Meet the Team
Every team member at Portmore Dental Office is confident and competent in their role at the practice. They will react and respond to your every need, nothing is too much trouble, so please do not be afraid to ask. If a team member cannot answer your question or request immediately, please be assured that they will find the answer for you as soon as possible.
You are the most important team member at the practice.
Dentists

John Brazier
BDS, LSD, RCS (Eng)
John Brazier qualified as a dentist in 1977 at Guys Hospital, London and has been a general dental practitioner since 1978. He has been a partner at Portmore Dental Office since 1984.
Mr.Brazier has taken a keen interest in the field of orthodontics over the last thirty years. He employs the very latest orthodontic techniques including invisible and cosmetic braces. As with all the partners at Portmore, he is committed to furthering his dental education, frequently attending national and international dental courses.
Mr. Brazier has gained extensive experience over the last few years by attending The Advanced Aesthetic course in New York and Florida of which he reached Masters level in March 2006.
Other fields of interest are Computer-Aided Design, milled aesthetic crowns and occlusion.

Johann Styger
BChD(Pret) PDD(Stell) DUIOFP(Lille)
Dr. Johann Styger qualified in June 1987 at The University of Pretoria in South Africa. In 2001, he relocated to the UK and joined Portmore Dental Office in 2002. He became a partner in the practice in 2003.
Over fifteen years of experience in cosmetic dentistry has made Dr. Johann Styger a leading authority on creating a beautiful smile. Dr. Styger reached masters level at the New York based Rosenthal Institute of Aesthetic Dentistry in 2005 and has now become a UK Instructor.
Dr. Styger has always taken a particular interest in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry along with occlusion, restorative dentistry. He has recently completed a degree in Implantology after studying at Lille University. In 2011, Dr. Johann Styger was honoured at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
As with all the other partners at the practice Johann believes firmly in a whole mouth approach to dental care, so that he can tailor treatment from his extensive knowledge of implants, smile makeovers, crowns, bridges and cosmetic dentures to create beautiful life changing smiles.

Eben Van der Walt
BChD (Stell)
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Van der Walt qualified as a dentist at Stellenbosch University in June 2000.
After relocating his family to the UK, Dr. Van der Walt joined the Portmore Dental Practice in 2004. As with the other partners in the practice, he has a particular interest in aesthetic dentistry as well as root canal therapy.
Dr. Van der Walt is experienced in the latest non-invasive smile enhancement procedures, having attended numerous courses in the USA on smile makeover procedures and treatments. From 2005, Dr. Van der Walt attended the Aesthetic Advantage Program, based at the University of New York, reaching the coveted Masters Level in Aesthetic Dentistry in May 2007. This has lead him to be invited to the Aesthetic Alumni in Palm Beach, Florida and also to be appointed as an instructor to Aesthetic Advantage students, attending courses at the Royal College of Surgeons and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
He also acquired a Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry from the ADAPT School of Knowledge in 2006.
He has been doing root canal treatments for all the patients at Portmore that require this procedure, after completing several post graduate courses on the newest techniques and materials available in the field. He has made it his passion to make this a comfortable and pain free procedure, achieving high percentages of success in this complicated treatment.
Dr. Van der Walt’s calm demeanor, and his vast knowledge in dentistry have made him a loved and respected figure in the Weybridge community and dental professional circles alike.

Andre Von Backstrom
MBChB,DDP
Dr. Von Backstrom is a medical doctor who qualified in 1988. He has a 2 year diploma in sedation and pain control and was clinical assistant anaesthetist at The Royal Berkshire Hospital until 2001.
Dr. Von Backstrom has been involved in dental anaesthesia and sedation since 1991 and has carried out in excess of 50,000 general anaesthetics and sedations.
Dr. Von Backstrom is a medical doctor involved in cosmetic treatments since 2000.
He works in the "10 Years Younger Clinic" in Wimpole Street and provides the same anti wrinkle injections and laser treatments here at Portmore in our Portmore Skin & Laser Clinic.
Reception Team

Kate Phillips
(Currently on maternity leave)
I have worked at Portmore for nearly a year now and my role is to cover the reception desk and general administration duties. This is my first experience in the dental industry and I am really enjoying the diversity and the fact that no 2 days are the same.
When I’m not at work I enjoy getting stuck into a good book and have been told that my kindle never leaves my side! I also enjoy cooking and trying out new dishes such as Thai and Mexican. I’m not one for the Gym but I do enjoy long walks with our adopted dogs, that live nearby, but seem to spend more time at our house than their own.

Lorraine Hills
Hi I’m Lorraine, I’ve been working as a receptionist at Portmore since February 2013 and find it a great place to work with a very friendly team. Prior to this position I was a dental nurse in the Woking area after qualifying in 2006.
Outside of work I enjoy socializing with friends and spending time with my family.

Melanie Cheeseman
I have joined Portmore Dental Office as a receptionist; I am also a registered Dental Nurse with experience in general dentistry, implants, sedation and orthodontics. I have been working in dentistry for 8 years and thoroughly enjoy it.
In my spare time my family keep me busy and I love to go to festivals in the summer, even in the rain!

