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mydentist, Avante Dental Centre, Stockton-on-Tees Dentist in Stockton-on-Tees

Meet the team at mydentist, Avante Dental Centre, Stockton-on-Tees

Your practice team

  • Tracey Featherstone Practice Manager

    GDC No: 122781

  • Kimberley Mulgrew Treatment Co-ordinator

    GDC No: 246051

Your clinicians

  • Ana Ionescu
    Ana Ionescu Implantologist Qualified from: BDS Newcastle University 2017 GDC No: 274981

    Dr Ana Ionescu qualified from Newcastle University in 2017. She has a strong passion for aesthetic composite dentistry and advanced restorative treatments. She has a particular interest in dental implantology and periodontal microsurgery, focusing on precise, minimally invasive techniques that enhance both function and appearance. Ana is currently furthering her expertise at the Hurzeler and Zuhr Dental Education Institute in Munich, where she continues to refine her clinical skills. She welcomes referrals for a range of specialist procedures, including implant‑retained dentures such as All‑on‑4 and All‑on‑6, as well as sinus augmentation, bone grafting, and soft tissue grafting. Her approach to restorative and reconstructive dentistry is centred on restoring comfort, function, and confidence. By improving the ability to chew and speak without discomfort, she helps patients return to everyday life with ease. Each treatment plan is carefully tailored to the individual, ensuring patient‑specific needs and goals are met while achieving natural, long‑lasting, and aesthetically pleasing results.

  • Stephen Wears
    Stephen Wears GDP Private Qualified from: Diploma Clinical Dental Technology Royal College of Surgeons Of England 2011 Transferred from DTA Voluntary Register GDC No: 130497

    Stephen has been a Dental Technician and making dentures for many years. During that time, he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in many prestigious dental laboratories.Stephen qualified and trained for two and a half years as a Clinical Dental Technician at the Royal College of Surgeons, enabling him to provide direct care to patients with even more skill and knowledge.In addition to looking after his own patients, Stephen is a partner in his own dental laboratory in the North East and this has assisted him in producing quality and consistent dentures, bespoke to his patients' requests, needs and budget.Stephen personally assesses his patients and provides options to ensure they have a functional denture, providing the best fit, appearance and comfort... and of course smile!When Stephen isn't creating new smiles, he can be found walking his dogs on his nearby beach, and also has a not so guilty pleasure, Country music, and goes to as many gigs and festivals as he can.By choosing Stephen to care for you, not only will you receive a friendly welcome but someone who listens to your preferences so he can provide you with the right end result!

  • Aghajan Movsumov
    Aghajan Movsumov GDP Qualified from: Zobarsta Riga Stradiņš University 2021 GDC No: 322888

    With extensive experience in restorative dentistry, surgical extractions, and endodontics, Aghajan is committed to delivering care that combines precision with compassion. A graduate of Riga Stradiņš University in Latvia, where he completed his studies with distinction, he has since dedicated his career to helping patients feel comfortable, confident, and informed throughout their dental journey. Renowned for his calm approach and patient-first philosophy, Aghajan believes that dentistry is about more than treatment—it’s about trust, education, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active at the gym, playing chess, and exploring creative outlets such as animation design. With a deep curiosity for science and technology, he is especially inspired by how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of modern dentistry—making treatments smarter, faster, and more precise. Aghajan often reflects on the idea that “there is always a blueprint to every game—building a strong foundation is essential in any field, and passion is the driving force that turns knowledge into mastery.” This philosophy guides both his professional practice and his personal pursuits, reminding him that growth comes from dedication, curiosity, and care.

  • Alina Cockill
    Alina Cockill GDP Qualified from: DMD Oradea 2019 GDC No: 288332

    Alina graduated from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Oradea in 2018, where she also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health Care Management. She has worked as a general dental practitioner in private practice and as a Manager for HH Resources and Dental Education, gaining experience in both clinical and administrative aspects of dentistry.After moving to the UK in 2019, Alina began practicing in North Yorkshire, focusing on orthodontics, particularly clear aligner therapy, as well as cosmetic and restorative dentistry. She is committed to continuous learning, ensuring her patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments.Alina believes dentistry is the perfect blend of science, engineering, and artistry. She strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and cared for, with their smiles as the best reward for her work.

  • Dr Jamie Garbutt
    Dr Jamie Garbutt GDP Qualified from: BDS Newcastle University 2021 GDC No: 296350

    Dr Jamie Garbutt is a dentist with a strong passion for dental education. Alongside clinical practice, Dr Garbutt is involved in mentoring and training the next generation of dental professionals. He has served as a Clinical Placement Supervisor for Teesside University Dental Hygiene School since 2023, educating and supporting students as they develop their clinical skills. Additionally, Dr Garbutt is an NHS mentor for international dental graduates, helping clinicians transition into UK practice. His commitment to education reflects a dedication not only to dentistry but also to the growth and support of the wider dental community. Born and raised in the Stockton‑on‑Tees area, Dr Garbutt graduated from Newcastle University in 2021 and is committed to working in his home town, providing the best and most up‑to‑date treatment for his patients. He values building strong relationships with those he cares for, helping them maintain their oral health and confidence. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, padel, and relaxing with a good pint of Guinness.

