Meet the Team

We are backed by a skilled team, who offer experience, enthusiasm and dedication to the job.

Steve Champion RDT DT EAB

Director / Owner

Steve’s dental career began in in 1989, working as an apprentice technician in a ‘crown and bridge’ lab.  He soon moved to PW Dental Lab in Canterbury, and worked under the tutelage of Peter Wise.  Steve attended Lambeth College on a day release program whilst completing his apprenticeship, obtaining a Btec National Diploma in Dental Technology.  He worked his way up through the company, and following the retirement of Mr Wise in 1998, was offered a Partnership.  He subsequently purchased the company in 2000.

The business has grown steadily, and with Steve’s keen interest in dental Prosthetics, has more lately focused on implant retained and removable appliances.

Steve started ConfiDent Labs in 2011 as a direct response to the growing private market – in particular, the ‘All-on-4 immediate loading concept’.  This work has become the cornerstone of the business’s success.  In fact, having spent many weeks training both in the UK and abroad in Spain, Germany, Portugal and South Africa, Steve has successfully loaded in excess of 1000 arches.

Steve remains passionate about good bench work.  Delegating the day to day business to his office staff allows him to remain hands-on with the work he has spent 30 years perfecting – both in the Canterbury lab, and in dental surgeries and practices nationally.

When not working, Steve enjoys time with his family and dogs.  He is a passionate carp angler, shooter and outdoorsman – equally at home on the river bank, or at his home in Faversham.  Steve and his partner Helen have a daughter, Brooke, and share their home with foster children.

Ash-Iddenden

Ash Iddenden RDT

Lab Manager / Dental Technician

Ash joined us in 2004 as an apprentice at the age of 16.  He became a qualified dental technician in 2010 after gaining a Foundation Degree from De Montfort university.  He went on to become Lab Manager in 2016.

In his spare time Ash enjoys golf, which he has played from a young age.  He currently holds a handicap of 4.7 (WHS) and is a member at Canterbury GC.

Emma-Luck

Emma Luck

Director

Emma thrives in this role and knows how to keep the business running smoothly.  She joined ConfiDent in 2012 as a delivery driver, progressing to administration then Office and Logistics Manager before taking on position of Director in 2023.

When not at work, Emma enjoys walking her dog, socialising with friends, dancing and watching live music and DJ’s.  She also participates in a variety of fitness classes.

Francesca Foreman RDT

Dental Technician

Francesca joined ConfiDent Labs in March 2021 and went on to qualify as a GDC registered technician a few months later.

Since starting Francesca feels that she has learnt a lot of new & different techniques and has enjoyed getting to know her work colleagues.

In her spare time Francesca is dedicated to her role within the army reserves and seeks out anything adventurous. She also enjoys horse riding, musical theatre and finding new hobbies to explore

Patrick-Hawkins

Patrick Hawkins RDT

Dental Technician

Patrick started as an apprentice Dental Technician in October 1974 (yes he is that old!) at Bradley and Partners dental practice in Canterbury, and he worked there for the following 43 ½ years until he was made redundant.

He started working at Confident Labs in Canterbury in April 2018 until the Covid-19 pandemic took over in 2020 when Dentistry came to a sudden end, he was furloughed until September when he was made redundant due to a total lack of dental treatments.

In October 2020 he was then employed by Boots working with the NHS, as part of the fight against Covid-19 and became an Assisted Testing Supervisor and Tester Trainer, where he trained dozens of testers to perform the test process.

This continued until February 2022 when the call came to return to Dentistry, and he returned to Confident Labs the same month.

Outside of work Patrick enjoys gardening but his main love is music, he produces a Disco, Soul and Funk Music Podcast, which has 15,000+ listeners from all over the world every month.

Brooke Champion

Trainee Dental Technician

Brooke joined ConfiDent Labs in the summer of 2021. She initially started in a part time role but then decided to continue and became an apprentice. Brooke looks forward to starting collage and gaining new skills to add to the team.

Outside of work Brooke enjoys socialising with friends, going shopping and spending time with her dogs.

Bridie Silvester

Administration Assistant

Bio to Follow.

Jim-Rayner

Jim Rayner

Driver

Jim has worked for ConfiDent Labs since January 2016.

Jim enjoys socialising with friends and family.  He also likes the outdoors, walking and camping in his motorhome.  Together with his wife, he is also a foster carer.

Mariusz Rzasa

Driver

Jane Clements

Driver

Jane joined ConfiDent Labs in July 2018.

In her spare time, she enjoys photography, genealogy research, painting and driving steam locomotives.

Kate Nock

Driver

I want to give my thanks to Steve and his team at ConfiDent Labs.

I started working with Steve on recommendation from a colleague.  Best decision!  His knowledge of All-on-4 cases is great, and he is very good technician.  I look forward to every case I do with Steve.

Wynand De Jager BChD.Pret

Their efficient collection/delivery service allows us to provide a faster service for our patients, especially those who require repairs or additions.

