ABOUT
THE PRACTICE
At the Village Dental Practice, our dedicated team combines exceptional professional expertise with a warm, supportive approach committed to delivering the very best in dental healthcare.
Meet the Team
Dr. Nina Thomas
GDC: 113447
Nina qualified from the University of Manchester in 2007 and has been part of the Village Dental Practice ever since, becoming Principal Dentist after completing her training there.
She has a special interest in treating nervous patients and children, holds a Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and provides both Invisalign and anti-wrinkle treatments. Nina also supports NHS dentistry through her role on the Mid Mersey Local Dental Committee.
Outside of work, she enjoys open water and ice swimming, and spending time exploring with her family.
Dr. Joanne Finn
GDC: 60535
Joanne founded the Village Dental Practice in December 2004 to ensure continued access to NHS dentistry for the local community. A Liverpool graduate (1985), she dedicated 40 years to dentistry, 35 of those serving her local patients with care and commitment.
She took great pride in mentoring the practice’s skilled and compassionate team, who continue to provide high-quality care.
Now retired, Joanne enjoys time with her growing family, including three grandchildren, as well as golfing and skiing.
Dr. Samantha Houghton
GDC: 117303
Samantha Houghton graduated from the University of Leeds in 2009 and began her career in general practice before spending two years in Australia, where she gained experience in aesthetic dentistry and mobile care for elderly patients.
Sam joined the Village Dental Practice in 2017, bringing her international experience and a calm, caring approach. She has a particular interest in smile design, Invisalign, and composite bonding, and is committed to staying current with the latest advances in dentistry.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children, scuba diving, and collecting fossilised shark teeth—she has over 1,000 in her collection!
Julie Keery
GDC: 2492
Julie has been a dedicated member of the practice since it first opened, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a gentle, reassuring approach to patient care. Having qualified as a dental hygienist in 1982, she has spent decades helping patients maintain healthy smiles through a combination of skill, compassion, and attention to detail.
Outside of work, Julie has developed a passion for gardening and has proudly participated in local Open Gardens events to raise money for charity. She also enjoys cycling and regularly embarks on cycling holidays with friends, exploring new places on two wheels. When she’s not outdoors, Julie treasures time spent with her family and walking Jasmine, her lively cocker spaniel.
Amanda Griffiths
GDC: 4484
Amanda qualified as a dental hygienist in 1993 from the prestigious Charles Clifford Dental School in Sheffield. With decades of experience in preventative dental care, she brings a gentle, reassuring approach to her work and is passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles.
She joined the Village Dental Practice in June 2023 and has quickly become a valued member of the team, known for her friendly manner and attention to detail.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys hot yoga, paddle boarding, and spending quality time with her family.
Rachel Baines
Rachel joined the practice in February 2010 as an apprentice while undertaking dental nurse training at Manchester University Dental Hospital. She qualified as a dental nurse in 2012 and went on to achieve post-qualification certifications in impression taking and fluoride application. Although she no longer works in a clinical nursing role, she has a continued passion for learning and regularly takes part in additional training to further her knowledge and skills.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and reading.
Alex Flanagan
GDC: 293137
Alex joined the practice in 2018 as an apprentice dental nurse and became fully qualified in 2021. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with a particular interest in smile makeovers, including Invisalign treatments and composite bonding.
Alex has recently completed a course in fluoride varnish application, enhancing her ability to support patients’ oral health through preventative care.
In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time with her family and friends and getting lots of cuddles from her lovely dog, Billy.
Emily Budgen
GDC: 161338
Emily has been with the practice for 20 years and can’t imagine working anywhere else. She values the supportive team and loyal patient base, which make it a genuinely enjoyable place to work. Emily enjoys working chairside, assisting with both NHS and cosmetic treatments, as well as spending time on reception, greeting patients, booking appointments, and offering advice. What she finds most rewarding is the variety no two days are ever the same.
At home, Emily loves spending time with her cats, who are always a welcome sight after work. In her spare time, she enjoys socialising, seeing family and friends, and travelling both in the UK and abroad.
Rachel Higson
GDC: 267614
Rachel joined the practice in 2014 and has enjoyed being part of the team ever since. She takes pride in helping patients feel comfortable and confident during their visits.
Rachel has recently completed a course in fluoride varnish application, enhancing her ability to support patients’ oral health through preventative care.
Outside of work, Rachel loves playing golf and is currently the Lady Captain at Leigh Golf Club. She also enjoys socialising with friends and making the most of her holidays—whether that’s relaxing in the sun or exploring new places.
Beth Egan
GDC: 292558
Beth joined the practice in 2018 as a trainee dental nurse and qualified in 2021. She has a genuine passion for her role, particularly enjoying caring for and chatting with patients to make their experience as comfortable as possible.
Outside of work, Beth is dedicated to keeping fit and enjoys going to the gym. She also loves spending quality time walking with her family, partner, and friends. Socialising and dining out with friends are some of her favourite ways to relax and unwind.