Our team

Dr Nina Holmes, BDS

Dentist

Nina graduated from Glasgow Dental School in 2003 with a keen interest in cosmetic dentistry. She worked as an associate at a practice on the outskirts of Glasgow, before joining the team at Stepps in 2005. Dr Holmes has completed various courses by esteemed speakers, enabling her to confidently discuss all forms of treatment plans with patients. She is happy to treat patients for general family dentistry as well as those patients wishing to enhance their smiles. Many patients have improved their smiles and as a result their confidence by having smile makeover's carried out by Dr Holmes. In 2008, Dr Holmes began placing Straumann Dental Implants, and continues to expand her knowledge in this exciting area of dentistry. She regularly works alongside Mr Jeff Downie, enabling all varieties of surgical work to be carried out at Stepps Ahead Dental Care. Nina Holmes is thrilled to have the expertise of Mr Downie available at the practice and is happy to take referals for implants from local dentists.

Dr Colin Freer, BDS

Dentist

Colin qualified from Glasgow Dental School in 1994. Following graduation he worked in a variety of practices in Glasgow and Falkirk, including a private practice in the city centre. Dr Freer has also spent some time working in Australia. Whilst down under he increased his wide experience of the dental specialties, working in hospital and school dentistry as well as the flying doctor service! In 2007 he joined the Stepps practice. He is committed to providing the highest quality family dentistry but with his wide experience of cosmetic and reconstructive dental procedures Dr Freer can also cater for all of your aesthetic dental needs.

Mr Jeff Downie, BDS MBCHB FRCS OMFS FDS RCS FDS RCPS

Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Downie is a consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who has a specialist interest in Facial Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgery. He currently practices facial surgery in the West of Scotland, split between Glasgow and Forth Valley. His NHS sub-speciality is facial deformity and post traumatic facial reconstruction. In addition he treats skin cancers and salivary gland disease. He is trained in all aspects of hard and soft tissue oral-facial surgery. Mr Downie first qualified with commendations from Edinburgh University in 1991. He is qualified in Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry. His basic general surgical and maxillofacial training was undertaken in the West of Scotland and Tayside. Following this postgraduate training he has been awarded fellowships in surgery from the Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Royal College of Surgeons.

Dr Ciarán Ferris, BDS

Dentist

Ciarán graduated from Dundee Dental School in 2010. She joined the Stepps Ahead team in August 2010 and currently works with us on a Wednesday and Thursday, spending the rest of her week working in a Community Dental Centre in Coatbridge where her focus is child and special care dentistry. She spent a year in Kenya in 2004 working with deprived orphans in various care homes and slums. Most recently she worked in Vietnam and India where she carried out vital dental treatments to those who could not receive it otherwise. All this experience means that Ciarán brings enthusiasm and a high level of commitment to the team as well as a high quality of care for all her patients. Ciarán especially enjoys treating children and welcomes the challenges that Community dentistry brings her. She also has an interest in restorative dentistry and oral surgery which she looks forward to pursuing in the future.

Laura Foster, BDS

Dentist

Laura graduated from Glasgow Dental School in June 2011. In August 2011 Laura joined the Stepps Ahead team to complete her vocational training year. She spends Monday and Tuesday working here, whilst spending the remainder of the week at a practice in Largs. In 2010 Laura travelled to Costa Rica and Panama where she delivered dental care to communities that have been relatively untouched by modern world. This was a very rewarding experience where Laura witnessed first-hand the importance of emphasising dental hygiene and therefore prevention from a young age. Laura is enthusiastic about all areas of family dentistry and ultimately a healthier smile for everyone.

Catriona Walker

Hygienist

Catriona has worked in dental care since leaving school. She qualified as a dental nurse at Glasgow Dental Hospital and School in 2006. She then specialised in restorative dentistry before furthering her career and training as a dental hygienist within the Dental Hospital. Catriona has a particular interest in Oral Health Promotion believing that prevention is a key aspect to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Her person centred skills enable her to relate well to patients motivating them to achieve good outcomes.

Eilidh

Head Dental Nurse

Eilidh graduated from Glasgow Dental Hospital in 1995. She went on to gain qualifications in implant and advanced restorative dentistry. Eilidh joined the practice in Stepps in 2006 as our head dental nurse, she later completed the Childsmile programme. This allows her to interact with our young patients on a one to one basis. She also has a keen interest in implant surgery and continues to enjoy assisting with this specialist care. Eilidh is a keen runner but most of all enjoys walking her dog.

Margaret-Ann

Dental Nurse

Mags has worked at the dental practice in Stepps for over 20 years. She has a vast knowledge of working within a dental practice and enjoys dealing with patients and their individual needs. Mags favourite aspect of her job is getting to know patients, especially helping nervous patients to feel relaxed in the dental environment. In her spare time she enjoys socialising with family and friends, going out for walks and cooking.

Stephanie

Dental Nurse

Stephanie gained her dental nursing qualification in June 2010 and joined the Stepps Ahead team in October of that year to assist with Joannes maternity leave. She has become a valued member of the team and is very enthusiastic about her job. Stephanie says she enjoys seeing the variety of cosmetic treatment carried out within the practice and likes seeing the difference we can make to peoples lives. Outside work, she loves to spend quality time with her family and friends.

Lynn

Trainee Dental Nurse

Lynn recently joined our team as a trainee nurse after working in the hospitality industry for the last few years. She has always enjoyed meeting new people and is enthusiastic about learning new skills and techniques in her new venture in dentistry. In her spare time, Lynn enjoys spending time with her son and socialising with friends and family."

Gillian

Receptionist/Dental Nurse

Gillian has worked at the dental practice for over 16 years. She initially started as a trainee dental nurse before becoming a full time nurse. These days Gillian can generally be found helping patients at the reception desk but feels the experience and knowledge she has gained over the years are invaluable in her role as part of the reception team. When not at work, Gillian enjoys travelling to sunnier climates.

Elaine

Receptionist

Elaine is our longest serving member of staff, having worked at the practice for over 30 years. Her years of experience working in all different aspects of the practice make her well placed to help patients with all questions and enquiries. Elaine is a keen gardener and in the summer months, can often be found tending to the Stepps Ahead flower boxes!