Meet the team

Meet the team at mydentist, Crossgates Shopping Centre, Leeds

Your practice team

Shamimn Cale-Brister Practice Manager

Your clinicians

Christopher Barker Orthodontist Qualified from: MFDS Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2005 BChD University of Leeds 2003 GDC No: 82173

Chris qualified in Dentistry from Leeds University in 2003. Following vocational dental training in Yorkshire, he gained experience in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery, General Dental practice, the community dental service and Paediatric Dentistry before taking a gap year to travel. He then taught at LDI before further experience in Paediatric Dentistry.He completed his Specialist Orthodontic training at Bristol Dental Hospital and the Royal United Hospital, Bath, gaining Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons and completing a Doctoral Degree. He undertook advanced Orthodontic training to Consultant level at York Hospital and LDI and was appointed as Consultant in Orthodontics at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, 2014. He is an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Training Programme Director for Dental Core trainees at Pinderfields. He is a reviewer for several dental/orthodontic journals.Chris provides private Specialist Orthodontic treatment from Love Your Smile in Leeds, Yorkshire, using a range of aesthetic appliances including Invisalign and fixed braces.

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Michael Amos Orthodontist Qualified from: MFDS Royal College of Surgeons Of England 2005 BChD University of Leeds 1998 GDC No: 74475

Mick has worked with us for more than 13 years delivering teeth straightening treatments for Children and Adults. He has been an integral part of our team. He is currently finishing off his current treatment cases in Love Your Smile, Leeds, Yorkshire and is no longer accepting referrals himself.All of our new orthodontic patients will now be seen by one of our Consultant trained Specialist Orthodontists, Dr Chris Barker or Dr Joanne Birdsall.Some of the treatments that Mick has provided here include, Invisalign, Fixed metal braces and Clear fixed braces.Thanks Mick for the last 13 years plus!

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Aristarchos Zinonos GDP Private Qualified from: DipDS Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 2012 GDC No: 303230

After the end of his military service in Cyprus, Aris moved to Greece to study dentistry. He graduated from the Dental School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2012. Having had his own dental practice on the outskirts of Thessaloniki for almost a decade, Aris gained extensive experience in general dentistry. In 2022 he successfully completed his Masters in Oral Surgery at Leeds Dental Institute. Somehow, he fell in love with Yorkshire and the city of Leeds and decided to come and work in the UK. Following his moto “ever to excel”, Aris’ goal is to provide his patients with high-quality dental services to improve their well-being. With a special interest in oral surgery, Aris deals with complex cases of dental extractions, apicoectomies and cyst removal as well as, surgical removal of third molars and is happy to accept referrals from local practices and directly from patients. Passionate about dentistry, Aris, with continuous education stays up to date with the latest developments in the field. Outside work he enjoys hiking, basketball and travelling.

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Dr Christos Athanasoulis GDP Private Qualified from: DipDS Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 2021 GDC No: 302572

Christos brings a touch of Mediterranean warmth to his practice, having graduated from Thessaloniki, Greece. While proficient in all areas of general dentistry, he has developed advanced skills in Oral Surgery, welcoming referrals from local dentists for complex extractions, including wisdom teeth. Christos has additional training in the management of TMJ disorders (jaw pain), grinding/clenching of teeth, as well as snoring treatment (or couples therapy, as some patients call it). Christos is committed to modern dentistry, utilising the latest digital workflows, materials, and techniques. He understands that dental visits can be stressful, so he strives to create a calm, non-judgmental environment, with relaxing music, prioritising patient comfort. Outside the clinic, Christos enjoys creative pursuits, including podcasting and voice-over work. He also loves watching films and cheering on basketball games. While he once dabbled in comedy, he now keeps his jokes (mostly) to himself. Dr. Christos is currently accepting new patient consultations

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Mehreen Alam GDP Private Qualified from: BDS Newcastle University 2016 GDC No: 268514

