Meet the team
Dr Lianne Steadman
Principal Dentist
GDC no. 153115
Dr. Lianne graduated from Cardiff Dental School in 2008 with a passion for general dentistry. Since then, she has completed her Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties and is a full member of the College of General Dentistry, currently recognised as an Experienced Clinician. Her commitment to ongoing learning has shaped a varied and advanced skillset.
She has completed postgraduate training in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry, Implant Dentistry, Dental Education, and Dental Business Management, alongside numerous short courses in areas such as cosmetic orthodontics, root canal treatment, and safeguarding. This broad training allows her to offer high-quality, personalised care across a wide range of treatments.
Most of Lianne’s career has been spent working as an associate across Hampshire, where she gained valuable experience alongside respected colleagues and mentors. In 2023, she took the next step and became Principal Dentist and Owner of Merrystead Dental.
In addition to her clinical work, Lianne is passionate about education. She supports the next generation of dental professionals as an Education Supervisor for Dental Therapists and has lectured for Foundation Dentists. Within the practice, she also mentors a fantastic team of apprentices.
Lianne believes that oral health is a vital part of whole-body wellbeing and works closely with patients to help them feel informed, confident, and in control of their dental health.
Outside of dentistry, Lianne enjoys the outdoors with her two dogs (and often her children in tow), and also keeps active through running and netball.
Adrian Waters
Business Manager
Adrian is an experienced practice manager who has a zest for life and a passion for technology. Adrian strives for excellence in dental care within the practice and will be helping behind the scenes.
Dr Sandesh Thapa
Associate Dentist
GDC no. GDC: 312571
Dr. Sandesh is a friendly and caring dentist who has been working in private practice for nearly two years. He offers both general and cosmetic dental care, with a particular interest in creating natural, long-lasting smiles.
He is currently studying for a Diploma in Advanced Aesthetics and Restorative Dentistry and regularly attends further training to stay up to date with the latest techniques and advances.
Sandesh is known for his gentle, patient-focused approach and aims to make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. His philosophy is to enhance the appearance and health of each smile while preserving as much natural tooth as possible.
He provides a full range of routine and cosmetic treatments, working closely with patients to create personalised plans that balance function, aesthetics, and long-term oral health.
Outside of work, Sandesh enjoys running, going to the gym, and travelling.
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Dr Shahab Hashemi
Associate Dentist
GDC no. 322001
Dr. Seyed Shahaboddin Hashemi is a dedicated general dentist and achieved the Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS) from the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He has a particular interest in general and cosmetic dentistry, and is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. He enjoys keeping up with the latest techniques and ensuring a welcoming, comfortable experience for every patient. Outside work, Shahab enjoys playing football, solving Rubik’s cubes, keeping active at the gym, travelling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Diana Brannigan
Dental Hygienist
GDC no. 115481
Diana began her dental career at Merrystead in 1998 as a dental nurse under Dr. Kavanagh. After qualifying with a BSc (Hons) in Dental Hygiene and Therapy in 2007, she gained experience across both private practice and the Special Care Dental Service. We're delighted to have her back as part of the Merrystead team.
Diana is passionate about helping patients achieve healthier gums and smiles. Her friendly, supportive approach makes hygiene visits informative, effective, and encouraging.
She lives with her husband, two children and a small zoo of pets!
Dr Sherry Aboutorabi
Facial & Aesthetics Practitioner
Dr Sherry Aboutorabi is a highly experienced dentist and aesthetic practitioner with over 24 years in healthcare and more than 7 years' experience in medical aesthetics. She is passionate about delivering safe, evidence-based treatments that enhance natural beauty while helping patients feel more confident in their own skin.
Drawing on her extensive dental background, Dr Sherry combines clinical precision, attention to detail and a gentle, caring approach to every treatment. She has a particular interest in skin health, regenerative aesthetics, light therapy and supporting skin through every stage of life, including the changes associated with menopause.
Dr Sherry believes facial aesthetics should never be about changing who you are, but about restoring, refreshing and enhancing your natural features. She takes the time to understand each patient's goals, providing honest advice and creating personalised treatment plans to achieve subtle, natural-looking results.
Committed to continuous professional development, Dr Sherry stays at the forefront of the latest evidence-based aesthetic techniques, ensuring patients at Merrystead Dental receive the highest standard of care in a safe, welcoming and professional environment.
Jo Richards
Practice Manager
GDC no. 303249
Jo has been a valued member of the Merrystead team since 2019.
Her commitment to professional development is reflected in her qualifications, including graduating with a distinction in dental nursing, completing specialised training in implant nursing and treatment coordination, and achieving her Level 4 qualification in Dental Practice Management.
Jo was recognised as a finalist in two categories at the Dentistry Awards 2025 and highly commended in the Dental Nurse of the year category, a testament to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for both patients and the team.
If you need help understanding your treatment options, Jo’s your person. She is always happy to answer your questions, guide you through your journey, and make sure you feel informed, confident, and cared for every step of the way.
When she’s not at work Jo enjoys keeping active as well as spending quality time with her family!
Kellie Boland
Dental Nurse
GDC no. 292842
Kellie joined Merrystead in 2017 as a receptionist but soon found her true calling when she trained and qualified as a dental nurse in 2020. Since then, she’s fallen in love with the role and hasn’t looked back.
What Kellie enjoys most is caring for patients and making sure every visit is as comfortable and positive as possible. Her friendly nature and attention to detail help put even the most nervous patients at ease.
Hayley Weaver
Dental Nurse
GDC no: 334072
Hayley joined the Merrystead team in March 2024 as an apprentice dental nurse and qualified in December 2025. She loves meeting patients, building strong connections, and helping them feel comfortable throughout their visits. Hayley especially enjoys the hands-on side of the job, from sterilising instruments to making sure everything is perfectly ready for each appointment.
When she’s not at work, Hayley is a huge rugby fan and loves cheering on England whenever she can. She also enjoys going to concerts and spending time with her two cats and her dog, Lily.
Chloe Sweeney
Receptionist
Chloe joined the Merrystead Dental team in July 2023 and is often the friendly smile you’ll see when you arrive or the reassuring voice you’ll hear when you call. She also looks after our social media and marketing, so you might have spotted her work in emails, around the practice, or on our social channels.
When she’s not at work, Chloe loves exploring new places and making special memories, especially at live concerts.