About Us

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.

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.

BDS Manchester 2021 – GDC: 296247

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.

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.

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.

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.

GDC: 247617

Brainne joined the practice in 2021. She has been a qualified hygienist for 2 years and has received great reviews from her patients about her care while cleaning. Being in high demand she works in four other clinics throughout the week and brings the same upbeat energy to them all.

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.

GDC: 6500

GDC: 267664

Lea joined the Helens Bay team in 2023 and has 20 years experience in the dental field. Lea successfully gained a BSc (hons) in 2009, MSC in 2013 and a PGCE in 2018 in dental technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Lea has 15 years post graduate experience in design and construction of dental appliances at Cardiff university dental hospital, alongside teaching BSc undergraduates at Cardiff Dental School, she spent 18 months at Princess Noura University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia within a teaching capacity on sabbatical.

A love for all things technology with a keen interest in CAD CAM and 3D printing technology!

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.

GDC: 273306

Emily joined the practice in 2022 as a Dental Nurse with over 7 years of experience in general dentistry and orthodontics nursing. She has a keen interest in implantology and cosmetic dentistry which Helens Bay Dental is providing the opportunity to explore. Her favourite part of the job is interacting with the patients.

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.

GDC: 301464

Rachel joined the practice in 2022 as a newly qualified dental nurse with a passion for all things surgical. She loves learning new things and always putting her brain to the test.

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.

GDC: 301451

Alice started her dental career in 2019 and joined Helens Bay Dental in Sec 2022. Since joining Helens Bay Alice feels her passion and knowledge in dentistry has grown vastly, from learning new skills to using the newest state of the art technology and how we use it every day. Alice feels that Gareth and Amanda want every employee to be the best that can be and offer a range of opportunities for growth and development.

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.

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!

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.

Jen joined the practice in February 2023, she is a qualified dental nurse gaining her national qualification in May 2003, Jen worked as a dental nurse until 2007 before deciding to go to Queens University where she studied psychology gaining a bachelor’s degree in July 2011. Upon completion she went back to dental nursing until 2017. Jen has since worked as an NHS medical secretary before coming back to dentistry where she feels most at home. Jen has a very friendly welcoming personality and is always willing to give the best possible experience by putting patients at ease.

Victoria joined the Helens Bay team in Sept 2023, she works at the front desk welcoming patients into the practice. Victoria’s favourite part of the job is meeting the patients, following their dental transformation journey, and watching their confidence grow with each visit.