Pembroke Dental, Kilkenny - Pembroke Dental Clinics

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.

Dr. Sinead Allis

Sinead Allis qualified from University College Cork, Ireland in 2002 and then moved to the UK and worked in a general dental practice in Essex for seven years. During this time, her postgraduate studies included a Certificate in Endodontics and following this over the course of one year, she completed Dr. Christopher Orr’s ‘Cosmetic and Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry’ course.

In 2010 Sinead completed a full-time Master’s Degree in Conservative Dentistry at the Eastman Dental Hospital (UCL) London. This area of dentistry focuses on restoring and replacing missing teeth in a conservative manner. Since 2010, Sinead has been a visiting lecturer for the ‘Hands On’ courses run at the Eastman Postgraduate Centre for Dentists preparing for their ORE examinations. This is an aspect of Dentistry that gives her great satisfaction.

In 2013 she successfully gained membership to the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s Joint Dental Faculties. ‘Keeping up to date with new aspects of dentistry is very important to me and whilst I enjoy all aspects of general dentistry on a daily basis, implant dentistry is where my passion lies.’

Since 2009, Dr Sinead Allis has worked in specialist implant and oral surgery practices providing all aspects of Implant Dentistry from single tooth replacements to full arch restorations. She is a member of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) and is fully committed to postgraduate education. She attends a wide range of implant related courses and conferences both in the UK and abroad. Sinead is very passionate about her work and always aims to provide a high standard of care to all her patients.

Dr. Juan Carlos Alvarez

I studied dentistry and started my career as a general practitioner dentist in Madrid and my hometown, Valladolid being part of the team in a renowned well-established clinic. My daily activity is focused on Prosthodontics and advanced restorative dentistry. I focus my work on being as conservative as possible, frequently using overlays and onlays. Aesthetic dentistry is an area of interest for me as well. I usually carry out ceramic and composite veneers and most recently I started to work with injected composites with very good results. In order to provide a large range of treatments, I have also undertaken post graduate education in Endodontics[root canal therapy].

I enjoy the outdoor life and am enjoying life in Kilkenny although the weather is very different to what I am used to in my home country of Spain!

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. Carlos Castillo

My name is Carlos Castillo and I have moved to Ireland after over 8 years working as a specialist dentist in Spain.

I have practiced implant and periodontal dentistry for many years following my postgraduate education. I have attained postgraduate Masters degrees in Periodontics and Mucogingival Surgery from San Pablo CEU University, Madrid-Spain [2015] and Masters in Advanced Oral Surgery and Implantology, University of Lleida, Lérida-Spain [2107].

I am delighted to join Pembroke Dental as part of the specialist dentist team. Together with my colleagues who specialise in cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery, we can combine our specialist therapies to provide the highest level of comprehensive dental care to our patients under one roof.

I am limiting my practice to Periodontal [Gum] and implant dentistry as I have years’ experience in this area. I undertake all aspects of specialist periodontal therapy. I offer a broad range of periodontal treatments such as

Treatment of Periodontal [Gum] disease
Gum and Bone grafting
Guided bone and tissue regeneration
Cosmetic gum surgery

I also undertake dental implant placement and rebuilding. I am currently placing Nobel Biocare dental implants-one of the most respected and well researched brand of dental implant worldwide. Dental implants are the way of the future for many patients in my opinion, offering a really good alternative to dentures for missing teeth if placed correctly and with care.

All my patients shall be treated to the highest level that I can achieve with patient satisfaction being my highest priority.

Dr. Raksha Batajoo

Five Minutes with Dr. Raksha Batajoo, Specialist Orthodontist

If you look up the word ‘passionate’ in the dictionary, you’ll probably see a picture of Dr. Raksha. She is passionate about everything she does from cooking to yoga and reading; but most of all, she is passionate about what she does here at Pembroke Orthodontics. Helping our patients and researching new solutions to dental problems are top priorities for Dr. Raksha. She joined the Specialist Orthodontist list of Ireland in 2022.

When not engaged in orthodontic pursuits, Dr. Raksha enjoys her spare time with her family and friends. In addition, she is very involved with her Nepali ex patriot community in Ireland. She is an avid fan of movies and the cinema. Travelling and exploring the Irish countryside is also a keen pastime.

