The people behind your smile.
Every member of our team shares the same commitment - to deliver gentle, genuinely personal care in an environment where you feel comfortable, respected, and never rushed.
Our dentists
Exceptional care, delivered personally.
Dr. Sam Chegini
GDC No. 230494
- BDS – University of Manchester (2012)
- LLM – Cardiff University (2022)
Dr Sam Chegini is the Principal Dentist at New Forest Family Dental. She is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in a calm and welcoming environment. Known for her gentle, reassuring manner, Sam takes the time to ensure every patient feels relaxed, comfortable, and confident throughout their treatment. Her patients often comment on her caring approach and ability to put even nervous patients at ease.
Sam graduated from the University of Manchester in 2012, where she developed a strong foundation in dental science and clinical care. Since qualifying, she has continued to expand her skills and knowledge, taking great pride in providing dentistry to the highest standard.
Sam has also completed additional training in dental implants, further broadening her knowledge and understanding of advanced restorative dentistry.
In addition to her clinical work, Sam completed a master's degree in Medical Law from Cardiff University in 2022. Her combined expertise in dentistry and medical law enables her to work as a practising dento-legal advisor, offering valuable insight into the legal aspects of patient care and dental practice. Sam also sits on the Fitness to Practise (FTP) panel for General Dental Council (GDC) hearings, reflecting her commitment to maintaining professional standards within dentistry.
Outside of dentistry, Sam enjoys baking, reading, and yoga.
Dr. Vijay Kakkar
GDC No. 296097
- BDS – King's College London
- BSc (Honours)
Dr Vijay Kakkar is the Principal Dentist at New Forest Family Dental, bringing a wealth of experience and a patient-focused approach to the practice.
Vijay graduated from King's College London in 2021 and is dual qualified, having previously worked as an optometrist for five years before pursuing a career in dentistry. His broad healthcare background gives him a well-rounded understanding of patient care and clinical excellence.
Alongside his role at New Forest Family Dental, Vijay also works as an out-of-hours NHS dentist, providing emergency dental care for patients in urgent need. He is passionate about delivering high-quality, compassionate care and helping patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment journey.
Patients regularly comment on Vijay's calm and reassuring manner. He particularly enjoys helping anxious patients overcome their fear of dentistry and aims to make every visit as relaxed, comfortable, and positive as possible.
Vijay has a particular interest in aesthetic dentistry and enjoys helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. He provides a range of cosmetic and restorative treatments, including ClearCorrect and SureSmile aligners, composite bonding, and teeth whitening, with a focus on delivering natural-looking, tailored results.
Committed to ongoing professional development, Vijay regularly undertakes advanced training to ensure patients benefit from the latest techniques and technology in modern dentistry.
Outside of dentistry, Vijay enjoys going to the gym, playing the piano, and spending time with his children.
Ms. Soudeh Chegini
GMC No. 7073586
- BMBCh (Oxon)
- BDS
- MA
- MEd
- KA
- PhD
- CCT(OMFS)
Dr Soudeh Chegini is a dual-qualified doctor and dentist, and leads the surgical care provided at New Forest Family Dental. She is an NHS Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with specialist expertise in oral surgery, head and neck disease, reconstructive surgery, and cancer care.
Soudeh qualified in Medicine from the University of Oxford and later completed her dental training at King's College London. With over 15 years of specialist surgical experience across leading hospitals in Oxford and London, she brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a highly patient-focused approach to care.
Alongside her NHS consultant practice, Soudeh provides private assessment and treatment in a calm, professional, and welcoming environment. She is known for her compassionate manner, clear communication, and commitment to ensuring patients feel informed and reassured throughout their treatment journey.
She also offers expert assessment and diagnosis of head and neck conditions, including oral lesions and potentially sinister lesions, with a strong emphasis on early detection, thorough investigation, and appropriate onward management where required.
Her approach combines advanced surgical expertise with careful, patient-centred decision-making, always prioritising safety, comfort, and high-quality outcomes.
