About Us

Your care, your dental team

Most patients come to Finkle Hill because they’ve heard that we provide the very best and most compassionate dental care. We’ve attracted a talented team of general and specialist dentists, dental nurses and hygiene therapists who are here to put your mind at ease and provide exceptional standards of care and treatment.

The Finkle Hill team includes three experienced general dentists (Dr Cliff Palmer, Dr Clare O'Neill and Dr Liam O'Hara) and our GDC registered specialist, Dr Matthew Gahan. Our team continually invest in their professional development and collectively have special interests in delivering restorative care, Invisalign and implants. We also have two excellent hygiene therapists, Serena Lowes and Kelly Walker.

Dentists, Specialists & Hygienists

Dr Cliff Palmer
BChD, PGCE (Clin.), Cert. (Implantology), Cert (Restorative)
GDC No. 77628

Cliff is the owner of Finkle Hill Dental and has spent the last 15 years developing a practice that delivers the very best dental care. His friendly, reassuring manner makes for a calm and relaxed dental experience and sets the tone for the ethos at Finkle Hill Dental.

You can expect to receive exceptional care from Cliff. He listens carefully to his patients, seeking out the most appropriate, evidenced based dental solution. He applies his wide-ranging dental skills and experience to both restorative and cosmetic treatments. He has a loyal following that demonstrates his integrity, chairside manner and long lasting treatment solutions.

Cliff graduated from the Leeds Dental Institute in 2000. He holds post graduate certificates in restorative dentistry, and implant surgery. His commitment to professional development is reflected in his passion for developing the Finkle team. He was a Foundation Dentist trainer for many years and is a mentor for the British Academy of Implant and Restorative Dentistry. The CQC noted the strength of the multi-disciplinary team at Finkle Hill, impressed by the commitment to team development, which in turn leads to excellent care.

Dr Clare O'Neill
BDS, Cert (Restorative)
GDC No. 258677

Clare is an excellent dentist, able to immediately set her patients at ease, communicate dental issues with clarity and primarily focuses on education, prevention and restoring function. She has a dedicated patient base who are keen to be treated by her and trust in the care she delivers.

Clare is also passionate about improving the aesthetics of her patients’ smiles. She is driven by the transformative impact that cosmetic solutions have on confidence and self-esteem. She has an eye for detail that means she plans care combining treatment options to ensure that the end result is exactly what her patients had in mind.

Clare graduated from the Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences before coming to Finkle Hill to compete her foundation training. She has completed post graduate qualifications in Invisalign, restorative treatments and facial rejuvenation.

Dr Matthew Gahan
BChD, MFDS RCSEd, MDEntSci, FDS (Rest Dent) RCSed
GDC No. 77646

Matt is an NHS consultant in Restorative Dentistry and as GDC registered specialist, he is one of only a handful of multi-discipline specialists in the region. His long hospital career has allowed him to pursue excellence in his clinical skills. His main remit has been for the oral rehabilitation of oral cancer patients, complex dental cases and the provision of dental implants. In private practice, he provides specialist treatment and management to save teeth, restore smiles and replace missing teeth.

Matt is involved in postgraduate teaching for dentists and specialists and has published several articles in dental journals. He has lectured regionally and nationally and is an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Having set up and expanded the Restorative Department at York Hospitals, he is now employed by the Leeds Dental Institute. He divides his time between NHS hospital care, private specialist practice and his young family.

Matthew particularly enjoys being able to meet and help a wide variety of people. “Being a specialist allows me to undertake complex cases, which provides my patients with greater satisfaction when they are resolved,” he says. “I love being able to make a positive difference and help them feel confident about their smiles again.”

Matt brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. For more information about Matt please visit his website https://www.matthewgahan.com/

Dr Liam O'Hara
BChD, MJDF RCS (Eng) (DipRes)
GDC No. 211155

Liam graduated from the Leeds Dental Institute in 2010 and completed his foundation training with Cliff and the team at Finkle Hill. At the earliest opportunity, Liam passed the entrance exams for Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and was awarded the (MJDF) diploma in 2013. In 2017, he then went on to achieve the FGDP Diploma in Restorative Dentistry, at The University of Manchester. This postgraduate qualification means he is able to treatment plan and restore more complex clinical cases, including severely worn down or broken teeth.

