Meet The Team - Shackleton Clinic Best Dentist Kildare

For facial aesthetics and advanced skincare visit The Skin Suite →

Meet Our Tooth Fairies

At Shackleton Clinic in Kildare, our dedicated team works hard to make every visit smooth, comfortable, and stress-free. From the moment you’re welcomed by our friendly reception staff to the time you meet our skilled dental nurses, hygienists, and expert dentists, you’ll experience personalised care at every step.

We combine professional expertise with a warm approach, ensuring you always feel valued and supported. Whether you need a routine check-up, cosmetic dentistry, or a more advanced treatment, our team explains everything clearly so you feel informed and confident about your care.

Dental Team

Dr. Cathy O’Leary, owner of Shackleton Clinic, is an experienced dentist in Kildare with over ten years in practice. She specialises in preventative and restorative dentistry.

After graduating with honours from University College Cork, she received a gold medal in restorative dentistry. Earlier, she studied at Trinity College Dublin, earning distinctions in dental nursing and hygiene. These achievements highlight her lifelong passion for dental care.

Today, Dr. Cathy focuses on oral hygiene, fillings, crowns, and veneers. She delivers treatments with precision and care, always putting her patients first.

As a Member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (RCSI) and the Irish Dental Association, she stays at the forefront of modern dentistry. Most importantly, she is dedicated to providing every patient with a healthy, confident smile.

Meet Louise, our dedicated Clinic Manager at Shackleton Clinic. She is the friendly face who keeps everything running smoothly and ensures that every patient’s journey feels effortless from start to finish.

With her warm personality and exceptional organisational skills, Louise makes sure appointments run on time and every detail of your visit is taken care of. She works closely with our dentists, hygienists, and dental nurses to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and supported.

Most importantly, Louise is passionate about delivering a truly personal experience. From your first call to your final treatment, she is there to guide you, answer questions, and make you feel at ease. Her commitment to patient care reflects the values that make Shackleton Clinic one of the best dental clinics in Kildare.

Meet Dr. Tom, one of our most experienced and approachable dentists at Shackleton Clinic in Kildare. With over 30 years in practice, he brings expert knowledge and a calm, reassuring presence that helps both adults and children feel at ease.

Throughout his career, Dr. Tom has worked across all aspects of dentistry. He particularly enjoys tackling challenging or complex cases, using his skills to find the best solutions for every patient. When dental problems feel less straightforward, he is the dentist you can rely on for expert care.

Above all, Dr. Tom’s goal is simple: to make every patient feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident by the end of treatment. His friendly approach and wealth of experience ensure that even the most nervous patients leave with trust in their smile and their dental care.

Meet Dr. Burhan Vapra, a key member of our team at Shackleton Clinic, recognised as one of the best dentists in Kildare. Known for his calm and reassuring approach, he helps patients feel at ease and makes every visit as relaxed as possible.

A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Vapra has developed a special interest in extractions and pain-free dental care. He combines technical expertise with a gentle manner, ensuring even the most nervous patients feel comfortable during treatment.

Passionate about restoring both smiles and confidence, Dr. Vapra believes every patient deserves compassionate, high-quality care delivered with respect. His dedication to patient wellbeing makes him an invaluable part of the Shackleton Clinic team, where creating positive dental experiences is always the priority.

Meet Dr. Paulina, our specialist orthodontist at Shackleton Clinic, part of the team recognised as the best dentists in Kildare. She holds a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania, as well as a Master’s in Orthodontics and Orthopaedics.

After gaining valuable experience in private practice, Dr. Paulina relocated to Ireland and is now proudly registered with the Dental Council of Ireland. Her expertise covers a wide range of orthodontic treatments, always balancing aesthetics with functionality to achieve the best results for patients.

Dedicated to continuous learning, she regularly expands her knowledge through advanced courses in TMJ disorders, biomechanics, and preventive orthodontics. With her skill, precision, and patient-focused approach, Dr. Paulina helps patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautifully aligned smiles in a supportive environment.

Meet Dr. Roumaissa Slami, a valued member of our Shackleton Clinic team and part of what makes us the best dentist in Kildare. She first graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2012 with an honours distinction in Dental Technology, later advancing her prosthodontic expertise in leading dental laboratories.

Driven by her passion for patient care, Dr. Slami went on to earn her Dental Science degree in 2019. Today, she focuses on cosmetic treatments such as composite bonding and instant veneers—pain-free options that transform smiles without damaging natural teeth.

As a mother of two, Dr. Slami brings empathy, kindness, and understanding to every appointment. She is dedicated to helping patients feel relaxed while achieving healthy, confident, and beautiful smiles. Her warm approach and advanced skills make her an integral part of our team at Shackleton Clinic.

