Meet The Team

*Pain Free Dentist Edinburgh

Our mission is to deliver pain free dentistry to the people of Edinburgh

Our *Pain Free Certified Team

Nik Vourakis

Nik Vourakis is a Certified Pain Free Dentist Click Here to Verify

Samuel G Lockhart

Samuel G Lockhart is a Certified Pain Free Dentist Click Here to Verify

Shiona R Rees

Shiona R Rees is a Certified Pain Free Dentist Click Here to Verify

Jasmine Tolat

Jasmine Tolat is a Certified Pain Free Dentist Click Here to Verify

Moon Kazi

Moon Kazi is a Certified Pain Free Therapist Click Here to Verify

Meet your *Pain Free Dentists

Links Dental Practice | Meet The Pain Free Team

Nik Vourakis

*Pain Free Dentist. GDC No. 268460

Dr Vourakis special interest and main qualification is in Oral Implantology while he has wide experience in all forms of dentistry.

Nik has been a practising dental surgeon since 2005 after graduating from the prestigious Military Academy Medical School at the University of Thessaloniki, Greece. For 2 years he undertook training at the Oral and Maxillofacial Department in 401 Military Hospital in Athens. As a military dental surgeon, he then went on to serve as a team leader in a field hospital in Afghanistan from 2006-2007 – an experience which shaped his commitment and dedication to his chosen field.

On returning to Greece, Nik opened his own private dental practice which he ran with great success from 2007 -2016, specialising in oral surgery implants and aesthetic dentistry. Since early 2017 Nik has been practising oral surgery in private clinics in Edinburgh and London.

Nik has regularly and dedicatedly attended further education programs, seminars, workshops and courses both nationally and internationally. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Oral Implantology from Ethnikon Kapodistriakon University of Athens and a Master of Science Degree(MSc) in Oral Implantology from Goethe University of Frankfurt, Germany. These masterclass courses involved a variety of procedures ranging from master courses in bone grafting and sinus surgery grafting procedures through soft tissue management to implantology, prosthetics and dental aesthetics.

In 2018 he started a mentoring program for general dentists in Oral Implantology and he is an opinion leader for DENTSPLY Sirona. He is a registered ITI member. In 2018 he was a finalist for the Dentist of the Year award at The Dental Awards UK.

Samuel G Lockhart

*Pain Free Dentist. GDC No. 258215

Sam graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2015. After his training year in East Kilbride he went on to Dundee spending his time treating anxious children in the public dental service and then to Dundee dental hospital to carry out a mixture of training in restorative dentistry and oral surgery.

He then went on to train for a further year in the Maxillofacial department in Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital which involved assisting with major surgeries in both oncology and trauma.

He moved to Edinburgh and has been in general practice since 2018. He particularly enjoys cosmetic treatment and likes to provide his dentistry in a calm, relaxed manner.

In his free time he enjoys playing and watching football and dining out around Edinburgh.

Shiona R Rees

*Pain Free Dentist. GDC No. 66516

Graduating from Glasgow Dental School back in 1991, Shiona worked at Glasgow Dental School in oral surgery and oral medicine before completing vocational training in general practice. Returning to the hospital side of dentistry Shiona worked in London and Glasgow in Maxillofacial surgery, oral surgery and oral radiology gaining her fellowship in oral surgery, before commencing a doctorate in oral medicine…

Jasmine Tolat

*Pain Free Dentist. GDC No. 229450

Jasmine is an enthusiastic individual who strives for perfection in her job. She wishes to provide her patients with a caring and preventative service completed to the highest standard. Her main interests lie in cosmetic and minimally invasive dentistry, including straightening teeth and composite bonding. She is an experienced Invisalign and clear aligner provider…

Apil Timilsina

*Pain Free Dentist. GDC No. 261917

Dr. Timilsina is a general dentist with special interest in Invisalign, composite bonding, teeth whitening and other minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedures. He has over 15 years of experience in dentistry and has completed several postgraduate qualifications including Masters of Special Care Dentistry from the prestigious Kings College London in 2015. This qualification has enabled him to make his patients…

Julie Burke

Oral Surgeon GDC No. 71144

Julie has been carrying out oral surgery procedures since 1997 after graduating from Leeds Dental Hospital in 1995. She has been a registered specialist in oral surgery since 2008 and has been providing sedation for the management anxious patients or those undergoing more complex surgical procedures for over 20 years!

