Carlow Town - Pembroke Dental Clinics

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.

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!

Dr. Shahriar Khorshid

Five Minutes with Dr. Shahriar Khorshid, General Dentist

Dr. Shahriar is a pleasant, knowledgeable dentist based in the original Pembroke premises in Carlow town. He also provides General Dentistry services every Monday in our Bagenalstown clinic. While he enjoys General Dentistry, he is also very passionate about Periodontics and Endodontics. He has worked and studied in various countries around the world, including his home country, Iran.

Dr. Shahriar’s favourite thing about his job at Pembroke Dental is interacting with patients day-to-day and providing them with quality dentistry.

Let’s hear from Shahriar himself:

Where did you start your dentistry career?

I worked in a private practice in Budapest, Hungary. Upon graduating from University, I completed one year of postgraduate studies in Germany before returning to Iran to volunteer as a General Practitioner.

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

I am interested in all aspects of dentistry, especially treatments associated with gums, oral conditions, and root canals. Interacting with my patients before, during and after their treatment is important to ensure that they are comfortable and satisfied.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching sports. I have a particular interest in tennis, swimming, and volleyball. I also enjoy reading and cooking.

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

I believe that is very important to keep up to date with new dentistry techniques and skills. I am currently attending a Prosthodontic course with Pembroke’s very own Dr. Nina King. Myself and a number of other dentists attend the course every Wednesday in Pembroke’s Newbridge practice. It is a challenge attending this course every week whilst also working full time 6 days a week, but it will be worth it.

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

Multiple dentistry fields are changing and evolving every day, especially with the introduction of new dental technologies. I believe that it is necessary to keep up to date with the highest standard of dentistry across the various different fields.

Dr. Luca Lamia

A LITTLE ABOUT LUCA

Luca is a passionate dentist with a demonstrated track record of working in hospitals & private clinics. He has a strong interest in Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontics. He is adept at all branches of orthodontics for adults and children alike with a particular focus on patient-centred care and quality improvement in healthcare.

Luca qualified as a general dentist in 2018 and continued his post graduate education in the University of Naples in Italy, qualifying with a Masters degree in Orthodontics and a further Masters degree in Orofacial pain and Temporomandibular disorders.

He now only focuses on Orthodontics day-to-day; always advancing and going one step further for your smile. Your smile deserves no less.

Luca worked successfully practicing orthodontics for several years in Italy prior to moving to Ireland and joining Pembroke Dental. He is a trusted practitioner in all the most advanced Orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign.

WHAT MAKES LUCA SMILE?

Luca is passionate about changing smiles for all ages and all concerns and is meticulous about the patient care experience throughout. He knows this begins with his skilled and welcoming team who are family centred and welcoming with an amazing friendly team of nurses, therapists and receptionists. Always going to the next level of care, Luca has heavily invested in training with the most innovate technology for the practice to ensure accuracy of results and detail in planning every step of the orthodontic treatment process.

‘Practicing orthodontics allows me to witness the transformation my patients go through when they improve their smiles with braces. I love the excitement and concern that each brings with them on their first visit. I see each case as an opportunity to positively influence another person’s life, to exceed expectations and help patients overcome their fears of dentistry whilst treating them. Changing the world one healthy smile at a time!’

Dr. Lina Shams

With special interest in Oral Surgery

Where did you start your dentistry career?

After graduating from the Faculty of Dentistry in Egypt in 2011, I spent one year of postgraduate training in the University Hospital to further enhance my dental skills and knowledge. After that valuable year, I worked as a general dentist for 2 years in general practice .During this period I finished my Membership of the Royal College of Ireland [MFD] and decided that I would like to follow my interest in oral surgery.

I joined the oral and maxillofacial surgery team in the Ministry of Health hospital in KSA[Kingdom of Saudi Arabia]. I gained a lot of specific experience in oral surgery and was awarded my postgraduate oral surgery diploma in 2017.

I was then accepted to join the Master of oral and maxillofacial surgery training program back in Egypt and I continued to work in a private practice doing general dentistry as well as my hospital position until I got the opportunity to work for Pembroke Dental.

