About us

Caring, compassionate, gentle: your dental superhero in Leeds

Our practice

At Horsforth Dental we provide the best possible dental care. We understand the importance of happy, healthy smiles and take enormous pride in our work. Our core belief is that prevention is the best medicine. It’s so simple, but so often overlooked. We strive to help our patients achieve beautiful and long-lasting smiles by listening intently, and creating a treatment plan bespoke to their needs. We are a modern dental practice: artistic, gentle and fresh in our approach.

Our little practice on Troy Road has a big heart; our clinic is relaxed and full of colour. Since Dr Bedford took over in March 2018, the practice has changed beyond recognition and we are very proud of our growing reputation as a compassionate and professional service. Whether you are in need of regular check-ups for your family, or you’re a busy professional looking for that perfect smile, we are here for you. Our highly trained and experienced team will transform the way you feel about your teeth.

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Meet the team

Dr Sam Bedford

Practice Owner / Principal Dentist

I’m the Principal Dentist and joint practice owner of Horsforth Dental. I qualified from Sheffield dental school in 2003 and have since attended many courses and lectures around the world, learning from some of the best within their fields. Dentistry is a rapidly evolving craft, and I am always keen to implement new technologies and ways of thinking into our practice. I thoroughly enjoy my job getting to know my patients, solving problems and drinking buckets of coffee!

I have a keen interest in early interceptive orthodontics and ALF therapy, though I like to keep my hand in many other aspects of dentistry. I have been working with Invisalign for nearly ten years; I restore implants and am well versed in composite bonding. I enjoy quite complicated treatment plans but am also quite content chatting away during patient examinations.

Outside of dentistry and when not raising a family, I have a ton of hobbies. This year I am trying to improve my golf, if anything I’m getting worse, but God loves a trier!. I play football, I ran the Leeds Marathon for the third time this year, I like Snowboarding, I play chess, I still write the occasional song (one can dream), I build far too much Lego for an adult (now displayed all over the practice) and I paint Warhammer (also displayed at the practice). All in all, I’m a massive nerd!

Favourite Film
Clash of the Titans
Ghostbusters a close second

Favourite Food
Lamb Madras

Team
Everton

Likes
Mini Eggs
Music

Dislikes
Making TikTok videos

Helen Wilson BDS (Hons) MChem (Hons)

Dentist

I graduated in 2022 from the University of Sheffield. I also studied in Newcastle and returned back home to Leeds to complete my foundation training which included rotations in general dentistry, Oral and maxillofacial surgery and restorative dentistry.

Outside of work I spend time at the hockey pitch, swimming, cooking or getting outdoors with my young family.

Chris Bedford

Dentist

Chris Bedford graduated from Dental School at Sheffield University in 1995 and has been dedicated to providing outstanding dental care in West Yorkshire ever since. With over 30 years of experience as a general dentist, Chris has a keen interest in advanced treatments, specialising in dental implants, aesthetic dentistry, and orthodontic solutions using clear aligners. His focus on precision and patient care has earned him a reputation for helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles.

Outside of dentistry, Chris is a passionate athlete. He has completed several Ironman challenges and regularly enjoys cycling all over Yorkshire. His dedication and determination both on and off the course reflect his commitment to excellence in everything he does.

Bako Jaza

Dentist

I grew up in Huddersfield and later moved to Leeds to study at the University of Leeds, where I completed a Masters and Bachelor of Dental Surgery, alongside a Bachelor in Oral Science.

My academic journey has helped shape my commitment to providing the highest standard of dental care, and I'm passionate about helping patients feel comfortable and confident with their smiles. I enjoy building strong relationships with those I treat and always aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment.

Outside of work, I love staying active—especially by playing football—and I'm a lifelong Chelsea FC supporter. Whether on the pitch or in the clinic, I always bring energy, focus, and a genuine passion for what I do.

Punit Parmar

Dentist

I'm a general dentist with a background in pharmacy. I take pride in delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care in a relaxed and welcoming environment. My experience in pharmacy helps me take a holistic approach to oral health, and I believe in building strong, trusting relationships with every patient. I aim to make dental visits as stress-free and comfortable as possible.

