Mercé Roig

Mercé Roig

Five Minutes with Mercé Roig, Podiatrist

 

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Alginet, a little village near Valencia in Spain.

 

 

Where did you start your career in Podiatry?

I studied Podiatry at the University of Valencia and I did a one-year postgraduate degree in biomechanical assessment at the University Miguel Hernández in Alicante, Spain. I also did the nourishing Erasmus project in Brussels for 10 months.

 

I have been working as a Podiatrist for 3 years now. As a healthcare professional, I aim to provide the best possible treatment to my patients.

 

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I really enjoy swimming, walking by the beach, travelling, playing the guitar, listening to music, eating in new places, spending time with animals and learning new languages. I have many hobbies!

 

 

When should a patient consider visiting a Podiatrist?

 

Sometimes, patients will delay booking a podiatry appointment until they are experiencing a lot of discomfort and pain. This can often cause further damage. Even if patients have slight pain or minor concerns, I encourage them to see me for a routine check.

Emily Larkin

Five Minutes with Emily Larkin, Facial Aesthetician

Emily is a Medical Aesthetic Practitioner based in our Dermal clinic in Carlow town. She has trained across the United Kingdom and Ireland with leading aesthetic providers, such as Anna Gunning. She is passionate about quality aesthetics, offering only the safest, most effective treatments on the market. She develops trusted relationships with each of her clients and prides herself on natural, glowing results.

 

Emily is knowledgeable about all things skin, from sun damage to fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Let’s hear from Emily herself:

 

 

1. Where did you start your aesthetic career?

 

I graduated with honours in Nursing at the University of West London. I was a dedicated acute nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

During this time, I became interested in Facial Aesthetics with over 5 years of experience in the beauty industry. I did intensive training with the UK leading Providers of Aesthetics in Harley Street where I gained an in-depth knowledge and skills of facial aesthetics. I also have had extensive training with Ireland’s Leading Provider, Anna Gunning.  I have trained with many different brands such as Juvéderm, Belotero and Maili.

I have also an in-depth knowledge of Obagi Medical Skincare and Image Skincare range.

 

 

2. What do you enjoy most about Aesthetics and how do you spend your spare time?

 

I love chatting to my clients about all things skin and what treatments best suit them to get the results they need. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym and horse riding.

 

 

3. What is the last thing you have done to improve your skills/knowledge?

 

I attend courses and conferences regularly to keep up to date with the most recent and minimally invasive treatments and techniques.

My most recent training was Maili workshop in London where I experienced hands-on learning with aesthetic experts on how to maximise my skills.

 

 

4. What is your favourite aesthetic treatment?

 

My favourite treatment that we offer here in the clinic is Sunekos eyes. It is hyaluronic acid and amino acids combined to stimulate the product of collagen and elastin. It is used to treat different signs of ageing and reduce dark circles under the eyes.

Ramona Palos

Ramona  is our lead aesthetician who has trained at Carlow IT  before gaining experience at the nationally renowned Dundrum Laser Clinic. She has extensive qualifications from the International Therapy Examination Council in:

 

  • Lasers
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Body treatments
  • Skincare and facial treatments

 

She is recognised as an aesthetician by CIDESCO (Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie)

and she has a Diploma for training with Candela Pro laser. Ramona  has extensive knowledge and training in our renowned ZO range of cosmetic products.

 

Testimonials

 

” I went for a microdermabrasion treatment recently with Ramona and afterwards my skin felt great. Ramona explained everything before during and after the treatment. She is very good at her job and was very informative and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Ramona and Pembroke Dermal  ” ( Via Facebook)

 

” My daughter won a competition and gave it to me for a treat, I have to say it was wonderful, I loved every minute, Ramona is a lovely skilled and very knowledgeable lady, fantastic treatments and loads of great advice, would I go back? 100% I would. So a massive thank you my face feels and looks younger firmer and fresher, I will be back.”