Mandy Wells
I qualified as a dental nurse from Eastman Dental Hospital in 1991 the same year as I gained my National Examination Qualification. This gave me training and experience in all areas of dentistry. In recent years I have been more involved in administration/reception which I am excited about getting involved with at Portmore Dental Office.
Outside of work I enjoy socializing with family and friends along with refurbishing old properties.
Dental Hygienists
Sue Aubrey
EDH, FAETC, CERT.ED
(On long term sick leave – we wish her well)
Sue has been with the Portmore team since January 1999.
Sue’s experience includes working in and teaching hygiene abroad, 12 years as Dental Hygiene tutor, later Deputy Principle at Guy’s, Kings College, and St Thomas’s. She has published articles, presentations and likes to keep up to date with the latest developments. Sue is very dedicated to her work and regards oral hygiene fundamental towards a healthy and happy life.
The Prevention of dental disease and promoting a fresh and healthy smile have always been a priority at Portmore. Our team of dedicated and experienced hygiene professionals work closely with other members of the Portmore dental team to add quality hygiene treatment to the extensive list of services we provide.
Sonia Keayes
Sonia, Known as ‘Sony’, joined the Portmore team in November 2009 after a career break to have two children. Her professional background is from both the private and National Health care sectors with over 14 years dental hygienist experience in London and in the Republic of Ireland. Sony was also a tutor hygienist at Kings College Hospital, Guy’s King & St Thomas Dental Institute.
She offers a first class, efficient service and believes that attention to detail is very important.
Treatment Coordinators
Our Treatment Coordinators work alongside the dentist during longer courses of treatment. They provide a 'one stop' link between patient and dentist, looking after the clients’ interest during the treatment.
They are available to spend time with the patients to answer questions related to treatment, putting the patient at ease, making sure the journey is as comfortable as possible.
They are responsible to ensure that patients leave well informed, with all their questions answered about their own personalized treatment plan and payment choices.
Nursing Team

Emma Faircloth
I have just recently joined the team at Portmore Dental, and so far I am really enjoying working with such a friendly, professional team.
I have been dental nursing for 4 years now and really enjoy my job. In November 2010 I achieved a National Certificate qualification and hoping to continue developing my skills further in dentistry. I am looking forward to seeing what the future brings me here at Portmore!
In my spare time I love spending time with friends, family and looking after a busy house hold of two crazy dogs and my partner! I am a keen walker and have enjoyed trekking up Snowdon, exploring Cheddar Gorge and admiring the views in the Lake District.

Liz Cowburn
I have been dental nursing for 5 years now as an implant nurse and qualified in Preston Lancashire 2008. I have experience in general dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, hygiene and also working on reception. I am currently working towards getting the qualifications needed to enroll on the hygiene therapy course, as I would love to be a dental therapist!.
Out of work I love to keep fit with regular gym classes, and try to eat healthy (most of the time!). Like most people I love to socialise! Plan days and nights out with friends and my boyfriend, and have long weekends at my family home in Lancashire.

Katie Frith
Hi I'm Katie, I'm 22 years old and I've worked for Portmore for just over 3 months. I'm am currently training to become a dental nurse.
I will be starting college very soon and am looking forward to learning more and getting my nurses qualification.
Before working at Portmore I was an Au Pair in Australia.

Naomi Maynard
I have worked at Portmore for three years now as a dental nurse and really enjoy my job! I have experience in general dentistry and have particular interests in endodontics and hygiene therapy, I would like to become a dental therapist one day! Outside of work I enjoy socialising with friends, spending time with family and keeping fit by going to the gym.
Practice Manager

Felicity Cleaver
Felicity our practice manager leads our dedicated team. She joined the dental industry some 10 years ago as a Trainee Dental Nurse, after qualifying in 2006, Felicity worked her way up to dual practice Management and leadership. In 2008 Felicity gained a Certificate in Practice Management to better understand the working of the business.
During her career, Felicity has worked in Private, NHS & Corporate Dental practices so has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has coached 14 other practice across the UK to ensure they achieve desired standards by the CQC, GDC & HTM01-05.
Felicity’s passion lies in people development, so in June 2012 she enrolled on not one but two Diplomas in Personal Performance & Corporate and Executive Coaching.
Hygiene Therapist

Lois Shephard
BSc (Bham), BMedSc Hons (Bham)
(Currently on maternity leave)
Lois qualified at The University of Birmingham with a Bsc in Dental Hygiene and Therapy after achieving a Bsc (Hons) in Biomedical Material Science. As a Hygienist and Therapist, she provides excellent periodontal care and routine restorative work to patients at Portmore ensuring they keep their teeth healthier for longer.
Her professional interests lie within Paediatrics and providing excellent periodontal care and maintenance. She is a firm believer in a holistic approach to dentistry encouraging attention to preventative care. She is also qualified to provide tooth whitening procedures.
Lois is focused on expanding her knowledge by maintaining her continued professional development through reading publications and attending courses.
In her spare time, Lois enjoys keeping fit and trying new recipes in the kitchen!

Marguerite Kelly
Having previously been a dental nurse at Portmore I decided to further my education at Kings College Hospital London. I qualified as a Hygienist and Dental Therapist in 2011 at which point I returned to Portmore to begin my new role. I am very comfortable treating all my patients, whether they have regular maintenance appointments or more demanding periodontal conditions.
I enjoy treating new patients that have relocated to the area and want to continue their dental needs, as well as treating patients requiring intense oral hygiene treatments, reassurance, education and understanding.
As Portmore is a progressive practice and is proactive in promoting Dental Therapists I am able to carry out restorative work on both adults and children. I am very happy to be utilising this area of my skills which gives me a good overall understating of my patients dental needs.

Emma Peterson
I qualified from Kings College Hospital in July 2012 with a diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy with the award for best clinical student. I enjoy all aspects of dental hygiene and therapy and am dedicated to helping people achieve optimal oral health. I have a special interest in children’s dental treatment and am keen, through my therapy side of my qualification, to ensure children have positive dental experiences from the onset. I have worked as a dental nurse in NHS & private practices since 1996 and gained the national diploma in 1998. My hobbies include cooking and reading.