We are dedicated Oral Surgeons

We can help with:

What is oral surgery?

If you are being referred for oral surgery, it means that you have an issue that can only be resolved through surgical intervention. Oral surgery is solely focused on issues in the mouth, cheeks, teeth, tongue, gums and jaw.

If you need to have oral surgery, the first thing you need to know is that there’s no need to worry or be nervous. Most people are naturally nervous at the prospect of surgery – it’s a completely human reaction. We do all we can to make sure that you are as comfortable and at ease as possible.

All treatment will be carried out using local anaesthetic so if you wish, you will be able to drive home afterwards. Please take any usual medications and eat and drink as normal before your appointment.

Meet our Consultant Oral Surgeon: Catherine Sternberg

GDC No: 69527
BDS, FDSRCS

Catherine divides her time between working as an NHS Consultant Oral Surgeon for Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust and specialist practice. She qualified from Birmingham University in 1993 and was accredited as a specialist in 1997. She has been a Consultant in Oral Surgery since 2009. She works across Oxfordshire and Hampshire. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Dentistry is SAAD accredited and an elected council member for the British Association of Oral Surgeons.

Catherine has previously worked for the Oxford Dental Deanery, now HEE (Health Education England), as the Regional Advisor and Training Programme Director for the Dental Foundation training programme. She was also an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Edinburgh.

As an Oral Surgeon, Catherine’s role often has her completing complicated extractions and procedures. In many cases, she is brought on board to fix problems and bring normality back to the lives of her patients. Her work relieves the pain and stress of a problematic tooth through extraction and any follow-up surgery.

Because many patients feel nervous at the prospect of surgery, Catherine takes extra steps to make sure all her patients are at ease and comfortable about their treatment, talking them through the procedures and settling any concerns. She can also provide sedation for nervous patients.

Donna Vayle – Practice Manager and Qualified Dental Nurse

GDC No: 150649

Donna started dental nursing in 1999 and has been involved in dentistry ever since, including in nursing, treatment coordination and management. She gained her NEBDN Certificate in Dental Nursing in 2003 and furthered her qualifications with a NEBDN Certificate in Dental Radiography in 2012.

Donna also holds qualifications and certificates in practice coordination and management. She has been with HOSSC since the inception in October 2021 and brings her 20 years of dental experience to the practice.

Donna loves the variety of her job and that no two days are ever the same! Alongside her management duties, she is sometimes required chairside, assisting as a dental nurse, or may also be found helping patients in reception. Donna enjoys liaising with patients and being part of their journey from the initial phone call to the completion of their treatment.

Outside of work, Donna enjoys painting and upcycling furniture. She also loves running, swimming and cycling and has been known to partake in the occasional pub quiz!

Norah J Saleh – Associate Dentist, Facial Aesthetics Practitioner and Sedationist

GDC No: 249654
BChD (Merit) Leeds 2013

Associate Dentist, Facial Aesthetics Practitioner and Sedationist
GDC No: 249654
BChD (Merit) Leeds 2013

Norah graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Leeds in 2013. She achieved her Advanced Facial Aesthetics Practitioner Accreditation in London in 2015 and 2017 and gained Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (MJDF RCS Eng) in 2015. Norah also achieved Society of the Advancement of Anaesthesia (SAAD) Accreditation in 2018.

Norah has worked alongside Dr Catherine Sternberg since 2015, and has been involved in HOSSC since it started in October 2021.

Norah enjoys all aspects of her job, and feels a great sense of purpose and satisfaction in knowing that she has helped restore not only a patient’s smile but also their health and confidence. She is so grateful that so many patients place their trust in her, and always makes sure they have a positive experience in her care. Norah takes time to listen to her patients’ expectations and helps to address their concerns with her kind and gentle approach.

Outside of work, Norah loves sports, particularly running and cycling. She also enjoys exploring new cities and cultures, and good food – any cooking tips are greatly appreciated!

Samantha Cottam – Oral Surgery Associate and Dental Sedationist

GDC No: 270984
BDS (Birmingham) 2017

Samantha graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Birmingham in 2017. She then went on to achieve the Diploma of Membership of Faculty of Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons (MFDS RCSEd) in 2018.

Samantha developed her love of Oral Surgery during her time working in hospitals in both Southampton and Swindon. She has been involved with HOSSC since day one in October 2021, but has been working as an Oral Surgery Associate with the team since 2020. Having already learnt so much and improved her skills, Samantha is excited to be furthering her experience with HOSSC.

Samantha enjoys being able to help extremely anxious patients and make them feel more comfortable during their treatment. She finds it very rewarding when she is able to support them in overcoming their phobias, be it with sedation or by taking the time to build a trusting relationship to understand their concerns. Samantha also loves working as a part of a valued team, where all members support and complement each other’s skills and work styles.

Outside of work, Samantha is a keen crafter and enjoys sewing, crochet and cross stitch. She also loves tap dancing and skiing, something she has done for many years. Samantha is a dog lover, and can often be found on long walks in the countryside with the family dog, Merlin.

Dana S – Qualified Sedation Dental Nurse

GDC No: 285582

Dana achieved her NEBDN Certificate in Dental Nursing in 2019 and furthered her skills with a NEBDN Certificate in Dental Radiography, gained in 2020. She also achieved her Infection Prevention and Control Lead qualification in 2020.

Dana began her dental career as a member of the reception team in 2017, before starting as a trainee dental nurse in 2018. She quickly discovered a passion for Oral Surgery and achieved her Sedation qualification with the Society of the Advancement of Anaesthesia (SAAD) in 2021. Dana joined HOSSC as Lead Sedation Nurse in 2022.

Dana enjoys meeting new patients and guiding them through their journey with HOSSC, helping if they have any concerns and ensuring they feel cared for. She also loves working as part of a supportive team.

Outside of work, Dana loves playing rugby and enjoys running when the weather is nice. She is also a keen photographer and enjoys walking with her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.