Dental Team Callan

Dr Aoife O'Dwyer graduated from UCC in 2012. In her final year, she received the gold medal award for Restorative Dentistry. The goal of the area of Restorative Dentistry is to enhance and bring back your natural smile and prevent future oral health issues. Her interest in this area of dentistry has only increased since qualifying. In her first year after graduating, Aoife completed a Vocational Training year in the UK and spent the next few years working and gaining experience there.

She is always interested in keeping up-to-date with the latest and information and techniques has undertaken hundreds of hours of post-graduate courses. In 2018, she completed a masters in Restorative Dentistry. Since then, she has undertaken a year-long course in Implant Dentistry and she also received Facial Aesthetics training in anti-wrinkle injections. Her main interests are in ensuring continuous improved oral health for her patients and in providing dental aesthetic treatment.

Dr Davina Graham graduated from Trinity College Dublin with honours in 2012, having won the prize for the best dissertation. She then relocated to Glasgow for a year and worked in a fantastic family practice delivering dental care to a wide range of patients, many who were very anxious about visiting the dentist. She then moved back home to her native Kildare, working there for a year until she took up a position in a well-established practice in Carlow, where she enjoyed working for 8 years. Now permanently based in Kilkenny, she’s delighted to be working in Callan Dental since early 2022. She’s also a part-time clinical supervisor in the Dublin Dental University Hospital.

Davina continues to keep up to date with current and new developments in dentistry and regularly attend courses and conferences in both Ireland and the UK. She provides a wide variety of pain relieving dental treatments such as root canal treatments and extractions, as well as cosmetic options such as whitening and bonding, and is also an Invisalign Go provider. She’s also been fortunate enough to have travelled to both Kenya and Cambodia to provide much needed dental services there.

In her spare time, she loves to stay active, taking part in cycling and adventure races, and spending time with her family and friends.

After a dental visit when he was a child, Dr Pavly Hanna grew a keen interest and desire to become a dentist. The combination of health care, practical skill and patient connection is a perfect fit for him.

Dr Pavly attended dental school in Poland and was awarded with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree in 2019. Following his graduation, Dr Pavly spent several months working alongside various dentists in the UK as well as in his home country, Canada. This allowed him to broaden his experience and knowledge of dentistry in a practical setting.

Shortly after, he moved to Ireland and spent 2 years performing general dentistry at a busy private practice in Carlow, where he developed a special interest in restorative and cosmetic
dentistry as well as treating nervous patients.

Dr Pavly takes pride in providing the greatest standard of dental care to ensure that each dental visit is as smile-filled and comfortable as possible.

In his spare time away from the dental chair, Dr Pavly enjoys travelling, photography, listening to music, playing basketball and simply hanging out with family and friends

Dr. Daniella Deffendini is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist, permanently based in Kilkenny. She graduated from CEU San Pablo University in Madrid in 2016 and holds a Master’s degree in Restorative Dentistry. With over 8 years of experience, Dr. Deffendini is dedicated to enhancing her patients' smiles through advanced digital planning techniques.

Dr. Deffendini is renowned for her passion for patient care, ensuring each individual receives personalized and attentive treatment. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, allowing her to connect with a diverse range of patients. Constantly updating her knowledge and skills, Dr. Deffendini remains at the forefront of dental innovations, providing the highest standard of care at Callan Dental.

Dr Emma Buckley graduated with an honour’s degree from University College Cork. She enjoys providing treatment in all aspects of general dentistry.

Emma spent some time practicing dentistry in New Ross before returning to her home county of Waterford. She is particularly interested in aesthetic dentistry and helping patients smile with confidence.

Emma aims to make every dental visit a positive one for all her patients and prides herself in her friendly chairside manner.
Outside of dentistry, Emma enjoys keeping active, painting, and playing the piano.

Dr Maibel Attaalla is known for her gentle, patient-focused approach and commitment to delivering high-quality, modern dental care. A graduate of Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, one of Europe’s most prestigious medical universities, she began her career in Sweden before relocating to Ireland.
Dr Attaalla has a special interest in endodontics, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, composite bonding, pain management, and TMJ disorders. She is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, functional, and confident smiles through minimally invasive and aesthetic treatments tailored to their individual needs.
With her calm and caring manner, Dr Attaalla ensures every patient feels comfortable and well supported throughout their dental journey.

Since having orthodontic treatment as a teenager, Aoife became fascinated with dentistry and decided to pursue this career path. When she began working, she soon found that she really enjoyed treating nervous patients and this is now her main field of expertise.

Aoife completed 5 years full time undergraduate training in University College Cork, she qualified with an honours degree in 2008.  She went on to do twelve months part time post graduate training with Dr. Paul Tipton in restorative dentistry. She completed weekend courses with Dr. Chris Charon for inhalation sedation training and also completed an eighteen month part time, post graduate training in conscious sedation and pain management from Eastman School of Dentistry in 2014.  Aoife continues upskilling each year with numerous courses per year in continuing professional development and takes part in yearly CPD courses in order to keep up to date with new advances and techniques in dentistry.

For over 10 years, Dr Jennifer Huston has been treating nervous dental patients under sedation. She has empowered countless individuals to receive the essential dental care they would otherwise have avoided.

Jennifer’s journey to becoming a dentist with a special interest in treating nervous patients began when she earned her honours dental degree from Trinity College Dublin.  Soon afterwards she realised her passion and skill for helping those with dental anxiety. She decided to pursue additional training in sedation dentistry and pain management in the prestigious Eastman Dental Hospital in London.