 

Ralitsa Hristova DMD Dentist at Bupa Dental Care

I have worked with ConfiDent for a few years now whilst managing at several local practices; communication between the practice and lab is always excellent and any issues are easily and quickly resolved. Patients have been invited to the lab to ensure the technicians achieve their desired result which eliminates any potential problems arising. My clinicians have had no problems working alongside ConfiDent and are very happy to continue doing so, and we also recommend the lab to new associates and specialists at the practice’.

Sally Stephens Practice Manager, Bupa, Sturry

ConfiDent Dental Labs are one of the best labs I’ve worked with. The level of care and attention given to every stage is second to none. Steve and the team are professional and very easy to work with. I will continue to use confident labs for a long time to come and recommend them to any dentist looking for top quality prosthetic work.

Dr Hartej Singh Matharu BDS

ConfiDent Dental Lab are fantastic to work with - excellent communication with the team and the lab, the turnaround times are quick, their work ethic and quality is second to none and their staff are wonderful, we would highly recommend this Lab.

Ange Thompson Practice Manager - Total Dental Care Harley Street

I have used Steve Champion and his team at ConfiDent Laboratory exclusively, for many years to carry out my prosthetic work.  The quality of work that I receive is excellent, and I am always able to discuss cases when I have queries, concerns or need advice from Steve or one of his team.  I admire the fact that they are always embracing new techniques and are happy to share any that they feel may be of benefit to my patients.  The members of the support team are always helpful and accommodating, and they provide an excellent efficient and speedy collection and delivery service.

Christine Lupin BDS, LDS Dentist, Faversham Dental Practice

I have worked with Steve very closely for my ‘All-on-4’ cases for a year.  His work has been absolutely fantastic all the way through.  His knowledge on the work and components is exceptional, and I have had no qualms or issues so far.  I highly recommend this supremely talented technician.  I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

 

Rosh Valiyamannil BDS

I met Steve and started using ConfiDent Labs about 3 years ago on a recommendation from my implant rep.
I had used many labs for immediately loaded implant prosthesis, but was never completely happy with the finesse of the work. I had a few problems, but was unaware of how to fix them.  It was evident on meeting Steve that his knowledge was vast. I feel that I learnt the technical side to a completely different level soon after we had completed a few cases.
He has tried everything, and over the years has selected what works well for both him and his clients.
Steve’s communication, and his availability to discuss anything - no matter how minor - is second to none, which takes a lot of stress away from me.  He has an in-depth knowledge of materials for every situation that work.

Steve’s cosmetics are unsurpassed, and he loves challenging cosmetic cases to get exactly what the patient and dentist want.  We’ve had a few cases where the racial gingival tints that he put in that were mind blowing.

Soon after using him for implant work, I tried out his denture work.  Again, this surprised me to the extent that I enjoyed receiving his denture cases because the fit and cosmetics were so predictable.  They renewed my faith in predictable, non- implant solutions.

I would whole heartedly recommend the lab to anyone interested in providing quality, high end work that makes both dentist and patients happy.

Alistair S Imam BDS, FDSRCS(Eng), DipImpDentRCS(Eng) Adv.Cert

I have worked with Steve Champion since 2010, mostly creating teeth using the ‘All-on-4’ protocol.  During that time, Steve has always proved knowledgeable and willing to help solve any, and all, problems that come our way.  He is an excellent technician and a pleasure to work with.

In no small way, Steve is a factor in our success.

 

Michael Zybutz BDS (Rand) MSD (USA) Cert Perio (USA) Specialist Periodontist / Lead Surgeon Total Dental Care Harley Street, Folkestone and Peterborough

As a specialist restorative based practice, I have worked with Steve and ConfiDent Labs for almost 10 years now. The quality and precision of their work, combined with the personalised expertise and feedback that comes from Steve, has been remarkable.  The consistency that is always maintained is a testament for his diligent and meticulous work, and I cherish the continuing warm relation I share with him and his team members.  Excellent work!

Dr Akil Gulamali BDS, MFDS RCS (Eng), MClinDent, MPros RCS Ed Specialist Prosthodontist, Principal Surgeon, The Specialist Dental Practice, Weybridge Surrey

We have recently started working with Steve and the team at ConfiDent and have found that the attention to detail, and the quality of work produced, is on another level.  Their service is reliable, honest and of great quality.

Steve is always available to give advice and support, and to share his many years of experience.  I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to produce great quality work.

Mr. Conrad Nel BChD (Pret) Principal Dentist, Mckenzies Dental Surgery

My father was my dental technician for 21 years until he retired. At that point I had to find a new technician to do my denture work. I am pleased to say that I found ConfiDent Labs in Canterbury, just around the corner from my surgery. Steve Champion and his team have been my denture technician’s since then.

They are a very friendly group providing a fantastic service both clinically and delivery wise. I have found that many technicians look upon denture work as a poor relation to crown, bridge and implant work but this is not the case with ConfiDent Labs. I would definitely recommend them.

Martin Southon LDS BDS