Founding Story

In 2012, Catford Dental was born—not in a grand, state-of-the-art facility, but in a modest 50-square-meter shop on Catford Crescent in Clayfield, (Hence the name CATFORD DENTAL) Phoenix. At the time, there was no patient base, no established reputation, just a dream and a willingness to work tirelessly to build something meaningful.

The man behind it all, Prabashen Ragaviran, was born and raised in Phoenix, a community that shaped his values and fueled his ambitions. He attended Clayridge Primary School before moving on to Grove End Secondary, where he became the first in his family to complete a degree. His academic journey took him to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he completed his undergraduate studies, followed by a postgraduate qualification in public health from the University of Pretoria. His passion for excellence led him to further his expertise with an Advanced Restorative and Aesthetic Diploma from the Restorative and Aesthetic Academy in Cape Town.

When he started Catford Dental, resources were limited. Prabashen and his family took on much of the interior work themselves—laying the foundation, quite literally, for what would become a trusted name in dental care. With no patients at first, every step forward was hard-earned. But through commitment, high-quality dentistry, and a genuine care for people, the practice grew exponentially.

Over the next eleven years, Catford Dental outgrew its original space, requiring a move to larger, more advanced premises. Today, the practice operates from two locations: the founding practice in Phoenix (Stonebridge) and a second branch at Umhlanga Ridge. The team has expanded to include five clinicians, each dedicated to delivering cutting-edge, patient-centered dentistry.

Despite his success, Prabashen never forgot his roots. Instead of leaving for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere, he chose to invest in his home community, ensuring that world-class dentistry was accessible to the people of Phoenix. His vision was simple but powerful: to bring the best in modern dental care to the community that raised him, right at their doorstep.

His passion for sharing knowledge has made an impact beyond his own practice. By consistently posting his dental work online, he caught the attention of the wider dental community, leading to invitations to speak at prestigious events, including:

The South African Dental Therapy Association (SADTA)

The South African Dental Association (SADA)

The South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (SAAAD)

Beyond his own practice, Prabashen is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of dental professionals. He is a co-founder of CUSP Dental Practice Learning, a program designed to guide and inspire young clinicians. He has also played a role in clinical supervision at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Dentistry, helping students refine their skills before entering the field.

Looking back, the journey from a small, family-built practice to a well-recognized and respected brand is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and dedication. Catford Dental stands today as a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, a commitment to excellence, and a deep love for one’s community.

For Prabashen, the journey is far from over. Every patient treated, every student mentored, and every innovation introduced into the practice is a step toward something greater. His story is proof that success is not about where you start but about how far you are willing to go to turn a dream into reality.highest quality of care in a comfortable and relaxed environment.