Meet The Team
Dr Nilma Shah BDS (Principal Dentist) (GDC Reg No:82061)
Dr. Nilma Shah graduated with a Merit degree from Cardiff University of Wales College of Medicine in 2003. She gained extensive experience during her postgraduate training, including working in various practices around Hertfordshire and at the local hospital.
Since joining The Dental Centre, Cuffley in 2005 and becoming a Principal Dentist in 2007, Dr. Shah has been passionately committed to delivering outstanding dental care. In June 2025, she proudly relocated the practice to a brand new, state-of-the-art premises, now known as Cuffley Dental Centre. This move allows her to serve patients even better with cutting-edge equipment and advanced technology, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of contemporary dental treatment.
Dr Shah excels in aesthetic dentistry and has been a trusted provider of clear aligner treatments, including Invisalign, for over 18 years, helping countless patients achieve their ideal smile.
Her calm, professional, and reassuring demeanor makes every visit comfortable, particularly for children and anxious patients, who consistently appreciate her gentle approach.
When she’s not creating beautiful smiles, Nilma cherishes time with her twins, and she loves to explore new recipes through cooking and discover new places through travel.
Dr Maivand Lemar-MClinDent (Implants)- BDS (GDC Reg No:154450)
Dr Maivand qualified with Distinction from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, one of the UK’s most prestigious dental schools.
He went on to complete a comprehensive one-year course in Contemporary and Cosmetic Dentistry, building a strong foundation in aesthetic and minimally invasive techniques.
Maivand has been part of our team since 2009 and brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in placing and restoring dental implants. He has completed a Master’s degree in Implant Dentistry, equipping him with advanced clinical skills to manage even complex implant cases with confidence and precision.
He also has a special interest in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry and is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, natural-looking smiles.
Known for his calm and compassionate approach, Maivand is highly experienced in supporting nervous patients, always striving to ensure a comfortable and positive experience.
Dr David Rowland BDS (GDC Reg No:64035)
Dr Dhruv Shah BDS MJDF (RCSEng). (GDC Reg No: 209917)
Dr Dhruv Shah qualified from the prestigious University of Manchester Dental School in 2011.
After qualifying, he spent one year in general practice treating patients from a wide range of backgrounds. He then completed a further year gaining hands-on training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, working directly under the mentorship of the renowned oral surgeon Dr Edward Lizi. Since then, he has worked in Colchester, Kensington, Cuffley and Loughton, building extensive clinical experience across different communities.
Dhruv has a strong interest in all aspects of dentistry, particularly minimally invasive aesthetic and restorative treatments that achieve natural, tooth-like results. He has undertaken additional training in Smile Design, tooth whitening, soft tissue (gum) surgery, orthodontics, restorative dentistry and composite bonding, allowing him to confidently discuss and address any concerns patients may have regarding their smile.
Dr Shah particularly enjoys combining orthodontics with cosmetic treatments such as tooth whitening, composite bonding and veneers. He takes great pride in creating a bespoke smile for every patient, and is known for his meticulous attention to detail and perfectionist approach.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr Shah has developed several special interests, including:
• Composite bonding (veneers and edge bonding)
• Orthodontics, including clear aligner treatment
• Porcelain veneers and crowns
• Tooth wear management
• Advanced root canal treatment
• Minor oral surgery, including the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth
Outside of dentistry, Dhruv is a regular gym member and keen swimmer, having previously competed at school, county, university and national level. In his spare time he enjoys cooking and spending time with family. Having travelled to many countries across different continents, he is always interested in learning about new cultures, landscapes and ideas.
Dr Huma Sofie Lemar BDS (Hons) BSc (Hons) ( GDC Reg No- 194068)
Dr Huma Lemar graduated with Honours from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2010. She has extensive experience in general dentistry, treating both adults and children with a calm, professional approach that puts patients at ease.
She has a strong interest in facial aesthetics and is trained through the prestigious Harley Academy. Huma offers a range of advanced treatments including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and masseter injections for facial slimming and jaw tension relief.
She also provides discreet orthodontic solutions, including Invisalign® and the Nitime aligner system — Nitime aligners offer the convenience of nighttime-only wear for 12 hours, helping patients achieve straighter smiles with minimal disruption to their daily routine.
In addition, she is the Clinical Governance Lead for the Hertfordshire Urgent Care Dental Service, where she supports fellow clinicians and delivers urgent dental care.
Dr Aman Benning BDS(Hons) MFDS RCS (Eng) Dentist with Special Interest in Oral Surgery and Implant Dentistry Accredited IV Sedationist GDC 289657
Dr. Benning graduated from Dentistry with Honours from King’s College London and is a skilled dentist with a special interest in oral surgery, implantology, and conscious IV sedation. He is currently on the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) training pathway and is completing a medical degree, further enhancing his surgical expertise.
Committed to clinical excellence and patient comfort, Dr. Benning provides calm, professional care across a wide spectrum of complex cases. His experience in hospital-based OMFS units equips him to manage procedures such as surgical extractions, impacted wisdom tooth removal, benign soft tissue biopsies, and other surgical procedures.
Dr. Benning has completed postgraduate training programs, including currently completing a postgraduate diploma in dental implantology. He is confident in placing and restoring dental implants, from single-tooth replacements to full-arch reconstructions, including All-on-X systems, sinus lift procedures and bone augmentation procedures.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Benning is actively involved in academic and professional development. He has presented both posters and clinical research at national and international OMFS conferences, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and contributing to the wider surgical and dental community.
Amish Jethwa
Amish Jethwa (AJ) earned his dental degree from the University of Leeds in 2022. Throughout his studies, he demonstrated a strong commitment to both academic and student life, taking on leadership roles as School and Student Representative for the majority of his time at university.
His dedication and excellence were recognised with two notable awards: the Charles Ripon Medal, honouring the top-performing student in the final year, and the Kenneth G Stark Prize, awarded for outstanding care and contribution to both patient experience and team spirit.
Amish is passionate about providing high-quality, patient-focused care and believes in making dental visits as relaxed and reassuring as possible. He takes time to understand each patient’s needs, focusing on prevention, clear communication, and long-term oral health.
When he’s not in the dental surgery, Amish enjoys staying active through swimming, catching up with friends and family, and indulging in his love of baking—despite having a famously sweet tooth for someone in his profession!
Nicky Game - Practice Manager (GDC Reg No:153307)
Qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2008, Nicky is an integral part of our team, ensuring the smooth daily operations of Cuffley Dental Centre. She skillfully manages patient interactions and coordinates effectively with our staff, keeping the practice running seamlessly.
Nicky’s inherent warmth, kindness, and ever-present smile make her incredibly approachable, ensuring every patient and team member feels genuinely welcome and comfortable from the moment they step through our doors.
Beyond her vital administrative role, Nicky is also a trained Oral Health Educator, empowering patients with valuable knowledge, and she proudly serves as our Caldicott Guardian, upholding the highest standards of patient confidentiality.
Outside of work, Nicky enjoys shopping and spending quality time with her family.
Tatiana Bankauskas GDC Reg No : 307936
Eva Milburn RDH (Lond) - GDC Reg No: 1341
Hygienists
Sam (GDC Reg No:153304)
Nurse
Zahra (GDC Reg No: 325394)
Nurse
Louise (Trainee Dental Nurse)
Lee
Receptionist
Lisa
Receptionist