A little-known fact about Dr. Raksha? Her first concert ever was Kutumba, a Nepali folk band! Not sure who they are? Or are you a fan of their music yourself? Ask her about it the next time you are in!

What Dr. Raksha likes best about her job here in Pembroke Dental? All of the great people she gets to meet and work with; parents, patients, co-workers and the nursing team as well as the wider dental community.

Let’s hear from Raksha herself:

1. Where did you start your dentistry career?

My dentistry career started as I took my first step inside the University in Romania as a Dental student in 2010. I graduated from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, DMD. After completion I returned to my home city of Kathmandu in Nepal and practiced as a general dentist for about a year. My particular area of interest in dentistry has always been orthodontics so I followed my dream and completed my 3-year post graduation training on Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopaedics.I am now on the Specialist Orthodontist Register in Ireland.

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

I particularly enjoy meeting new people, communicating with them and getting to know their dental and health problems and helping to solve them if I can. I thrive on difficult cases and getting entangled with new methods and technologies.

I spend my spare time mostly travelling and watching movies. Some days I totally relax and I do nothing at all-I need time to totally unwind. I do always make sure to have time for my family.

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

The last thing that I have done to improve my skills/ knowledge is to attend as many Invisalign seminars and webinars that I could possibly get my hands on-they are really educational and informative. I am also attending some online training programs. I have worked and assisted many renowned dentists and grabbed many helpful tips and knowledge from their experience. I am an avid reader and study as many scientific articles as I can related to dentistry and new innovative practice methods.

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

For every patient we need to gain their trust first. To do so, we must ensure we acknowledge their problems and the history of their nervousness. A smile and an open friendly nature never hurt. Discussing our problems in a calm and open forum can help lessen fears which I welcome and can help in easing nervousness and make my patients feel relaxed.

5. What is your top tip for oral health?

First and foremost, attaining and maintaining dental health is our top priority. Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease and can help you keep your teeth as you get older. Dental health is also interlinked with general health -so some simple tips are as follows. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque. Visit your Dentist at least twice a year for a dental health check. Cut down on the frequency of sweet acidic drinks and sweet foods to help both your dental and general health overall.

Dr Brenda Barrett

Five Minutes with Dr Brenda Barrett, Clinical Director

1.Where did you start your dentistry career?

I started my dental career at the tender age of seventeen in the Dublin Dental University Hospital in Trinity College, way back in the last century! After graduating as a dentist in 1988, I worked in the UK for a few years and also attended the world-renowned Eastman Dental Hospital to do a post-graduate diploma in General Dentistry.

I acquired Pembroke Dental in 1993, which had an excellent reputation in Carlow Town and I have been trying to build on that reputation since!

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

I enjoy meeting my patients on a daily basis-many of whom I now consider friends. I am humbled by their trust in my skills and in Pembroke Dental as a team. I also like the buzz of building a great specialist and general dental team around me and enjoy the camaraderie of a positive group of dental professionals.

One of the drawbacks of dentistry as a career is the sedentary nature of the job, so in my spare time, I like activity-walking my lovely dogs, horse riding, cycling and dancing. I have recently joined a choir and warble as best I can amongst friends.

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

To prove that you can teach an old dog new tricks, I returned to Trinity College Dublin to complete a Masters in Clinical Dentistry in the Dublin Dental University Hospital in 2018. I am really proud of that achievement as it encompassed all the skills and knowledge I had slowly gathered over the years as a general dental practitioner.

4. You have won the Best Practice Irish Dentistry Awards won numerous occasions, explain as a winner what it took to win this award?

In a few words-Lots of hard work and dedication to our patients! We have worked hard over the years to build a great and dedicated team of dental professionals in Pembroke Dental who can offer the highest quality dentistry to our patients. We believe in giving the very best care, and attention to all who come to us and each member of the team is encouraged to give their utmost. That’s our motto- The patient’s best interest comes first!

5. How would you describe your team in Pembroke Dental?

The Pembroke Dental Team are special is so many ways- talented, dedicated to their patients, positive in their thinking and totally professional while being compassionate towards our patients. They really put the care of our patients first, and I am very proud to be part of this great team.