Meet the Team

Dr Fariba Abtahi
Associate Dentist (GDC No. 77384)

Read More About Graham

I was raised and went to school in Central London and then went on to study Dentistry at Guy’s Hospital, qualifying in Dec 1980.
I then worked as an associate mainly in Slough before buying my own practice in September 1986, which I built up before taking on a partner and then selling in Oct 2016, but continued to work there until March 2018. I then started at Calm & Gentle in November 2018.
I'm married to Sarah and we love spending time with family, often kept busy with our grandchildren.
Outside of my day-to-day, I enjoy sports including swimming, cycling, gym and various water sports when possible. My wife and I are committed to overseas charity missions especially to Kenya and are members of Storrington Community Church.

Dr Pieter Claassen
Practice Owner & Implantologist (GDC No. 76231)

Originally from South Africa, Pieter qualified as a dental surgeon in 1999 at the Pretoria University. In 2004 he came to the England with his wife Estie, a dental hygienist and settled in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

He became the proud owner of the practice in 2016. Pieter has a special interest in the field of Dental Implants, and has fit well over 500 implants in his time as a dentist. He has a particular focus on providing calm, gentle and painless dentistry to all of his patients.

Visiting Rustington once per month, Pieter offers free consultations for missing teeth solutions, specifically dental implants, which are a versatile type of tooth replacement, allowing you to replace one missing tooth, or even a full mouth!

You can book a free consultation with Dr Claassen for Dental Implants by clicking here.

Lilli Bates
Dental Nurse (GDC No. 203624)

I am a qualified nurse and have been at the practice for a decade. Most patients will have met or seen me around the practice! I was keen to learn more about implant nursing when Pieter joined and went on a course in 2016 giving me the knowledge I need to provide the dentists with the assistance they need during these procedures.
I like spending time with my fiance and family out of work, travelling and socialising.

Vanessa Stoner
Head Receptionist

Previous to working with Calm & Gentle I have had various Customer Service/administrative roles.
I loved working with customers, face to face, and seeing them satisfied when I got the job done!
I enjoy keeping fit – mainly spin classes; baking occasionally and travelling.

Karen Barber
Dental Nurse (GDC No. 125884)

I have been a dental nurse for 40 years and I am still very passionate about my job. I love interacting with the patients and hopefully this makes their visits a little easier for them. Since qualifying I have gained post graduate certificates in assessing trainee dental nurses, oral health education and fluoride application. I also have experience in implant nursing. I have two grown up daughters and a wonderful granddaughter who keeps me very busy.
When not at work I love to cook, travel and spend time with family and friends.

Donna Barnham
Business Manager

I have worked in dentistry for over 30 years…I can’t believe I am actually saying that!
After my first week as a dental nurse, at the tender age of 16, I knew this was a job I would do for life…I developed a real passion and have enjoyed my working career immensely. Helping patients when they feel vulnerable and being part of their successful journey from, having little or no confidence to leaving us with a beautiful smile give me 100% job satisfaction. Patient care is of the up-most-importance to me and together with our team here in Rustington we pride ourselves on outstanding customer service. I am very grateful to be able to work with an amazing team!

At home I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren…they definitely keep me young!