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Join The Row Dental for an exclusive one-day symposium designed for general dental practitioners seeking practical insight and multidisciplinary learning.
Hear modern approaches to patient care from some of the UK’s leading clinicians with real-world takeaways you can implement immediately.
Saturday 14th November 2026
9:00am – 5:00pm
National Gallery, Edinburgh
CPD Hours – 7
Tickets – £20
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MEET THE SYMPOSIUM 2026 TEAM
Dr Carol Tait
Carol graduated with Honours from the University of Dundee in 1987 and worked in general practice for several years before returning to academia. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Endodontics at the University of Stellenbosch in 1998 and was appointed as a Lecturer in Endodontics at the University of Dundee where she completed her higher specialist training in Endodontics in 2004.
She is a Senior Lecturer Honorary Consultant at the University of Dundee where she is the lead for undergraduate endodontic teaching and the lead for a well-respected clinical Masters in Endodontics programme which she started in 2016.
Carol is a previous council member of the British Endodontic Society and an Opinion Leader for Dentsplysirona. She is the Director of the Membership and Engagement Group at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and a member of the Dental Executive Group. She has taught and examined widely throughout the UK and internationally and has recently been appointed as Deputy Lead Examiner for the endodontic specialist exit examination at the Royal College of Surgeons England and is postgraduate external examiner for the University of Birmingham and University of Edinburgh. She has recently been appointed as Chair of the Dentsplysirona PEERS Endodontic Community with a role of delivering endodontic educational study groups and conferences.
Dr Slaine Ker
DR. SLAINE KER’S FASCINATION WITH DENTISTRY STARTED AT AGE NINE—LITERALLY BY ACCIDENT—WHEN A POOLSIDE SLIP LEFT HER WITHOUT FRONT TEETH.
Over several appointments to repair and restore her smile, Slaine was introduced to the life-changing possibilities of cosmetic and restorative dentistry and discovered a drive to do for others what her clinical care team had done for her.
She went on to study at Dublin Dental School at the prestigious Trinity College before spending two years treating patients with facial trauma and cancer in the Oral and Maxillofacial Unit of Galway University Hospital.
Dr Nirmal Shah
Dr Nirmal Shah is a Specialist and Consultant Orthodontist based in Edinburgh. He graduated with distinction from Dundee Dental School before undertaking postgraduate training in paediatric dentistry, restorative dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. He subsequently completed specialist orthodontic training at the Edinburgh Dental Institute.
Alongside private practice at The Row Dental, Nirmal works as an NHS Consultant Orthodontist, managing complex multidisciplinary cases including orthognathic surgery, cleft lip and palate, hypodontia, impacted teeth, and combined orthodontic-restorative care.
He has a particular interest in aligner-based orthodontics, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), digital treatment planning, and early interceptive orthodontics. His clinical philosophy centres on improving predictability, enhancing patient experience, and reducing overall treatment burden wherever possible.
Nirmal is actively involved in teaching, examining, and research. He is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons, and has delivered postgraduate teaching nationally and internationally.
At The Row Dental, he treats both adults and children, combining specialist orthodontic care with a strong focus on facial aesthetics, function, early intervention, and long-term stability.
Dr Sapna Patel
Sapna is a Specialist in Restorative Dentistry at The Row Dental, where she manages patients requiring complex dental rehabilitation and multidisciplinary care. Sapna joined The Row in 2026 and her clinical interests include periodontics and prosthodontics, with expertise in both non-surgical and surgical management of periodontal disease, fixed and removable prosthodontic rehabilitation and the management of tooth wear.
Alongside her role at The Row, Sapna works as a Restorative Dentistry Consultant at the Edinburgh Dental Institute, treating patients with complex restorative needs, including those requiring rehabilitation following head and neck cancer treatment.
Sapna completed an intensive five-year specialty training programme in Restorative Dentistry in London, training across Croydon University Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. During this time, she gained extensive experience in Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Endodontics, with a strong focus on the multidisciplinary management of complex cases. She also completed a Master’s degree in Restorative Dentistry and has published both clinical work and research in several peer-reviewed journals.
Her commitment to clinical excellence has been recognised through multiple awards, including the prestigious Gary Pollock Clinical Case Prize in 2023. Her research and clinical interests focus particularly on patient engagement, minimally invasive dentistry, and digital dentistry.
Outside of dentistry, Sapna enjoys exploring Scotland’s stunning landscapes after relocating there with her husband in 2025. She is also actively involved with the British Society of Restorative Dentistry, where she has served as Honorary Secretary and Council Member since 2020.
Dr Duncan Weir
Dr Duncan is a graduate of Glasgow Dental School with a specialist interest in Implantology. After graduating, he completed his membership exams at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. He has a Diploma in dental implants from the University of Newcastle, placing at the top of his class and achieving Honours.
Dr Duncan has a keen interest in both the placement and restoration of dental implants. He has extensive experience dealing with anxious patients and offers “sleep” sedation dentistry. Dr Duncan’s calming, friendly and cheerful nature helps put patients at ease. He ensures every patient receives a tailored treatment plan that meets their every need.
Dr Duncan has also worked in Maxillofacial surgical departments in Scotland, where he helped treat patients with facial trauma and has undertaken senior house officer jobs in restorative dentistry.
In his spare time, Duncan is a keen surfer, skier and golfer.
Instagram handle: @dr.duncan_weir
Dr Kaila Girvan
Dr. Kaila Girvan graduated with Honours from the University of Glasgow in 2012. She completed foundation training and three years of hospital-based core training, including a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. During this time, she gained extensive experience in oncology, trauma, and surgical dentistry while caring for adults, children, and medically complex patients.
In 2016, Kaila returned to general practice, focusing exclusively on oral surgery. She works in clinics across Glasgow and Edinburgh, accepting referrals for complex extractions, bone augmentation, and the management of impacted teeth. Accredited in conscious sedation, she provides independent sedation services and specializes in treating anxious patients, which she finds especially rewarding.
A member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Kaila is also affiliated with BAOS, SAAD, and ITI. She is qualified in CBCT scan interpretation and is passionate about teaching, regularly mentoring colleagues and lecturing for professional organisations.
Outside of work, Kaila enjoys family time, staying active, and traveling—though her young children keep her busy!