Liam is a certified Invisalign provider and enjoys working with patients to achieve a straighter smile, designed for them. He has a special interest in endodontics (root canal) – completing a special module as a part of his Restorative Diploma.

Liam enjoys providing dental care for the whole family. His friendly, enthusiastic approach has resulted in a dedicated following, and he has established himself as a popular dentist in general practice. He provides all his treatment in a calm and assured manner, he is great with nervous patients, believing everyone should be treated in the same way as he himself would like to be treated.

Serena Lowes
Grad Dip DH & DT
GDC No. 248358

Serena is the most passionate Hygiene Therapist around with Diplomas in Dental Technology and Hygiene Therapy. She has great communication skills, is gentle, reassuring and critically, aims to educate her patients to restore their gum health and prevent future problems.

Her wide ranging skills mean she can offer great advice about how to help patients care for their bridges, crowns, implants and dentures. She has also completed further training to enable her to carry out Teeth Whitening.

Kelly Walker
Grad Dip DH & DT
GDC No. 248357

Person to person skills are vital as a Hygienist and Therapist. Kelly builds trust with all different patients ensuring they feel at ease, have confidence in her skills and relax in her care. Kelly performs the full scope of a dental therapist, undertaking composite restorations, periodontal treatment, routine hygiene maintenance, and digital scanning. She has also introduced Guided Biofilm Therapy ensuring patients receive the best preventative oral health care.

Since qualifying in 2010, Kelly has continually invested in her dental career keeping abreast of the latest developments in her field. She was awarded the University of Leeds Dental Hygiene Prize. Post graduation she has continued to further her development, taking a keen interest in the treatment of patients with implants.

Nursing Team

Lauren Thompson
GDC No. 247392

Lauren is our Lead Nurse responsible for leading the nursing and ensuring the highest clinical standards. She is also our Children and Family Coordinator and an excellent dental nurse. She takes pride in using her skills in the widest sense, running her own clinics and delivering oral health education programme with our local schools. Lauren has additional qualifications in fluoride application, oral health education and radiography. She particularly enjoys working with patients with dental phobias, and runs sessions which support patients to deal with their phobias and advise dentists of how they can best be managed.

Angelika Pawlowska
GDC No. 267111

Amy Buttle
GDC No. 235338

Rachel Denton

Rachael joined the Finkle Hill team in 2021 as an apprentice nurse working, and is currently working towards her level 3 NVQ. She brings a wealth of people experience from her previous career as a stage performer, and has quickly developed into an excellent dental nurse. She typically works with Liam, supporting the delivery of the both routine and restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. Rachael is a great addition to the Finkle Hill team.

Thea Hudson

Thea joined Finkle Hill in 2021 as an apprentice dental nurse and alongside studying for the level 3 qualification, she has quickly become an invaluable member of the team. Thea has all the attributes of a fantastic nurse - she's caring and compassionate to patients, intuitive to the dentists' clinical needs, and maintains the high standards of nursing and cross infection we are proud of. Welcome to the team, Thea.

Taymee Newton
GSD No. 274436

Care Coordination

Our care co-ordination team are on hand to provide you with treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and to arrange timely appointments when you need them.

Joanne Town

Jo Town is the second half of the management team that ensures the practice runs as well as it does. She is the friendly face you will be most likely to meet at reception or speak to on the phone. She knows almost all of our patients by name, makes sure they feel welcomed to the practice and plans care in their interests. With a busy diary to juggle she has much on her plate. But she is unflappable.

Chloe Alvarado
GDC No. 273144

Chloe is our Treatment Coordinator. With her warm and reassuring manner she is able to answer all your queries about potential or planned treatment. Working in patnership with the dentists, she ensures a seamless treatment experience from your initial query through to scheduling appointments and arranging finance.

From a dental nursing background, Chloe is qualified to take impressions, digital scans, apply fluoride and take dental radiographs.

Katie Lazenby

Management

Helen Palmer

Cassy Pearson
GDC No. 247855

CQC Report

CQC inspectors use professional judgement, supported by objective measures and evidence, to assess services against our five key questions:

Are they safe?
Are they effective?
Are they caring?
Are they responsive to people’s needs?
Are they well-led?

