Meet the Team

Margarita Monque-Venturoli, Principal Dentist (BDS Caracas, 2001)

Margarita was born in Southampton, England and brought up in Caracas, Venezuela where she qualified from Santa Maria University in 2001 as a BDS. After qualifying as a dentist, Margarita ran her own practice. In 2004 she completed her postgraduate degree in Oral Surgery in General Dentistry from the Venezuelan College of Dentists.

Because of ongoing socio-political unrest in Venezuela, Margarita moved to Edinburgh in 2004 and started a family here in Scotland. Townsend Dental Practice kindly opened their doors to her while Margarita was studying for her UK dental qualifications. At Townsend she learned a great deal about the culture and practice of dentistry in the UK, and the team at the dental practice helped encourage Margarita to further her career in dentistry in Scotland. During her time at Townsend, Margarita continued to study for the General Dental Council (GDC) equivalence exam and successfully passed her Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) in November 2010.

She has worked in several practices in Edinburgh and Musselburgh, and has worked for the past 9 years as an Associate Dentist. In 2019 Margarita returned to Townsend Dental as principal dentist. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry especially aesthetic, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and their family dog, Daisy. She divides her time between school runs, family and friends.

Margarita is fluent in Spanish and English, and understands a bit of Portuguese.

Patrizia Tardugno (BDS Caracas, 2014)

Patrizia studied dentistry in Caracas, Venezuela, where she graduated from Central University of Venezuela in 2014. After moving to the UK, she joined Townsend Dental Practice in September of 2021. Patrizia’s warm and caring nature makes her patients feel at ease as soon as they walk in the consultation room.

She is passionate about all aspects of dentistry but has a particular interest in Restorative dental work. Patrizia also enjoys keeping up to date with the latest developments in the field and regularly attends courses to learn new techniques and procedures. At the moment she is completing a postgraduate certificate in Restorative Dentistry at Tipton training.

In her spare time, she enjoys running, cycling, going for long walks around the city, as well as cooking and supporting her favourite football team. Patrizia is fluent in Spanish and English.

Leticia Domper Dejuan (BDS Madrid 2012)

Miss Leticia Domper Dejuan graduated from the University Alfonso X el Sabio in Madrid 2012. Before becoming a dentist Leti also graduated as a Dental Technician and a Hygienist and this gave her a vast and robust knowledge of dentistry. After completing her dentistry degree, she worked in Spain for over a year and then moved to Scotland in 2013.

She is committed to providing general family dentistry on the NHS and on a Private basis as well as cosmetic treatments.

Leti’s friendly and cheerful nature helps put patients at ease. She strives to make sure every patient has a tailored treatment plan that meets his or her every need. She likes to take the time to make sure patients understand the treatment they need and establish good preventative practices to make sure their oral health remains excellent.

Leti has a very friendly, caring and professional manner. She enjoys keeping her knowledge and skills up to date and this allows her to provide treatment to the highest of standards.

Lana O’Brien BSc Oral Health Science University of the Highlands and Islands 2023
Dental Therapist/Hygienist

My name is Lana O’Brien, I joined Townsend dental practice in 2024. Since graduating UHI I have completed several postgraduate courses and regularly attend dental events to keep up to date with the current knowledge and skills.

I am very passionate about cosmetic dentistry and skin aesthetics. In my spare time I like to learn languages, go to ice hockey and experiment in the kitchen with different flavours.

Shirley Jack-Thomson (Practice Manager/Nurse)

Shirley joined Townsend Dental Practice in 2017, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a unique blend of skills. She began her career in dentistry straight out of school, working as a dental nurse for 12 years. Seeking a new challenge, she then spent 17 years as a Travel Agent Manager before returning to her roots in dentistry — this time combining her clinical expertise with managerial responsibilities as a Practice Manager Dental Nurse.

Shirley plays a key role in both patient care and the smooth day-to-day running of the practice. She enjoys working in surgery and supporting the team to deliver the highest standard of care.

Outside of work, Shirley loves to travel abroad, indulge in a bit of shopping, and spend quality time with her husband Michael, sons Sebastian and Kristian, and their miniature schnauzer, Kuro. A creative at heart, she also has a passion for flower arranging and can often be found on weekends preparing floral displays for weddings and special events.

Sarah Ellis (Dental Nurse)

Sarah has been a valued member of Townsend Dental Practice since 2013, joining the team shortly after qualifying as a dental nurse. Known for her bubbly personality, strong work ethic, and compassionate approach, Sarah brings warmth and professionalism to everything she does.

Before embarking on her dental career, Sarah worked in an office environment for over 13 years. After having her son, she decided it was time for a change — a decision she describes as the best move she's ever made. A true people person, Sarah loves the patient-facing side of her role, helping individuals feel at ease and cared for throughout their visit.

Sarah is passionate about continuous learning and hopes to further her studies, with a particular interest in Childsmile and dental implants. Outside of work, she’s a busy mum of two who enjoys swimming, walking her dog Hugo, reading, shopping, and spending time with friends, family, and her work colleagues.

Sharon McNab (Dental Nurse)

Sharon joined Townsend Dental Practice in April 2023, bringing with her over 30 years of experience across all aspects of dentistry. Her extensive knowledge and calm, caring nature make her a trusted and reassuring presence for both patients and colleagues.

Sharon is passionate about helping patients feel at ease and is especially skilled at working with families and children to make their dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Outside of work, Sharon is full of energy and creativity — she often cycles to the practice and is known for her bold, ever-changing hairstyles and colours! At home, she’s a busy mum to two boys and enjoys cooking with her husband, who is a professional chef. The family shares a love for exotic pets and currently care for a collection that includes snakes and a lizard.

Abbie Nelson (Dental Nurse)

Abbie joined Townsend Dental Practice in 2023 as a Trainee Dental Nurse and recently qualified in 2024. She has quickly become a valued member of the team, known for her friendly nature and enthusiasm for learning.

Abbie is passionate about delivering excellent patient care and is excited to continue developing her skills as a dental nurse. Her warm and approachable manner helps patients feel comfortable and well looked after during their visits.

Outside of work, Abbie enjoys travelling, going to the gym, and watching films at the cinema. She also loves spending quality time with her family and friends.