthodontic specialists, orthodontic therapists, treatment coordinators, nurses and admin staff, who all combine to help our patients achieve the fantastic smiles they’ve always wanted. By keeping up to date with the fast paced advances in technology, techniques and materials my team and I are able to provide orthodontic solutions to the most complex clinical problems using the most efficient and aesthetic treatment options available. The huge positive changes that orthodontic treatment makes to an individual’s confidence and self-esteem is overwhelming and provides the greatest possible job satisfaction. I’m extremely proud of my team and the service we’re able to provide.

FUN STUFF: When not straightening teeth and creating wonderful smiles, I enjoy the great outdoors and all that goes with busy family life. I love music and many sports. I’m an avid cyclist, rugby nut, skier and guitar collector. When not squeezing into cycling lycra I’ll be found listening to music or playing in the Suffolk/Essex based band, The Remoras. Make sure you come to see one of our gigs. Finally, I’m kept on my toes by three children and I’m walked daily by two dogs.

Keegan Gowans Specialist Orthodontist View Keegan's profile

Keegan Gowans

Specialist Orthodontist
BDS, MJDF RCS (Eng), MSc, MClinDent, MOrth RCS (Eng).
GDC: 244140

Keegan qualified as a dentist in 2013 from the University of Manchester. He also has a Master’s in Primary Dental Care from the University of Kent. He completed his specialist orthodontist training at the Eastman Dental Hospital. During his time at University, Keegan was involved with a national research project investigating the improvement in quality of life that orthodontic treatment can provide. Noticing the change in a patient’s confidence as their treatment progresses is one of the aspects which he finds most rewarding.

Keegan has recently got married and moved back to the area having grown up near Colchester. He is enjoying being closer to his friends and family. Although his main professional interest is creating wonderful smiles, in his spare time Keegan likes listening to audio books, cooking for his friends and walking his dog Ollie.

Karina Fogarty Practice Manager View Karina's profile

Karina Fogarty

Practice Manager
Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership (ILM)
GDC:

Karina joined the team in April 2019 and has responsibility for all areas of HR, customer services, and all other aspects of practice management. Having worked in other NHS/Private general dental practices, Karina is equipped with a vast amount of experience and knowledge in all areas of managing a dental practice. In 1994 she passed her NEBDN (National Exam for dental nurses) and then completed her SAAD (a course in sedation for dental nurses), followed by an oral health education course. After being promoted to Practice Manager in 2009, Karina went on to successfully complete the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership.

In 2023 Karina celebrated 30 years of working in the dental sector.

Always wearing a smile, with a positive and enthusiastic attitude, Karina finds it a huge privilege to manage, and be part of such an amazing team at Colchester Orthodontic Centre.

In her spare time, Karina enjoys cruises, spending time with her husband and daughter, Sunday worship, and coastal walks.

Bev Wilson Business Manager View Bev's profile

Bev Wilson

Business Manager
GDC:

Bev joined the team in 2009 and has overall responsibility for the outcomes of strategic planning, financial management & resource management . Bev has over 30 years of senior management experience, both in the public and private sector, and within various multidisciplinary organisations.

In her spare time, Bev enjoys all things outdoors, swimming cycling, running and mountain walking, and spending time with family & friends.

Laurie Harper Orthodontic Therapist View Laurie's profile

Laurie Harper

Orthodontic Therapist
(Dip, Orth Ther RCSEd)
GDC: 180853

Laurie has worked in the dental profession since 2007. She joined our team in January 2012 and subsequently gained the National Certificate in Dental Radiography and Orthodontic Nursing. Laurie has spent the last year studying towards The Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy at The University of Central Lancashire and has recently qualified as an Orthodontic Therapist.

Laurie has a friendly and caring approach with all our patients. Outside of work, Laurie loves spending quality time with her friends.

Laura McDonnell-Horton Orthodontic Therapist View Laura's profile

Laura McDonnell-Horton

Orthodontic Therapist
(Dip, Orth Ther RCSEd)
GDC: 202231

Laura started her career in dentistry in 2008 and quickly developed a passion for orthodontics. She studied Dental Radiography in 2012 and Orthodontic Nursing in 2013. She attended Bristol Dental Hospital in 2013 to study Orthodontic Therapy and graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.

Laura’s calm and friendly manner helps put anxious patients at ease and she finds the most rewarding part of her job is helping nervous patients feel more confident. She especially enjoys seeing patients’ reactions to their new smiles after she has removed their braces.

