Meet Our Wigan Dental Team

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Practice Principal, Mr. Venkat Ankam

Practice Principal, Mr. Venkat Ankam

GDC 176418

Venkat is a highly experienced dentist with a strong commitment to ethical, patient-centred care. He earned his BDS from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in 2004 and qualified in the UK in 2009. He has worked in both NHS and private dentistry and continues to develop his clinical expertise. Venkat holds a Diploma in Endodontics from the University of Chester and a Certificate in Restorative Dentistry. He believes that understanding each patient’s needs and delivering sound, ethical treatment are central to being a caring and professional dentist. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his family, badminton and jogging.

Associate Dentist: Dr. Evan Hurst

Associate Dentist: Dr. Evan Hurst

GDC 257730

Evan graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2015 and joined Church Street Dental Practice in August 2019. Originally from Orrell, he returned to the area after working in the Lake District. Evan has a caring, gentle and professional approach and particularly enjoys supporting anxious children and adults as they build confidence in dental care. He regularly attends local dental lectures to keep his knowledge and skills up to date. Outside dentistry, Evan is a keen Wigan Athletic supporter and can often be found at home matches.

Janine Stoeman

Janine Stoeman

GDC 119927

Janine joined Church Street Dental Practice in 2020 and has several years of experience as a senior dental nurse and dental practice manager. Her responsibilities include staffing, infection control, stock control and helping ensure the practice is safe and well organised. She has also supported foundation dentists through their first year in practice, helping newly qualified clinicians develop confidence. Outside work, Janine enjoys spending time with family and friends and riding her motorcycle.

Alexis Hartley

Alexis Hartley

GDC 329154

Alexis joined the practice as a trainee dental nurse in January 2023 and qualified in April 2025. She has since taken on additional responsibilities in infection control, decontamination, reception and stock ordering. Alexis is keen to continue developing her skills, with interests including dental implants and dental radiography. In the future, she hopes to progress into a senior nursing or dental hygiene and therapy role. Outside work, she enjoys family time and attending car meets with her partner.

Frankie Hartley

Frankie Hartley

Trainee Dental Nurse

Frankie joined the team in January 2025 as a trainee dental nurse and is working towards qualification. She enjoys being part of a supportive team and building positive relationships with patients and colleagues. Frankie hopes eventually to continue her education and train as a dental therapist or hygienist. Outside work, she enjoys cooking, socialising, camping, exploring the countryside and listening to Fleetwood Mac.

Mia Litherland

Mia Litherland

Trainee Dental Nurse

Mia joined the practice in 2024 as a trainee dental nurse and is working towards qualification. She takes pride in supporting the dental team, maintaining high standards of patient care and helping appointments run smoothly and efficiently. In her spare time, Mia enjoys hiking and walking her dog, Dolly.

Lisa Watson

Lisa Watson

GDC 241897

Lisa began her career at Church Street Dental Practice in 2010 as a trainee dental nurse and qualified a few years later. She has continued to develop her skills and experience within the practice and enjoys the variety of patients and treatments she encounters each day. Lisa takes pride in helping patients feel comfortable and supported. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family and keeping active at the gym.

Naira Gasparetto

Naira Gasparetto

Dental Therapist and Orthodontic Therapist

Naira is a GDC-registered dental therapist and orthodontic therapist. She qualified as a dentist in Brazil in 2009 and came to the UK in 2021 to gain further clinical experience. Her work focuses on preventive care, periodontal therapy and supporting orthodontic treatment. Naira is passionate about gentle, evidence-based care, clear communication and helping patients feel informed and at ease. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family and visiting new places.

Lili May-Havard

Lili May-Havard

Trainee Dental Nurse

Lili joined the practice as a trainee dental nurse in December 2025 and aims to qualify in 2027. She enjoys festivals, concerts and live music, often attending with her partner. Lili is also creative and enjoys colourful hair and makeup, painting and clay art. At home, she spends time with her three black cats and relaxes by playing cosy video games including Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing and The Sims 4.

Hannah Taylor

Hannah Taylor

GDC 228796

Hannah graduated as a dental hygienist from the University of Manchester in 2012 and joined Church Street Dental Practice in February 2020. With more than 14 years of clinical experience, she provides private treatments including professional cleaning, stain removal and teeth whitening. Hannah is passionate about preventive dentistry and helps patients protect their natural teeth by reducing the risk of gum disease, enamel wear and cavities. She previously worked in Dubai alongside dental specialists from around the world and is known for her warm, caring and educational approach.

Anil Palouse Padayatti

Anil Palouse Padayatti

GDC 302648

Anil is a dental therapist with more than ten years of clinical experience and originally qualified as a dentist overseas. He is committed to compassionate, patient-centred care and enjoys helping patients feel comfortable, informed and confident about their oral health. Outside the clinic, Anil enjoys cricket, Premier League football and supporting Manchester United. He also relaxes by playing on the PlayStation and believes a good work-life balance helps him bring a calm, positive approach to patient care.

NHS
General Dental Council
Philips Zoom
BDA Good Practice