Dr. Ashkan Azima

County: Carlow

Dr. Ashkan Azima

Five Minutes with Dr. Ashkan Azima, General Dentist

Dr Ashkan is a General Dentist working full time in our Granby Clinic in Carlow

Ashkan is a skilled Dentist with many years’ experience as a General Dentist He was Born in Tehran and raised in San Diego, California.

Dr. Ashkan’s patients will love his work hard and commitment, his dedication to patient care, his meticulous approach towards the clinical procedures and the great pride he takes in his work.

 

Let’s hear from Ashkan himself:

 

  1. Where did you start your dentistry career?

 

I started my career in dentistry in San Diego at my family practice and then in Charlotte, North Carolina obtained my BA in  biology before I continued my post grad in Europe

 

  1.  How do you spend your spare time?

 

In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling , walking dogs and horses. Also playing tennis, golf and snowboarding.

 

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

 

I undertook a restorative program in Glasgow and reading Dr. Didier Dietschi literature and publications.

 

  1. What is your top tip for Oral Health?

 

My top tip for Oral Health is to floss after each meal.

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. 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:

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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. Chinonso Nwachukwu

Five Minutes with Dr. Chinonso Nwachukwu, General Dentist & Hygienist

Dr. Chinonso is a gentle, experienced dentist based in the original Pembroke premises in Carlow town. She also spends one day a week treating patients in our Bagenalstown clinic. She is enthusiastic about all aspects of dentistry, especially oral hygiene. She has recently moved from Hungary, where she worked for 6.5 months, to join the team here at Pembroke Dental. Dr. Chinonso ensures that all of her patients are 100% satisfied following their treatment.

 

When she is not working, Dr. Chinonso regularly keeps in contact with her friends and family back home in Aboh Mbaise and Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.

 

Dr. Chinonso’s favourite thing about her job at Pembroke Dental is interacting with patients day-to-day and providing them with good oral hygiene tips and advice. Nothing makes her happier than seeing patients pleased with their dental treatment after their visit to Pembroke Dental.

 

Let’s hear from Chinonso herself:

 

1. Where did you start your dentistry career?

 

I began studying dentistry in the University of Pécs in Hungary, where I studied there for 6 years. After I graduated from University, I began practicing as a General Dentist for 6.5 months in a village called Dunaszentbenedek in Hungary. Moving to Ireland was a big change for me, but I was very excited about it!

 

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

 

I truly enjoy meeting and interacting each day with patients, new and existing. I prioritise patient satisfaction and try to make their experience as comfortable as possible.

 

In my spare time, I like to relax and practice self-care. I have a skincare routine that I like to follow to keep my skin looking healthy. I also enjoy a shopping spree every now and then!

 

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

 

I am always striving to improve my dental skills and knowledge. Since moving to Ireland, I have been regularly studying the HSE website. Watching YouTube videos is also a fantastic, free & fun way to access educational content about dentistry.

 

4. What would you say to patients who are nervous about attending the dentist?

 

I approach all of my patients in a calm & friendly manner. It is crucial that patients are relaxed and understand each process of their treatment. Using a calm voice to check-in with patients throughout their appointment is a priority of mine.

 

5. What is your top tip for oral health?

 

My top tip for oral health is to brush gently with a soft bristled toothbrush. I also recommend flossing regularly to help remove bacteria and improve your oral health.

Dr. Waseem Gohar

Five Minutes with Dr. Waseem Gohar, General Dentist

 

Where did you start your dentistry career?

I started my formal dentistry career in The University Dental Hospital in sunny Dubai after graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Hungary. Having been away from my family during undergraduate years, I wanted to spend some time with them in Dubai before I embarked on my journey to work in Ireland.

I spent the following months as a dental intern in different departments of dentistry gaining indispensable skills from the specialists in the hospital. During this time, I also completed Part 1 of Membership of Faculty of Dentistry postgraduate examination from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (MFD RCSI). I intend to take Part 2 of this examination imminently.

Dubai is a home to over 200 nationalities, so meeting new people and understanding different culture has strengthened my communication skills, which is an important aspect of dentistry.

 

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

The beauty of being a dentist is this- every day is different, each patient presents a unique challenge, keeping you motivated. You never get bored or have a mundane day at work. I enjoy all things dentistry, from meeting and greeting my patients to the treatment procedure itself but my particular interest lies in Endodontics or root canal treatment.

I am an avid reader and gym enthusiast; I spend my spare time reading psychological thrillers, weightlifting, and occasionally dabbling in cardiovascular exercise.

 

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

I keep myself up to date with contemporary literature, reading scientific articles, attend courses and live webinars to provide the best possible treatment to my patients. I recently attended a webinar hosted by an endodontist from the UK titled ‘Introduction to a Perfect Root Canal Treatment’ which was excellent as I can apply those skills into my daily practice. I follow dentists from all over the world on social media to learn different tips and tricks. As a healthcare professional, simply put, the learning never stops.

 

 

Why is the routine dental health check so important?

Changes to teeth happen on both macro and microscopic levels. As dentists we are trained to detect both during a routine dental health check. There are tests and tools at our disposal such as X-rays which can aid our diagnosis. During regular visits, the changes can be detected early and treated in the initial stages before they have had the chance to deteriorate. For example, the presence of tartar or calculus, a tenacious hard plaque deposit which develops slowly over time and is adhered strongly to the teeth which can cause gum disease cannot be removed at home with toothbrushing. It requires cleaning with our ultrasonic scaler performed at a dental clinic. Dentist can further evaluate your overall oral health and guide on how to improve it, if needed. In the long run, regular visits are more cost-effective and contribute to your overall general wellbeing.

 

Should I use mouthwash regularly?

 

The one thing that should not be regularly used in an oral care regime is Mouthwash. In simple terms, our mouth or oral cavity has both friendly and harmful bacteria -we want to lessen the harmful bacteria while encouraging the friendly bacteria. Unfortunately, mouthwash is 100% antibacterial and cannot distinguish between the two. Recent studies have shown that people who use mouthwash twice a day for a certain period are at 55% higher risk of developing pre-diabetes or diabetes. No concrete reason for this has been found yet.

The American Dental Association suggests the use of mouthwash for therapeutic use or symptomatic relief, for instance, in the treatment of bleeding gums under the prescription of a dentist. Toothbrushing, manual or electrical for 2 minutes twice a day and daily flossing is absolutely sufficient for maintenance of good oral hygiene without the use of any mouthwash.

 

 

 

 

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!’