About Us
At Helens Bay Dental Practice in Bangor – We thrive on the principle of providing high quality dental care in surroundings which are comfortable and relaxing. Our aim is to treat all of our patients as individuals and to protect and maintain your teeth through the very best dental care.
Treating you – our patient – as we would wish ourselves and our family to be.
Being a patient of our practice presents you with the opportunity to access the most up-to-date and innovative dental care. Our dedicated team are progressive and enthusiastic in their approach to modern dentistry.
Efficient and Convenient Service
Our efficient reception ensure that you receive the most convenient appointment times, so time away from work and home is scheduled to create the minimal amount of disturbance to your everyday life. Please click here if you would like to book an appointment with us.
If you have not visited us before please click here to obtain directions.
Our Team
- Gareth SmallPractice Owner / Principal Dentist

- Sarah LochheadDentist

- Edward SmallDentist

- Dr Laura FlinnDentist with Special Interest in Oral Surgery

- Mark KennedyDentist with a Special Interest in Endodontics

- Lidia FerrittoPeriodontist

- Gill LemonDental Therapist

- Emily SmallDental Therapist

- Lorraine HuytonHygienist

- Luke ShannonCompliance and Operations Coordinator

- Shelley DawsonDental Nurse

- Beata MaciejewskaDental Nurse Lead

- Louise ParsonsDental Nurse

- Judit TerronDental Nurse

- Lucy MurrayTrainee Dental Nurse

- AmandaPractice Manager

- Glenda McAllisterTreatment Coordinator

- Victoria CahalanNew Patient Coordinator/Team Lead

- Georgia GilmoreReceptionist

- Brooke NixonReceptionist


Gareth Small
BDS (QUB) 1989 – GDC: 64423
Helens Bay Dental was purchased by Gareth Small in October 1994. Gareth introduced dental implants to Helens Bay Dental in 2000
The transformation to digital started in 2005 with our first scanner purchase. The first full arch implant restorations were done in 2002 and have continued since.
Digital workflows have been developed as new technologies were added such as intra oral scanners digital X-ray and facial bone CT scanner and most recently facial scans.
This has enhanced the ease of treatment and quality of the new teeth and their fit into our patients faces.
We will continue to work to improve patients new smiles and functionality as techniques progress
The future is very exciting.

Sarah Lochhead
BDS (Dundee) 1996 – GDC: 72088
Sarah graduated from Dundee university in 1996 and after working in private practice in England for a number of years, joined Helens Bay Dental Practice in 2004.
During that time she has continued to develop her special interest in cosmetic dentistry by attending an extensive number of post-graduate courses including a certificate in restorative dentistry from St Anne’s Dental centre and a one year certified course in cosmetic dentistry with Dr Chris Orr.
Sarah has been using short-term orthodontic option Invisalign since 2005 and more recently, Six Month Smiles for adult tooth straightening. Both treatments receive extremely positive feedback and further patient case information, including before and after photos, can be found under dental care on our website.
At Helens Bay Dental Practice Sarah aims to provide a professional quality service, incorporating a range of restorative and cosmetic solutions, in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Edward Small
BDS Manchester 2021 – GDC: 296247

Dr Laura Flinn
BDS Newcastle 2010 – GDC: 192268
Laura graduated from Newcastle upon Tyne University in 2010. For over 10 years, Laura worked in a general dental practice and in a hospital in England providing Oral and Maxillofacial surgery and Oral surgery. During this time she completed a Diploma in Conscious Sedation.
She returned to Northern Ireland in 2020 and joined Helens Bay Dental Practice. Laura aims to provide dental extractions in a professional, relaxed and friendly environment.

Mark Kennedy
BDS (QUB) 2016 – GDC: 264806
Mark Graduated from Queen University Belfast in 2016. He progressed to complete further Dental Core training in the Oral and Maxillo-Facial unit at the Ulster Hospital and in the Restorative Dental department Aberdeen Dental Hospital.
Upon moving back to Belfast Mark has been working in a Private dental practice and is currently completing his Masters in Endodontics at King University London.
Mark’s special interest in endodontics allows him to complete complex root canal treatment and retreatments with the aid of a microscope.

Lidia Ferritto
BDS (Lond) 1987, LDS RCS (Eng), MSc (Lond) 1992, MFGDP RCS (UK) – GDC: 62915
Lidia qualified from University College, London in 1987 and then went on to gain an MSc in periodontology from Guy’s Hospital.
Lidia’s wealth of experience has encompassed running a private referral practice for periodontology and implantology in London.
Lidia is a fellow of Straumann Institute and has specialist registration in periodontology.
Lidia not only has a close involvement with implantology at Helens Bay Dental Practice she also writes articles on implantology as well as lecturing and teaching in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Gill Lemon
GDC: 191885
Gill joined the practice in 2021 with 12 years of experience as a hygienist. She is praised for her deep cleaning, customer satisfaction and friendly demeanour.

