Meet the Team

Jon was born and educated in Birmingham, graduating from the University of Birmingham in 1987 with honours and a distinction in clinical dentistry. His MSc in implant dentistry was completed at Warwick University, again with distinction, and he has been placing and restoring dental implants for over 30 years. Over 5,000 in the last decade following a move away from general dentistry to focus on implants with aesthetic outcomes.

Jon’s introduction to technical dentistry came early. At the age of 13 he took a summer job in a commercial dental laboratory. This continued through his O and A levels until he entered dental school in 1982. He undertook many tasks from the model room through to the production of precious alloy copings for crowns and bridges.

During his time at the Birmingham Dental Hospital his main interest was in the then relatively new aesthetic treatment of teeth with porcelain veneers. His elective studies involved using electron microscopy to evaluate the effects of acid etching sand blasted porcelain with hydrofluoric acid. He would also construct and fit veneers at the Hospital. His time spent in a commercial laboratory being put to good use.

Jon’s interest in dental implants also started as an under graduate when he was invited by Cendres +Mataux to visit there, and Straumann’s offices in Switzerland. This was followed by attending one of the first implant symposiums to be held in Basel. Here he saw the early work of Prof. Dr. Daniel Buser. This was the catalyst to wanting to work with implants and a long association with Straumann.

As a new graduate Jon was fortunate to work with two ITI fellows. Their kind guidance allowed him to begin to gain an understanding of both the surgical and prosthetic aspects of implant dentistry. Jon’s first implant was placed in 1989 with an ITI fellow acting as his surgical assistant.

Further postgraduate training has included visits to the Centre for Continuing Dental Education Bern to see Prof. Dr. Daniel Buser and to the Institute of Implantology and the Malo Clinic both of which are in Lisbon. It was in Lisbon he first experienced the concept of immediate loading of implants with provisional full arch bridges. This allows fixed provisional teeth to be fitted the same day teeth are removed and implants are placed.

At his Wolverhampton Clinic all aspects of treatment are undertaken from single tooth replacement to full arch rehabilitation but Jon’s main area of interest is in helping patients through the process of tooth loss to rehabilitation with implant borne prosthesis. This process involves the placement of multiple Straumann implants with or without immediate loading. Followed by the construction of either implant retained overdentures or fixed crown and bridgework.

Referrals are welcome from local colleagues to place implants to their prescription, then return the patient for the final restorations. Or, if preferred, Jon will place and restore implants before returning the patient for ongoing maintenance.

The restorative side of Jon’s practice is heavily reliant on digital technologies and CADCAM processes are utilized in the restoration of the dental implants he places. Whilst the surgical techniques learnt at the Malo Clinic have been incorporated into the Pro Arch concept for treating the edentulous patient Jon’s delivery of the final prosthesis has evolved to offer a wider range of treatment options.

Jon’s relationship with Straumann is now in its thirty sixth year. He has been very fortunate to have been supported in his professional development with trips to Bern, Basel, Geneva, Lisbon and San Sebastian. He has also had access to new products whilst on limited release. Jon will only place Straumann implants as his extensive experience across their implant range gives predictable, long-term outcomes.

As well as his own professional development Jon has organised and presented lectures to local dentists and clinical dental technicians. He has also presented at ITI study groups. Over the years he has helped colleagues who are new to implant dentistry and is happy to take on the role as a mentor through Straumann.

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Julian Smith has dedicated over three decades to the dental technology field, continually advancing his expertise and staying at the forefront of developments in dental care. Since qualifying at Matthew Boulton in 1991 he has built a career that reflects not only technical proficiency but also a deep commitment to improving patient experiences. Julian's work with dentures is particularly noteworthy and his ability to tailor prosthetics to each patient’s individual needs has earned him a loyal following.

Julian’s reputation extends beyond his technical skills. He is known for his ability to collaborate seamlessly with some of the most respected surgeons and dental professionals across the UK. This ability to work in tandem with others ensures that patients receive holistic and effective care. His skill set includes meticulous denture design, fitting, and aftercare making him a trusted figure for those requiring bespoke solutions.

Julian’s dedication to education and professional development is also evident in his qualifications and training. His pursuit of excellence in clinical dental technology and dental science reflects his passion for providing the best possible outcomes for patients. Additionally, Julian remains an active participant in professional dental networks and is committed to sharing his knowledge with others in the field.

Above all Julian’s patient care stands out as one of his defining qualities. His compassionate approach ensures that each individual feels heard, valued, and comfortable throughout their treatment journey. Whether working on complex dental solutions or providing routine care Julian's commitment to delivering high-quality patient-focused dental technology is unwavering.

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Since graduating from Queen Mary University of London in 2018, Dr. Varkha Rattu pursued further training in general practice and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Her dedication to gold-standard dentistry was reflected in the numerous accolades she received during these posts.

In 2021, she was accepted onto the highly competitive four-year periodontology pathway at Guy’s Hospital, London. Here, she treats complex periodontal and implant cases non-surgically and surgically while being mentored by some of the world’s leading periodontists.

Dr Varkha’s interest in the relationship between periodontitis and systemic health led to the launch of her Periodontitis and Diabetes campaign, which won the British Society of Periodontology Audit Award and gained national recognition and support from a world-renowned oral health company. She was among one of the first in the UK to introduce diabetes point-of-care testing as part of periodontal consultations, helping to integrate medical and dental care. Since then, she has been invited to lecture nationally and internationally on the periodontitis-systemic axis and integrating periodontal and diabetes care. Following this, she has recently founded the Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub, an educational initiative to support patients, dental and medical professionals in understanding and managing the links between periodontitis and systemic health.

Alongside her clinical practice, she has an active role in periodontal research. Her work has been published in and she has been invited as a peer-reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals, including the highly esteemed Journal of Clinical Periodontology, demonstrating her commitment to advancing periodontal research. She was awarded the prestigious British Society of Periodontology Systematic Review Prize for her research where she collaborated with some of the world’s leading periodontists. This research study, which assessed the endpoints of therapy, has been well received globally and was presented at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

More recently, her passion for both education and research provided her with the opportunity to host a research module for Colgate. Throughout her postgraduate career, Dr Varkha has established herself as a respected national and international lecturer, delivering courses and workshops on all aspects of periodontitis and peri-implantitis, with a particular focus on minimally invasive non-surgical therapy (MINST).

Beyond her clinical expertise, she remains committed to advancing the field of periodontology through education, research, and innovation. With a strong focus on patient-centred care, Dr Varkha strives to elevate standards in both clinical practice and professional development, ensuring that her patients receive evidence-based, holistic treatment.

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Lisa gained her CEBDH Diploma in Dental Hygiene at Kings College Hospital Hygiene School and qualified in 2001. In addition she also successfully completed the Kings College Radiography Module and BTEC Promotion of Oral Health Certificate.

Since qualifying as a Dental Hygienist she has worked in a number of private and NHS Dental Practices gaining valuable experience in non surgical periodontal therapy, implant maintenance and patient care and monitoring and motivating patients in oral hygiene techniques. She is also keen to keep up to date with latest developments and techniques in Periodontal and Implant maintenance and care and regularly attends Continual Professional Development Courses.

At home Lisa’s hobbies and interests include weight lifting, HIIT, playing the guitar and walking her little Cocker Jack Maggie May. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and 14 year old son Lewis.

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