(Via Facebook)

 

” Ramona was thorough and spent a lot of time talking me through different ways I could combat redness and the usual blemishes that I suffer with. She was very knowledgable and since taking her advice about using an SPF on my skin and the sorts of products I should be using, I have seen a noticeable difference. A lovely clinic which is based inside a health centre. Super professional and clean.” ( Via Google reviews)

Dr. Maghnus O’Donnell

Dr Maghnus O’Donnell, Orthodontist, aims to provide child, teenage and adult patients with specialist orthodontic treatment in a caring, friendly and comfortable environment. Dr O’Donnell continually updates his skills as new techniques emerge to deliver the best possible results for his patients. This means that patients benefit from the application of the most modern and aesthetically pleasing techniques available in orthodontics today.

 

Dr O’Donnell holds a Membership in Orthodontics with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and a Membership in Orthodontics with the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Dr O’Donnell is a Member of the Orthodontic Society of Ireland and is registered on the Orthodontic Specialist Register of the Dental Council of Ireland.

 

Dr O’Donnell qualified from Trinity College Dental School in 1987. During his time here, he was named the 1986 Winner of the Costello Medal for Undergraduate Dental Research. On completion of his undergraduate studies, Dr O’Donnell worked as both Junior and Senior House Surgeon at the Dublin Dental Hospital; rotating around orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, paedodontics, restorative dentistry and accident and emergency.

 

Following two years in general dentistry in the UK, Dr O’Donnell graduated in 1993 with a master’s degree in orthodontics from the University of London. On completion of these studies, Dr O’Donnell returned to Ireland where he immediately applied his skills and expertise to establish his specialist orthodontic clinic.

Dr. Dur Bawi

Five Minutes with Dr. Dur Bawi, General Dentist

Dr. Dur is a skilled dentist with a dedicated work ethic and a keen interest in Oral Surgery. She is proficient in all aspects of General Dentistry for patients of all ages. She is passionate about patient-focused care and enjoys working alongside a team of Specialists in various fields of dentistry.

Dr. Dur has recently moved to Ireland and will be working from our Granby clinic in Carlow town. She will be providing General Dentistry care to Pembroke Dental’s new and existing patients.

 

1. Where did you start your dentistry career?

I have spent my entire life living, studying and working in Madrid, Spain. I graduated from Rey Juan Carlos University in 2018 and also from a Masters Degree in Oral Surgery and Implantology at Virgen de la Paloma Hospital in Madrid in 2021. I have consistently worked as a General Dentist throughout my studies.

 

2. What do you enjoy most about dentistry?

I love dentistry because each patient’s case is different, so it is not a routine job. This is also one of the reasons why I wanted to work abroad. I guess you can say that I like change!

 

3. What is the last thing you have done to improve your skills/knowledge?

I am always aiming to improve my dentistry skills and knowledge. During my time at University, I attended many lectures and seminars held by industry professionals. I found them to be very informative and educational. I have also worked alongside many distinguished dentists, who I gained valuable insight from along the way.

Sarie Liebenberg

Five Minutes with Sarie Liebenberg, Dental Hygienist

 

Sarie Liebenberg is a passionate Dental Hygienist with a combination of good people skills, compassion for her patients and love for her profession.

 

 

1. Where did you start your career?

 

I began my dentistry career at the School of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

 

2. What would you say you enjoy most about dentistry?

 

Health and aesthetics are no longer mutually exclusive. I love the fact that I can be part of a team that helps create healthy mouths and beautiful smiles. It contributes to overall happiness. I like happy!

 

 

3. How do you spend your spare time?

 

I don’t have a lot of spare time, but if I get a chance, I like to go for a run in the park. It’s like therapy to me. And my greatest spoil is a good book on the couch.

 

 

4. What is the last thing you have done to improve your skills/knowledge?

 

I am a member of several dental study clubs and committees, focusing on bettering ourselves through continuous education. I am also lecturing and writing educational articles. Therefore I am constantly gathering new and updated information.

 

 

5. What are some changes that you have witnessed in dentistry since you qualified?

 

We are taking a holistic approach in oral care focusing on prevention and motivation of the patient and emphasising the link between oral and systemic health.

Dr. Akram Jasim

Five Minutes with Dr. Akram Jasim, Specialist Orthodontist

 

 

Selecting the right orthodontist is important. My name is Akram Jasim and  I am an orthodontist since 2005. I offer a wide variety of treatment options for adults and children ranging from modern cosmetic and near invisible orthodontic braces, Invisalign and lingual braces.

