Our Team
Dr Shahzad Akhtar Principal Dentist
Chaz qualified from Cardiff University in 1995 and has been the principle Dentist at High Peak Dental Care for more than 20 years. His commitment to his patients is second to none and he will always go that extra mile to help his patients in whatever way he can.
Out of work, Chaz spends his time with his 3 lovely daughters, where at weekends they enjoy action packed family activities.
Dr Usmaan Khan Dentist
Hi Everybody, my name is Usmaan! I grew up in the South of Manchester. I graduated from the University of Liverpool. I began my career with Dental Training in Cheshire. While I prioritise holistic dental care, I have a developing interest in biomimetic restorative and aesthetic treatments. The constant drive to achieve optimal results for my patients is what motivates me on a day to day basis. In my spare time you can usually find me training or spending time with family. I can't wait to meet you all.
Dr Kate Downes Dentist
My first role in dentistry was in 2002 when I enrolled on my Dental nursing NVQ. In 2008 I completed my Dental Hygiene and Therapy Degree at Manchester University and then returned in 2011 to complete my BDS Degree, qualifying in 2016.
I have spent a lot of my career working particularly with children and anxious patients and enjoy helping put them at ease to relax during treatment and achieve the best possible results.I have recently also completed my facial aesthetics qualification so hope to bring this new skill to the practice to offer more variety of treatment options.
Out of work , my partner and two children keep me more than busy and we are always outdoors on some adventure or other with our two miniature dachshunds. On the rare occasion i relax , i enjoy crafting and getting out for evening runs to blow away the cobwebs!
James Hunt Hygiene Therapist
James qualified as a Dental Therapist in 2017. He joined the team at High Peak Dental Care in 2017. James has been an asset to the practice since joining us. He is a forward thinker and enjoys every aspect of his varied job role.James is a keen motorcyclist and car enthusiast. He enjoys local walks with his fiance and daughter. He has recently taken an interest in cookery, making hearty home meals for his family & friends.
Mercedes Pollitt Practice Manager
Saids started her Dental Nurse training with us in 2015, previously she was a full time care assistant at a nursing home. She qualified from the Manchester Dental Hospital University in early 2017 with a national diploma QCF in dental nursing. Mercedes puts 100% into her job and has a wonderful chairside manner.
As of January 2025 Saids has taken the position of practice manager and is looking forward to her new role. In her own time she likes to spend time with her partner and going on walks with her puppy Doris.
Jessica Daly Dental Nurse
Jess joined the team in September 2022. Jess started dental nursing in 2019 and qualified in 2021 with Dentrain professionals. Jess in her own time enjoys going to the gym and spending her time with family and friends.
Cathryn Saxby ( Dental Nurse)
Cathryn qualified as a dental nurse in 2019. In her spare time Cathryn enjoys spending time with family and friends She also loves going to dance classes, being a leader at Chapel Girls’ Brigade, and during the winter months, taking part in car trialling at weekends with her friend in an Austin 7.
Neve Taylor Receptionist
Neve joined the practice in 2025 and has seven years experience working in the Medical/Dental field. In her own time she enjoys regular trips away with her daughter and fiancé.
Maddie Hough Trainee Dental Nurse
Maddie joined the practice in December 2024 she is currently undergoing her dental nurse training. In her own time Maddie enjoys going to gigs and spending time with her friends and family..