Dr. Elaine Halley is the founder of Edinburgh’s Cherrybank Dental Spa and was President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 2009. Elaine and her team at Cherrybank are proud to provide patients with some of the UK’s finest cosmetic dentistry services and enjoy giving each patient the beautiful smile they deserve. We spoke to Elaine about cosmetic dentistry, her impressive qualifications and being a working mother…
What sets Cherrybank apart from other dental practices?
We have a very different approach to dentistry than has been traditional in this country.
Firstly, the comfort of our clients is our biggest priority – and we think of every little thing we can do to make a visit to the dentist pleasurable, such as baking bread to improve the smell, massage pads, paraffin hand-wax during treatment, DVD glasses so you can watch a movie etc.
Secondly, we believe that health is of ultimate importance. Our dental team regularly attend training in the USA. Although this is quite a commitment, it insures our patients can receive the very best there is. For instance, we offer dental health screening (including screening for oral cancer) and preventive care which is second to none.
Thirdly, we believe in involving our clients in the decision making process about what is best for their mouths now and in the long term. We use the very latest technology to let you see what is going on in your own mouth and offer the very best and latest treatment options as appropriate.
Patients come to see us for all sorts of reasons – from wanting whiter or straighter teeth, to the full Hollywood smile or simply to have a healthy mouth and keep their teeth for a lifetime.
Can you tell us about your career path?
I studied dentistry at Edinburgh University, qualifying in 1992. Following this I worked in Cambridgeshire and East London while I took further postgraduate study at the Royal College of Surgeons in London before returning to Scotland to set up my first practice in Perth in 1995. I have always written for the dental journals and developed a side career teaching cosmetic dentistry and lecturing throughout the UK. I was also a partner in a dental practice management company from the USA which gave me great insight into the business of running a dental practice.
How did you get interested in cosmetic dentistry?
When I qualified in 1992, cosmetic dentistry was still in its infancy in the UK. The recent advancements in dental materials and the ability to bond white fillings and porcelain veneers was having an impact but was not widely practiced in the UK. As a student, I spent a period of time studying in California and it was there that I developed an insight into the possibilities for improving smiles and the associated customer service possibilities to make a visit to the dentist more comfortable.
How do you juggle running a successful business with having a family?
With lots of support from my husband and family – and also by making sure I plan in time to spend with the children. I always try to have time off during their holidays and make sure I am available a few nights a week at least to help with homework etc. I also have a cleaner and a part-time nanny. I do travel to attend courses and for teaching but I try to minimise this at weekends. Similarly, I have built an excellent management team around me at work, and have very talented dentists and hygienists who can run the practices when I’m not around. I am the queen of delegation but I couldn’t do it without my team of professionals supporting me.
What advice would you give to working mothers like yourself?
You can only do your best – one of the biggest pulls on working mothers is that you feel guilty – either that you should be working more or that you should be spending more time with your children. It all comes down to finding the right balance for you and your family – and spend time counting your blessings not beating yourself up! I feel incredibly fortunate that I have a wonderful family life and I love my career. Being self-employed suits me – and allows me the flexibility to work around my family life.
Can you tell us about your work with the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry?
The BACD was an idea brought about by myself and two other dentist colleagues. We were attending a Cosmetic Conference in the States and wondering why education like that didn’t exist in the UK. On our return, we gathered a group of likeminded dentists together and described our vision for the Academy – as a non-profit organisation dedicated to the education of the profession and setting the standards for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognised specialty in the UK, and so any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. Our vision for the BACD is to provide a source of validation for the general public. BACD members have to prove their level of education in cosmetic dentistry meets defined standards. The BACD has grown tremendously – we held our annual conference in Edinburgh last year at the EICC for my Presidential Year – I was very proud to show off our capital to my colleagues from the South!
You were the only female and Scottish President of the BACD to date – why do you think you so have been so successful in your career?
I am determined, passionate and excited about the world of dentistry and the difference that it can make to the lives of people who have otherwise been lacking confidence because of their smile. A smile doesn’t have to be perfect but if it is affecting your ability to communicate openly with those around you, then getting it fixed can really change your life. I feel energised by spreading this message and encouraging other dentists to learn how to achieve excellent results for their patients.
To find out more about Cherrybank Dental Spa visit their website, or call 0131 550 1600.
As late-night Fringe entertainment goes, you could certainly do a lot worse than Political Animal at The Stand on York Place. Hosted by Fringe veteran and stalwart BBC Radio 4 stalwart Andy Zaltzman, the midnight show brings four different comedians to the stage every night to discuss the burning political issues of the day. While this ensures that the show remains fresh and unpredictable on a day-to-day basis, it does mean that actually booking tickets for Political Animal is something of a lottery. Unless you’ve had the foresight to check The Stand’s website beforehand, there’s no other way of knowing who’s going to be on the bill.
Thankfully, the line-ups are diverse enough to cater to most tastes, even if a few dud acts occasionally slip through the net. On the night we attended, we were treated to outstanding British-Asian comedian Paul Sinha, musical comic James Sherwood and a pair of relatively obscure (on this side of the pond at least) Irish performers; Keith Farnan from Cork and Dubliner Abie Philman-Bowman. Though not a natural compere, as he himself readily admits, Zaltzman fills the role admirably, managing to turn out just enough gags to warm up the audience without eclipsing the other talent on the bill.
Paul Sinha is up first and easily steals the show. His anecdotes of being a gay British Hindu produce genuine belly laughs, as he encounters intolerance ranging from xenophobic BNP members to extremist Muslim clerics. Sinha’s message is ultimately one of tolerance and by tackling racism and homophobia head on, he robs them of their power and shock value, instead leaving the audience writhing in mirth. Irishman Keith Farman is next, with snippets from his 2009 Fringe show No Blacks. No Jews. No Dogs. No Irish. Farman is entertaining and affable, though his material feels well-worn, leaving the audience wondering why he has chosen to regurgitate last year’s set on racism and fascism in the USA rather than sampling this year’s outing on gender divisions.
After the interval, James Sherwood and his piano take the stage to provide a little musical relief. Sherwood’s political ditties are topical and witty but lack the invention and playfulness of established musical comics like Tim Minchin or Bill Bailey. Still, his tunes about the Conservative-Liberal coalition government raise a few cheers and his presence adds welcome variety to be bill. Abie Philman-Bowman is less well received as he performs snippets from current show Sex, Lies and the KKK. While the Irishman came away from Edinburgh in previous years with a reputation as one of the Fringe’s more controversial comedians, his routines feel stilted and the politics naïve and juvenile.
When Andy Zaltzman returns to the stage, he quickly makes up for any disappointment Philman-Bowman has left in his wake. Falling back on a favourite old routine, he draws plastic balls from a velvet bag to draw which countries should go to war with each other. It’s a simple gag but one that works; his off-the-cuff quips are rewarded with chuckles all round and hearty applause. As with any variety act, so much depends on the line-up but Zaltzman at least is one constant who is unfailingly hilarious, night after night.
