Our team
Dr. Alwyn van Zyl - Practice principal
Alwyn qualified in 1979 from the University of Pretoria and set up his first private practice in South Africa in 1981. In 2000, he moved to the UK and worked in a number of NHS practices until 2004 when he bought the practice and changed the name to Brunel Dental Practice.
He has done numerous advanced courses in aesthetic dentistry and advanced implant surgery. In 2003, Alwyn became a member of the Association of Dental Implantologists. Alwyn specialises in implantology, facial aesthetics and smile design.
Alwyn enjoys good food and wine, scuba diving and keeping fit by running and going to the gym. He is well travelled and enjoys experiencing different countries and cultures.
Dr. Cor van Niekerk -Associate
Cor qualified from the University of Pretoria in June 1979 and started his own private practice at Sabie, a small village on the slopes of the Drakensbergs. He stayed in private practice until 1991 when he started as a lecturer in the department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine at the University of Medunsa. Whilst at the University, he obtained 3 Deans awards for service and achieved the best lecturer of the year in 1994.
He returned to private practice in 1995 specialising in implantology and periodontology. In 2005, he moved to the UK working at an NHS practice in Essex before becoming part of the team in the Brunel Dental Practice.
Mrs Mandy Palmer-Foster - Practice Manager
Mandy started her dental career in in 1999 working as a dental nurse at a busy NHS practice. She obtained her National Certificate in Dental Nursing in 2003. She has also achieved a post graduate qualification in conscious sedation and has a keen
interest in oral surgery and dental implants as well as helping anxious patients.
She has worked in her position as Practice Manager for the last 5 years and is married with no children but 2 cats! Mandy enjoys travel, reading, eating out, spending time with friends and family, skiing, paragliding and rock climbing!
Douglas Mackenzie - Dental Hygienist 
A retired RAF Wing Commander, Doug was trained in the RAF and spent much of his time working in the Ministry Of Defence in Harley Street. Having gained Diplomas in both Dental Hygiene and Dental Health he specialised in Periodontology and then went on to teach at the RAF's Institute of Dental Health and Training.
He also has his own company that specializes in Independent Examination of Charities.
He lives in Gloucester with his wife Jenny and two of his three sons.
A qualified 'offshore skipper' when he's not sailing, running, fixing cars
and motorbikes he loves to walk the Scottish Munros where his family insists he play
''over the hills and far away' on his bagpipes.
Our Dental Nurses
