The Team
Principle Dentist - Mark Hepworth
Manx dentist, Mark has been welcoming and treating patients at Abbey Dental since opening the practice in 2008. Mark strives for excellence in dentistry and has worked with some of the world’s dental experts. Mark also ensures Abbey Dental is kept up to date with new clinical advances. He advocates regular training for all staff and has himself furthered his experience in orthodontics, implantology and restorative dentistry.
Mark grew up in Douglas, qualifying as a Dentist at Liverpool University. He also studied Pharmacology to PhD level, specialising in pain control research.
Outside dentistry, Mark loves to spend time with his family and loves to tinker with his classic Triumph Spitfire car.
Associate Dentist - Sita Kapur
Sita moved with her husband Paulo and two young children from London to Castletown in October 2017. Sita lived and worked as a dentist in London for 10 years before making the decision to move to the Isle of Man after seeing an advertisement for a dentist to join the Abbey Dental team.
Sita describes herself as "coming from a mixed background, half Lithuanian and half Indian." She was born in Lithuania, then moved to India but returned to Lithuania where she finished her education and graduated before going to live in London.
Associate Dentist - Miles Ritchings
Miles qualified as a Dentist in 2008 and has been a valued member of the Abbey Dental Team since 2017.
Outside of work Miles takes a liking to his cars but also has a soft spot for dogs. With his unique sense of humour, he keeps the whole practice entertained.
Hygienist - Paula Bell
Paula qualified as a hygienist at Edinburugh University in 2003.
Paula leads by example with her dazzling white smile. Her comprehensive approach to oral care means that patients really do see, feel and smell the improvement in their gum health. Abbey Dental patients all understand the benefits of regular hygiene visits ensuring that periodical disease and bad breath are a thing of the past.
Invisalign Dentist - Darren Stone
Dr Stone qualified from Liverpool University in 1997; His main area of expertise is Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Dentistry (MICD). He is a Platinum Elite Invisalign treatment provider as well as holding a position as a clinical speaker for Invisalign, teaching and mentoring other dentists and orthodontists in using this technology.
Darren has worked on the island for seven years and also has two dental practices in the UK.
With the reduction in orthodontic care available for patients on the island through the NHS, and ever increasing waiting lists:- Invisalign can provide an alternative to fixed appliances for all patients twelve years and above. Invisalign is especially suitable for adults who have felt it was 'too late' for them to have straight teeth.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Darren is currently unable to visit the island. However, Mark is ensuring continuity of care for patients being treated by Darren and Darren is in constant communication with the practice.
Practice Manager - Tracie Hepworth
Tracie is a trained dental nurse as well as a qualified biology teacher with a PHd. Tracie helped establish Abbey Dental from the ground up. Beginning in 2007 with project managing the conversion of the residential bungalow at the entrance to Silverburn Estate into the modern award winning dental practice it is today. Married to dentist Mark and mother to 3 girls, Tracie is also found in the office of Abbey Dental, on reception or in the surgeries and is always happy to help with patient queries.
Dental Nurse - Kesha Sayle
Kesha has worked at Abbey Dental since 2012 and quickly became a valued member of the team. She started her formal dental nurse qualifications immediately, passing her final examinations with flying colours in 2014. Kesha's bubbly personality puts patients at ease.
Kesha is often to be found walking her dog 'Pickles' around Peel, and she is a regular participant in the Parish Walk and 'Relay for Life'.
Dental Nurse - Tara Watterson
Tara joined the Abbey Dental team in July 2018 but started dental nursing after she left High School in 2009. With years of experience and a lively and up-beat personality, Tara knows how to put patients at ease.
Dental Nurse - Sophie Rothwell
Sophie joined us in August 2018, quickly becoming a valued member of the Abbey Dental team with her bright smile and pleasant personality. Sophie is keen to learn new skills and started her formal dental nursing qualifications in February 2019 which she will complete in November 2020.
Dental Nurse - Darcie Phillips
Darcie joined Abbey Dental in November 2018 and is currently studying for her formal dental nursing qualification along with Sophie which she will complete in November 2020. Darcie’s calming nature is well received by patients and whether working in surgery or on reception, Darcie is always happy to be of service.