Emma Pether Orthodontic Therapist View Emma's profile

Emma Pether

Orthodontic Therapist
Dip. Orth Ther RCSEd
GDC: 225092

Emma joined our team in May 2023. She received her NVQ Level 3 qualification in Dental Nursing in 2011 whilst working within a general practice. Emma worked at Addenbrooke’s hospital alongside consultants who specialised in Orthodontics and Maxillofacial surgery. Emma then moved to Dorset Country Hospital where she gained her Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy in 2019. Emma moved back to Essex to be closer to her family and enjoys reading, sunset strolls and spending times with her friends.

Danielle Rennie Lead Orthodontic Nurse View Danielle's profile

Danielle Rennie

Lead Orthodontic Nurse
NVQ L3 Dental Nursing & VRQ L3 Dental Nursing City & Guilds 2010
GDC: 203962

Danielle qualified as a dental nurse in 2010, working in Scotland for 12 years before moving to Colchester and joining the team at Colchester Orthodontic Centre. Danielle has worked in general practice for 5 years, then oral surgery, implantology and sedation for a further 7 years. She has recently qualified in dental radiography.

In her spare time Danielle loves socialising with friends and family, long walks and baking cupcakes.

Gemma Gethen Orthodontic Nurse View Gemma's profile

Gemma Gethen

Orthodontic Nurse
NEBDN
GDC: 153100

Gemma qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2008. She gained her Certificate in Dental Radiography in 2009 and completed the NEBDN Orthodontic Nursing Certificate in 2010. Gemma began working for Mr Davies in 2009 before leaving in 2012 to have her children. Gemma was very excited to return to Colchester Orthodontic Centre in 2018.

Abi French Orthodontic Nurse View Abi's profile

Abi French

Orthodontic Nurse
Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
GDC: 280786

Abi trained at Colchester Institute and qualified in 2018 with a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing. Abi has also achieved a British Dental Association (BDA) certificate in Dental Radiography in March 2021. She particularly enjoys meeting new patients and helping them overcome any fears or concerns they may have about starting orthodontic treatment.

Abi spends her spare time going to the gym and helping on the family farm.

Charlotte Kemp Orthodontic Nurse View Charlotte's profile

Charlotte Kemp

Orthodontic Nurse
Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
GDC: 289461

Charlotte started at Colchester Orthodontic Centre in August 2020. She was familiar with the practice having been a previous patient of ours.

Charlotte began her training in 2016 and qualified in 2018 with a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing. She says the best part of her job is seeing the transformation in a patient’s confidence. She noticed a change in her own confidence too as she would never smile in a photo until after her orthodontic treatment.

When she’s not at work Charlotte likes travelling, travelling and more travelling! So far she’s been to Thailand and to Iceland where she was able to see the Northern Lights.

Tegan Tapner Orthodontic Nurse View Tegan's profile

Tegan Tapner

Orthodontic Nurse
Foundation Degree in Dental Nursing (University of Northampton 2023)
GDC: 312536

Tegan joined our team in April 2023, she started her dental nursing career in 2021 moving away from the hospitality sector and embarking on a Foundation degree in Dental Nursing, with the intention of working towards her dream of becoming an Orthodontic Therapist. Tegan attended the University of Northampton. During her studies she worked in different areas of dentistry which included General dentistry, Orthodontics and Community dental services.

In her spare time Tegan loves socialising with friends and family, going on holiday, and trying new cuisines as she is quite a foodie!

Karen Ross Receptionist/Orthodontic Nurse View Karen's profile

Karen Ross

Receptionist/Orthodontic Nurse
National Certificate NEBDSA 1992
GDC: 145651

Karen trained at Colchester Institute and qualified in 1992. She has worked in general practice, Harley Street, London Community and with an oral surgeon. She joined the team at Colchester Orthodontic Centre in July 2020. Karen enjoys interacting with the patients and seeing their treatment progress.

Karen has two teenagers which keeps her busy! She also enjoys walking along the river, cycling and reading.

Kayleigh Page Lead Treatment Coordinator View Kayleigh's profile

Kayleigh Page

Lead Treatment Coordinator
GDC:

Kayleigh joined the team at Colchester Orthodontic Centre in March 2024, having previously spent the past decade working in the higher and further education sectors. She leads the coordination of our private patient treatment provision, including the practice’s marketing. She enjoys getting to know patients as they start their treatment journey with us.

In her spare time, Kayleigh enjoys travelling and live music.

Emma Skellett Receptionist / Treatment Coordinator View Emma's profile

Emma Skellett

Receptionist / Treatment Coordinator
GDC:

Emma joined the team at Colchester Orthodontic Centre in October 2021, having previously worked at a hotel spa reception. She enjoys the fast-paced nature of her role, helping our lovely patients and supporting our amazing team. In her spare time Emma enjoys socialising, walking and home decor.

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