We ,together ,will discuss the options to determine which treatment solution is best suited for your specific life and orthodontic needs to attain your ideal result. Orthodontics can improve the smile of people of all ages and I treat children, teenagers and adults in a sympathetic and caring manner.

 

Where did you start your dentistry career?

I started my dental career in my home country of Iraq over 25 years ago now, working as a general dentist in the Ministry of Health. After a few years I moved into the educational field where I worked as a Clinical Instructor and lecturer to students studying Dentistry.

During this period, I followed my keen interest in the field of orthodontics by entering an orthodontic training programme and graduated with a master’s degree in Orthodontics three years later. My career continued in education, moving into lecturing orthodontics while gaining practical experience in private practice.

After many years teaching, I fulfilled my ambition to open my own private practice in General Dentistry and eventually Orthodontics alone. I moved to Ireland in 2016 with my family to work in Pembroke Dental as a specialist Orthodontist.

 

2. What do you enjoy most about dentistry and how do you spend your spare time?

The most enjoyable thing about dentistry is the creation of a beautiful smile, bringing people’s dreams to reality. Many of my patients have told me that they avoid smiling and if they do smile, they try to cover and hide their teeth. I can often help with this embarrassment. After orthodontic treatment I can see patients smiling with confidence, some for the first time which is hugely rewarding for me, each and every time.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family playing table tennis and I am keen swimmer.

 

3. What is that last thing you have done to improve your skills/knowledge?

I attend orthodontic conferences and courses regularly. I have just returned from the Orthodontic Society of Ireland (OSI) Annual Meeting which I attend annually to share knowledge and experience with my orthodontic colleagues. My most recent attendance at an educational course was Carrierre Motion Applications “Carrierre in Practice, the way forward”-I found it very useful and now use these appliances in my practice.

 

4. Do you think you’ll still be interested in dentistry in ten years, Why?

Yes, I do. I enjoy dentistry and especially my area of expertise, Orthodontics. I am over 25 years working in dentistry and I am still curious about the latest dental developments. My dental career has also brought me to many different parts of the world-not many careers offer this opportunity. I could not imagine doing any other type of work and I expect to be doing this job until I retire. It is a very special career, getting to meet people from all walks of life and making their dreams come true. I work with my patients for a long time so lasting relationships are built.

 

5. What are the changes you have seen in dentistry in the last 10 years?

There have been major changes in Dentistry in the last 10 years. A digital revolution has occurred and thankfully, Pembroke Dental is at the forefront of this. There are so many dental treatments now entering the digital age from crowns and bridges, implants and even in my field of orthodontics.

I am a Specialist Invisalign provider -these appliances are completely made digitally, from design to manufacture. We can now even show our patients the outcome of their treatment digitally before commencing treatment so patients can see what they will look like with straightened teeth before they start wearing their braces or appliances! That is a terrific move forward in my opinion. Digital dentistry is developing so fast that I expect it will be involved in most dental treatments soon.

Dr. Dalia Aqel

Five Minutes with Dr. Dalia Aqel

 

Dr. Dalia is a General Dentist working full-time from our two practices in Carlow town.

 

Where were you born and raised?

I am Palestinian, born in Tunisia, a country in North Africa as the fourth eldest in a family of five siblings. I was raised in Tunisia as well as Jordan, a country in the Middle East.

 

Where did you start your career in dentistry?

I graduated from University in Romania as a Dental Student in 2016. After graduating from University, I spent 5 years working in Jordan. Initially, I was in an internship role before working as a General Dentist with an interest in Prosthodontics.

I have always wanted to move to Ireland to work. I am thrilled that I made the move because the people of Ireland have been so welcoming. Plus, I was keen to work with one of my closest friends, Dr. Raksha Batajoo who I met back in University!

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

When I am not working, I enjoy socialising with friends and listening to music. One of my favourite artists is Ed Sheeran, but I do love Arabic music as well as Pop!

 

What is the last thing you done to improve your skills/knowledge?

I recently completed an Advanced Endodontic Course back in Jordan. I do believe that it is important to keep up-to-date with current trends within the dental history, so I am always reading work by industry professionals.

 

What is your top tip for oral health?

It is hard to pick one! Brush 3 times a day, floss, use an oral rinse and reduce the frequency of sugar in your diet day-to-day. Also, pay us a visit every six months to keep on top of cleanings!