Our Practice Team
Everything we do at Bridgeways is geared towards caring for you and your dental needs. Our team has received the best training for the individual roles that they do, and are chosen for their professional and people skills. The practice runs as a team and that includes the people you will probably never meet - such as the dental technicians and other supporting professional advisors.
Richard Smith B.D.S - Dentist
GDC Reg No. 49231
Richard qualified at Bristol University in 1975 and established Bridgeways Dental Practice in 1982 as a family-oriented general practice. Postgraduate education in various fields has enabled both the practice and Richard to develop and progress over the years. Since 1990, the practice has been primarily private in order to promote the best that dentistry has to offer.
Since the late 80's Richard has developed a holistic approach and has a keen interest in the relationship between dentistry and complimentary medicine. In 1999, in light of increasing publications concerning the possible side-effects of mercury contained in amalgam fillings, he was convinced to move the practice entirely towards mercury-free status prior to the start of the new millenium - another example of his determination to be at the forefront of modern dentistry.
Charlotte Butterfield - Dental Hygienist
GDC Reg No. 6744
Charlotte qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2003 and then went on to Queen Mary University, Barts and the London Department of Professionals Complimentary to Dentistry where she obtained a 'Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy' in 2005. She joined Bridgeways, Southampton in May 2007 and works on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Vicky Gurd - Dental Hygienist
GDC Reg No. 5385
Vicky has been involved in dentistry since 1971, qualifying as a Dental Nurse in 1978. Vicky qualified as a Dental Health Educator in 1992, and went on to qualify as a Dental Hygienist at Guy's Hospital in 1998. Vicky joined Bridgeways, Southampton as one of our dental hygienists in 2006 and works on Saturday mornings.
Lesley Hingston - Practice Manager/Part-Time Receptionist
GDC Reg No. 137011
Lesley joined Bridgeways in 1983 shortly after the practice opened. She has extensive experience of all the aspects of dental practice and is a qualified Dental Nurse. Lesley has total responsibility for all that ensures the smooth running of the practice.
Michelle Soffe - Part-Time Receptionist
Michelle joined us in 2003 and has dedicated herself to the role of receptionist. As such she is the voice and face of the practice.
Ruth Renders - Dental Nurse
GDC Reg No. 107876
Ruth is the niece of Lesley, continuing a strong and long running association of her family with the practice. She has been our Dental Nurse since leaving school in 1999, but before that she worked part-time for us as a receptionist. Ruth became a Registered Dental Nurse in 2007, and is responsible for everything linked to the smooth running of the surgery.
