Meet our team
DEDICATED TO NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL SMILES
Slemish Dental Care and Aesthetics are a team dedicated to providing the highest standard of dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Dr Tiernan Walsh
Dentist & Practice Owner
Dr Tiernan Walsh
Dentist & Practice Owner
BDS (QUB 2008),
GDC Number: 150580
Tiernan graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2008, with a Distinction in Conservation and has completed a number of post graduate courses to further his education, including a certificate in interactive surgery and prosthetics. He has a keen interest in aesthetic, high quality, minimally invasive dentistry. He is currently studying towards a postgraduate diploma in aesthetic and restorative dentistry.
He offers highly skilled dentistry with a friendly and relaxed manner.
Tiernan is a keen sportsperson having previously played Gaelic football and rugby for local teams. More recently, following retirement from contact sports, he is a keen cyclist and tries his best to navigate a golf course when he can.
He is married to fellow practice owner Catherine. They have two boys and a very energetic golden labrador.
Dr Saorlaith O’Callaghan
Dentist & Practice Owner
Dr Saorlaith O’Callaghan
Dentist & Practice Owner
BDS (QUB 2017),
GDC Number: 271326
Saorlaith graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2017 and since then has completed a wide variety of post graduate training; regularly attending courses to ensure she stays up to date with the latest treatment techniques and protocols.
She enjoys the variety of general dentistry but has a particular interest in minimally invasive, aesthetic treatments including whitening and composite bonding.
Saorlaith is qualified in facial aesthetics and has been offering a variety of treatments since undertaking initial training in 2020. She is highly knowledgeable, skilled and passionate about providing safe, natural and ethical treatments. She continues to invest in regular training and attend conferences to ensure she is always providing care to the safest and highest standard.
Originally from Camlough, Co. Armagh, she now lives in Belfast with her husband and outside of work, enjoys travelling at any given opportunity!
Dr Catherine Magennis
Dentist & Practice Owner
Dr Catherine Magennis
Dentist & Practice Owner
BDS (Hons) (QUB 2008),
GDC Number: 151752
Catherine qualified with Honours from Queen’s University Belfast in 2008, with distinctions in Oral Surgery and Medicine, Orthodontics, Conservation, Paediatrics, Periodontics and the Practice of Dentistry.
Catherine gained a number of awards during her time at Queen’s University including the John Malone Medal, the Ivoclar Vivadent Award, the Swann Medal, the Dental Public Health (GSK) Shield, W H Elwood Scholarship, The British Dental Health Foundation Shield.
Catherine has a gentle and approachable manner and believes it is so important to build a strong relationship with her patients, providing an environment of care and trust.
She always strives to provide patients with the best treatment possible, ensuring she continues her professional development by keeping up to date with the newest treatments and techniques. She has continued to update her knowledge and skills by attending regular courses and conferences, and has completed a wide variety of post graduate training, including a certificate in interactive surgery and prosthetics.
Catherine is married to Tiernan and is a very proud mummy to their two boys.
Dr Laura Jones
Dentist
Dr Laura Jones
Dentist
BDS (QUB 1989),
GDC Number: 64414
Laura is a familiar name and face in the team, having been practicing in the building since 1997 and owning the Practice for 12 years. She is delighted to be staying put under the new ownership and identity. She is continuing to look after her regular patients in the same room, and with the familiar colleagues.
Laura is a very experienced dentist who has devoted most of her career to caring for generations of loyal patients here in Ballymena who have enjoyed her relaxed manner as she regales them with the tales of her family, garden, travels, and now bees.
Over the years, Laura has completed many and varied postgraduate courses as she is now working a reduced week her list is currently closed to new patients, but she is delighted to still be part of the team at Slemish Dental Care & Aesthetics.
DR JACQUELINE WRIGHT
Dentist
DR JACQUELINE WRIGHT
Dentist
BDS (Hons) (QUB 2008),
GDC Number: 151762
Jacqueline graduated with Honours from Queen’s University in 2008, with distinctions in Conservation, Oral Surgery, Paediatrics, Orthodontics and Periodontics. She graduated alongside Tiernan and Catherine, and has since gone on to undertake a number of postgraduate training courses.
Jacqueline is highly skilled and is known for her gentle, reassuring chairside manner and is committed to providing the highest quality care for the whole family.
Born and bred in Ballymena, Jacqueline is a familiar face to many of our patients. Outside of work, she is a busy mum of three.
LAURA CARSON
Hygienist/Therapist
LAURA CARSON
Hygienist/Therapist
BSc Oral Health Science (Dundee 2011),
GDC Number: 209441
Laura joined our team recently and works as both a hygienist and therapist. She is highly experienced, and her passion and enthusiasm for what she does really shines through.
She is a highly skilled hygienist who is committed to providing the highest standard of oral health care and instruction, and in her capacity as a therapist, she particularly enjoys working with children. Her calm, caring nature ensures that even the most anxious patients are at ease.
Outside of work, she is kept busy by her two young children, but still finds time to enjoy the occasional parkrun!
ED MACPHERSON
Clinical Dental Technician (CDT)
ED MACPHERSON
Clinical Dental Technician (CDT)
Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology, Royal College of Surgeons, 2015,
GDC Number: 121426
Ed is our CDT, who brings a wealth of knowledge to the practice regarding dentures, which can be a very challenging aspect of dentistry. In his role as a clinical dental technician, he oversees the whole patient journey, from the initial impression, through the production stages, to the final fit of a denture.
He particularly enjoys collaborating with a wider clinical team in the provision of implant retained dentures, and takes great pride in seeing patients have their smile restored with a denture which fits well and functions well.
Ed is married to our practice manager, Samara, and when not in work, he is kept busy with their three children, and is heavily involved with Scouts.
Samara MacPherson
Practice Manager
Suzanne Gaston
Dental Nurse
Elizabeth Bell
Dental Nurse
Aimee Gaston
Dental Nurse
Emma
Dental Nurse
