Meet The Team

Dr M O'Hagan BDS, PGDip Prosthodontic Dent, PGDip Restorative Dent, PGDip Aesthetic Dent, PGCert Operative Dent.

GDC Registration Number: 114000

Michael is the owner and Principal dentist at Aspire Dental Care. Born and bred in Northern Ireland Michael graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in Dentistry in 2007. He then spent 8 years developing his knowledge and skills in general practice in the area around Glasgow. During this time he expanded the range of treatments he is able to provide by completing training in Facial Aesthetics, Teeth Straightening and Dental Implant Surgery.

In 2015 Michael relocated to the South West with his wife, originally from the area, and young family and took ownership of Aspire. He’s since been building a name for himself and the Practice known for his exceptional level of patient care and the quality of treatment.

Michael is committed to expanding his skills and strives to offer his patients the most innovative solutions to their needs.

He has complete a post graduate diploma in restorative, cosmetic and operative dentistry allowing him to take referrals for complex cases including full mouth rehabilitation, trauma restoration and digital smile design.

Implantologist - Dr Kevin A Bruce BDS FDSRCS

Dr Kevin Bruce graduated from Glasgow University 1995, winning the end of year prize in Oral Surgery, Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine. He completed his Fellowship in Dental Surgery, from the Royal College of Surgeons in London 1999 in the chosen areas of Oral Surgery Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine.

From 1996 to 2000 he worked and trained in the hospital based Dental speciality of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Upon leaving the hospital service, he worked in general dental practices in both England and his native Scotland and was a visiting Specialist Doctor of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery based in Torbay Hospital in Devon. From 2009 until 2015 Dr Bruce was a senior tutor in implant dentistry at the Dentale Implant training Centres in Bristol and Shrewsbury, where he taught the Hands On 10-day Advanced Implant Course as well as the Advanced Sinus Lift Courses. He has been involved in implant dentistry since 2002. He has placed and supervised thousands of implants and works alongside many colleagues as part of a multi-faceted approach to implant surgery.

Dr Bruce combines the need for implant dentistry with the growing demand for smile design based cosmetic dental procedures. He prides himself in always being at the cusp of new developments in implant dentistry and is enjoying the journey in switching to digital based dentistry and developing his skills in the use of AI and 3D printing in implant dentistry.

Hygiene Therapist - Arefa Nabizadeh

GDC Registration number: 302016

Arefa has graduated from the University of Plymouth in 2022. Arefa loves interacting with patients and her happy and caring personality always puts a smile on patient’s faces as well as her fellow colleagues. In Arefa’s spare time she enjoys going to the gym and shopping.

Hygiene Therapist - Lucy Hannah Willis

GDC Registration number: 306463

Lucy joined Aspire in September 2024 after graduating from Plymouth university in the summer. Prior to being a hygiene therapist, Lucy was a qualified dental nurse and worked as a locum whilst she was working towards gaining her degree. Since joining the practice Lucy has really enjoyed getting to know all of our patients and working as part of a close team. In her spare time, Lucy enjoys going on walks with friends and sewing.

Hygienist - Emily Chambers

GDC Registration number: 207621

Emily qualified as a hygiene therapist in 2015. Since graduating from The University of Sheffield she has gained a lot of experience working around the country in a variety of practices. Originally from Exeter, she has now returned to the South West with her husband and young family. Emily is very enthusiastic in improving oral hygiene and helping very anxious patients overcome their fear. In her spare time she enjoys running and catching up with friends and family.

Practice Manager & Treatment Co ordinator - Sacha Burt

GDC Registration number: 140020

Sacha joined our team in January 2020 but started her nursing career in 2005. Sacha has also gained post graduate qualifications, in dental radiography and in oral health education. She also gained a distinction in a practice management program that she uses day to day as our practice manager. Sacha loves interacting with patients and her happy and caring personality always puts a smile on patients faces as well as her fellow colleagues. In Sacha’s spare time she enjoys going to the gym, eating out and going on holiday with her husband to be Mark

Assistant Practice Manager - Elle Hetherington

Elle joined Aspire in June 2024 as our Assistant Practice Manager. Elle has worked within the dental industry for just shy of ten years. She originally started back in 2015 as a dental nurse and quickly realised her passion for patient care and the patient journey. Elle has a background of admin, treatment co-ordination and practice management. Elle’s favourite part of her job is working closely alongside the team within her HR role to help aid the smooth running of the practice. Outside of work, Elle enjoys being outdoors with her Fiancé, daughter and labrador Ozzy.

Lead clinical nurse and Implant treatment coordinator - Sophie Williams

GDC Registration number: 291926

Sophie started at Aspire back in 2018 as an apprentice dental nurse, later qualifying in 2020. In 2022, Sophie took a professional detour to become a sedation and radiography qualified dental nurse, and recently rejoined the practice in September 2024 as our lead clinical nurse and implant treatment coordinator. Outside of work Sophie enjoys spending time with family and her kitten Nala.

Dental Nurse - Freya Lovell-Cook

Freya joined our practice in December 2022 as an apprentice dental nurse and has a great attitude as she’s always willing to give anything a go. She is really enjoying getting to know all of our wonderful patients with her friendly and chatty nature. In her spare time Freya loves to spend time with her friends and family.

Apprentice Dental Nurse - Isobel Cresser

Isobel joined our practice in November 23 and is loving her new job so far. She loves chatting to patients and making them smile.
In her spare time isobel loves to visit the cinema and her favourite kind of movies are scary ones ! In her spare time she lives nothing more than walking along the beach with her family and an ice cream

Front of House - Sue Atkinson

Sue has been the welcoming face of Aspire Dental and Facial Aesthetics since joining the practice in 2014. Being local to Teignmouth and an integral part of the community, along with a wealth of knowledge and excellent standards of patient care. Sue is the perfect person to greet you as you walk through the door and put even the most nervous of patients at ease. Prior to working with us Sue owned her own medical disposable business that she did for 7 years. In Sue’s spare time she loves to walk along the seafront with her dog and family.