Emily Small
GDC: 281101
Emily qualified as a dental therapist from Queen Mary University London in 2018 and has gained experience in dealing with children in a community clinic and is currently expanding her knowledge by taking the Totally Therapist certificate in Aesthetic dentistry taught by Monik Vasant in London.

Lorraine Huyton
GDC: 6500

Luke Shannon
Luke joined the team in March 2023, he has 12 years of experience in retail and management. Luke works mostly in the background in our prep room maintaining equipment and sterilising instruments to help us maintain a smooth and efficient environment for both staff and patients.

Shelley Dawson
GDC: 254910
Shelley started her dental nursing career in 2013 , she has a wealth of experience in a private setting and has gained additional qualifications in impression taking, implants and radiography. Shelley joined Helens Bay in 2021 and has, along side Glenda, taken on the role of treatment coordinator helping our patients on their dental journey. Shelley enjoys working with the latest technology in Helens Bay and feels proud to be here and part of an amazing team who care for patients in such an exceptional manner.

Beata Maciejewska
RDN – GDC: 161468
Beata joined the team in November 2006 as a qualified dental nurse. Beata has a keen interest in dental implants and has completed many courses in this particular area. In her role as dental nurse lead Beata supervises various elements of the dental practice providing support and direction to enhance the performance, skill and knowledge of the dental team.

Louise Parsons
GDC: 242516
Louise qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2013 and has additional training in dental photography. Louise joined the team at Helens Bay in February 2023 and is training to become a treatment coordinator.
Louise enjoys helping patients through their journey, reassuring them every step of the way.

Judit Terron
GDC: 331159
Judit is a qualified dental nurse with over five years’ experience and she is also a photographer. She joined Helens Bay Dental Practice in October 2025 and loves being part of the team at a practice that offers such modern, innovative dental technology. Helens Bay has also given her the opportunity to use her photography skills so that she can combine clinical professionalism with creativity which is one of the many reasons why she loves working at the practice.

Lucy Murray
Lucy joined the team at Helens Bay in December 2025 as a trainee dental nurse and is currently working towards becoming a qualified dental nurse. She enjoys building rapport with patients and takes pride in ensuring they have a seamless and comfortable experience throughout their time in the treatment room.

Amanda
Amanda has been Practice Manager at the practice since 2001, has a background in Applied Biology and worked previously in Agricultural research.
She is especially interested in ensuring the patient experience at Helens Bay Dental is the best possible and enjoys being involved in the introduction of the latest technology and ideas to the treatments and services.
She manages the day to day running with the support of an experienced caring clinical team.
Amanda has 2 grown up children at University and likes to go to the gym at weekends to unwind!

Glenda McAllister
RDN – GDC: 132406
Glenda joined the team in 2002 as a qualified dental nurse with now over 30 years of experience in her field. She has successfully gained qualifications in radiography, and sedation and is an oral health educator, Glenda is also a trained treatment coordinator and implant nurse. Glenda, being a treatment co-coordinator at the practice is often the first point of contact for new patients and it is her job to guide them through their patient journey with us, providing support and information on the procedures and all that is involved to make their experience here a very positive one.

Victoria Cahalan
Victoria joined the Helens Bay team in September 2022 as a valued member of our front of house team welcoming patients to the practice. Since then she has progressed to become our New Patient Co-ordinator and Reception Team Lead. In this role she is the first point of contact for new patients guiding them through their initial enquiries and arranging their first consultations.
Victoria particularly enjoys meeting patients, supporting them throughout their dental transformation and seeing their confidence grow with each visit.

Georgia Gilmore
Georgia joined Helens Bay Dental in January 2026 and is often one of the first people you’ll speak to when you call the practice or the friendly face who welcomes you when you arrive. She holds a degree in International Travel and Tourism Management and has previously worked in the motor trade and in marketing. Through these roles, she gained valuable experience in customer service, organisation and working closely with clients on a day-to-day basis.
Georgia loves chatting with patients while they wait and especially enjoys seeing everyone’s confidence grow as they reach the end of their smile journey.

Brooke Nixon
Brooke joined Helens Bay Dental Practice in December 2025 bringing with her prior experience in patient care within a dental setting. With her positive attitude and warm personality, she enjoys connecting with people and supporting them throughout their dental experience, helping to create a calm and welcoming environment for every patient.
Brooke is also proud to be a graduate in Textile Art, Design and Fashion. She takes great pride in her creativity, attention to detail and organisational skills – qualities she brings into her role each day.