Support team
Our whole team is here for you.
Alongside our clinical team, our practice staff work tirelessly to ensure every visit is seamless and every patient feels welcome.
Madalina Rotaru
GDC No. 286446
Madalina began her dental career by qualifying as a dental nurse and registering with the General Dental Council (GDC). Driven by a passion for professional development, she went on to achieve a Level 3 qualification in Dental Practice Management, further enhancing her knowledge and leadership skills.
As Practice Manager, Madalina is dedicated to ensuring the practice runs smoothly while delivering an exceptional experience for every patient. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, caring, and well-organised environment where patients feel comfortable, listened to, and supported throughout their journey. She believes that outstanding patient care goes beyond clinical treatment and is committed to ensuring every visit is as positive and stress-free as possible.
Madalina takes great pride in supporting both the clinical and administrative teams, helping to maintain the highest standards of care and service. She is always looking for ways to improve the patient experience and is passionate about building lasting relationships based on trust, kindness, and professionalism.
Outside of work, Madalina enjoys spending time in her garden while listening to music, which helps her relax and unwind. She also treasures spending quality time with her family, who are at the heart of everything she does.
Philippa Foulkes
GDC No. 160654
Philippa, better known as Pippa, began her career in dentistry in 1997 and qualified as a dental nurse in 2005. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience working in both NHS and private practices, as well as supporting patients within military dental services. Her wealth of experience, calm approach, and friendly nature help patients feel at ease, and she is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care throughout every stage of their visit.
Pippa particularly enjoys building rapport with patients and supporting them during treatment, ensuring they feel comfortable, informed, and well cared for. She takes pride in being part of a team that delivers exceptional patient care in a welcoming and reassuring environment.
Outside of work, Pippa has a passion for history, with a particular interest in the Roman and medieval periods. She loves travelling and prefers exploring fascinating historical sites and unique destinations over relaxing beach holidays. Her adventures have taken her to places including the former Soviet nuclear submarine base at Paldiski in Estonia, Alcatraz in San Francisco, the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, the ancient city of Aphrodisias in Türkiye, and even to the summit of Mount Vesuvius.
Pippa also enjoys photography and photo editing, along with watching historical documentaries and travel programmes. One of her more unusual achievements is earning a Guinness World Records certificate for completing the world's shortest scheduled flight, travelling between Westray and Papa Westray in Scotland in under two minutes.
Dr Phil Daruvalla
Former Principal Dentist, now retired
A message from Phil
Thirty-four years, one practice, and a lot of patients to thank.
I qualified in 1983 from Birmingham University. I was a third generation of dentist, with my father and grandfather both being dentists. Having worked as an associate for several years I heard about Junction Road from a dentist friend, the existing dentist having sadly died, in 1991. The premises having been a dental surgery for many decades.
Starting with a large bank loan and small number of patients I sought to build the practice up. At the time there were strict rules for advertising dental practices, so it was a lot of leaflet drops and word of mouth recommendations.
Slowly but surely I built the practice up, modernising equipment several times over since then. The years have mounted up quickly and at the age of 67 I decided to retire. On meeting Vijay and Sam I felt they would be the ideal fit to take over the reins - being kind, approachable, young and enthusiastic.
Outside of dentistry I am a keen motorcyclist, “Phil the Drill”. Having a national road racing licence and a championship to my name in 2011. I am looking forward to more time to ride. My wife Liz and I also have a keen interest in all of the arts. We have even been in an opera (Tosca) as supernumeraries!
I am looking forward to travelling and new experiences in my retirement.
With thanks, Phil.
Our values
What every visit feels like.
Gentle care
A calm, unhurried approach at every appointment - especially for nervous patients.
No rush
We take the time to listen, explain, and move at a pace that feels right for you.
Family focused
From children's first visits through to complex adult care - we look after the whole family.
Ready to meet your new dental team?
Same-day appointments available · Denplan members welcome