Team St. Mellons

Dr. Richard Vangasse, Partner

GDC number: 77237

Qualified BDS University of Wales 1999

Richard is one of the partners here at Restore Dental Group. He was born in Cardiff and completed his dental degree at Cardiff Dental School in 1999. He has worked at the St. Mellons dental practice since 2001 and then also at the Ponthir practice since 2009.

When he is not working, he loves spending time with his wife Becky and their young daughters Lauren and Jessica. He also enjoys cycling and walking up the hills and mountains around South Wales.

Dr Raid Ali, Partner

GDC number: 105572

BDS (Baghdad), IQE, MFDS Rcs (Edinburgh) PGdip (cardiff)

Hi, I am Dr Raid Ali, one of the three principals of Restore Dental Group.

I have been part of the business for over 11 years and a principal for almost 8 of those years, and it has been one of the best things I’ve done as a dentist.  I can truly say I am proud to be part of such a great group and amazing team and it’s been an honour to see the business grow from strength to strength.

On a more personal note, I graduated dentistry from Baghdad, Iraq in 1996. I then immigrated to the UK and finished my International qualifying exams (IQE) in 2006 so I could practice dentistry here.

I have always been passionate and ambitious about my career in dentistry and so continued to take further exams to increase my knowledge.  In 2010 I completed further exams to become a member of the faculty of dental surgeons (MFDS) from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.

Following this I also completed a post graduate diploma from Cardiff University, which has also helped  me to develop and expand my knowledge as a practitioner.

During this time I have found my passion lies within implant dentistry and am looking to complete a masters in implantology to build on the learning I have already completed in this field.

I am happily married and have 4 children, three girls and a boy, so not only are my hands full at work – we are quite a busy household too! Not to mention out-numbered by the ladies in my life!  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I often get involved in charity work, be it taking part in charity runs or helping at refugee camps, such as the one in Calais, and am humbled by the support of colleagues who have often taken part and helped me with this.

I am an Invisalign provider and am also able to provide smile makeovers and work in both Cardiff and Ponthir so you may find me going between practices.

We spend more time at work than we do at home, but when you love what you do it doesn’t feel like a job. Helping my patients is what I love and being able to put smiles on their faces brings me great joy.

Dr. Shaun McClure, Partner

GDC number: 74654

BDS Cardiff

Shaun is from Northern Ireland and came to Cardiff in 1993 to study dentistry. He had such an enjoyable time here, and made so many good friends, that he decided to stay after qualifying. He started work at the practice in 1999 and became a partner in 2013 when Restore Dental Group was formed. Shaun thoroughly enjoys seeing all of his patients and caring for their needs. Shaun spends the majority of his time doing NHS dentistry as he feels it is right to provide a good quality service at an affordable price for everyone.

Outside of work Shaun spends the bulk of his time doing family activities and exercising whenever he can find the time.

Dr. Rachel Hughes

GDC number: 259148

BDS Cardiff University 2015

Rachel was born in Rhondda Cynon Taff and graduated with Honours from Cardiff University in 2015. Rachel joined Restore Dental Group in 2017 and loves being a part of the team. An enthusiastic dentist trained in Invisilign who is constantly looking for ways to broaden and improve her skills and knowledge. Rachel hopes to undertake further training in the field of orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry, and hopes to create a smile patients can be proud of. 

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys interior design, cooking different cuisines and travelling abroad. 

Dr. Anil Kataria

GDC number: 270994

BChD University of Leeds 2017

Anil has been part of Restore Dental Group since 2018. He was born in Birmingham and qualified from Leeds Dental School and then worked in Swansea. He enjoyed all that South Wales had to offer and decided to settle in Cardiff.

At work Anil particularly enjoys treating anxious patient and putting them at ease. He has been commended for his excellent communication skills and calm and caring nature by patients. Anil particularly enjoys a variety of work that NHS dentistry has to offer on a day to day basis. Outside of work Anil particularly enjoys running, hiking, badminton/ travelling and exploring different cultures and occasionally bakes when he finds the time.

Dr. Julie Ransom

GDC number: 74662

BDS University of Wales 1998

Julie qualified in 1998 from the University Of Wales College Of Medicine and joined the practice in 1999. A dedicated dentist who is committed to patient care and high professional standards. Julie is also a dental trainer, spending her time helping newly qualified dentists to make the transition from University to the professional work place.

In her spare time, Julie and her husband enjoy taking their dog on long walks, looking after their two cats, spending time away in their campervan, and travelling abroad.

Louise Shanahan, Dental Hygienist

GDC number: 137741

Diploma in Dental Hygiene Cardiff University 2018

Louise has over 15 years’ experience dental nursing and in 2016 decided to peruse a more preventative role as a Dental Hygienist. Louise graduated from Cardiff University in 2018 and joined Restore Dental Group soon after. Louise works across two sites, St Mellons and Whitchurch road and enjoys periodontal management but has a particular interest in the cosmetic side, including whitening. In Louise’s spare time she enjoys running and fitness… and of course food and drinks with friends!

Helen Donaldson, Therapist

GDC number: 45381

Combined Diploma in Dental Therapy & Hygiene Cardiff University 2008

Helen Donaldson graduated in hygiene and therapy from UHW Cardiff in 2008. Once qualified she returned to work in Camberley Surrey before finally settling down in South Wales to start a family.

 

Helen has worked with several dentists over the years within the nhs and in private settings, gaining experience treating patients with a wide range of dental needs.

 

Helen has a keen interest in helping nervous patients gain confidence in the dental chair. She has a great relationship with all her patients, especially with the children she sees.

At home she is a keen crafter, gardener and general DIY’er. To relax she enjoys swimming and running and occasionally playing the piano when she has time.

Restore Dental Group

Restore Dental Group

Restore Dental Group

Covid 19 Update

All 3 sites across Restore Dental Group remain open!

Following the most recent government announcement that we will be put back in another national lockdown, we would like to reassure you that we will be remaining open and continuing with appointments....... Read More