At Barnton Dental, we’re dedicated to giving every patient the highest standards of dental care and a positive and comfortable experience on every visit. Trust our friendly, approachable and caring dentists, hygienists and support staff to help you make the most of your beautiful healthy smile. Find out more about us below!
Dr Ian Ollerhead is the principal dentist at Barnton Dental. He grew up in Edinburgh before qualifying from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne Dental School in 2005. He has considerable experience in private general dentistry and his areas of clinical expertise include comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry with particular experience in the use of digital dentistry and the Invisalign orthodontic system. As a result, he is one of the only Platinum Elite level Invisalign providers in Scotland and has treated over 1000 patients with the system.
Ian is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons through examination and has completed a four-year postgraduate master’s degree in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Leeds. He is one of very few dentists to hold this qualification and his level of training is of great benefit to patients of the practice. He has previously held a teaching position at the University of Glasgow and recently has also been awarded the prestigious Diploma in Clear Aligner Therapy by the City of London Dental School.
Outside of work, he is kept very busy by his two young daughters.
Ian looks forward to welcoming you to the practice.
Dr Matthew Dunsmore graduated from Dundee University Dental School and has since embarked on a master’s degree in Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry at the University of Manchester. He has also undergone a significant amount of enhanced postgraduate training in implant dentistry and sedation, and accepts referrals from colleagues for these advanced treatment options.
Matthew joined the team at Barnton Dental in July 2016.
Eleri joined Barnton Dental in 2025. She graduated from the University of Bristol in 2007 and has since built a reputation as a highly skilled and respected clinician. Eleri has considerable experience of private dental care in Edinburgh and has also acted as a mentor to several newly qualified dentists alongside her work in general practice.
She enjoys the variety of working in general practice and the continuity of seeing the same patients regularly. Eleri loves helping people feel more confident about visiting the dentist and making them happier with their smile. She has a particular interest in preventive dentistry and treating nervous patients.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Dr Jonathan Ogle graduated from the University of Dundee in 2014. Having lived and worked in London for eight years, he moved back to Edinburgh and joined the team at Barnton Dental in May 2024.
Jonathan enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, and has recently completed a year-long endodontics (root canal) training programme. He is also a qualified Invisalign treatment provider.
Dr Verena Toedtling graduated from the University of Dundee in 2007 and obtained her Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. In 2012, Verena began her higher surgical training in Oral Surgery at the University of Manchester, where she worked as a lecturer, and completed a four-year clinical and academic training programme with a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST).
Alongside her specialist training, she gained a Master’s in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Dental Public Health, and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy from the University of Manchester. She obtained Specialist Membership in Oral Surgery in 2015 from the Dental Faculty of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and registered as a specialist Oral Surgeon with the General Dental Council. Verena also completed her implantology qualification and was awarded Fellowship of the International Congress of Oral Implantologist in New York.
Verena works with the Science Research and Innovation group of the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). She provides expert advice and reviews submission of clinical investigations enabling novel devices to reach patients. Verena has served on the educational committee of the British Academic Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, is a Board Member of the Manchester Medical Society, and has also worked with the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme on clinical guidelines.
In addition to this, Verena is actively involved in research, she has published an assortment of scientific papers and has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Amsterdam (ACTA).
Karis is Dr Ollerhead’s wife, and she joined the team as Business Manager in 2024 after taking a career break to look after their two young daughters. Prior to that, she had spent over 15 years working as a commercial bank manager working with many businesses, including a period where she specialised in the healthcare sector.
Karis assists with all the financial aspects of the business and works closely with our suppliers whilst liaising with the clinical team to ensure the smooth running of the practice.
You may see Karis around the practice when she is not either busy in her office or busy at home chasing after her girls.
Gayle achieved the National Examination for Dental Nurses in May 2008 and went on to complete her qualification in Implant Dental Nursing in June 2009. She also achieved a qualification in IV sedation in February 2024.
Gayle joined the team at Barnton Dental in 2009. She loves welcoming patients with a friendly smile, and making them feel more at ease during surgical treatments. She also enjoys her sedation role and helping people overcome their dental fears.
Outside of work, Gayle plays hockey for Livingston Ladies 1st team. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going on holiday to the sunshine.
Gillian achieved her NEBDN in 1992 at Telford College. She joined Barnton Dental in January 2019.
Gillian enjoys smile makeover cases, and loves seeing patients delighted with their end results and leaving the practice with their confidence high.
Outside of work, Gillian likes travelling and going for walks with her dog. She also enjoys a good TV series binge!
Lauren joined the team at Barnton Dental in October 2025, bringing with her a fresh perspective and a dedicated approach to patient care. Her journey into the profession reached a major milestone in July 2024, when she completed her mentoring and clinical training to pass her dental nursing exams.
With a natural passion for helping others, Lauren finds her role incredibly rewarding. She takes great pride in supporting patients through their treatments and finds it particularly fulfilling to see how improved dental health can transform a person’s confidence. Lauren is committed to ensuring every patient feels at ease and well-informed.