Julie lives in Edinburgh and is married with 2 children who are 2 and 10 years old and has a sausage dog called Bertie. Outside of dentistry Julie loves walking, jogging (slowly) and cycling in the Pentland Hills not far from her home.

Moon Kazi

* Pian Free Dental Therapist GDC 301749

Moon graduated as a dental hygiene-therapist at the University of Edinburgh, the only four-year honours degree in this subject in Scotland. She completed a year of work experience in Fife before taking a full time position in Edinburgh. As a hygiene-therapist Moon provides treatment for children and adults, in non-surgical periodontal therapy and restorative dentistry…

Shufan Tran

Practice Manager

A graduate from The University of Edinburgh with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, Shufan soon realised being a scientist wasn’t quite for her! Shufan joined the Links Dental Practice in 2021, attracted by the practice’s strong ethos on teamwork and providing patient care in a stress-free environment…

Sarah Walker

Treatment Coordinator

Sarah is a graduate from the University of Strathclyde with a degree in Law, however very quickly realised it wasn’t going to be like the programme ‘Suits’ life she was looking for! Sarah joined Links in 2024, and after having a background in recruitment and customer service realised this was the role she was looking for as she enjoys social interaction with patients and helping them gain their perfect smile…

Jean Dodd

Dental Nurse/Admin – GDC No. 155260

Jean qualified as Dental Nurse in 1982 and has been a Dental Administrator/Nurse at the practice since December 2020.

She was a dedicated member of her previous practice for 38 years until October 2020 when she joined her new work family at Links.

In her spare time she loves nothing more than creating… doing anything crafty!

Agata Trojanowska

Dental Nurse. GDC No. 274273

Agata is a Dental Nurse at Links Dental Practice. Agata came to Scotland from Poland in 2010 and has been a team member at the dental practice since 2021. Qualifying as a Dental Hygienist at a medical college in Poland in 2003, Agata then attended the Mentor Training Centre in Glasgow, qualifying as a Dental Nurse in 2014.

Assisting with a wide variety of treatments and day-to-day jobs, Agata really enjoys her work. In her free time Agata enjoys running, cycling, and spending time with family.

Rita Gautam

Dental Nurse. GDC No. 295228

Rita is a Dental Nurse at Links Dental Practice. She qualified as a Dental Hygienist at a dental college in Nepal 2011, before moving to Scotland in 2012. She previously worked in a shop, then as a beauty therapist before attending the Mentor Training Centre in Glasgow and qualifying as a Dental Nurse in 2021.

Rita’s day consists of assisting with a wide variety of treatments and day-to-day jobs. She really enjoys her work, interacting with new people, and trying to make the work environment as pleasant as possible.

In her spare time, she enjoys walking, reading, watching tv and spending time with her lovely family.

April McDaid

Dental Nurse. GDC No. 316836

April joined Links in December 2021 as a Trainee Dental Nurse. April chose her new career as she is a very caring and practical person and her previous background in Beauty Therapy has given her lots of experience with this.

In her spare time she enjoys hill climbing, walks on the beach and spending time with family.

Bethany Martin

Trainee Dental Nurse

Bethany joined Links Dental Practice as a Trainee Dental Nurse in March 2023. After being in the Beauty industry for 5 years, she decided to change her career as she wanted to use her skills to offer support to patients. In her free time, she loves to travel , spend time with her friends and family and keeping up to date with the latest beauty/fashion trends.

Adelise Ali

Trainee Dental Nurse

Adelise joined the practice in August 2024 as our trainee dental nurse. She has always been passionate about pursuing a career in dental nursing. Her enthusiasm for helping people and interacting with patients makes her journey in the field both exciting and rewarding. Adelise thrives in an organised environment and enjoys meeting new people, ensuring that every patient feels supported and comfortable.

Outside of work, Adelise enjoys spending quality time with her beloved dogs, Angel and Poppy.

Freya Johnston

Front of House Reception

I recently joined the Links Dental Practice team, and I am thoroughly enjoying it as the team are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I will be fulfilling my Front of House role here, as well as completing my fourth year in Mass Communications at Edinburgh Napier University.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, playing netball, and going on outdoor adventures over the weekends. All of which usually end in grabbing a coffee and a piece of cake at a cute café!

Hetty Brake

Front of House Reception

Hetty joined the Front of House team at Links Dental Practice in September 2024 and is loving her new life in Edinburgh. After graduating from Exeter University, she spent the last year travelling and working in Australia and New Zealand.

