Meet our Friendly Team
Dr Martin Gerginov
Dentist
I qualified in 2010 and worked for 3 years in my own private practice. In 2013 I decided to take on a new career path and came to the UK. I really enjoy my work and constantly try to gain more knowledge to help my patients. I am constantly attending postgraduate qualification courses and I spend lots of time finding new ways of painless treatment. I am focused on cosmetic treatment procedures, such as C-fast, quick straightening of the teeth, high quality porcelain and zirconia restorations, smile makeovers. In my spare time I love hiking, cycling and preparing adventurous meals.
Dr Elford
Dentist
Master in Implant dentistry with cosmetic & aesthetic reconstruction expertise including full Invisalign
An extremely experienced, passionate, dedicated and well-respected expert within the dental industry. Dr Elford will always provide honest and caring advice to our customers and has a wealth of qualifications in master clinical Implantology, clinical dentistry, advanced aesthetic dentistry, facial aesthetics and master certificate in full Invisalign teeth straightening, as well as routine dentistry work.
Dr Elford specially works on our more demanding aspects of cosmetic dentistry, smile reconstruction and full mouth rehabilitation.
Dr Elford has been the senior lecturer for the implant faculty at the London Dental School and worked alongside Bristol University, England, in helping newly qualified dentists develop within the dental industry.
Dr Elford has owned previous clinics in the UK and Spain and has worked in Dubai & Sweden.
Dr Elford speaks English, Swedish, Farsi and Spanish.
Dr Philip Morris
Dentist
Dr Philip brings to St James a wealth of experience gained over 50 years.
He graduated from the prestigious University College Hospital Medical School and was one of the earliest U.K. Dental Surgeons to make Implants available in General Practice.
Having retired to the Island 2 years ago, he was delighted to be offered at St James the opportunity to continue his life long passion, and to join such a dedicated, friendly, compassionate team, so patient focused.
Latterly, his professional special interests centre around Root Canal Treatments and Dentures and impartial presentation of a second opinion, thereby giving patients varying options to consider or confirm.
Out of the Clinic, Philip can be seen walking his rescue Black Lab or playing on the tennis court.
Dr Jo Thompson
Dentist
Jo has been a dentist on the Isle of Wight for 16 years. She was highly commended as the best young dentist in the National dentistry awards 2021.
She has been teaching dentistry to new graduates on the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth University since 2013
Jo volunteers promoting dentistry on the Island, regularly visiting schools engaging with island children teaching about dental health, dental science, dental careers and trying to train up the next generation of dentists for the Isle of Wight!
Her focus is on dental health, and trying to keep the island residents smiling!
“I love being a part of the community, and knowing I am making a long-term difference to peoples health.”
When I’m not caring for teeth, I am in the sea, enjoying the Island’s beautiful walks, on the netball court, or with my young family and dog.
Deborah Paris
Hygienist
Deborah is an experienced hygienist who specialises in working with nervous patients. Deborah has worked on the island and mainland for many years and gained her Qualified National Certificate NEBDN in 2006.
Deborah returned to university to continue her education and has become a Dental Therapist.
In her leisure time, she enjoys crocheting and gardening, both of which provide her with relaxation and a creative outlet.
Laura Baker
Hygienist
Laura has been in the dental industry since 2013, qualifying as a dental hygiene therapist in 2019 and furthering her skill set in Facial Aesthetics in 2021.
Laura has a particular interest in non-surgical periodontal treatments, facial anatomy and injectable treatments. She takes great pride in her profession continually educating and motivating her patients on the importance of oral health and general health.
In Laura’s free time she is a yoga teacher, loves hiking exploring new places with her husband, paddle boarding and a big foodie!
Leah Harrington
Hygienist
Leah is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient. With a passion for treating nervous and anxious patients, she takes a gentle, reassuring approach to help make each visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Passionate about oral health education, she enjoys helping patients build confidence in their smiles through personalised care and preventative treatments. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or guidance on improving oral hygiene habits, Leah strives to create a positive and welcoming experience.