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

I enjoy helping anxious patients to have their dental treatment without fear and try to meet their expectations of a healthy attractive smile. I get great satisfaction in fulfilling my patients expectations, be it providing the simplest or the most complex treatments-I do value feedback and continually try to improve my interactions with my patients to make their dental treatment comfortable and a pleasant experience.

In my spare time I like going out for a walk & exercising, also I like cooking and listening to different kinds of music.

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

I regularly attend courses and workshops to keep up to date and to improve my knowledge and skills. I am continuing my Masters training program in Oral Surgery and I read the latest research in different fields of dentistry.

What do you suggest for nervous patients who needs to see a dentist but are too nervous?

Talk to your dentist, the right dentist will know that your nervousness can be an important barrier to confidence and health. Morning appointments will be better to help handle stress-we are all less tired. Limit all caffeine before your appointment because it can increase anxiousness. Do not worry, we now have many solutions to calm nervousness -from the simple, such as helpful supportive dental teams to full sedation options. We need to take the time to talk to you about your needs and assess what is the right approach for you as an individual.

What is tooth sensitivity and why do I have it?

Tooth sensitivity is pain or discomfort in the teeth as a response to certain stimulations such as variations in temperature, hot or cold foodstuffs/drinks and sometimes sweet substances. It can be temporary or lingering, severe or mild in nature and can affect one tooth or several teeth-but one thing is certain, it can be very uncomfortable.

The most common causes can be gum recession or loss/thinning of the enamel outer layer of teeth which are typically due to either brushing too hard or grinding your teeth. But it can also be due to dental caries and cavities which needs immediate treatment so it is best to come in and visit your dentist for a dental health check to exclude any serious dental issues before trying any home remedies.

Dr. Mehwish Mansoor

‘I am a compassionate dentist with more than ten years of experience in working as a dental surgeon in general dental practice.

I am proficient in all fields of dentistry but have a particular interest in preventative dentistry and dental counselling.

I pride myself on making my patients fully comfortable before embarking on any treatment to make them totally at ease during a dental visit.’

Five Minutes with Dr Mehwish Mansoor, Dentist

1. Where did you start your dentistry career?

My journey as a dentist started when I graduated in the city of Lahore in Pakistan from the oldest and most prestigious dental school there. We had a wide variety of patients coming in from all parts of the country. I did my first clinical internship in the public hospital associated with our dental school. It was a very exciting opportunity for a young graduate like me, albeit one that carried an enormous responsibility. After twelve months of working in all the different disciples of dentistry, I started working in a private clinic that was owned by one of our teachers.

Fast forward many years and I moved to Ireland where a whole new world opened to me, regarding not only dentistry but also in the form of a very inviting and inclusive culture and people. It has been a very happening journey and sometimes I am surprised myself when I think of the young and clueless teenage girl roaming in huge corridors of the age old building of Demontmorency Institute of Dental Sciences after clearing all the requisite exams to be there.

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

I enjoy all aspects of general routine dentistry but there are certainly a few things about my profession that I particularly enjoy. There is a sense of accomplishment in helping people and I am very fortunate that dentistry is one of the few professions where rewards go beyond monetary, you get to connect with people on their level and help remove their pain or discomfort. At the end of each day, nothing satisfies you more completely than being of use to another human being.

Secondly, I particularly enjoy the emphasis on prevention and disease control that has been put on oral health in the recent years. In the 80s and 90s, dentistry was more about treating the disease after it has occurred. Now we have evolved into professionals who can prevent a vast majority of oral and dental health issues by preventative measures. This saves a huge amount of time, money and discomfort in the later years. I love educating people about their oral health so they can see dentists as allies who will work with them to avoid most of the dental health problems, and treat the ones that are remaining in the most minimally invasive manner possible.

Regarding my spare time, I have been an avid reader all my life. Nothing is as relaxing at the end of a long day as a book. I also have two young boys and most of my time is spent tearing them away from their gadgets so we can read, draw, play, walk and cook together. Growing up, my favorite sport was badminton and I still love any chance I can get to take the rackets out, weather permitting, of course.

