About Cherrybank Dental Spa
Our mission is to deliver *pain free dentistry to the people of Edinburgh
Every member of the Cherrybank Dental team is devoted to ensuring that their skills and knowledge remain at the forefront of dentistry, so we can deliver the best *pain free dentistry in Edinburgh.
Many first-time dentistry patients to Cherrybank are amazed and reassured by our approach. We often have patients tell us that they have a feeling their previous dentist experiences of quick visits for a ‘check-up’ are taking a ‘patch-up’ approach to their mouths, which may not be the best in the long-term. Technology and preventive science have come a long way in dentistry.
Meet your *Pain Free Dentists
Chris McCrudden
Chris qualified from Dundee Dental School in 1999. He joined The Cherrybank team in 2007. His goal is simply to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible whilst under his care.
His passion for cosmetic dentistry has led him to undertake countless professional development courses both in the UK and around the world, to keep up with the everchanging face of modern dentistry.
Some of these are as follows :
- Master’s Certificate in Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry from the Rosenthal Institute New York
- Six Months Smiles Certification, *Invisalign Certification
- Dental Implantology from Cambridge Academy of Implantology
- The AO4 Concept with the Malo Clinic Portugal.
He also has a special interest in Endodontics (root canal treatment) for which he uses the latest operating microscope and rotary instruments.
He is a member of :
- The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- The British Endodontic Society
- The International Team for Implantology ITI
- The Association of Dental Implantology
Umair Mohammed
Umair graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Dundee University in 2010 and shortly after moved to Edinburgh to begin his dental career.
After two years of further training in a busy general practice, as well as in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline and Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy he travelled to Australia to continue his professional development, returning to Edinburgh a year later.
Umair is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (MFDS RCS Edi). He also has a postgraduate certificate in Sports Dentistry from the UCL Dental Institute Eastman (London) and will be the first cohort of students to commence the prestigious MSc Sports Dentistry programme at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London in September 2019.
Umair is affiliated with Edinburgh and Scotland Rugby, Cricket Scotland and Heart of Midlothian Football Club, providing a helping hand on match days and ensuring players remain dentally fit and addressing any dental concerns that the athletes have.
Umair’s main area of interest within dentistry is to provide minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry and is trained to provide popular cosmetic orthodontic systems from Invisalign, Quick Straight Teeth and Cfast.
Away from dentistry Umair is married and has recently had his first child in June 2019. A keen cricketer, he has represented Scotland gaining two caps. He continues to play and is captain of Forfarshire Cricket Club.
Nik Vourakis
Dr Vourakis special interest and main qualification is in Oral Implantology while he has wide experience in all forms of dentistry.
Nik has been a practicing dental surgeon since 2005 after graduating from the prestigious Military Academy Medical School at the University of Thessaloniki, Greece.For 2 years undertook training at Oral and Maxillofacial Department in 401 Military Hospital in Athens. As a military dental surgeon, he then went on to serve as a team leader in a field hospital in Afghanistan from 2006-2007 -an experience which shaped his commitment and dedication to his chosen field.
On returning to Greece, opened his own private dental practice which he ran with great success from 2007 -2016, specializing in oral surgery implants and aesthetic dentistry. Since early 2017Nik is practicing oral surgery in private clinics in Edinburgh and London.
Nik has regularly and dedicatedly attended further education programs, seminars, workshops and courses both nationally and internationally. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Oral Implantology from Ethnikon Kapodistriakon University of Athens and a Master of Science Degree(MSc) in Oral Implantology from Goethe University of Frankfurt Germany. These masterclass courses involved a variety of procedures ranging from master courses in bone grafting and sinus surgery grafting procedures through soft tissue management to Implantology, prosthetics and dental aesthetics.
Since 2018 he has started a mentoring program for general dentists in Oral Implantology and he is an opinion leader for DENTSPLY Sirona. He is a registered ITI member. In 2018 he was a finalist for Dentist of the Year The Dental Awards UK.
Elaine Halley
Dr. Elaine Halley is a highly trained and experienced general and cosmetic dentist who attracts patients from Perth, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Fife, Dundee, and all over Scotland. In order to maintain her knowledge of the very latest in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and spa treatments, she is a member of:
- British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – Accredited Member
- The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- British Dental Association
- Association of Dental Implantology (UK)
- British Dental Health Foundation
Dr. Elaine Halley has completed master’s level work in advanced cosmetic dentistry as taught at the Rosenthal Institute in New York – the first cosmetic dentist in Scotland to have done so. She is also an instructor of advanced cosmetic dentistry at the Eastman Dental Hospital in London.
Dr. Halley is also the only dentist in Scotland to achieve Accreditation to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Currently, there are only a handful of clinicians country-wide who have managed to attain this prestigious award, making Dr Halley’s achievement all the more exceptional.
Dr. Halley is in demand not only as a cosmetic dentist in Scotland, but also internationally as a lecturer, both to dentists and to business owners. She serves on the Editorial Board for the national dental journals Private Dentistry and Aesthetic Dentistry and she is a judge for the Private Dentistry annual awards.