When she isn’t at the practice, Lauren stays active and energised by going to the gym or exploring the outdoors on walks. A keen cook, she also enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Nazia is a skilled and experienced dental nurse who earned her SVQ Level 3 from Telford College in 2016. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to the dental team.
Nazia is passionate about the positive impact dental care has on a person’s life. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to help patients improve their oral health and regain their confidence. She is particularly skilled at easing patient anxiety, ensuring that even the most nervous visitors feel supported and relaxed throughout their appointment.
When she is not in the clinic, Nazia enjoys broadening her horizons through travel and loves to spend her time immersed in a good book.
Amrita studied at Edinburgh College and qualified with a SVQ in Dental Nursing Level 7 in 2023 and joined the team at Barnton Dental in the same year. She made the decision to change careers and is very glad she has become a dental nurse.
Amrita finds it very rewarding when she can help to relieve pain that patients are in, and loves seeing patients grow in confidence after their dental treatment.
Outside of work, Amrita enjoys spending time with her family and going for walks.
Patrycja is a dedicated Dental Nurse who joined the Barnton Dental team in October 2025. A graduate of Edinburgh College, she earned her HNC in Oral Healthcare: Dental Nursing in 2025, providing her with a solid clinical foundation and a modern approach to patient care.
For Patrycja, the most rewarding aspect of her profession is the opportunity to provide high-quality care to every patient she meets. She finds deep professional satisfaction in assisting with treatments that provide relief from pain, improve a patient’s appearance, and ultimately restore their confidence in their smile. Her calm and attentive nature ensures that patients feel supported throughout their dental journey.
Away from the clinic, Patrycja is a true lover of nature. She is an avid gardener and a keen reader, often spending her free time enjoying the peace of the outdoors. Above all, she treasures time spent with her family, whether they are exploring local trails or simply enjoying the fresh air together.
Erin joined the practice in January 2025, bringing with her a robust academic background and a genuine passion for patient-centered care. Erin graduated in 2025 with qualifications including an HNC in Dental Nursing, an SVQ Level 7, and a PDA in Dental Nursing.
Erin has an empathetic approach to patient care that truly sets her apart. She finds the most rewarding aspect of her role to be supporting patients throughout their clinical journey. She takes pride in reassuring and calming patients and creating a positive experience for them.
Outside of the practice, Erin enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family. An enthusiast of the outdoors, she is also likely to be found exploring the local countryside on long walks with her beloved dog, Roxy.
Alana achieved her NEBDN diploma in dental nursing in 2011, and went on to graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Oral Health Sciences from the University of Edinburgh in 2023. She joined the team at Barnton Dental in December 2023.
Alana loves chatting with her patients and catching up with colleagues. She enjoys being able to make a difference to her patients’ oral health and seeing the results they can achieve together.
She likes having the time to go into depth and educate her patients on oral health in order to make a true difference.
Outside of work, Alana enjoys hiking and trips away for Munro bagging. She also loves going to the gym, skiing, and catching up with family and friends. She can often be found taking her dog on long walks at the beach and trying out new restaurants (preferably dog-friendly ones!).
Devanshi graduated with a Bachelors of Dental Surgery in India in 2021. She went on to complete her Master’s of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh in September 2023. Devanshi then worked on getting her license as a dental hygienist and therapist in the UK, and was registered with the GDC in April 2024.
Devanshi joined the practice in January 2025 and loves working in such a supportive and friendly environment.
Devanshi thrives in a clinical setting, something she realised during her studies for her Master’s degree. She loves being able to give her patients a squeaky clean smile and enjoys building a bond with them. She finds it fascinating how we are all so different, yet still the same.
Outside of work, Devanshi loves to read, especially fiction novels. Travelling makes her soul happy and good food makes it even happier! She learned to do calligraphy during the pandemic and has enjoyed the artform ever since. Also, Devanshi is always up for good company and heartfelt conversations with friends and family.
Miriam graduated from Cork University Dental School & Hospital in 2014, gaining her diploma in Dental Hygiene. She joined the team at Barnton Dental in 2017.
Miriam is very keen and interested in preventive dental health and treating nervous patients.
Miriam works in the practice on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Ahila completed her dental degree in 2013, and followed this by achieving her Master’s in Periodontology in 2017 in India. She is currently registered with the GDC in the UK as a dental and orthodontic therapist. Ahila joined our practice in September 2024 as a dental hygienist.
Ahila loves being able to make a real difference in people’s lives through better oral health. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to not only help her patients improve their smiles but also to educate them on the importance of oral hygiene and how it connects to their overall well-being.
She enjoys building trust and creating comfortable, positive experiences for patients. Ahila also appreciates the variety that comes with her role, from performing cleanings and assessments to exploring the latest tools and techniques in the field. It keeps the work dynamic and exciting.
Outside of work, Ahila enjoys reading and travelling.
Our friendly team is ready to book your appointment or answer your questions