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

Like all professional fields, it is vital that we keep learning in dentistry too so our knowledge and skills are up to date. I very regularly attend Royal College Intensive Revision Courses that gathers all the professors and masters in the different fields of dentistry to get on one forum and teach the current best practices in their field of expertise.

I have also attended hands on refresher courses in the Dublin Dental Hospital to improve my clinical skills. The feedback that you get from the teachers and seniors there plays a big role in improving your work.

4. How do you suggest for a nervous patent who needs to see a dentist but is too nervous?

I understand that a lot of people have the nagging feeling that they need to see a dentist but they may have some fears, for example of pain, judgement or a horrible diagnosis. What I would suggest them firstly is that there is nothing unusual about it. It is perfectly normal to be afraid of dentists, sometimes our previous experiences also factor in to our fears. However, you need to visualise your first appointment as just the knowing process, both of the dentist and and his opinion about your teeth and discussion and planning of all the available treatment options.

Dentistry has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years and patients are explained each and every step of their treatment plan. We want your treatment to be as painless as possible and for you to be as comfortable as possible so your appointments are happy, pleasant and productive for both of us. We also prefer minimally invasive treatments and maximum preservation of your teeth and supporting structures. There is no judgement in a dental clinic, just friendly professionals who would love to see you and your family smile their best.

5. What makes Pembroke dental a great place to work?

Pembroke Dental has to be one of the best dental practices in this country to work in. The sense of camaraderie and teamwork makes everything easier. Everyone looks out for their colleagues and take pride and joy in each other’s accomplishments. Dentistry itself can be somewhat of a lonely experience in some workplaces, but not Pembroke. This place is bustling with life and activity and there is always a friendly ear around if you need it. Also, the presence of so many specialists and general dental practitioners under one roof makes the brain storming of ideas and continual learning a daily part of our professional lives.

6. How can I get my kids to brush their teeth?

As a mother I can fully appreciate how hard it can be to get our children into these small daily habits. There is a lot of patience and consistency needed to get them to brush their teeth thoroughly and regularly. Up until the age of 7 years, you need to be helping them do it properly, especially regarding cleaning the back teeth well. Kids don’t really have enough manual dexterity to reach all the nook and crannies of their mouth where most of the sweet and sticky stuff is quite possibly lurking around.

From seven, you can gradually hand them over the responsibility of brushing their teeth, and you can invest in their favorite cartoon character brush, a timer and pleasant tasting toothpaste to make the process more fun of them. However, you may still need to remind them or ask if they have done it. You can also round them up and do your own flossing and brushing in their presence so you can keep an eye on the way they are doing it. And very importantly, keep on bringing them to the dental clinic every 6 or 12 months as advised by the dentist according to your child’s dental health. Being reminded by the dentist and shown proper brushing technique in the clinic can really help them understand and form good dental hygiene habits.

Dr. Darrelle Power

Specialist in Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Darrelle Power graduated from the Trinity College Dublin dental school in 2001 and went on to undertake further training in Prosthodontics. After she gained her specialist qualification, Dr Power moved to the United States to under take additional qualifications in Aesthetic Dentistry from New York University. Prior to returning to Ireland, she lectured and taught as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Prosthodontics at New York University. Dr. Power attends at The Granby Clinic and Pembroke Dental Kilkenny and provides specialist treatment in the advanced replacement and restoration of missing, broken, worn teeth or heavily restored teeth as well as high-end cosmetic work such as dental veneers and smile rehabilitations. She collaborates closely with other dental specialists and dentists to attain the best outcome for her patients, leading a multi-disciplinary team.

What to expect from a Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a specialist dentist who has completed a five year degree in general dentistry plus at least three additional years of training and education in a postgraduate Prosthodontics program. Prosthodontists specialise in treating and handling dentofacial problems that involve restoring missing and damaged tooth and jaw structures. A prosthodontist is highly trained in aesthetics and cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures and much more. They strive to carry out all treatment to the highest standards possible.

Darrelle’s approach to her Patients.

