Meet the team

Phil qualified at the Royal Dental Hospital in London in 1977 and moved up to Manchester to open Laburnum dental practice in 1980.

Over the last 30 years, Phil has held various teaching posts based at the Manchester Dental Hospital and has been heavily involved in the training and development of newly qualified dentists during their vocational training year, both at Laburnum and other graduate training centres.

In 2003 Phil was awarded a further post graduate qualification following 3 years study in advanced general dentistry (DPDS). He was awarded post graduate certificates in restorative dentistry (cosmetic dentistry, crown and bridgework) and periodontology (advanced gum treatment).

Phil decided to further develop his skills in clinical periodontology and earlier last year (2017) Phil was awarded a Master of Science (MSc) in periodontology. Phil now works 4 days a week in his own practice at Laburnum but travels to two other private practices in Cheshire and Stafford on a Thursday, where he treats patients on referral from other dentists for advanced gum disease.

In his free time Phil loves spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoys keeping fit so you might see him jogging through Handforth or Wilmslow at the weekends. Watch out though seeing Phil in a pair of shorts can be a shock. (Those of a nervous disposition should look away)

The thing Phil loves most about dentistry is the way one can both combine academic and practical clinical skills. The introduction of new technology and advances in the science of dentistry, always introduce new challenges and the need to develop new techniques, which he enjoys passing on to his ever growing band of patients.

Most importantly Phil believes that delivering the latest developments in dentistry to his patients allows them to receive the best care that dentistry can offer.

Since graduating from Manchester University in 1996, Dr Ian Charlesworth takes pride in the high standards of practice to which he is committed, with patient care afforded the highest priority.

Continuing attendance at post-graduate courses and seminars ensures awareness of advancements in treatment techniques; at the same time stimulating thought on potential advancements and developments in specialist fields.

Over the years Dr Charlesworth has developed a particular and consummate interest in the speciality of endodontics: – the technique of root canal therapy.

Skills in this sub-speciality of dentistry have been honed by study and experience, driven by an absorbing interest, now recognised by fellow dental surgeons who submit referrals for this highly specialised treatment.

The atmosphere in his surgery is one of calm competence, generated by the application of care, coupled with a relaxed approach in explaining to the patient the remedial work or treatment required in terms which are readily understood.

Dr Charlesworth currently teaches post-graduate endodontics at the Manchester Dental Hospital, he is honorary secretary of a local endodontic study circle (NORWESC) and a committee member at the Local Dental Committee (LDC).

Mrs Clay qualified in Manchester in 1987.

Initially she worked in Lancashire but moved to Cheshire in 1993. In addition to treating dental patients Helen has over 17 years of experience in specialist orthodontic practices where she has gained a wealth of experience treating patients requiring treatment with braces.

Throughout her career she has been a regular attended at post graduate courses aimed at keeping up to date with advancements in dentistry and orthodontics and has enjoyed training staff members.

Since joining Laburnum Helen has been enjoying meeting our patients to discuss their concerns about their "crooked" smiles and discussing short term orthodontic solutions which can be combined with restorative dentistry if necessary to create straighter smiles in as little as six months.

Outside work Helen enjoys walking her dogs and regular trips to Scotland and Italy.