Highly experienced and skilled health care professionals
The Durban North Smile Center provides a multitude of specialist health services allowing you to be proactive about your health. Our practitioners are here to take care of your specific needs in a professional, comprehensive, holistic and nurturing environment. Follow the links below or Contact us now and let us help you be your best self, inside and out!
Dr. Surandar Singh
Specialist Orthodontist | Cleft Lip & Palate Specialist | Founder of Wentworth Foundation & Academy of Orthodontic and Advanced Dental Assisting
Dr. Surandar Singh is a highly respected Specialist Orthodontist with a career spanning over three generations of patients. With expertise in treating craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, he is widely recognized for his clinical excellence and contributions to the field. He is the founder of the Wentworth Foundation, which has provided free care for patients with craniofacial deformities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape since 1994. Dr. Singh also established the Academy of Orthodontic and Advanced Dental Assisting to enhance education in orthodontics and practice management.
Dr. Singh graduated with a degree in Dentistry from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1975, later completing his M.Ch.D in Orthodontics at the University of the Western Cape. Since opening his first private practice in Durban in 1987, he has remained dedicated to advancing both patient care and professional development in his field.
Dr. Sankeshan Padayachee
Specialist in Periodontology and Oral Medicine | University of the Western Cape Associate Professor
Dr Sankeshan Padayachee is a Specialist Periodontist and Oral Medicine expert with a BDS from Wits University, a Master’s degree in Oral Medicine and Periodontology from the University of the Western Cape and a post graduate diploma in Health Science Education.
He is currently a consultant and senior lecturer at the in the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology at the University of the Western Cape and is the former Head of Clinical Unit at Wits University.
With experience in both rural and urban healthcare settings, Dr Padayachee is known for his patient-focused care and clinical excellence. He operates a private practice in Durban North while remaining actively involved in the academic training of future specialists, involved with Masters, Specialisation and Diploma programmes at UWC. He is a past president of SASPIO, an executive member of SASPIO, ITI, and SADA, and a certified trainer for the Swiss Dental Academy. Dr Padayachee combines a hands-on clinical approach with a passion for education and professional development.
Saras Naidu
Oral Hygienist
Saras Naidu is a qualified Oral Hygienist with a Bachelor of Oral Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has worked alongside Dr. Surandar Singh for over 30 years and has developed extensive experience in orthodontics and cleft lip and palate care. Saras is licensed to practice as an independent Oral Hygienist and has been an integral part of the Wentworth Foundation for more than two decades.
Known for her approachable and caring nature, Saras builds lasting relationships with her patients, earning their trust through dedication and compassion. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys restoring vintage furniture and finds joy in giving new life to old treasures.
Dr. Shantel Naidoo
Dentist
Dr. Shantel Naidoo is a highly accomplished General Dentist with over 19 years of clinical experience. She earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in India in 2004 before spending five years in London, where she gained extensive experience and refined her patient-centred approach to care.
For many years, Dr. Naidoo has been the trusted face behind her successful dental practice on the Bluff, where she continues to care for her patients. By joining the team at Durban North Smile Center, she is expanding her availability to serve patients across both the north and south of Durban.
With a special interest in cosmetic and paediatric dentistry, Dr. Naidoo’s expertise spans general dentistry through to advanced aesthetic treatments, including clear aligners, dental implants, and custom veneers. Known for her gentle, compassionate manner, she ensures every patient feels comfortable, informed, and supported throughout their treatment.
Fathima Timol
Speech Therapist and Audiologist
Fathima Timol is a qualified Speech Therapist and Audiologist, holding a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Therapy. She is passionate about improving her patients’ communication and hearing abilities through high-quality care and personalized treatment.
Fathima plays an active role in the management of her practice and is committed to the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of speech and hearing challenges. She prioritizes aftercare and strives to make every patient feel heard and supported. For a full overview of her services, please visit earstalk.com.
Nicole van Wyk
Clinical Psychologist
Nicole van Wyk is a Clinical Psychologist who works with individuals navigating challenges such as trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties. Her therapeutic approach is person-centred, respectful, and non-judgmental, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client across all age groups.
Nicole holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an additional qualification in medicolegal practice from the University of Cape Town. With a calm and empathic presence, she supports her clients through meaningful change, helping them move from feeling stuck to finding clarity and direction.
Akira Singh
Physiotherapist
Akira Singh is a qualified Physiotherapist who earned her degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2019. After completing her community service in the Free State, she returned to Durban where she now practices in private healthcare.
With a background in competitive sport, Akira has a special interest in movement and rehabilitation. She connects deeply with her patients, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to improve their quality of life through physiotherapy. Her compassionate and motivating approach reflects her passion for health, movement, and people.
I’ve been a dentist for over 50 years and a specialist orthodontist for 35 of those. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of founding and running the Wentworth Foundation, which allows me to give back to communities in need. I’m truly fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated and hardworking team who uphold the good name of the Smile Center and help ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care.
~ Dr. Surandar Singh
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
~ Dr. Sankeshan Padayachee
With over 36 years of experience as an oral hygienist, I’ve found that a gentle, caring, and honest approach makes all the difference. I treat every patient the way I would want to be treated—kindly, respectfully, and with their comfort and wellbeing as my top priority.
~ Saras Naidu
What I love most about Audiology and Speech Therapy is helping voices be heard, through early intervention, empathy and patient centered care.
~ Fathima Timol
I’m a present-focused, person-centred psychologist, and I believe in working collaboratively with each patient. While there’s no instant solution to life’s challenges, I aim to help people feel supported, empowered, and equipped to move forward with long-term strategies for growth and change.
~ Nicole van Wyk
A quote that I believe embodies my physiotherapeutic approach to rehabilitation and one that I encourage my patients to embody on their healing journey is: “Strive for progress, always.” ~ Unkonwn
~ Akira Singh
CHANGING LIVES. THE WENTWORTH FOUNDATION
Home to the Wentworth Foundation, creating Smiles for Africa by providing lifechanging care for children with facial and dental irregularities.
We are proud to be home to the Wentworth Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting indigent children with cleft lip/palate through comprehensive care and community outreach.