After graduating from university, Dr. Shahriar Khorshid began his career in private practice in Budapest, Hungary, before completing a postgraduate year of study in Germany. He then returned to Iran, where he volunteered as a General Practitioner, gaining invaluable experience in patient care and clinical excellence.

While he enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, Dr. Shahriar has a particular passion for
oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics. He takes a keen interest in treatments involving the gums, oral health, and surgical procedures, approaching every case with precision and care. At Shackleton Clinic, Dr. Shahriar’s favourite part of his work is connecting with patients — ensuring they feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout their treatment journey. He believes that strong communication and trust are key to delivering the highest standard of care.

Committed to continuous learning and professional development, Dr. Shahriar stays at the forefront of evolving dental techniques and technology. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys hiking, cycling, climbing, tennis, swimming, volleyball,
and also finds time for reading and cooking.

Dr. Shahed graduated with First Class Honours in Restorative Dentistry from Trinity College Dublin and holds a Diploma in Primary Care Dentistry from the Royal Collegeof Surgeons in Ireland. He also brings a diverse medical background with a Bachelor’s Degree in Adult Nursing and a Certificate in Medical Interpreting from the University of Southampton, as well as a Certificate in Dental Nursing from the University of Portsmouth.

Dr. Shahed provides comprehensive dental care in a calm, gentle and reassuring manner, always acting in the best interest of his patients. He enjoys all aspects of general dentistry — including fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, dentures and Invisalign — with a strong focus on prevention and minimally invasive techniques to help patients achieve long-lasting oral health.

Dr. Sunny is a passionate general dentist with over six years of experience practicing in Ireland. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centred dental care, helping every patient achieve a healthy and confident smile.

After graduating in Dentistry with master degree in 2017, Dr. Sunny developed a strong interest in aesthetic dentistry and facial aesthetics. In 2022, she completed an Aesthetic Dentistry course at University College London (UCL), further refining her skills in cosmetic procedures. She is currently pursuing a Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics in London to continue advancing her expertise.

Dr. Sunny is committed to continuous professional development and always stays up to date with the latest dental techniques and innovations. Known for her calm and gentle approach, she takes special care in supporting nervous patients and children, helping them feel relaxed and comfortable during their visits.

Her goal is simple — to help every patient leave the clinic smiling bigger, brighter, and happier.

Dr. Cristina began her career in dentistry with a Distinction in Dental Technology from
Trinity College Dublin in 2014. Following graduation, she joined TCU’s Prosthodontic
Department, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience in advanced restorative and prosthodontic care. Driven by a growing passion for patient-focused dentistry, Cristina went on to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Science at University College Cork in 2025.

Cristina is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for patients of all ages, helping to ease any anxiety associated with dental visits. Her goal is to ensure every patient feels comfortable and confident in their smile.

Specialising in general Dentistry, Dr Isadora is known as our Queen with kids, Dr. Isadora is loved by families for her kind, caring nature and endless patience — especially when it comes to treating little ones. She graduated in 2018 from Brazil and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Dental Medicine in Portugal in 2021. Dr. Isadora provides all aspects of general dentistry and has a special interest in endodontics and minimally invasive restorative treatments.

She has also completed advanced training in both Brazil and Europe, continuously developing her skills to deliver the best possible care for her patients.

Dr. Annie Chen graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2024 with a Bachelor of Dental Science. She has also obtained a Diploma in Primary Dental Care from the Royal College of Surgeons, further strengthening her clinical foundation. Dr. Annie is known for her gentle and compassionate approach to dentistry, always striving to put patients at ease and create a comfortable, stress-free environment. She practices general dentistry, with experience in fillings, crowns, and extractions, and has a particular passion for treating children. She enjoys helping anxious patients feel more relaxed and is committed to making every visit a positive experience. She has completed additional courses in biomimetic dentistry and composite bonding, reflecting her dedication to minimally invasive and high-quality restorative care. With a strong interest in cosmetic dentistry, – minimally invasive veneers and composite bonding, combining clinical precision with an artistic eye. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Chen enjoys art and painting, interests that complement her aesthetic approach to dental care.

Hygiene Team

Meet Angela, our brilliant hygienist – with her gentle touch and friendly approach, she not only keeps your smile fresh and clean but also ensures each visit feels comfortable and reassuring from start to finish.

Meet our lovely hygienist Claudia – with her gentle touch and caring nature, she not only keeps your smile bright but also ensures every visit feels calm and comfortable.

Nursing Team

Meet the lovely Laura, our cheerful and compassionate Head Dental Nurse – her positive energy and attentive care will put you at ease every step of the way.

Meet Eimear – our skilled and caring Head dental nurse. She’s here to ensure you feel comfortable, supported, and well looked after throughout your visit.