Meet the *Pain Free support team
Aminah
I am the practice manager here at Cherrybank Dental Spa. I have worked in the dental field for 10 years as a dental nurse and implant co-ordinator, I joined the team at Cherrybank in June 2024. The team at Cherrybank Dental Spa are so wonderful and welcoming, I am grateful for this opportunity to work for the Pain Free Dentistry Group.
Outside of work, I like to spend time with family, friends and my two cats. I like to keep active and enjoy boxing and long walks. I try to do my part and volunteer with charity organisations and help those less fortunate – this year I will visit Türkiye to help Syrian refugees, giving back is very important to me as it is a good reminder to be grateful for what we have.
Kirsty
Hello, I’m Kirsty and I’m one of the Dental Therapists here at Cherrybank. I have worked here since 2014 and previously worked as a dental nurse.
I am extremely passionate about working with our patients, nervous or not, to gain and maintain great oral hygiene. I love travelling and going on holidays.
When at home I am a big foodie and love cooking. I studied Dramatic arts when I was younger and enjoy going to see films and performances at the theatre.
Lauren
Lauren graduated from the University of Dundee with a BSc in Oral Health Sciences in 2008 and has been at Cherrybank Dental Spa since 2012.
Tammy
Hi, I’m Tammy and I’m one of the smile advisors here at Cherrybank. I’ve worked here since 2013 and previously worked on our front desk. I love helping nervous patients to gain the confidence to overcome any nerves or anxiety. There’s nothing better than seeing the transformation from start to finish!
I studied English Literature after leaving school, so love reading in my spare time. I also enjoy cooking, going out for food and drinks with my boyfriend and catching up with friends.
I’m originally from Northern Ireland and try to get back as much as possible to visit my family there.
Rhona
My name is Rhona, I have been one of the front desk coordinators here at Cherrybank Dental Spa since 2015. As the first point of contact at the practice I really enjoy meeting the patients and seeing them go through their journey from being very unhappy or nervous to having confident smiles.
In my spare time I love walking my two dogs a westie and a collie. Playing golf and socialising with friends and family.
Grainne Reilly
Hi there, my name is Grainne and I am a dental nurse here at Cherrybank.
I previously worked as a Beauty Therapist in Ireland before moving to Edinburgh and joining the practice in January 2021 as a front of house coordinator. During my time at Cherrybank, I have developed a keen interest in dentistry and have decided to further my career by training as a dental nurse.
I like to assist during cosmetic and orthodontic procedures and enjoy playing an active role in our patients journey to achieve a smile they are proud of. In my spare time, I love to explore the city and go for dinner!
Nic
I’m Nic and I work as a Front of house Co-Ordinator here at Cherrybank Edinburgh. I’ve been with the company since April 2018. Prior to starting my job here I worked as a receptionist within the beauty industry.
My passion is music and I love going to gigs. I love Oasis, Liam Gallagher and The Stone Roses amongst others!!! I also enjoy weekends away, sunny holidays, fine dining and socialising with my friends!!!
Raluca Badminton
Luca is one of our dental nurses here at Cherrybank Dental Spa. Luca qualified in 2017 with an NEBDN Diploma. Luca likes working alongside our dentists and looking after the wellbeing of patients during their treatments. She has a particular interest in cosmetic and surgical procedures.
In her spare time Luca likes spending time with her family and enjoys being outdoors.
Rachel Cosgrove
I’m Rachel and I’m a qualified dental nurse at Cherrybank Dental Spa, having recently achieved my SVQ 3 SCQF Level 7 and PDA in Dental Nursing.
I started my career at Cherrybank as a trainee in November 2021 and they put me through my training.
I really enjoy working at this practice as I find my job interesting all of my colleagues great and our patients lovely!
In my spare time I like to meet up with friends and try lots of new restaurants as I’m a bit of a foodie. I have a dog called Nala who I like to take on long walks at the weekend.
Chloe
I’m a qualified Dental Nurse at Cherrybank Dental Spa. I have been working at Cherrybank since January 2024 and really enjoying working with the friendliest team and meeting our lovely patients. I really like nursing alongside all of our clinicians, reassuring patients throughout their journey in a relaxing environment, particularly in oral surgery and smile design cases.
In my spare time I really enjoy trying out new restaurants followed by a couple of cocktails and spending time with my 2 dogs Poppy and Bruno.
Rachael
I am a qualified dental nurse here at Cherrybank Dental Spa. I started my journey here at Cherrybank in June 2023 where they helped me through my training and exams. I enjoy my job here at as I like nursing alongside our Pain Free Dentists helping patients to achieve their dream smile.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking my dogs Luca and George on walks. I also enjoy traveling and going out to eat.
Our *Pain Free Certified Team
Nik Vourakis
Nik Vourakis is a Certified *Pain Free Dentist Click Here to Verify
Umair Mohammed
Umair Mohammed is a Certified *Pain Free Dentist Click Here to Verify
Chris McCrudden
Chris McCrudden is a Certified *Pain Free Dentist Click Here to Verify
Kirsty Gilhooley
Kirsty Gilhooley is a Certified *Pain Free Therapist Click Here to Verify
Lauren Long
Lauren Long is a Certified *Pain Free Therapist Click Here to Verify