Dr Annette O’Donovan

I am honoured to put myself forward for election to the Irish Dental Council. Having graduated from Manchester University in 2001, I have built a varied and rewarding career across hospital, community and general practice. Early in my career I worked as a Vocational trainee in the UK, a Community dentist in Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital London, and held a hospital position in the Dublin Dental Hospital. I gained experience across many disciplines, followed by attaining my MFD qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2004. I hold a Certificate in Pain and Sedation Dentistry from the Eastman Dental Institute and a Postgraduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons England. I have undertaken further international training across orthodontics, CADCAM dentistry, facial aesthetics, occlusal rehabilitation, and various other area of dentistry.

I went on to establish and run Alexandra Dental and Aesthetic Clinics in Limerick for 15 years, building it into a highly successful multidisciplinary group across 4 sites before taking time out to spend with my children. I now work in and run 2 general dental clinics in Clare and Galway.

Having qualified abroad myself, and having employed dentists from Egypt, Canada, the United States, Australia, and Taiwan I understand deeply the challenges international colleagues face. In particular, I have taken on dentists from Ukraine and acted as a mentor, supporting them as they adapt to new systems and rebuild their careers in Ireland.

If elected, I will bring to the Council:

• A deep understanding of both clinical and business aspects of dentistry.
• First-hand experience in practice ownership, team leadership, and multidisciplinary care.
• Empathy for the realities dentists face, whether newly qualified, overseas-trained, or long established.
• An awareness of the Council’s wider remit — not only in regulating dentists but also hygienists and other dental professionals — and a commitment to ensuring all members of the dental team are supported in delivering the best care possible.
• A dedication to representing the profession with integrity, transparency, and vision, while safeguarding patient trust and safety.

It would be a privilege to serve my colleagues and the wider community by contributing my experience, skills, and commitment to the important work of the Dental Council.