About Cork Dental Smiles
Located in the heart of Cork’s vibrant Victorian Quarter, we provide general dentistry and orthodontics in a warm, caring and professional environment.
Our aim is to help all of our patients achieve optimum oral health and hygiene for life. We believe that a healthy smile is a beautiful smile.
Meet the Team
Dr. Maria Byrne BDS NUI MFDS RSCEd MSc Orth
Dentist
Maria established Cork Dental Smiles in 2014. She qualified from UCC in 1997 and worked in the UK for 3 years until returning to Cork, where she has been working in private practices since. Maria has a particular interest in orthodontics for children and adults and sees the importance of looking after children’s developing dentition. She obtained membership from the Faculty of Dental Surgeons of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in 2012. Maria completed an Msc in Orthodontics with merit from the University of Warwick.
Dr. Raj Nair
Endodontist
Dr. Raj Nair is a practicing Endodontist in the Republic of Ireland with over 20 years’ experience as a dentist and 16 years as an Endodontist enjoying most of his time under the operating microscope. He has a special interest in oral surgery and performs a variety of microscope assisted endodontic surgery and general oral surgical procedures. Minimally invasive oral surgery is one of his major interests.
He’s got his Post Graduate degree from the University of Leeds in 1999 and holds Fellowships of both the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland.
He has a wealth of knowledge, presents and teaches all around the world on topics of Digital Dentistry, Dental Photography, Intra Oral Scanning, In house 3d printing and Cone Beam CT scanning.
He has got several awards to add to his repertoire- for landscape and travel photography , most recently from the Tourist Boards of Slovenia and Ireland. He is an active long distance kayaker and plays badminton and squash in his spare time.
Leah O Toole
Lead Dental Nurse / Recptionist
Leah has been a dedicated dental nurse since 2020 and is now the Lead Nurse and Receptionist at Cork Dental Smiles. She’s passionate about all aspects of dentistry, bringing a calm and attentive approach to patient care. You will find Leah at the front of reception, greeting patients, ensuring they feel at ease and organizing their treatment plans, answering any questions you may have. Leah is a valued member of the Cork Dental Smiles team, an excellent dental nurse in all aspects of general and orthodontic dentistry. She enjoys being part of our patients dental transformations.
Outside of work, she loves traveling and spending time with her family.
Danielle O Driscoll
Dental Nurse
Danielle is a dedicated and compassionate Dental Nurse at Cork Dental Smiles. Danielle is interested in all aspects of dentistry and is a true people person. She has a caring nature which our patients appreciate and she will guide you through any treatment with ease. Her overall warmth and understanding ensures our patients enjoy their visits. Danielle is an excellent dental nurse and committed to providing the best care for our patients and supporting her team.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks, and swimming.
Ava Grant
Dental Nurse
Ava is a 3rd year dentistry student in UCC. Having spent this past summer in New York working as dental assistant in a practice in Long Island for 12 weeks, she was keen to continue growing her knowledge and gaining experience in private practice. Ava has two years of prior experience as a dental assistant and is also the secretary of UCC’s Dental Society for 2023/2024.
Outside of dentistry, Ava enjoys heading home and spending time with family/friends out on walks and sea swims on the beautiful beaches in Wexford.
Freddie Long
Trainee Dental Assistant
Freddie is our trainee dental assistant. Freddie is interested in all aspects of dentistry and enjoys being part of the Cork Dental Smiles team. He supports dental care delivery by preparing the treatment room, organising instruments and materials. He ensures there is good operation of the dental equipment by completing maintenance checks. Freddie enjoys working as part of our team, getting to know our patients and he also makes sure they feel at ease during their treatments.
In his spare time, Freddie plays soccer with Avondale United. He enjoys listening to music and going to the gym.
Mandy Ryan
Chief Dental Nurse
Mandy is the chief dental nurse at Cork Dental Smiles. She is responsible for the day to day running of the practice. She has been working in the clinic since 2011. She graduated from UCC with a BSc in Public Health & Health Promotion in 2010 and subsequently graduated first in Ireland from the 2012-2013 National Dental Nurse Training Programme. Mandy is qualified in CPR and First Aid.