Outside of work, Hetty loves cooking, theatre, going for coffee and walks with friends, swimming, and spending time with her beloved dog Casca – although this is on facetime now as he lives back home in Windsor with her parents!

Check Out Our Latest Patient Reviews

Links Dental Practice

4.8

Based on 256 reviews

I've been coming to Links Dental Practice for over three years now, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services.I'm often in to see the dentist Sam (who is excellent!), but I'd also like to give a shout-out to Moon, one of their dental hygienists (and her assistant Ellie). I've seen Moon for several appointments, and she is exceptional. As someone with sensitive teeth and gums, Moon is always incredibly attentive and I feel genuinely comfortable throughout our appointments.Overall, Links DP is a reliable and caring practise in the area, and if you need a hygienist, I highly recommend booking an appointment with Moon – you won't be disappointed! ☺️

Anna H.

Sam and April were great, I had a quick and pain free appointment and I was always kept informed about what was happening during the procedure. I highly recommend.

Aaron C.

Been bothered with toothache for nearly a week phoned up yesterday the link practice took me on right away. The service was next to none they took my tooth out no problem at all the gentle talking from the doctor. Assured me that it would be a painless journey, so thank you very much for all the care and attention first class and professional

Sean M.

I had an excellent treatment from Moon & Addy today, I felt very relaxed throughout the whole appointment from start to finish. Moon was very attentive and made sure I was comfortable. I’m very pleased with the results and will definitely return to the surgery for future treatments.

Alisha M.

Moon and Ellie are very friendly, confident and welcoming, they treated me very well and so my appointment went well and learned what I should do to look after my teeth well. Recommended!

Edward C.

Moon was very kind and professional when I was having my teeth cleaned. The team are all lovely and it was a very quick and good service, will be back soon!

isla W.

I’ve had an excellent experience with Dr Jasmine and Links Dental Practice.Having recently moved to Edinburgh I hadn’t yet organised a dentist when I suffered a broken tooth. A friend recommended Links dental practice and they were able to see me very quickly.Dr Jasmine and Bethany were able to patch things up immediately, allowing me to enjoy Christmas. Dr Jasmine explained the treatment options and talked me through a treatment plan. This was reassuring for me as someone who suffers from dental anxiety. I found the team very patient, empathetic and caring. They had very high standards in delivering the treatment, taking time to achieve a perfect bite and regularly checking I was satisfied with the results. The tooth is now fully repaired (I didn’t think this would be possible) and has allowed me to enjoy meals again.The reception staff are always very organised and welcoming and the late opening times are very convenient.

james H.

As always, I was received with kindness and efficiency. A temporary fix for my problem has been implemented and a longer-term solution is in the pipeline.

Vaughan R.

Friendly and informative service. The dentist and hygienist are professional and explain the work being done is a clear manner and look after their customers well.

Al 4.

Many thanks to Apil and the team having completed my extensive dental treatment. As I’ve learnt from my recent appointments Dr Apil is meticulous in his work carrying it out to a high standard whilst being affable and kind.

John E.

Moon, my hygienist, is first rate.She's really encouraged me with keeping my dental hygiene a priority. Totally professional and caring attitude.Thank you.

James S.

I was very well looked after very helpful and friendly staff & attentive & professionalalso explained what procedures they were doing. & how I can keep my teeth & gums in good health.Mr George. Henderson.

george H.

Had a tooth infection emergency while on holidays. The receptionist got me an urgent appointment on New Years Eve. Dr. Sam quickly diagnosed the issue and extracted the tooth. I am grateful to him and Bethany for the expert service. I appreciate Dr. Sam walking through the options and the aftercare for next few days.Really great service from start to finishRegardsOliver McGeeTipperaryIreland

Oliver M.

Everyone at Links Dental Practice was just fantastic. From the moment I walked in on Monday to tell them what my predicament was until I walked out on Tuesday fully repaired they were just so professional.I cannot say enough and I will be eternal grateful to them for sorting me out before Xmas.Steve Levinson

Stephen L.

I required root canal treatment and an extraction. I was treated promptly and both jobs were completed quickly, efficiently and painlessly by Sam Lockhart. Moreover, my three visits were, if not fun, at least enjoyable. I was kept informed at all stages and entertained by Sam’s humour. This is dentistry at its best.

John G.