Dr. Mehreen Alam is a skilled and dedicated practitioner specialising in both General and Cosmetic Dentistry, providing comprehensive dental care with a personal touch. She earned her BDS from Newcastle Dental School in 2016, following a BSc in Medical Physiology from the University of Leicester, and has since continued to expand her expertise. She holds MFDS RCS membership from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and has completed postgraduate qualifications including an Advanced Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry certification (2024) and a Diploma in Orthodontics (Aligner Therapy). Committed to staying at the forefront of modern dentistry, Dr. Mehreen regularly attends advanced training in composite bonding, Invisalign, porcelain veneers, and smile design. Her approach combines precision, artistry, and patient comfort to deliver natural, confidence-boosting results. Recognised as a Finalist for Best Young Dentist 2025 at the Private Dentistry Awards, Dr. Mehreen is passionate about clinical excellence and patient-centred care. Beyond dentistry, she enjoys travelling, discovering new cultures, and spending time with her two beloved cats, Gizmo and Oreo. Dr. Mehreen Alam BSc (Hons), BDS (Newcastle), MFDS RCS (Glasgow), PGCert Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry, PGDip Orthodontics

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Suraj Patel GDP Private Qualified from: Grado en Odontologia Universidad Europea De Madrid 2017 GDC No: 273705

Suraj is unwavering in his commitment to providing his patients with the highest quality dental care and treatment. His aim is to ensure that every patient who walks through our doors has a well informed and smooth journey towards their desired outcome.Driven by a passion for dentistry and a dedication to ongoing postgraduate learning, Suraj continually endeavors to refine his skills and expand his knowledge. Since qualifying, he has actively pursued advanced education, and is currently undertaking the third year of the prestigious MClinDent programme in “Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics” at King's College London. Suraj's caring and calming nature creates a welcoming environment where patients feel at ease. He understands the importance of addressing any anxieties or concerns patients may have, ensuring that each visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Suraj’s interests are in - replacing missing teeth with dentures (partial and full) - treating damaged and worn teeth, (employing minimally invasive techniques whenever feasible) – TMD – aesthetic dentistry and more.

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Carlos Rodriguez Aguilar GDP Qualified from: Lic Odont Madrid 2011 GDC No: 220654

Dr. Carlos Rodriguez Aguilar is an experienced dentist based in the UK with over a decade of practice in the dental field. He qualified as a dentist in 2011 from Madrid, Spain, and has been serving patients in the UK since 2012. Dr. Rodriguez Aguilar's career has spanned both NHS and private dentistry, allowing him to develop a broad skill set and a deep understanding of various dental treatments. In 2017, he further advanced his expertise by completing a Master's degree in Periodontology, Implantology, and Oral Surgery at the University of Málaga (UMA). While he holds specialised knowledge in these areas, Dr. Rodriguez Aguilar has developed a particular interest in clear aligners and orthodontic teeth straightening treatments. He has been providing ClearCorrect aligner treatment for over three years, helping patients achieve beautiful, confident smiles with precision and care. Dr. Rodriguez Aguilar has been a dedicated member of the mydentist Crossgates team since 2018, where he continues to offer a range of dental services, including clear aligner treatments, with a strong focus on patient satisfaction and comfort. His ongoing passion for learning and his commitment to providing the best dental care make him a trusted practitioner in his field.

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Evangelos Raftopoulos GDP Qualified from: DDM Medical University - Sofia 2022 GDC No: 306413

Evangelos studied dentistry at the medical university of Sofia where he graduated in 2022. After graduating, Evangelos worked in Greece for a few months and joined the mydentist York practice in September 2023 where he fitted in with the team instantly. Evangelos enjoys providing a wide range of treatment with a particular interest in prosthetic and restorative dentistry and is working with his mentor to enhance his skills constantly for his patients and give them the best treatment. Outside of work, Evangelos enjoys football, going to the gym and spending time with friends and loved ones exploring York and all the new experiences it has to offer.

