Team

Doug and the team founded The Village Dental Practice in 2007. The area just outside of Bedford is rapidly developing and has continued to grow ever since, and the practice with it.

He was born in South Africa and obtained his dental degree from Wits University, graduating in 1979. He ran his own successful private practice for 15 years prior to moving to the UK in 1996. He has lived in Bedford since 2002. Doug has had the privilege of working for two of the trusted corporate giants in the dental world Boots Dentalcare and BUPA. In 2005 he did a one year course in Cosmetic Dentistry. He is a member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the General Dental Council. Doug is married to Kiloran and they have 2 children. Candy, who is married and lives in Bedford, and Paul who is married and works in London.

May 2026

After more than 15 years of dedicated service at The Village Dental Practice, Dr Slade will be concluding his time with us this year.

In recent years, Dr Slade’s clinical work has expanded significantly. Alongside the growth of his Harley Street practice, he now serves as a restorative consultant within a specialized maxillofacial surgical team. He contributes to the profession through extensive teaching and lecturing. We are deeply grateful for the exceptional contribution he has made to our team and the high standard of care he has provided to our patients. 

Continuity of your dental care
Please be assured that your ongoing care remains our absolute priority. Dr Rider and the team will continue to provide your routine dentistry, ensuring the continuity and professionalism you are accustomed to at The Village Dental Practice. 

Should you have any concerns regarding previous treatment, require a review, or wish to discuss any complex future treatment, Dr Slade would be pleased to see you at Smile Architect, 111 Harley Street, London. Smile Architect | Leading Dentist in Harley Street, London

We will miss Dr Slade’s presence, and we extend our sincere thanks to him for his exceptional contribution to The Village Dental Practice and wish him every success as he continues to advance his clinical and academic work.

Jennifer Turner BDS Kings College London 2014, BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography Leeds 2005. GDC 252208

Jennifer grew up locally before moving to Leeds and then London to study and work, beginning her career as a Radiographer at Charing Cross Hospital. A change in career was prompted by wanting a more sustained and active involvement with her patients. Kings College London prides itself on being at the forefront of dental research and minimally invasive techniques, and is an “amalgam free” institute as far as possible. Therefore she did a lot of training in composite (white) fillings.

After qualifying as a Dentist she returned home and has worked both in General Dentistry and in Maxillofacial Surgery. She also held a post at Kings College London (Guys Dental Institute) as a Clinical Teacher in Dental Radiography to Undergraduate Students.
Jennifer’s interests in Dentistry are focussed on prevention techniques and patient education, but when dental treatment can’t be prevented, she tries to provide minimally invasive dentistry. A self-confessed nervous patient herself, she tries to provide treatment that patients walk away from thinking “that was so much less stressful than I was expecting!” After completing a PGCert in Implantology she is now completing a clinical residency in implant Dentistry working with specialist mentors both at The Village Dental practice and at the training centre.

At home, it’s all about the kids, dog and husband Geoff (he’ll often argue it’s in that order). They love to explore the UK with Yorkshire a particular favourite.

“I’ve been at Village Dental Practice since 2020 and have loved getting to know the patients here. The team feel like family and we all love to do what we’re good at and give you the best dental experience we can.”

 

Carol joined The Village Dental Practice in March 2014. She is from Bedford and has worked in and around the surrounding area all her life. She worked as a Qualified Dental Nurse 1989 -1993 and then attended The Eastman Dental Hospital where she qualified as a Dental Hygienist in 1995 obtaining the award from for Oral B Patient Management and Motivation. She worked with Doug and his team for years at Boots Dentalcare, and is delighted to have the privilege and opportunity to do so again at The Village Dental Practice.

Hayley began her career as a dental nurse in Northampton 1992. She qualified in 1994, after passing her last examination on her 22nd birthday. In 1998 she gained her qualification in dental radiography. She joined Boots Dentalcare in 2001 at their Bedford branch. It was here that she met and worked with Doug. Over the years her roles and responsibilities have included Stock Control, Cross Infection Control audits, Radiography Quality Assurance and the development of practice systems and protocols. She has also mentored and trained student dental nurses and became an NVQ assessor. Hayley married Rob in 2002 and they have two wonderful sons Morgan, born in 2004 and Mason, born in 2005. Phoebe Joy arrived in November 2008.

Sarah joined the practice in June 2011 having had the previous 10 years at Optical Express|The Dental Clinic formally Boots Dentalcare, where she worked with Doug in 2003-04. Prior to that her trade is actually Beauty Therapy and spent many years treating people at The Sanctuary in Covent Garden. Later, becoming the Spa Manager. And so has a passion for exceptional customer service, and particularly thrives in her Dental Practice Manager role, ensuring all the latest techniques and policies are applied to comply with ever changing and improved legislation. She is married to Ian, and they have one son Oliver born 2005 whom they delight in!

Tina always looks forward to offering you a warm welcome.