Neil Shanks
DENTIST
Neil graduated with BDS from Dundee in 2000 and came to work here at the practice in the same year. In 2003, he undertook training in dental implants and started placing implants at the practice in 2004. He became a partner here at the practice in 2008.
As part of his commitment to continuing professional development, Neil achieved a Diploma from the College of General Dentistry (MCGDent). He is also a member of the ADI (Association of Dental Implantology), ITI (International Team for Implantology), as well as the British Dental Association and attends courses at home and abroad to further his knowledge in all aspects of dental practice.
David Donaldson
DENTIST
David graduated from Glasgow University with a BDS in 2009 before joining the practice that same year. Over the years at the practice he has gained a wealth of experience through continued professional development with a particular interest in restorative dentistry, endodontics and more recently orthodontics. In 2021 he began providing clear aligner (braces) through Smilelign.
Fiona MacPherson
DENTIST
Fiona graduated from Glasgow University in 1996 and worked on the west coast for 4 years before settling in Edinburgh. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and gains satisfaction from helping patients achieve a confident smile.
Outwith dentistry she enjoys art, baking and spending time outside with her family and huge dogs!
Alison Shanks
DENTIST
Alison joined her husband Neil and the team at Shanks Dental Care in January 2024. She qualified from Dundee University in 2000 and has worked in general practice in Musselburgh since then. She is experienced in all aspects of dentistry and enjoys helping her patients achieve great smiles. She also provides facial aesthetic treatments.
Outside of work she enjoys keeping keeping fit, cooking and singing, as well as spending time with her family and dog.
Jade Davis
DENTIST
Jade qualified in 2006 from Dundee with a BSc Hons in pharmacology and physiological science; following this she studied Dentistry at Newcastle University where she qualified with a BDS in 2011. She carried out her vocational training in Newcastle and has worked in general practice in Scotland every since. Jade has a keen interest in all aspects of dentistry- in particular TMD, teeth whitening, minimally invasive and cosmetic dentistry.
She is very passionate about her job and has completed numerous post graduate dental courses over the years; This enables her to keep up to date with the latest advancements in the profession and provide a high standard of care to her patients using the latest techniques. Jade is particularly good with nervous patients and children; and loves creating beautiful smiles with smile makeovers.
Karen Stainton
dental hygienist
Karen qualified as a dental hygienist from the Edinburgh School of Dental Hygiene in 1988. She has worked in general practice throughout her career, working alongside a team educating and motivating patients in good oral health.
In her spare time, Karen enjoys walking and cooking for friends and family. She has been married for 32 years and has 2 grown up children.
Joanne Donaldson
Practice Manager
Joanne started her dental nurse training in the practice in 2006. She worked here for nearly 11 years before a career break to have her two children, and we were delighted when she came back to work part time at the end of 2021.
Joanne undertook management training in June 2023 and is now the Practice Manager, helping with the day to day running of the practice 4 days a week.
Nicole Whitelaw
dental Nurse
Nicole started with the team as a placement whilst studying for her dental nursing qualification in 2012. She gained her qualification in 2014. Nicole worked in another practice after qualifying until she returned as a full time member of staff at Shanks Dental Care in January 2016.
Nicole is a qualified First Aider and she works alongside Neil Shanks as an implant nurse. She gained a qualification in Dental Radiography in 2019.
Sarah Miller
dental Nurse
Sarah began her placement with us in August 2014 when she started training for her dental nursing qualification at Edinburgh college. She formally joined the team in June 2015. Sarah gained her Dental nursing qualification in 2016.
She is interested in developing her career along the lines of Childsmile nursing, and oral health education.
Lucy Ainslie
dental Nurse
Lucy qualified as a dental nurse in 2015. After gaining experience in other practices, she joined the team here in 2018. Lucy enjoys every aspect of the job, but especially working with children-she completed her Childsmile qualification in 2019 and enjoys working with families.
Lucy is currently working part time while she pursues a career in paediatric nursing.
Suzanne Hardie
dental Nurse
Suzanne started out in dentistry in 1992 as a trainee. She attended Edinburgh’s Telford College doing night school, and qualified in 1995. She has worked at various practices, and joined our team in 2019. She enjoys general practice and prides herself on her patient care.
She is one of our implant nurses and has an enormous amount of experience in dentistry.
Nicole Boak
dental Nurse
Nicole joined the practice in 2021 as a trainee dental nurse at the same time as she started her studying at Edinburgh College. She gained her dental nursing qualification in 2024 and is keen to do further training in dental implants.
Alicja Andryszczyk
dental Nurse
Alicja did work experience at the practice while at High School in September 2016 and since then has had her mind set on becoming a dental nurse. As soon as she graduated High School in 2019, she began studying at Edinburgh College and returned to the practice as a trainee dental nurse to gain her practical experience prior to qualifying.
Alicja qualified in 2023 and has already completed a radiography qualification in 2024.
Jill Rafferty
Qualified Childsmile Nurse
Jill joined the practice in 2023 and has brought with her a wealth of experience, having qualified in 1998. She is a qualified Childsmile nurse and is also one of our implant nurses.
She loves all aspects of dentistry and is great at helping put anxious patients at ease.
Sam Munro
Reception Team
Sam joined the practice in 1994. After working in the dental surgery for 2 years, she moved to join the reception team and has worked there since. If anyone knows how to manage the dentists' diaries, it is Sam!
Karen Spears
Reception Team
Karen joined the practice in 2004 and gained her dental nursing qualification in 2006. She used to work in surgery but is now part of our reception team. Karen still keeps her hand in, working in the surgery when required.
Laura Kennedy
Reception Team
Laura joined the reception team in December 2021 after Sandra (our fantastic receptionist for over 10 years) retired. Sandra provided her initial training and she has picked up the skills required in her new role very quickly. Laura is from a retail background and is enjoying the new challenges of this role.
