Dr Alex Zarkadis
Principal Dentist
BDS, BMedSci, MFDS RCS(Ed), MSc(Impl Dent), MSc (perio)
GDC No: 85805
Alex qualified from Newcastle Dental School in 2005 and is both a dental surgeon and research scientist. During his studies Alex completed an intercalated BMedSci degree in medical research. He has worked in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, where he obtained RCS (Edinburgh) membership. Since then Alex has worked in the North East before setting up Darlington Dental Clinic focusing on surgical and implant dentistry. Alex completed his MSc in Implant Dentistry in 2015 and is currently working towards his MSc in Specialist Periodontal Practice.
Andreea Shavit
Dentist
DMD, MSc (Rest.&Aesth,), PG Cert. Impl., PG Dipl. Digital Dent., FDS, MCGDent
GDC No: 185853
Dr. Andreea Shavit is a highly trained restorative and aesthetic dentist with extensive experience in advanced, multidisciplinary care. She graduated in 2009 in Bucharest, followed by the completion of a Postgraduate MSc in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry from the University of Manchester, awarded with Merit in 2015.
In the same year, she expanded her clinical expertise with comprehensive training in both fixed and removable orthodontics, enhancing her ability to deliver functional and aesthetic smile transformations.
Her pursuit of excellence continued with a Postgraduate Certificate in Implant Dentistry from Edinburgh (2018), equipping her with the skills to manage a wide range of implant cases. Most recently, she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Dentistry (2024), allowing her to integrate cutting-edge digital workflows into patient care.
Andreea has a strong clinical focus on full mouth rehabilitation and the management of complex, multidisciplinary cases, combining restorative, orthodontic, implant, and digital expertise to deliver comprehensive and customised treatment plans.
Sara Rooney
Dentist
B.D.S
GDC No: 76504
Sara qualified in July 1999 at the Queens University of Belfast and joined Darlington Dental Clinic in April 2020 and brings with her over 20 years of general practice experience. She has previously been a trainer for newly graduated students. Sara offers a range of general dentistry as well as C-fast orthodontics and facial aesthetics.
In her free time with her husband and two sons Sara enjoys exercising, eating out, travelling back to Ireland to see her family and friends and being “mum’s taxi”.
Sophie Newall
Dental Nurse
GDC number- 323643
Sophie obtained her Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing in April 2024. She has experience in NHS and private dentistry, providing general and orthodontic nursing and has recently started implant nursing.
Outside of work Sophie loves to spend time with her boyfriend, family and friends, going out for food and travelling whenever she can. She has 3 cockapoos and 3 cats at home which keeps her busy too.
Natalie Close
Lead Receptionist/Dental Nurse
GDC No: 243949
Natalie joined the practice in 2010 and is our longest standing member of staff. She is the face of the practice and an integral part of building our patient relations. She manages all dentist diaries and is always happy to help and advise. Although Natalie’s duties are generally reception and admin based, she obtained her level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing in 2013 and works in surgery when required.
Natalie enjoys spoiling her niece and nephew and has two chihuahuas, Harley and Phoebe. In her spare time Natalie loves dining out and going on holiday whenever she gets the chance.
Zoe McLay
Senior Dental Nurse/Receptionist
GDC No: 247491
Zoe joined the practice in August 2012, after 10 years with the practice she is one of our most senior members of staff and has great knowledge of how the practice runs. Zoe obtained her NEBDN Dental Nursing Level 3 Diploma in August 2013 and went on to gain her Certificate in Dental Radiography (June 2014) and certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing (September 2015). Zoe works along side all of our dentists and has specialist interests in assisting with implants, oral surgery and sedation.
Zoe lives in Darlington with her boyfriend and Yorkie-poo Alfie. In her free time Zoe can be found taking her nephews to the park or football practice, climbing the fells in the lake district or at St. James’ Park watching Newcastle United.
Helen Bushby
Senior Dental Nurse/Receptionist
GDC No: 241775
Helen obtained her Diploma in Dental Nursing in 2013 and joined the practice in January 2017. Helen completed her Dental Nurse Conscious Sedation Qualification in 2019 and her radiography Qualification in 2022. Helen works alongside all our dentists and has experience in working with implants and orthodontics.
Helen in her spare time enjoys reading, walking her Border Collie Peppa and spending time with her family and friends.
Keisha Carter
Dental Nurse
GDC number 298663
Keisha started her training in Dental Nursing in 2018 and qualified in 2020. She has been a member of Darlington Dental Clinic since 2020. Keisha works closely with Sara to provide excellent quality care and general dentistry to our NHS and private patients.
Keisha can often be found at the gym or spending time with her family, friends and boyfriend.
