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About Us

It’s ALL in the name!

Carew Dental Limited was founded by our principal dentist, Melbourne Carew, and his wife, Joanna. We are so proud of the reputation Melbourne has built over the past 16 years that we named our new practice after him!

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@carew_dental

Our Ethos

The ethos at Carew Dental is simple: to offer exceptional cosmetic, implant and general dentistry in a luxurious, stress-free environment.

We are also immensely proud of the relationships we build with our patients, focussing on your experience throughout your treatment journey. We believe visits to the dentist should not be stressful and we enjoy working with you every step of the way to ensure you feel comfortable, receive outstanding treatments, and just love your smile.

We also recognise that traditional weekday appointments are not convenient for everybody, so we have a flexible appointment schedule that includes evenings and weekends.

Our Location

We can't wait to see you

Our practice is conveniently located just off the A1 on the Team Valley Trading Estate in Gateshead (NE11 0JU).

Our main client-base is from around the North East, but there are no geographical restrictions on who we can treat. In fact, because of Melbourne’s reputation for outstanding cosmetic and implant dentistry we regularly welcome patients from across the UK and beyond.

When you arrive at Carew Dental, you’ll find a large patient car park as well as a fabulous patient lounge with complimentary drinks, free Wi-Fi, magazines, sofas and even a laptop workstation.

Meet our awesome team

Dr Melbourne Carew, Clinical Director and Principal Dentist

  • Qualified in dentistry from Newcastle University in 2005
  • Owned his own dental practices since 2010
  • Diploma in Restorative Dentistry
  • Diploma in Implantology
  • Primary care dental champion for the Clinical Research Network
  • Honorary Treasurer for the Faculty of General Dental Practice (Northern Division)
  • Committee member for North East Private Dentists
  • GDC number 85818
  • Qualifications: BDS.ncle, AssocFCGDent, Dip Imp Dent, Dip Rest Dent.rcs.eng MFGDP.rcs.eng

Melbourne absolutely loves his profession! He has undergone extensive training around the world, achieving a Diploma in Restorative Dentistry with the Faculty of General Dental Practice, and a Diploma in Implant dentistry from the Cambridge Academy of Dental Implantology. Melbourne is also an Associate Fellow of the College of General Dentistry.

In addition to practising dentistry, Melbourne mentors other dentists training in implantology, and is working with Newcastle University, sponsored by the National Institute of Health Research, to find new innovative ways of using technology to improve patient understanding of treatments.

When Melbourne is not practising dentistry, you will find him cooking a delicious elaborate meal, or hooked to a rugby match or Formula One. He’s also dad – and stepdad – to three children, and loves getting out and about walking and cycling in the beautiful Northumberland countryside.

Joanna Carew, Managing Director

Joanna is Melbourne’s wife and has a non-dental background. She oversees all non-clinical aspects of Carew Dental and focuses on delivering excellent standards for both patients and the Carew Dental team.

Joanna has a mixed background in law, hospitality, and retail, and she brings her experiences into the practice to create a unique environment where patients are able to relax and enjoy their Carew Dental journey.

Another focus for Joanna are her responsibilities as an employer. Together with Melbourne, she has created a company where team members are empowered and rewarded as individuals. Joanna’s aim is that everybody enjoys being at work and everybody is supported to excel and grow. She loves a happy workplace and feels that the happiness of the team is fundamental for delivering such remarkable patient care.

Away from the Carew Dental Joanna is a true ‘country gal’ and lives with Melbourne and their family on a farm in the Tyne Valley. Away from the practice you will almost always find Joanna out of doors, hiking with the dogs, hacking out on horseback, or chilling in the garden with a glass of wine!

Nikki Dunville, Assistant Manager

Nikki (GDC 169585) started her career in dentistry in 2005 as a trainee dental nurse, progressing to a qualified dental nurse and eventually moving into practice management. Keen to progress her knowledge and experience, Nikki has gained additional qualifications within the dental field and has also obtained her ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management.

After excelling as a dental nurse at Carew Dental, Nikki has now taken the position of Assistant Manager where she is responsible for the day to day running of the practice. Nikki’s role is two-fold: ensuring Carew Dental aims to always meet and exceed professional standards; as well ensuring our patients receive excellent customer service by assisting team members in going the extra mile every day.

Outside of work, Nikki enjoys partaking in recreational activities with her husband and young son, usually involving outdoor walks, parks, and seaside adventures with their dog Vera.

Julie Hall, Patient Experience Manager

Julie is our Patient Experience Manager and absolutely loves getting to know our patients! Julie welcomes our patients into the Carew Dental family and will be your point of contact throughout your cosmetic treatment journey.

Before joining Carew Dental Julie worked in sales and managed her own family business, whilst also working as a model and being a full-time mum to three children! Always busy and on the go, Julie is passionate about horses, the countryside and spending time out and about with friends. She is the heart and soul of any party but also enjoys quieter moments walking her three dogs or cooking for her family and friends.