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Nikita Patel GDP Qualified from: Statutory Exam 2017 BDS Dr D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 2013 GDC No: 271521

Nikita Patel graduated with the Statutory Exam in the UK in 2017. After graduating with a BDS degree in India in 2013, Nikita worked in a general dental practice in India for a year covering all aspects of general dentistry. She travelled to the UK in 2014 and passed her overseas registration exams and qualified to work in the UK in 2017. Nikita started a PVLE program with the NHS and was mentored by Dr Cristina Michiu.She has worked alongside the team at mydentist Pontefract Road since May 2018 and is often described as a caring and compassionate young lady. The team have loved watching her confidence grow and feel very privileged to be working with Nikita. She is committed to delivering the best patient experience possible and puts the needs of her patients first. Nikita communicates exceptionally well with every patient she sees and treats. She involves herself in peer reviews within mydentist and attends as many external courses as possible to add to her ever growing knowledge and learning. Nikita enjoys spending time with her family. Her long term career goals would be to take further training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

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Vasilia Loizou GDP Qualified from: Bachelor Degree in Dentistry European University Cyprus 2023 GDC No: 313943

Dr. Vasilia Loizou qualified as a dentist in 2023 from the European University Cyprus. Following her graduation, she worked in Cyprus for a year, gaining valuable hands-on experience in general dentistry and refining her clinical skills. She is currently practising in the UK, where she continues to grow her knowledge and experience in all aspects of dental care. Dr. Loizou has a particular interest in root canal treatments and restorative dentistry. She is passionate about helping patients improve both the function and appearance of their teeth through high-quality, evidence-based treatment. Her calm, friendly, and professional manner helps patients feel at ease during their visits, making their dental experience as comfortable as possible. Dedicated to ongoing professional development, Dr. Loizou stays up to date with the latest techniques and advancements in dentistry to ensure the best outcomes for her patients. She is committed to delivering excellent care tailored to each individual’s needs.

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Zainab Majid GDP Qualified from: BDS University of Dundee 2012 GDC No: 227003

Zainab qualified from the university of Dundee in 2012. She then went on to train with the Tipton Academy for restorative dentistry and has also completed orthodontic training enabling her to provide quick straight teeth . She is passionate about achieving safe , conservative cosmetic treatments using orthodontic appliances and conservative techniques . Zainab has a keen interest in facial aesthetics and facial rejuvenation and is continually developing her skills in this area to enable her to provide the latest treatments. She enjoys practice life and finds treating anxious patients and restoring people’s confidence in their smiles the most rewarding part of her job. Having two kids of her own she is very good with children . Zainab is fluent in both Arabic and English . Outside of work she enjoys spending family time with her 2 boys , snuggling up with a good book and travelling .

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Hayley Leigh Connor Therapist Qualified from: Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy University of Leeds 2017 NVQ L3 Dental Nursing & VRQ L3 Dental Nursing City & Guilds 2011 GDC No: 215493

Hayley graduated from the University of Leeds as a Dental Hygienist and Therapist in 2017 and began her career in dentistry in 2010. Since then, she has been working with mydentist. Hayley is a people person, who has great empathy which is what inspired her to take the route of training in dentistry. Hayley has gained extensive experience in all areas of dentistry, including hospitals, community, urgent care, specialist practices and general dentistry. She is passionate about helping anxious patients and takes the time to tailor each appointment to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience. She is skilled in airflow treatments, which provides a gentle and effective way to clean teeth, helping patients achieve a brighter smile with minimal discomfort. Hayley is always keen to stay on top of all new learning developments by regularly attending courses to ensure she is up to date with all the latest techniques. Hayley’s compassionate approach ensures every patient feels at ease throughout their visit. In her free time she enjoys long walks with her cocker spaniel, reading and spending time with her loved ones. She enjoys a good pamper and taking summer holidays with her husband.

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Asmar Akram Implantologist GDC No: 151961

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Aaya Ghonim GDP GDC No: 315953

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Beverley Strafford GDP GDC No: 58357

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Carlos Mateos GDP GDC No: 191657

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Lakvinder Rathour GDP GDC No: 73767

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Rachil Karaoulani GDP GDC No: 252259

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Tsvetanka Mihova GDP GDC No: 134821

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Prabhjyot Bath Therapist GDC No: 276602

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Sadaf Mahmood Therapist GDC No: 227604

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Yasmeen Begum Therapist GDC No: 274597

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