Darrelle describes her approach to dentistry as conscientious and caring whilst paying a high attention to detail. Patients will go through a detailed consultative process at the outset of treatment to create a pathway to their ideal outcome. Darrelle works closely with our inhouse specialists to optimise clinical success. Following the detailed understanding of a patients goals, current condition, budget and timeframe, Darrelle will create a detailed bespoke treatment plan and discuss with each patient ,exploring all suitable treatment avenues, before embarking on their treatment.

Dr. Kate Farrell

Specialist in Oral Surgery

Kate graduated with honours in Dental Science from Trinity College Dublin in 2008. The following two years were spent in the Dublin Dental University Hospital, the first as a Junior House Officer and the latter as Senior House Officer in Oral Surgery. During this time, she obtained her MFD from the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland. Kate then worked for a further two years as a Registrar in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in St. James’ Hospital Dublin and during this time was awarded an FFD in Oral Surgery/ Oral Medicine by the RCSI.

She then returned to the Dublin Dental University Hospital to complete a three-year clinical doctorate in Oral Surgery and graduated with first class honours in 2015. She completed the Fellowship in Oral Surgery and is registered as an oral surgeon specialist with the Irish Dental Council. Kate currently works as a Fellow in Maxillofacial Pediatric Surgery in Crumlin Children’s Hospital, in the Royal College of Surgeons Dublin as well as in private practice.

Dr. Nina King

Having been on the specialist list in the UK since 2006, Nina will be starting work to Ireland as a Prosthodontist with our team. Nina is happy to accept Patients for advanced restorative and cosmetic work , crown and bridge work, veneers, dentures, and aesthetic dentistry generally. Nina will be supporting our implant patients, forming part of our multidisciplinary team to deliver complex and varied treatment.

Although born in London, her extensive international experience stretches across five countries with dedication to cosmetic and advanced restorative dentistry. She has worked and taught in several prestegious UK dental hospitals such as Leeds and Guy’s, and also spent two years working in Dubai in the longest established clinic in the country and holding a clinical teaching post there.

In addition, she spent almost 10 years in Spain where she had her own private practice and worked in collaboration with a highly prestigious, medical plastic surgery center.

She is looking forward to becoming part of the Pembroke Dental team and settling in her husband’s homeland of the Republic of Ireland.

Five minutes with Dr. Nina King

Where did you start your dentistry career?

I studied in London at the Royal London Hospital School Of Medicine and Dentistry. I was born in the UK but I had lived abroad for most of my life until then, so I was excited to get back to University there.

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

I enjoy establishing a connection with my patients and am honored that they trust me to help them. Giving someone confidence in their smile again is a great feeling for them and for me!

I am a travel fanatic and love exploring new places, cultures, languages and food. When at home I enjoy reading and simply spending time with the family which includes our two dogs!

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

I’m always learning and trying to stay-up-to date. I have been spending a lot of time recently with the Cerec dentistry portal and increasing my knowledge of the technology/applications so I can continue to push digital dentistry forwards.

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

I can´t believe in the past 24 years since qualifying, how quickly things have been advancing. For me it´s about the improvements in materials and their capabilities. I know material science sounds like a very dull field, but adhesive bonding and improved ceramic strengths have changed the way I practice. For example, take Porcelain veneers, some of the materials can be made just 0.4mm thick and we use these to cover the teeth to make smile improvements. That´s almost as thin as a contact lens, so it means less drilling of the teeth, less time, less sensitivity afterwards and still great strength and beauty.

Are you seeing a bigger demand from people who want to improve the appearance of their smiles?

Absolutely! The internet/media has opened up a world of possibilities for people who might be looking at smile improvements. What I still find so interesting is that many people don´t realize there may be several options available to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Often, I see patients in their 50´s or 60´s who have hated their smiles their whole life but didn´t know that it´s not too late and things can still be changed. For example, if teeth are not straight, it doesn´t necessarily mean they need 18 months of full braces. For the older patient especially, we can sometimes do simpler movements working with the orthodontist and later just do some build ups and whitening to create a much better look. I love seeing people´s reactions when they finally feel they can smile for the camera!