As Total Orthodontics marks its 25th anniversary, three long-standing members reflect on their journeys, the brand’s evolution, and the future of orthodontics.
With roots in independent practice and a vision for something bigger, Total Orthodontics has grown from a handful of practices into a nationwide network as part of Bupa Dental Care – but at its heart, it’s still the same close-knit team.
Richard Jones: a founding force behind the brand
Richard Jones, a lead orthodontist, has been with Total Orthodontics almost since day one. A specialist in orthodontics and oral surgery, Richard trained in hospital settings and has worked across South East England since qualifying. He joined the team in 1999 as a newly qualified specialist and quickly became integral to shaping the brand we know today.
‘I was there at the start, though not initially a partner. But by 2000, we’d developed a brand identity – something rare at the time in dentistry. I’d like to say we were ahead of the curve.’
Richard Jones
Richard became a director in 2006 and chairman of the board of directors around 2010, helping to build a values-led business that prioritised both customer service and staff engagement. By this time, Total Orthodontics had grown to over 100 staff, underpinned by a clear operating model and a unified brand.
‘People bought into the vision. That buy-in from the team was crucial – without it, we wouldn’t have had the same success.’
Through mergers and acquisitions Richard remained a key figure, proud to see how the brand has evolved.
‘Bupa is a great fit,’ he adds. ‘They align with our original values, and it’s been fantastic to see our vision continue under their stewardship.’
Outside the practice, Richard lives in Sussex with his wife, Kate, and sons, Ben and Louis. A keen skier, he’s known for hosting an annual orthodontics ski conference – part education, part camaraderie.
When asked about the founding partners: ‘We feel like a rock band – we didn’t think we’d last this long,’ he laughs. ‘But it’s thrilling to still be going strong. I’m proud so many original faces are still on the journey.’
Melissa Chen Wade: from hospital halls to practice family
Melissa Chen Wade, lead specialist orthodontist at Uckfield, joined Total Orthodontics 23 years ago while also working as a hospital consultant. Originally from North London, she studied dentistry in Bristol and has called Brighton home for over two decades.
‘When I joined, the brand was expanding rapidly and needed more staff. I started part-time, working across multiple practices, before Uckfield.’
Melissa Chen Wade
Her hospital experience gave her deep expertise in treating complex cases – facial abnormalities, jaw mismatches, and surgical orthodontics – but it was the team spirit at Total Orthodontics that kept her engaged.
‘There was and still is a real family feel. We had regular associate meetings, and everyone’s voice was heard. We even went on holidays together – orthodontics felt more like a lifestyle than a job.’
One annual highlight? Richard’s ski conferences, where professional chat on chairlifts turned into lasting memories. ‘When you speak to a colleague, you’re speaking to a friend. That’s rare in any profession.’
She’s proud of the journey, the challenges overcome – including responding to evolving patient expectations driven by social media – and the ongoing innovation in the field. ‘Technology is making treatment more comfortable, discreet, and accessible. Orthodontics is reaching more people than ever before, and I’m proud to be part of it.’
She concludes: ‘It’s been more than a job – it’s been a life.’
Nicola Dandy: from dental nurse to orthodontic therapist
At Total Orthodontics Crewe, Nicola Dandy has built an entire career – and a life. She joined the practice in 1997 as a newly qualified dental nurse and never looked back.
‘I was working around the corner when a career advisor suggested dental nursing. I ended up winning Student of the Year, which caught the attention of this practice – they offered me a job, and I’ve been here ever since.’
Nicola Dandy
Over the years, Nicola earned qualifications in oral health, radiography, and orthodontic nursing, becoming head nurse in 2001 and later qualifying as an orthodontic therapist. Today, she handles a full range of treatments, from Invisalign to fixed appliances for patients aged 10 to 80.
‘I genuinely treat every day as a “pinch me” moment,’ she says. ‘It’s such a specialist, rewarding area of care.’
For Nicola, the 25th anniversary is a deeply personal milestone.
‘I’ve grown up here. I started unmarried, now I’ve been married nearly 30 years with two amazing daughters. Total Orthodontics has been part of every chapter.’
She’s especially proud of the all-female leadership team at Crewe and praises Bupa’s commitment to career progression.
Looking ahead, Nicola is excited about a more multidisciplinary future.
‘Our campus is evolving to offer a wider range of services under one roof. It’s all about enhancing the patient journey. The potential is huge.’
From founders to therapists, what drives the Total Orthodontics team is a shared sense of pride, community, and purpose. As the brand celebrates its 25th year, it’s clear the heart of the business remains the same.
This article is sponsored by Bupa Dental Care.