With over 10 years of experience, Jennifer has honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of nervous patients.  One of the hallmarks of Jennifer’s practice is her compassion and empathy. She takes the time to listen to her patients, understanding their fears and concerns. Her gentle demeanour and kind chairside manner put patients at ease from the moment they walk through the door. This personalised approach helps build trust, which is crucial when working with individuals who suffer from dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry allows patients to undergo dental procedures in a relaxed and anxiety-free state. Jennifer carefully tailors the level of sedation to each patient's needs, ensuring they feel comfortable and safe throughout their treatment.

Jennifer continues to update her knowledge and finetune her skills by regularly attending courses and seminars in dental sedation. She is a member of SAAD (Sedation, Analgesia and Anxiety Management for Dentistry), the International Society of Dental Anxiety Management and the Dental Sedation Teachers Group.

If you've been putting off essential dental treatment due to phobia, fear or anxiety please do not hesitate to contact Dr Jennifer Huston in Callan Dental. She will be delighted to look after you and help you achieve a healthier, happier smile.

Dr Sinead Allis graduated from University College Cork Dental School in 2002 and moved to the UK soon after. She spent 18 years working in the UK but has recently relocated back to Ireland with her family.

Sinead’s postgraduate studies include a Certificate in Endodontics (root canal treatment), Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties from the Royal College of Surgeons of England (MFDF RCS Eng) and a Masters in Conservative Dentistry (MSc).

In 2009, Sinead returned to full-time education to complete a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Conservative Dentistry at the Eastman Dental Hospital (UCL), London. This area of dentistry focuses on restoring or replacing damaged or missing teeth in a minimally invasive manner. It was while studying and working with specialist consultants at the Eastman that Sinead decided to focus her career on Implant dentistry. Following her Masters degree, she was a visiting lecturer at the Eastman Dental Institute on the Overseas Registration Examination courses.

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.

In her spare time, Sinead is a keen runner and cyclist. She has competed in marathons and triathlons, both at home and abroad, but the Irish sport Camogie was her first love.

Dr Halley is a specialist Oral Surgeon. She practices in our Waterford, Swords, Cabinteely, Carlow and Callan practices. Her practice is limited to oral surgery care.

In 2018, she was awarded a clinical doctorate in oral surgery from the Dublin Dental University Hospital achieving first class honours and the Dean’s prize.

Prior to this, Dr Halley had worked in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery units in the Dublin Dental University Hospital, St James’s Hospital, Bristol Dental Hospital and Cardiff giving her a strong foundation in the management and treatment of patients.

Evelyn joined the Callan Dental team back in 2008. She has a particular interest in treating nervous patients, children, patients on the autistic spectrum and patients with special needs.

Roisin has been a dental hygienist for over 15 years. She has a keen interest in treating periodontal disease and nervous patients. Outside of dentistry, Roisin works one day a week as a Reflexologist.

Stephanie is a registered dental hygienist who graduated with honours in dental hygiene. She likes to ensure that patients feel welcome and receive first class treatment with her friendly, warm and professional manner. She provides preventative oral hygiene treatments and ensures a gentle comforting approach for nervous patients. She helps motivate patients to enhance their oral care routine, for both a healthy and happy smile. She is an active member of the Irish Dental Council and the Irish Dental Hygienist Association and frequently attends dental conferences in order to continuously develop her skill set.

Having always had an interest in working with people and in health, Susanne initially qualified as a Registered General Nurse. She then went on to complete her Diploma in Dental hygiene in Dublin Dental School and Hospital/Trinity College Dublin in 2010. There she received a distinction as well as the award for best clinical achievement.

Susanne has worked within the dental team here at Callan Dental for 11 years and has enjoyed looking after the oral health of patients over the years. She has a huge interest in preventative dentistry, caring for nervous patients in a friendly and gentle manner.

Caroline Gillson is a Registered Dental Hygienist based in our Carlow practice. Caroline graduated as a Dental Hygienist from Trinity College Dublin in 2010. Since Graduating 15 years ago she has gained invaluable experience working in both specialist dental practices and general dental practices in Dublin, Kilkenny, Tipperary and now Carlow.

On returning to Trinity College Dublin in 2019, to study Orthodontic Therapy, Caroline Gillson graduated with Distinction and was awarded ‘Student of the Year.' Caroline has a great passion for improving oral health and has a very caring and gentle approach with the patients in her care.

In her spare time, Caroline enjoys spending time with her family and riding her horse.

Aoife Breen is a Hygienist at Dental Care Ireland Waterford and Callan

Liz qualified in London as a Dental Nurse in 1994 and worked at Harley Street Dental Clinic for 14 years. During this time, Liz assisted various specialists including Implantologists, Periodontists, Endodontists, Orthodontists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and provided general practice assistance and support to Dental Hygienists.

Liz completed The Dental Radiography course for Dental Nurses at The City University London in 1997, The Branemark Implant course for Dental Nurses in 1997, and The Straumann Implant course for Dental Nurses in 1999, all in London. In 2003, Liz undertook the Intravenous Sedation (IV) course for Dental Nurses and continued her professional development with another Sedation course at The Queen Mary University of London in 2018. In 2019, Liz completed the Implant Coordinator course at Straumann Headquarters in the U.K., enabling her to conduct Implant consultations. Most recently, Liz finished the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) training in 2022, qualifying her to perform CBCT scans.

For the past 12 years, Liz has been at DCI Callan, initially serving as Lead Nurse and currently holding roles as Implant Coordinator, Dental Radiographer, Dental Implant Nurse, and Dental Sedation Nurse. In her free time, Liz enjoys walking and watching her two daughters play Camogie.

Jessica Norris graduated from WIT with a bachelor degree in Business with Accounting.

Jessica started working in Healthcare in 2015 where she then began her career in management in 2018. She joined the Dental Care Ireland team in March 2020.

Outside of work, Jessica is passionate about spending time with family, sport and travel.