Principal Dentist | Dr Ian Wellings
Graduated from the University of Sheffield in 1981 and spent five years as a junior surgeon in the RAF at Cranwell and within RAF Germany. After leaving the Air Force, Dr Wellings gained experience in private practice in Germany where he trained in German dental technology. Read more about Dr Ian Wellings
General Dentist | Dr Tara Johnston
Qualified in Cardiff and worked as an Oral Surgery House Officer, Dr Johnston has been in practice since 1998. She is interested in the field of endodontology (known as root canal treatment) Read more about Dr Tara Johnston
Specialist | Dr Chiara Menghi-Barry
Qualified at Aarhus University Dental School. Dr Menghi-Barry is our team leader in orthodontics, overseeing the treatment of patients requiring braces, both children and adults. Read more about Dr Chiara Menghi-Barry
Dental Surgeon | Viktoria Berens
Viktoria was granted the licence to practise dentistry in December 2009 by the Regional Council of Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, and is being mentored at Barkhill Dental Clinic as a Vocational Trainee for a period of two years under the supervision of Dr Ian Wellings. Viktoria is registered with the General Dental Council and runs an emergency drop in clinic every Friday.
Patient Care Manager | Sue Wade
Sue joined the Practice in 1995. Prior to her role as Patient Care Manager, Sue worked closely with Dr Wellings as a Senior Dental Nurse. Friendly and personable, she makes patients feel relaxed and welcome on arrival at the Practice. Sue works closely with the clinicians and spends time with each individual patient to make sure they understand every stage of their treatment plan. Sue holds a First Aid Certificate and is trained in Basic Life Support.
Patient Care Co-ordinator | Julie Thwaites
Julie joined the Practice in 1999 having had previous dental nursing experience. Friendly and efficient, she works alongside Sue in main reception. Julie is trained in photography and manages the cataloguing of patients’ dental images. Julie says: ‘I am so proud to be part of such a lovely close, professional team. Working at Barkhill is like being part of a big family. We all do what we can to help put patients at ease and keep them informed about their treatment.’
Dental Therapist | Sue Timpson
Sue joined the Practice in 2005 after qualifiying in Dental Therapy at Leeds University Dental School. Sue’s special interest is in improving patients’ oral health and helping nervous patients overcome their fears, enabling them to progress with future dental treatment. As part of the oral health team, Sue plays a vital role in optimising the patients’ oral health prior to complex surgical treatment, such as dental implants. She is very influential in encouraging young people interested in dentistry through work placements at the Practice.
Senior Dental Nurse | Sarah Bell
Sarah qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2001 and joined the Practice in 2008 as a Senior Dental Nurse. Her special interests include dental implants, surgical dentistry, orthodontics and full restorative dentistry. Sarah is the clinical lead for sedation control for the Practice and is a vital member of the clinical team treating patients referred to the clinic for specialist oral surgery. Sarah’s professional development includes The Perfect Smile course on cosmetic dentistry, Life Support, Cross Infection Control and Legionella awareness.
Senior Dental Nurse | Dianna Mateer
Dianna joined the Practice as a Dental Nurse in 1991. She originally qualified in Newcaste in 1976 and subsequently updated her National Dental Nurse qualifications in 2005. Dianna is highly experienced in all aspects of dentistry, including Orthodontics, Oral Surgery and Implants. She is our clinical lead in Radiography and has completed courses in Photography for Orthodontics and Medical Emergencies.
Dental Nurse | Dawn Lawrence
Dawn (known as Ashley) joined Barkhill in 2007 as a Trainee Dental Nurse and qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2008. She is the clinical lead for medical emergencies and is the life and soul of the clinic!
Trainee Dental Nurse | Naila Khan
Naila joined the Practice as a Trainee Dental Nurse in July 2010 and is working towards the NVQ Level 3 in Oral Healthcare: Dental Nursing. Naila is particularly interested in orthodontics and furthering her career in dentistry and possibly dental therapy. The staff are very pleased to have Naila as part of the team and look forward to supporting her during her training.
Clinic Manager | Linda Wellings
Administrative Co-ordinator | Leanne Macknight
Leanne joined Barkhill in 2007 as one of our Patient Care Co-ordinators, covering the twilight shift. She has an extensive administrative background, formerly working in the legal profession, and undertook the role of Patient Accounts and Legal Administrator at the clinic. Leanne is currently responsible for updating patient records.
Clinic Secretary | Elaine White
Clinic Administrator | Julie Giffen
Julie joined Barkhill as Clinic Administrator in June 2010 and has many years administrative experience, primarily in medicine but also within publishing and education. Julie says of her colleagues: ‘I am delighted to be part of such a committed, professional and friendly team, and have been made very welcome into this ‘happy family’.