See the report

Verified Reviews

200+ 5* Reviews

Amy Whitton

17:33 24 Jun 23

My 7 year old had to visit for a treatment last week. I was blown away by the staff, from Katy on reception, to the amazing dentist Claire and... Angelika, they were unbelievable with my son. So kind and caring. An amazing service from start to finish.read more

Georgina Chalmers

05:10 21 Jun 23

As a very nervous patient I joined the practise with great trepidation but every member of staff has been kind, patient and professional. Extra time... given at appointments to put me at ease and ensure my comfort is slowly allowing me to cope much more easily. Thank you to you allread more

sarah arthurs

13:44 05 Jun 23

My dental appointment is always one of dread! Cliff has been a great advisor and given me over the many years 100% care together with the best... treatment, visits are painless (Yes) full of great conversation and of course a high level progress commentary!If you are a dentist scaredy cat like me - trust me you are in good hands and the work is superb!read more

Hannah Evans

14:30 25 May 23

I recently had treatment for composite bonding, which involved removing and refitting a permanent retainer that I had on my teeth prior to this.... Claire was absolutely amazing!! Throughout every appointment she was extremely comforting and made sure I was always okay and understood what was going. Most of all, Claire’s attention to detail was brilliant, she really went above and beyond with every detail and did an amazing job on my teeth. Cannot recommend Claire and Finkle Hill enough!read more

Hard man

19:27 05 May 23

Family of 4 having our routine checkup.Love the new reception and waiting room area. Friendly receptionist and we loved our dentist. Pitched the... examination perfectly for everyone and put our youngest at ease. Very happy with our dental practice. Mamy thanks.read more

Sarah Summersall-Frith

18:40 05 Apr 23

As a patient who is very scared of the dentist, Claire has worked hard to support me and ensure I feel comfortable during every visit. I've had all... sorts of treatments over the past year and although I've felt nervous, Claire & the team have done everything possible to make me feel as comfortable as possible. The treatment and care I have received has been second to none.read more

Millie Douce

17:45 23 Feb 23

Superb dental care with friendly, considerate staff. My family have a long history of dental nightmares which left me very anxious but the team at... Finkle Hill have been nothing but patient and supportive with me.They also use a much gentler scale and polish method, if you'd prefer.Thank you for giving me the gift of a confident, shiny smile.read more

Debbie Hull

13:18 21 Feb 23

This was my first visit to Finkle Hill Dental Care since moving to the area and was a good experience. The staff were all very welcoming and... explained everything they were doing thoroughly. I came away feeling confident that they were looking after me and my teeth professionally and with careread more

Carrick Armer

11:15 03 Feb 23

Referred to Matthew Gahan at Finkle Hill for a particularly tricky root canal treatment of a long, twisted molar root. I'm a bit of a nervous patient... especially where needles are concerned, but right from walking in the door, all of the Finkle Hill team I encountered were friendly and positive. While root canal work is never going to be the happiest time of your life, Matthew and his dental nurse were both superbly calming and reassuring, from introductions and an initial chat about the work needed, helping me through the anaesthetics process, and then keeping me informed about what they were doing and checking I was comfortable through the full two hours of treatment. I felt very well looked after, and while that sort of intensive dental work is never going to be 'pleasant', Matthew and team made it as easy and painless - physically and emotionally - as it possibly could be.read more

Serena Liu

21:13 18 Jan 23

I’m so grateful for the Finkle hill team especially Dr Matthew Gahan. I’ve been to other dentists before and they don’t compare. I was super nervous... and scared before my treatment but Matt and the dental nurse made me feel safe and taken care of. He explained everything well and is very kind.Thank you Matt & the team.read more

Laura Wylie

22:05 30 Nov 22

I cannot recommend this practice enough!I had my examination with Claire and she made me feel so at ease! A lovely, clean and inviting space with... friendly reception from everyone you encounter.read more

George Molloy

13:24 12 Oct 22

I’m the process of getting a dental implant done at this surgery, i have received my temporary tooth today and I am very pleased with the team, I can... be a difficult patient due to my fear of needles and on going mental health problems. The dentists and the receptionist’s go above and beyond to put you at ease. I would recommend this surgery to anyone who as anxiety with dental procedures as they’re honestly the best I’ve come across. Big thanks- Ebonyread more