Dental Team Douglas, Cork

Dr Bernard Murphy received his BDS qualification from University College Cork in 1990. A native of Cork, Bernard grew up in Cork City.

Following graduation from UCC, Bernard worked in general practice in Kent, England until 1992.

He then returned to Ireland and opened a number of dental practices in Carlow and Wexford. He is now delighted to finally have the opportunity to practice in his hometown.

Bernard has been actively involved in the Irish Dental Association since 1992. He is former Chairman of the Irish Dental Council; the professional body of the dental profession in Ireland, where he played an active role in promoting high standards of professional education and professional conduct among dentists.

A dad of 3, he enjoys cycling and boating particularly in the West Cork area.

Dr Meabh Long joined Dental Care Ireland Dougals in June 2022. As a Cork native, Meabh is delighted to be returning home to practice dentistry in her local area. She qualified from Cork University Dental school and Hospital in 2018 with an Honours degree. While in UCC, Meabh was awarded first place for an Ormco award for Excellence in Clinical Orthodontics. In 2017, Meabh travelled to a remote village, Tistung, Nepal with Dental Outreach where she carried out preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, and oral surgery.

Following graduation, Dr Meabh worked full time in a busy NHS and private practice in Kent, England. 

Upon returning to Ireland Meabh worked in Claregalway, Co. Galway where she continued to develop her interest in preventative dentistry. She has a gentle approach to assessing and treating patients, always having their best interests at heart. Her calm demeanour and friendly face aims to create a warm atmosphere to help put patients at ease. She takes time to ensure each patient understands their treatment plan and answers any questions before beginning treatment.

Originally from Kerry, Dr Donagh McElligott graduated with Honours from Cork University Dental School and Hospital in 2021, achieving the prestigious Kerr Award for Highest Clinical Attainment in Final Year Restorative Dentistry. He has since completed the Dip. PCD and MFD post-graduate examinations with RCSI in Dublin.

Following graduation, Donagh spent three years working full time in general practice in Arklow, Co. Wicklow, before returning to Cork where he held the position of Restorative Senior House Officer at Cork University Dental School and Hospital until July 2025. He has a particular interest in composite bonding and preventative dentistry and regularly completes advanced training courses to further develop his skills.

Now living in Cork, Donagh is known for his friendly and approachable manner. He takes time to ensure patients feel at ease and fully informed throughout their dental treatment.

Dr Saoirse O'Connor graduated from Cork University Dental School and Hospital in 2021 receiving the Dental Council Best Student award for the highest overall mark in the clinical programme and the Gold Medal Award for Restorative Dentistry.

Following graduation, she worked in private practice in South Dublin for 3 years during which time she
completed the Diploma in Primary Care Dentistry RCSI and was awarded Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry RCSI.

Saoirse is an active member of the Irish Dental Association, involved in multiple committees and regularly attends courses both in Ireland and abroad.
Outside of work Saoirse enjoys yoga and pilates - she is a qualified yoga teacher and spent a year in Boston as a dancer in a ballet company.

Dr. Ryan Hennessy is an implantologist based in Dental Care Ireland Douglas. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2006. Dr Hennessy is a provider of Zimmer Implants, having completed his post-graduate training with Dr. Spencer Woolfe in the Harcourt Clinic Dublin.

In 2021, Dr. Ryan Hennessy was awarded the Fellowship of the International College of Dentists (FICD) for “outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service, and dedication to the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind.”

He has previously been chairperson of the General Practitioners Group of the Irish Dental Association. He also represented the association on the Practitioners Health Matters Program, a group that provides support to doctors and dentists dealing with the effects of stress, burnout, mental health difficulties or who may have an alcohol or drug misuse problem.

He has spoken at several national dental conferences and debated on topics such as independent practice, dental marketing, and the future of dentistry. Dr. Ryan Hennessy is married to Danielle, and they live near Fermoy Co. Cork with their three childred

Michelle Lyne rejoined the team at Dental Care Ireland Douglas in August 2020 having been with us when we opened back in 2014 and we are delighted to say she has returned to us providing dental hygiene.

Michelle graduated with honours as a dental hygienist from Cork University Dental School & Hospital in 2009. Since then she worked in a number of specialist practices in Edinburgh, London and Australia working alongside periodontists and other specialists. During this time she gained invaluable experience in assessing and treating periodontal disease and in educating people on the best ways to maintain their oral hygiene. Michelle returned to her home town of Cork in 2014 and she then joined our practice.

Michelle is a friendly, caring and gentle hygienist who is passionate about helping to improve oral health for all the family. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children.

Gemma began her Dental career in 2001, graduating from UCC as a Dental Nurse. After 15 years working in many dental practices, Gemma went on to study Dental Hygiene and graduated from UCC in 2016. She is enthusiastic about her job and is fully committed to each and every patient.

She describes herself as a self-confessed perfectionist, and is a calm and reassuring presence to all her patients. In her spare time she enjoys spending quality time with her family, loves music and going to live gigs.

Julieanne began her dental career here as a dental nurse, where her passion for oral health inspired her to further her education. She graduated with honours in Dental Hygiene from University College Cork in 2025. During her studies, she was awarded the DMI Student Health Award for the highest mark in the presentation of an oral health information leaflet. 

Before training as a dental hygienist, Julieanne completed a first-class honours degree in Social Science from UCC. Her academic background reflects a strong foundation in people-focused care, which now shapes her patient-centred approach to oral health.

Julieanne is passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain healthy gums and teeth. She provides personalised oral hygiene routines to support long-term gum health.

Her calm, friendly manner helps put nervous patients at ease, and she is dedicated to delivering high-quality care with a gentle, professional approach. Julieanne is registered with the Irish Dental Council and is a member of the Irish Dental Hygienists Association.

Denisa is a qualified dental hygienist who joined Dental Care Ireland Douglas in 2024 after graduating from University College Cork. She provides high-quality dental hygiene care under the supervision of a dentist, with a strong focus on prevention and patient education.

Before qualifying as a hygienist, Denisa worked as a dental nurse in both Canada and Dublin. Gaining valuable experience in a variety of clinical settings. She also holds a Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (Oral Health), completed in 2022 through the University of Galway, and is fully registered with the Dental Council of Ireland.

Friendly and professional, Denisa is dedicated to helping patients feel at ease while supporting them in achieving lifelong oral health.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, exploring nature, travelling, working out, and socialising with friends.

Roberta Omelus is the Practice Manager of Dental Care Ireland Douglas. Roberta hails from Vancouver, Canada and graduated with honours from Vancouver College in 2012 as a Certified Dental Assistant. She worked as a Dental Nurse in Cork for 9 years in both general and specialist practices before taking over as Practice Manager at Dental Care Ireland Douglas. Roberta is passionate about ensuring a great patient experience. In her spare time she enjoys tending to her garden and watching rugby.