Our highly qualified and experienced dento-legal advisers are very often the first point of call for members in times of need. As the team expands, we take some time to meet some of the newest members.

Angela Love

I qualified from Guy's dental hospital in 1986 and started my career in general dental practice. My first placement was in London, at a busy NHS practice where I undertook a wide variety of dental treatments including minor oral surgery, crown and bridge work and orthodontics. Following a move to rural Cambridgeshire, I took up a position in the salaried service providing dental care to people who were otherwise unable to access NHS dental services.

In 2000 I joined the community dental service, where I still work. I see special needs children and adults and anxious children referred in by GDPs, providing some treatment under inhalation sedation. I also provide removable appliance treatment to patients under the supervision of a consultant orthodontist. I enjoy the challenge of providing care to this patient group and it can be very rewarding, especially when a previously uncooperative child accepts treatment.

Alongside this I spent two years on the investigating committee of the GDC, which stimulated my interest in the dento-legal side of dentistry. I was extremely impressed with the support provided to dentists by the DDU at what is often a very stressful and difficult time.

The role of the investigating committee was largely being replaced by case examiners at the same time as the opportunity for a position at the DDU became available and I was fortunate enough to be appointed in August 2016. It seemed like a natural transition, and I have joined an amazing team of dedicated professionals and am really enjoying combining my new career as a dento-legal adviser with my job for the community dental service.

To further my skills I have embarked on the Postgraduate Certificate in Dental Law and Ethics, which is an interesting and challenging course. I have already been able to use information from the course to provide advice to members.

Outside of dentistry I enjoy gardening, reading and the theatre. I have four children aged from 14 to 23, and as my eldest daughter is getting married in July 2017 there will be some wedding planning to help with and a hat to buy!

Emily Howden

On graduating from Newcastle in 1999, I completed my vocational training in a caring and supportive practice in High Wycombe. Enjoying the variety of work that I encountered, I felt that general practice was where I wanted to continue practising dentistry.

Since then, I have worked in a variety of practices within the NHS and private sectors. I also participated in the NHS out of hours services for a number of years. I have been a foundation dentist trainer for several years which has been rewarding but challenging at times.

Being a trainer has given me an insight into the life of a newly qualified dentist and some of the complications and difficulties they may encounter. I am delighted to have become part of the DDU team, as I have always had an interest in legal and ethical matters. I am pleased to be in a position to guide and support fellow professionals if needed.

Having worked in different practices with a number of dental professionals, I do understand the pressures of everyday dentistry and I am sympathetic to the problems that dentists may face in our ever changing world. I hope to remain part time in general dental practice whilst working as a dento-legal adviser, as I think it's important that members know they're being supported by people who appreciate the complexities of their working circumstances.

Louise Nash

I have enjoyed a varied and very satisfying career in dentistry combining general practice with strong involvement in both undergraduate and postgraduate education.

I qualified in 1976 from Bristol and soon after was appointed as a part time clinical tutor. As a student I had always valued the contribution of the GDPs who came in to teach and I hoped to give something back. Following a clinical attachment, I managed to attain DWSI (dentist with special interest) status in orthodontics, where I have always had a keen interest.

I was fortunate enough to become involved in foundation training when it became the norm - first as a trainer for nine years and subsequently as Bristol scheme adviser for five years which was both challenging and immensely enjoyable. During this time I gained a post-graduate diploma in medical education from the University of Bristol.

In 2010 I was asked to become clinical lead and to set up the outreach teaching department at Bristol which was a fantastic opportunity – being involved in planning and equipping a brand new department from the drawing board up was amazing. My team aimed to give year four and five students a smooth transition into foundation training and to inform their career choices.

Recently I have been acting as associate postgraduate dean in the south west, dealing with dentists in difficulty as well as Foundation Training by Equivalence, both very rewarding roles. I have also worked with the dental volunteer project in Tanzania, Bridge to Aid, which was a humbling and unforgettable experience.

My role at the DDU allows me to draw on all aspects of my experiences and gives me a great opportunity to learn from my excellent dento-legal colleagues. I hope to be able to pass on sound advice to dentists who may be experiencing difficulties, or perhaps just to provide a sympathetic and understanding ear when required.

Away from the DDU I enjoy walking, skiing and trying to keep up with my grandchildren! I am a custodian of the Stanley Spencer gallery in my village and am attempting to play golf.

Lesley Taylor

I qualified in Cardiff in 1991, and in the absence of the fantastic foundation training opportunities that exist today I invented my own. I began work as a house officer in the Cardiff dental hospital prior to entering NHS general dental practice as a vocational trainee (VT) and then seeking out a further VT year in the community dental service.

I continued in the role of community dental officer for a couple of years before packing my rucksack for a year travelling around the globe. On my return I entered NHS general practice, honed my trade and pursued postgraduate study. During this period I combined general dental practice with appointments in the Welsh Deanery, where I remain part time as practice development tutor, and at Cardiff University as clinical lecturer. As my clinical skills and knowledge developed, my interests evolved and I worked wholly in private practice.

Prior to my appointment with the DDU I was fortunate to spend six years leading the dental teaching unit in Port Talbot, South Wales, where I could bring together my varied experience to share with the foundation dentists. During this time I formalised my interest in the legal aspects of medical practice and gained a Masters in law at Cardiff University.

I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as a dento-legal adviser with the DDU. I fully understand the challenges in dentistry and I arrive at the DDU sporting the bruises, rewards and experience that a varied career has offered. I look forward to working with the committed and knowledgeable team at the DDU and using my knowledge and experience to the benefit of our members.

Away from work I have many interests, from running through to building a house. Mostly, I enjoy spending time with my young teenage son but fear this feeling may not be mutual as I am not sufficiently cool by teenage son standards…