Cork

Training and qualifications

Dr Ann Gilligan has been a dentist for 20+ years, having obtained her BDS from University College Cork in 2002.

Treatments offered

As a child, Ann had orthodontic treatment which piqued her interest in all things dental and orthodontic. She has a special interest in Invisalign, veneers and crowns. She finds completing alignment of teeth in an easy, comfortable and speedy fashion incredibly satisfying.

Ann enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and likes the challenge of no two days being the same.  She hopes to continue developing professionally and keeping up to date with all the latest technology and methods.

Ann speaks English, Irish and French. Outside of dental, Ann is a mother of three children who keep her on her toes. She enjoys tennis and swimming in her downtime.

Training and qualifications

Dr Liam O’Sullivan qualified from University College Cork, (NUI) in 1981 and practiced in the UK in general practice for a number of years. On returning to Ireland, he set up a private practice in 1990, offering routine, advanced restorative, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. This included the taking of continuing professional education courses in all of these areas including post-graduate studies in Trinity College Dublin.

Treatments offered

The greatest problem facing the general dentist is the cosmetic/aesthetic replacement of lost or very damaged teeth. Therefore, a fascination with the possibilities offered in the use of dental implants to permanently replace missing teeth took hold in 2004. “This emerging area of dentistry can provide solutions and aesthetic results that could only be dreamed of when I first qualified.” There followed a series of courses in Europe, culminating in studies for the Diploma in Implant Dentistry, at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in London. Liam has been working with Smiles Dental at Waterloo Road, since 2011.

Training and qualifications

Dr Harry Ropac has been a dentist for 30+ years having obtained his DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery). He graduated from the University of Zagreb, School of Medicine in 1994.

He operated and led his own private practice in Croatia for 20 years before relocating to Ireland in 2021 and joining Smiles Dental.

Treatments offered

Harry has a special interest in aesthetic reconstructions and helping patients with trauma, and is a driven professional with a warm and friendly approach. He loves dentistry as it is one of the few branches of healthcare that you can see immediate results. Harry is very keen to continue his professional development and is always attending extra courses to hone his day-to-day skills. He speaks English, Croatian and is currently studying and improving his Spanish. Outside of work, Harry is a proud father of one who is studying pharmacology back home in Zagreb.

Training and qualifications

Dr Gabriella Aromolaran graduated from CEU Cardenal Herrera University in Spain. She is originally from The United States but took the opportunity to live and travel to many countries before deciding to establish her career in Ireland. Because of her travels, Gabriella has been able to learn several languages and is fluent in English, Spanish and French. Gabriella has an interest in all aspects of dentistry and is continually developing and improving her skills. She really enjoys seeing her patients gain more confidence in their smiles and educating them on oral health. Outside of work Gabriella enjoys reading, travelling and poetry.

Languages spoken: English, Spanish, French.

Training and qualifications

Dr Paddy Gowen obtained his Bachelor of Dental Science from Trinity College Dublin in 1985 and has been practicing dentistry for over 40 years. He has been working for Smiles Dental for several years, having sold his own dental practice in Dublin and relocating to Cork.

Treatments

As well as being a general dentist, Paddy has a special interest in composite bonding and root canal treatment, and he particularly enjoys cosmetic dentistry. He likes to help patients address a range of dental problems, from simple procedures to more complex cases. 

Having previously owned his own dental practice, Paddy is enjoying working with Smiles Dental and not having the responsibility of being an owner. With 40 years of experience and a fantastic reputation, he is very happy to once more focus solely on his his patients’ care.

Paddy relocated to Youghal and lives by the sea. Sailing has always been a passion of his and he has become very active in the sport. He has been practicing Yoga for 20+ years to keep physically fit and strong (possibly under orders from his wife, who is a GP).

Training and qualifications

Dr Fionnán Casey obtained his MDDr (Doctor of Dental Medicine) from Charles University, Prague in 2021.

Treatments offered

Dr Fionnán has a special interest in extractions, root canals and generally getting patients out of pain, and being able to relieve pain or give someone their smile back is why he does what he does. He loves that feeling of patient appreciation and it drives him on every day to improve.

Dr Fionnán takes each day as it comes, every day is different with its own challenges. He is constantly learning and enjoys going on courses to improve his knowledge in the latest technology and techniques so he can give his patients the best experience.

Outside of dentistry, Fionnán enjoys sports, going to the gym and travelling.

Masters in Sports Directorship (With Distinction) – Jan 2023 – Manchester Met Uni
Sports Medicine MSc – Sept 2019 – University Central Lancashire
PhD – November 2016 University Central Lancashire
FRCS (OMFS) March 2014 – Royal College of Surgeons England
M Oral Surg Nov 2013 – Royal College of Surgeons England
MFDS ad eundem Oct 2013 – Royal College of Surgeons England
MRCS Nov 2008 – Royal College of Surgeons England
MBBS June 2007 – UCL and Royal Free Medical School
MFGDP October 2002 – Royal College of Surgeons England
BDS June 2000 – University of Wales College of Medicine and Dentistry

Training and qualifications

Dr Douglas Hammond, known to our patients as Doug, studied dentistry at the University of Wales, graduating with a BDS in 2000. He also studied medicine at University College London, gaining his MBBS in 2007. As well as these, Doug has gained an impressive list of qualifications.

Treatments offered

Dr Hammond specialises in oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental implants. He has special interest in oral surgery, trauma, skin cancer and sports medicine.
Douglas is a highly experienced implant surgeon. He is also a skin cancer surgeon and manages traumatic injuries. He has worked as first team doctor for Warrington Wolves and on match days for the England Rugby Union Team. He has also worked as the head doctor at Stoke City FC and was the first team doctor for the England Rugby League team for four years.
Douglas has an understated manner for a clinician of his experience, skills and knowledge. Douglas offers surgical extractions including wisdom teeth, removal of cysts and lesions and placement of dental implants.
When not treating patients, Douglas is an avid follower of sport and enjoys keeping fit, reading and spending time with his wife and six children.