  • Dr Mihai Neacsu
    Dr Mihai Neacsu GDP Qualified from: DDM Bucharest 2001 GDC No: 133099

    Dr Mihai Neacsu graduated from Carol Davila University in Bucharest in 2000 and successfully ran his own private dental practice there for eight years. In 2008, he relocated to the UK to further advance his career, where he has built a strong reputation for his calm manner and patient‑centred approach. Mihai believes dentistry is a unique combination of art, technology, and psychology, and he is dedicated to ensuring every patient feels comfortable, relaxed, and fully informed throughout their treatment journey. His main areas of expertise are root canal treatment (endodontics) and restorative dentistry. He holds a Master of Science in Endodontology with Distinction from the University of Chester (SimplyEndo) and is recognised as a Dentist with Enhanced Skills in Endodontics (DwESE), accepting referrals for complex root canal treatments from surrounding practices. In recognition of his clinical excellence and outstanding patient care, Mihai was shortlisted as one of the five finalists for the mydentist Dentist of the Year Award in 2025. Outside of dentistry, Mihai enjoys playing tennis and padel, and spending time on DIY projects where he can put his practical skills to the test.

  • Hanna Kaczan
    Hanna Kaczan GDP Qualified from: Lek Dent Medical University of Białystok 1995 GDC No: 100542

    Hanna qualified as a dentist from the University of Bialystok in 1995 and worked for various private practices in Poland for ten years. She obtained a first degree Specialisation in General Dentistry in 2002. Hanna moved to the UK in 2005 and worked in a family-run dental practice in the North East for 17 years. She then joined mydentist in 2024.Hanna is passionate about her work and focuses on providing high-quality care for both NHS and private patients. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and has experience in general dentistry, concentrating on restorative and prosthetic procedures. She offers simple to complex composite fillings, various types of dentures, crowns, veneers and whitening.When not working, Hanna enjoys crosswords, reading, walking in the beautiful English countryside and exploring towns and villages with her friends

  • Michal Polubinski
    Michal Polubinski GDP Qualified from: Lek Stom Medical University of Białystok 1994 GDC No: 85175

    Michal qualified as a dentist at the Medical University of Bialystok in 1994. He moved to the UK in 2005 and after working in various practices in the South of England and in Scotland, he decided to settle in North Yorkshire. Michal is a very experienced dentist and loves all aspects of dentistry from general dental treatments to complex treatments and currently works at 2 mydentist practices in Middlesbrough and Stockton.Michal developed an interest in dental implants and has completed his general and advanced dental practical courses in dental implants in 2014. In his spare time, Michal enjoys sailing and also loves to ski and swim.

  • Neelam Rama
    Neelam Rama GDP Qualified from: BDS European University Cyprus 2025 GDC No: 331130

    Dr Neelam Rama graduated with a dental degree from the European University of Cyprus in 2025. Prior to studying dentistry, she obtained a degree in Biomedical Sciences from Queen’s University Belfast, where she developed a strong foundation in science and a growing interest in patient care. Dentistry allows Neelam to combine her passion for science with her love of helping people. Neelam finds it incredibly rewarding to support patients in improving their oral health and to help them feel more confident about their smiles. She believes that good dental care is not only about treating teeth, but also about ensuring patients feel comfortable, listened to, and well cared for at every visit. Neelam is committed to continually developing her skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care. Her aim is to create a positive experience for every patient and help them achieve a healthier mouth and a smile they feel proud of.

  • Alison Hodgson
    Alison Hodgson Hygienist Qualified from: Diploma Dental Hygiene Newcastle University 2003 GDC No: 6386

    Alison qualified in 2003 from Newcastle Dental Hospital University. She worked at a busy NHS practice with anxious patients and private practices over the years. At present she works in an independent private practice as well as {my}dentist Avante Dental Care. Alison is also a clinical supervisor at Teesside University supporting students through their hygiene course.Her passion is periodontal treatment, and she still enjoys making a difference whilst ensuring the patient has a pleasant experience whilst in her care.Outside of work she enjoys family time at the caravan with dog walks & paddle boarding and playing her saxophone.

  • Anu Gurung
    Anu Gurung Therapist Qualified from: BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Teesside University 2023 National Diploma in Dental Nursing NEBDN 2018 GDC No: 279928

    Anu is a dental hygienist and therapist registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). She helps with gum treatment, educating patients about their oral health and doing procedures to repair the teeth such as using tooth-coloured fillings. Anu graduated from Teesside University in 2023 with qualifications in both dental hygiene and dental therapy. Before that she worked as a dental nurse, gaining experience and learning from the experienced dentists at {my}dentist. Her goal is to make her patients’ teeth look and feel great. She's enthusiastic about learning and improving so she can provide patients with the best advice and treatments. Her aim is to advance her career by being part of a team that’s always brainstorming new ideas and methods to ensure her patients are happy and have healthy teeth.

  • Emma Walker
    Emma Walker Therapist Qualified from: BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Teesside University 2022 NVQ L3 Oral Health Care: Dental Nursing & Independent Assessment City & Guilds 2007 GDC No: 155483

    Emma has lived in the North East since 2016 but was born and raised in Wallasey, near Liverpool. She started her career in dentistry as a dental nurse at the age of 17. She spent 15 years in this role and raised two children. In 2018, she enrolled on an online, nine-month Access Course to the Health Sciences, gaining 45 credits at distinction, which helped her gain entry into University to study Dental Hygiene and Therapy. In July 2022 she gained a first class honours degree and is having her dissertation published in 2023. Emma has plans to go onto complete a PhD in Dental Research in the next few years. In her spare time, Emma loves to spend time with her family and enjoys horse riding, keeping fit and socialising with friends.

  • Alla Mallows
    Alla Mallows Therapist Qualified from: Registered under s36C of the Dentists Act 1984 2022 Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds 2015 GDC No: 261451

Dental professionals must be registered with the GDC and meet high standards. Find us on the register: www.gdc-uk.org