Recently attended for regular appointment with dental hygienist. Staff are always friendly and pleasant and I was seen on time. Clean bill of health was a bonus as well!

Karen E.

I had Invisalign, whitening, and veneers done at Links Dental with Dr. Sam Lockhart, and it was an incredible experience. I had struggled with my teeth for such a long time, but in less than a year, everything was fixed! The transformation is truly amazing, and I can’t thank Dr. Sam enough for his perfectionism and attention to detail throughout the process.All treatments were carried out to a high standard, and I am absolutely happy with the results. I’ve also had routine treatments at Links Dental, which were relaxed and completely pain-free. The team does everything to ensure your comfort by offering options to reduce discomfort, like headphones with music to block out the sound of the drill—perfect for anyone who feels uneasy at the dentist.For the first time, I’m no longer stressed about dental visits! I highly recommend Links Dental, and especially Dr. Sam Lockhart, for anyone looking for top-quality dental care.

Anna S.

Very pleased with the result of my treatmentI was always reluctant to smile as front teeth were unsightly. After 2 hours of pain free treatment the transformation was incredible

Heather S.

Links Dental is fantastic. My visits to the practice are always so comfortable and relaxing. The team are all wonderful and Dr Jasmin talks me through everything as she goes which I find extremely helpful. Couldn’t be happier with my treatment plan.

Kara T.

I’ve had a chipped tooth for a few years now and Dr. Sam asked me if I wanted to have this fixed up. It only took a short amount of time, no pain at all and I honestly can’t believe the difference it’s made to my smile! Brilliant!

David C.

A very pleasurable visit. (esp. to a dentist). Treatment was courteous and highly professional. Reception was friendly and appointment timing was spot on.

ian D.

My new dentist Jasmine wss friendly and welcoming.She took great trouble to check all my teeth (gently) and showed me them on a screen(fascinating) whilst explaining the work which needed to be done.Because I could clearly see my teeth..this all made sense to me.While lying back in the dentist's chair i also enjoyed watching a gorgeous travel film of Italy (no sound) which was v relaxing.I would highly recommend.

Ali O.

My experience with Dr. Sam has been outstanding. From my first visit, his warm welcome and the clinic’s calming atmosphere put me at ease. Dr. Sam is patient, thorough, and always takes the time to explain each step, which makes a real difference. His attention to detail and genuine care create a truly positive experience every time, and I always leave feeling satisfied and confident that I’m in expert hands. I’m still continuing my treatment with him, and I honestly couldn’t recommend him more to anyone seeking a skilled and compassionate dentist. He’s completely transformed my view of dental care, and I’m incredibly grateful!Tesnim 🙂

Dorr L.

Sam ( dentist) and Moon (hygienist) gave 5 star treatment today. So at ease answering questions, sorting issues and providing advice. A fabulous dental experience, so refreshing!

Jo L.

Mr Ross has been an excellent dentist and will be greatly missed. His honest guidance in treatment has been so helpful and his integrity and compassionate approach, an example of true commitment to his patients. Thank you Mr Ross!

Sarah S.

Had a great experience at Links dental practice. Moon was so friendly and professional! Pain-free hygienist appointment which surprised me! Would highly recommend!

Anna H.

Have been a patient of Links Dental practice, and Mr (Dr) Ross for more years than I care to remember, excellent treatment. Thank you, good luck for the future.

Paul L.

A crown popped out after a couple of days of tender niggling leaving a hole into the root. I was very fortunate to get an ‘unscheduled’ appointment the day after calling in about it, though not with my usual dentist as she was on annual leave.Dr/Mr Ross was so kind and gentle, probing in exactly the right spots with his instrument- I knew I was in the hands of an experienced expert. He took time to check every detail and make sure the reinserted crown was sitting just right, whilst explaining every step. I just felt he didn’t miss a thing, even though it was a simple enough dentistry job. I’ve had crowns reinserted before but this time was memorable.. excellent dentistry. Thankyou, Mr Ross!

Alice B.

I have been coming to Links Dental Practice for 32 years!!, since the beginning of the Practice, and today was my last check up with Mr Ross before his upcoming retirement. Edward Ross has looked after my family’s teeth exclusively and expertly all that time, and it’s a very welcoming environment to come to.Thank you for everything, happy retirement, and we’ll be continuing with our dental care at Links Dental Practice.Anita Cullinan

anita C.

Great service from Apil and Rita. My first major dental work in a long time so was quite apprehensive and they made the process as pleasant as possible.