Jonathan Lai, Associate Dentist

  • Qualified in dentistry from King's College London in 2013
  • Interests in minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, including tooth whitening, composite bonding, and short-term orthodontic treatment
  • Undertaken extensive post-graduate education in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry
  • Currently pursuing a two-year Postgraduate Diploma under renowned cosmetic dentists
  • GDC number 244414
  • Qualifications: BDS.kcl

Jonathan is dedicated to providing comprehensive and quality dental treatment. His passion lies in all aspects of general dentistry, with a specific focus on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Jonathan's goal is to enhance his patients' smiles and boost their confidence.

Born and raised in the North East, Jonathan has chosen to remain in the region with his loving wife and two young children. Outside of dentistry, he finds joy in spending quality time with his family, playing the piano, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular gym sessions.

Rachel Davison, Hygienist/Therapist

Rachel (GDC 114263) has over 20 years’ experience working in general dental practice, and she graduated from Newcastle University in 2010 in Dental Hygiene and Therapy. Alongside her passion for dental hygiene, Rachel has a special interest in facial aesthetics and has completed multiple qualifications in this field. Outside of work Rachel spends most of her time with her little boy going on adventures together around the North East and beyond!

Leanne De Piano, Hygienist

Leanne (GDC 109873) has been actively involved in the dental profession for over 20 years, with experience of both NHS and private practices. She holds a double diploma in dental hygiene and therapy and whilst studying at Kings College, London, Leanne was honoured to receive the GDC prize for professionalism award 2006. Leanne focuses her interests on hygiene and has developed expertise in treating nervous patients and minimising patient discomfort during sensitive treatments. When not working Leanne enjoys spending time with her family and keeping fit.

Chloe Gosling, Dental Nurse

Chloe (GDC 252824) began her career in dentistry as a trainee dental nurse after relocating to the North East in 2011. She qualified in 2013 and has extensive experience of working in general dentistry and working with foundation dentists. She is very excited to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and implants at Carew Dental as well as gaining additional qualifications.

Outside of work, Chloe enjoys family adventures in her campervan, paddle boarding, and going on long walks with her husband, two daughters and their poodle Otis! On a rare child-free occasion, you’ll find Chloe on the back of her husband’s motorbike!

Mani Khawaja, Apprentice Dental Nurse

Mani is our apprentice dental nurse and divides her working hours between study and developing practical skills. We’re delighted Mani is starting her dental career as part of the Carew Dental team, and Mani is equally excited to be assisting our clinicians and learning about patient care.

Outside of work, Mani loves spending quality time with her family and friends. She enjoys exploring great food spots, hiking, and getting competitive with sports. During moments of relaxation, she can often be found immersed in the world of gaming, indulging in some laid-back fun.

Hayley Lewis, Patient Experience Assistant

Hayley is part of our patient experience team and assists Julie in caring for our patients throughout their Carew Dental Journey. Prior to joining Carew Dental, Hayley worked as a hairstylist and has lived in the North East since 2011.

A real people person, Hayley loves getting to know our patients and helping them transform their smiles. Hayley is also the identical twin sister to our dental nurse, Chloe, so when you visit the practice, you might think you are seeing double!

Outside of work Hayley’s two children keep her very busy, and together with her husband, Hayley loves hosting family gatherings, cooking and sharing a glass of wine or two with her sister!

Alfie Thirkettle, Dental Receptionist

Alfie is the eldest of the three Carew-Thirkettle children and he works part time at Carew Dental as a dental assistant. This means he divides his time between reception, administrative duties and also provides assistance in the clinical areas. In addition to working at the practice, Alfie is currently studying philosophy at Newcastle University. Alfie has always been interested in sciences and human medicine and completed Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics A-Levels before starting University.

Alfie is an avid Formula One fan and he loves to watch the races and follow all the developments on and off the track throughout the season. He also spends his spare time going out with his friends, but Alfie’s hidden talent has to be his outstanding cookery skills. He is a genius in the kitchen and regularly woos us with incredible, technical, delicious 5-course meals!

Aimee Dobbie, Receptionist

Aimee has a non-dental background and works at the practice as a full-time dental receptionist. Aimee has over 8 years’ experience in hospitality and customer service, including, working as cabin crew for 3 years and 4 years in a luxury hotel. She loves meeting new people and being a part of the patient journey.

Outside of the practice Aimee enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going on walks, and exploring new places. After a long week at work Aimee will kick back with her fiancé, a delicious meal and a hard-earned glass of prosecco!

Millie McDougle, Receptionist

Millie also has a non-dental background and works at the practice as a full-time dental receptionist. Millie recently graduated with First-Class BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, and she has extensive retail and hospitality experience, having worked in a variety of roles including several ski seasons in the Alps.

Originating from Newcastle, Millie loves to travel and seek adventure through outward bound activities such as skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Or you might find Millie enjoying the Northumberland coastline with her family and cockapoo, Bobo.