Birch Valley Dental Clinic aims to provide excellent quality dental care within a warm and friendly environment. We understand the needs of our patients and ensure your treatment is done in complete confidence by properly trained staff, and that you are involved in decisions about your care. Please take a moment to meet the members of our dental team. All our staff are registered with the General Dental Council as required.
Laura was educated at Dalbeattie High School and left for university in 1999, graduating from Cardiff University in 2005 with a Merit for clinical and academic achievement and the BDA Dentsply Student of the Year Award. During her studies she undertook a research project with Prof. Shepherd into Facial Trauma Sustained from Bar Glass Trauma -winning national prizes for their work and presenting their findings the at Savoy Hotel in London. She was also an Erasmus student at the University of Helsinki in 2004, receiving the Magdalene Morgan Scholarship. In 2008 Laura graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Post Graduate Diploma in Conscious Sedation and utilised these skills whilst working as a Senior Dental Officer in Special Care Dentistry at Dumfries Dental Centre.
In 2010 Laura became the Principal Dentist of the newly established Birch Valley Dental Clinic and by 2011 she was a Vocational Trainer for NES (NHS Education for Scotland) for recently qualified dentists, which she now does jointly with her associate Peter McCormick. Together they have supported 8 dentists in their initial training year. In addition to this role Laura is also the Dental Practice Advisor for NHS Dumfries and Galloway and sits on various professional groups and committees.
Laura is absolutely passionate about dentistry and patient centred care and always strives to give patients a pain free experience in a relaxed manner. She has a particular interest in working with anxious and phobic dental patients and has a strong proven track record of helping patients to overcome their fear of the dentist. Music plays a big part in Laura's life and encourages patients to listen to music of their choice during treatment. Laura undertakes all aspects of clinical dentistry -including cosmetic procedures such as tooth whitening and smile makeovers.
Outwith work Laura enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and young family in this beautiful part of Galloway -whether it be walking, cycling or just playing on the beach. To relax she enjoys singing, playing the piano and cooking, but not all at the same time!!
GDC No: 85252
Peter is originally from Northern Ireland but studied in Glasgow, graduating in 2001. Having worked in both NHS and Private practice in Edinburgh, he settled on Dumfries and Galloway as home, joining Birch Valley in 2012. Peter is a joint vocational trainer along with Laura and is driven to providing the best quality patient care.
Away from work he is a keen cyclist and regularly takes part in the Etape Caledonia. Being Irish, he is a massive rugby fan too.
GDC No: 79248
Maria graduated from Newcastle University in 2007 and began her career in Edinburgh. She went on to become the clinical lead of the practice and enjoys all aspects of clinical dentistry, being particularly passionate about oral health education. She moved to Dumfries & Galloway after marrying a local and now has four young children to keep her busy when she is not working!
Maria is also a yoga and aerial yoga teacher, with a passion for the outdoors and an advocate of healthy living. When she has free time, you’ll find her wild swimming, running, practising yoga or spending time with her pet Pygmy goats.
GDC No: 113026
Jayne has been at Birch Valley since the beginning. Her role as a Dental Hygiene Therapist is to work under the prescription of a dentist, providing non complex fillings, all hygiene work and paediatric treatment. Jayne has undergone training to administer inhalation sedation and enjoys treating anxious and phobic patients.
In her spare time Jayne enjoys keeping fit by doing a range of sports from running to curling. She is also a keen cook and baker.
GDC No: 192888
GDC No: 5572
Iona is one of the senior nurses and has been with the practice from day one. She is very experienced and provides support for the vocational dental practitioner in their first few weeks at the practice. Iona is also one of our Childsmile Extended Duties Dental Nurse (EDDN) and likes to get involved in education of preventative dental care.
She is kept busy outside from work by her young family.
GDC No: 190928
Abby joined us in 2015 after returning from her travels. She previously worked in orthodontics for 3 years
Outside of work Abby is kept busy with her two children and two dogs.
GDC No: 247233
Amy enjoys socialising with friends in her free time
GDC No: 295025
GDC No: 280601
Shona Has been with the Practice since Oct 2021 and brings with her years of experience
GDC No: 133330
GDC No: 147658
GDC No: Trainee Dental nurse
Carol joined the reception team in 2013. She is our social media co-ordinator charged with keeping our Facebook and Twitter pages up-to-date.
Outside of work Carol enjoys walking her dog with the family, playing squash and road cycling.