Scott

A big thank you to Jasmine and the whole team who were always very friendly and helpful. Jasmine is excellent, friendly and approachable whilst being extremely skilful and professional.Overall I am so pleased with my Invisalign treatment and back to smiling again. 😊

Sara R.

Great as always. Lovely, friendly staff.Process well explained and went well.Great staff as usual, reception, dental assistant through to the actual dentist.

Graham H.

Shiona is always exceptionally professional and puts me at my ease at all times,ensuring I know what is happening and that I am pain free I feel very lucky to have her as my dentist

Susan R.

Incredibly good results working with Sam Lockhart using clear aligners to straighten my wonky teeth - 7 months and we’re done and dusted, my teeth are lovely and straight, I’m way less awkward about my smile . Would highly recommend.

HANNAH K.

Very professional. I got a filling today and was very fast and only felt pain one time then was painless for the rest of the appointment. Would recommend this dentist if you don’t usually like dentists.

Emma M.

Excellent practice and dental work. I was fortunate enough to be treated by Dr. Lockhart when I lost a filling during my holiday in Edinburgh. If I lived here, Links Dental would definitely be my first choice due to the highly skilled and kind and pain-free care.Thank you

Venessa B

I have been a customer of Links Dental practice since the late eighties. During that time, I have been treated exceptionally well, with my teeth maintained in very good condition. I wish to thank Dr Ross for his professionalism and I also wish him a happy retirement, which I believe will be happening towards the end of the year.

William D.

I have just had quite a large procedure of having a new front crown fitted, Jasmine was absolutely wonderful, very attentive and pain free she made sure that I was absolutely happy before we continued, thank you so much Jasmine for making a big procedure so much easier. I would also like to thank Bethany who assisted Jasmine all throughout my treatment and was absolutely wonderful, you will make a good Dentist Bethany. I absolutely love my new smile. Many thanks, Colin

Colin F.

Dentist Jasmine Tolat is a great dentist to go to with kids, she just seems to know how to get them relaxed. As adults very happy with her too, gives advice, very considerate and really cares. Def recommend Links.

ACM

Sincere thanks to Sam and the lovely Luca.I was so nervous and anxious.They were both so patient with making me feel more at ease.Sam went over my options at great length explaining everything to me and I am happy with what we’ve decided.Both so friendly kind and professional.Thank you both so much.D W

Diane W.

All of the staff are always really friendly and professional. This morning I saw Moon, the Hygienist, very ably assisted by Bethany, the Dental technician. They worked together effortlessly, never bumping into each other and making the whole procedure pain free and comfortable. I never felt like I was drowning, my gums and tongue where never sucked into the aspirator, and my teeth feel great afterwards. I am really lucky to have such a talented team so close to my home.

danielle G.

Having just had a wisdom tooth removed I can honestly say the whole experience was most definitely a positive one. Mr. Ross took lots of time to explain the procedure knowing i was somewhat nervous. After a short period of time the offending tooth was removed completely painlessly. I am so impressed. I can only speak highly of Links Dental Practice and all of the friendly and helpful staff. I can thoroughly recommend them....Gerry Martin

Gerry M.

I always feel looked after and more importantly experience a level of detailed examination and subsequent treatment that assures I get what’s needed. As someone who’s scared of dentists, they remove the fear. Thank you.

Dawnne M.

Links Dental Practice

Links Dental Practice, 101 Whitehouse Loan, Edinburgh EH9 1AT, United Kingdom

Providing *Pain Free Dentistry In Edinburgh

Telephone: 01315169278

Email: info@linksdentalpractice.co.uk

Monday 8:30am – 8:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 8:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am – 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday (alternate) 9:00am – 1:00pm

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*Pain Free Dentist Edinburgh

Our *Pain Free Certified Team

Nik Vourakis

Samuel G Lockhart

Shiona R Rees

Jasmine Tolat

Moon Kazi

Meet your *Pain Free Dentists

Nik Vourakis

Samuel G Lockhart

Shiona R Rees

Jasmine Tolat

Apil Timilsina

Julie Burke

Moon Kazi

Meet the *Pain Free support team

Shufan Tran

Sarah Walker

Jean Dodd

Agata Trojanowska

Rita Gautam

April McDaid

Bethany Martin

Adelise Ali

Freya Johnston

Hetty Brake

Ready to Love Your Smile?

Check Out Our Latest Patient Reviews

Links Dental Practice