Outside the clinic, you'll often find me cooking, enjoying long walks, travelling, gardening, or following the latest in motorsports.

Sam McHale

Hygienist

I graduated from the University of Manchester with a BSc in oral health science in 2016. After moving back to my hometown of Leeds, I started working at Horsforth Dental in 2017.

I run a social media account (@northernhygienist) posting educational content aimed at patients and fellow dental professionals alike.

In my spare time, I like to keep fit & active by working out at the gym and playing weekly 5 a side football (with Sam B & Bako), Leeds united are still yet to offer me a trial!

Away from work, I like to travel the world and dive into a good book. My favourite series to read has to be Hunger Games.

Melissa Cybaniak

Dental Nurse

Moving on from a career in health and safety, Melissa is now training to become a fully qualified dental nurse. She is enjoying her roles both on reception and nursing in the surgery, with root canals being her favourite treatment to assist the dentist with. Melissa is now looking forward to learning more about nursing and the basics of practice management.
Melissa is caring, friendly and enjoys talking to patients and helping them to feel at home during their appointments.

Outside of work, Melissa is a big sports fan, following the tennis, baseball and snooker to name a few. She plays softball during the summer months, both in the local league and in tournaments across the country. Newly married, she enjoys hikes in the countryside with her husband, dog and friends.

Favourite Food: Mediterranean
Favourite Film: Legends of the Fall

Agatha Cottrell-Salamacka

Dental Nurse

I have been working as a dental nurse since March 2023. I am committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care with a strong focus on patient comfort and well-being.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and exploring new places, and my favourite food is Italian cuisine. I also have a strong interest in aesthetic treatments and am keen to expand my knowledge in this area.

Nadine Wilson

Dental Nurse

I’m a qualified dental nurse and certified intravenous sedation nurse with a steady hand and a soft spot for helping people feel at ease.

When I'm not working in scrubs, you'll usually find me with a crochet hook in hand, trying out new stitches and patterns (the more complex, the better).

I've got a thing for psychological thrillers and intense stories — The Shining, Doctor Sleep, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Insidious are some of my go-to films. Basically, I like my hobbies cozy and my movies creepy.

Scrubs by day, yarn by night!!

Malaika Javed

Dental Nurse

I'm a dental nurse at Horsforth Dental.

I qualified in September 2024 and joined the practice in January 2025!

I enjoy my time when nursing seeing patients and have a special interest in the cosmetic side of dentistry. I'm also interested in hygiene therapy and am currently taking a science access course with the hopes of going into university and developing my career in dentistry!

My main hobby is baking! Cakes, cookies &brownies! I love meeting new people every day and helping them feel more confident—when I'm not at work, you'll probably find me baking something sweet!

Andreea Apostu

Dental Nurse

I’m a qualified dental nurse with a strong interest in surgical procedures, particularly implant dentistry. I take pride in delivering high standards of care and supporting patients through every stage of their treatment.

Outside of the clinic, I'm an avid reader and a devoted coffee enthusiast. Always learning, always growing—both in and out of scrubs.

Sophie Hinchliffe

Dental Nurse

I started dental nursing in June 2023 and recently gained my qualification in June 2025. I enjoy working in dentistry as every day is different and i see a variety of different treatments, my favourite being anything orthodontic.

Outside of work I enjoy travelling, watching football, going to new places.

Natalie Bedford

Practice Manager

Natalie is the Practice Manager and joint practice owner of Horsforth Dental. She had a long career at the University of Leeds where she specialised in embedding academic skills into the university curriculum. She then decided to make a career shift - joining the family business to help to manage and grow the practice. Natalie is passionate about creating a welcoming and friendly experience for both patients and staff.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family and taking long walks with her dog. She values a healthy and active lifestyle and especially enjoys Pilates and yoga. She loves watching live music and has been lucky to go to Glastonbury twice in recent years. Hoping for third time lucky soon!

Julie Turner

Receptionist

Julie is our receptionist and has been working with us since 2023. Prior to joining our team, she held a number of customer-facing roles in the Financial Services Industry.

Julie is a mum of three and enjoys travelling, gardening and reading. Her all-time favourite film is Grease!

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