In her spare time Leah loves to travel, cook and eat out, finding joy in cooking and discovering delicious foods from around the world.
Debbie Toogood
Patient Care Coordinator & Dental Nurse
Debbie is our head nurse joining the team in February 2002, bringing with her over 30 years of dental experience both in the NHS and private sectors, and in her own words is still thoroughly enjoying the job!
Debbie not only mentors but has additional qualifications in both Impression Taking (2017) and Radiography (2019).
Debbie works alongside our Implantologist Dr Elford, supporting all aspects pf Implant placement and cosmetic surgery.
With her bubbly personality she excels in her job role as Patient Care Coordinator
In her spare time, Debbie can be seen entertaining the Island pubs festivals and weddings with her saxophone and enjoying campervan life with her family and dogs.
Lucy Collier Sanders
Dental Nurse
Lucy qualified as a dental nurse in 2014 with a city and guilds diploma, she joined St James Clinic in 2015.
She has worked alongside Dr Martin Gerginov for over 10 years, caring and supporting patients is her expertise, as well as completing her Implant certificate and becoming our named first aider.
In her spare time Lucy likes to watch football with her dad and spend time with her family.
Shannon Crouch
Dental Nurse
Shannon started working at St James Clinic in June 2017 as a Trainee Dental Nurse and went on to qualify in 2019. Shannon is a devoted, loyal member of St James Clinic and is very caring.
Shannon has gone on to complete a dental radiography qualification in 2024, which allows her to assist the Dentist when taking x-rays and can take OPG’s too.
Shannon is a keen reader and in her spare time loves to spend time with her family or out walking.
Heidi Baxter
Dental Nurse
I have been working as a Dental Nurse for 27 years, mainly in private practice. I enjoy all aspects of Dentistry but I especially enjoy helping nervous patients overcome their fears, seeing them then become relaxed and confident when receiving treatment is very rewarding.
I am extremely pleased to now be working with the amazing team that make up St James Clinic and I look forward to what the future may bring.
Jess Caws
Dental Nurse
Jess joined St James Clinic in October 2022 as a trainee dental nurse, she went onto qualify in 2024.
Jess works alongside most Dentist and Hygienists and has furthered her training with Implant Nursing Hands on courses.
Jess is a confident, kind and caring nurse.
In her spare time she enjoys reading and gym classes.
Mia Stephens
Trainee Dental Nurse
Content coming soon.
Lucy Mumford
Receptionist
Content coming soon.
Rachel Maynard
Receptionist
Rachel joined the practice in 2025, having come from an administrative background, and recently completed a Business Administration qualification. Rachel will be one of the first faces you meet at your appointment and is happy to assist with any questions you may have.
In her spare time, Rachel is a very busy mum to two lively boys as well as countless houseplants. She enjoys spending time outdoors across the beautiful Island and savouring local cuisine! She likes chasing the sun on holidays in Europe as much as possible.
Jo Prangnell
Practice Manager
Jo joined St James Clinic in 2016, starting as a dental nurse/receptionist and quickly becoming our registered CQC manager.
Jo deals with all the compliance of the practice, using her knowledge to make sure the clinic is up to date with all policies and procedures.
In her spare time Jo is a football mum and loves to spend time with her family and little sausage dog Margo.
Edward Day
Owner & Dental Technician
St James Clinic is owned by Islander Edward & Holly Day.
Ed is proud to own a successful, reputable clinic and be part of such a fantastic team of dentists, hygienists/therapists and nurses.
Ed is a Dental Technician and has been since 2002, over the past 14 years he has spent a lot of time studying as he believes innovation and experience make for a good balance the laboratory he has owned since 2007 is a good example of this. He purchased St James Clinic in 2015 and is always on hand to help regarding any technical work. Aside from the dental world, Ed’s other passions are classic vehicles, sailing and shooting.
Holly Day
Owner
St James Clinic is owned by Islander Edward & Holly Day.
Holly is proud to own a successful, reputable clinic and be part of such a fantastic team of dentists, hygienists/therapists and nurses.
