Meet Alison Collins

Occupation:
Dentist

Reason for BEING a Dentist:
When I was growing up I always knew that I wanted to work in the medical profession and when I was 16 I started babysitting for the children of one of the professors at the Dental Hospital and he was the one who persuaded me to consider dentistry & here I am all of these years later with no regrets.

The reason why I enjoy my work is that I get to meet a large number of really nice, interesting people and it gives me a great sense of satisfaction that I can help them and that they put their trust in me. With working in the same practice for so long I have been treating many of my patients and their families for over 20 years and most of my patients feel more like my friends rather than just a patient.

About Me:
I qualified from Newcastle Dental School in 1987 and came to work at Whickham Dental straight after.I am married & I live in Whickham and I have one teenage son who goes to Whickham School.

I am very interested in Complementary Medicines and how I can use them to enhance the dental treatment for my patients. In 2007 I studied for and passed the Primary Health Care Examination in Dental Homeopathy which allows me to be a licensed member of the Faculty of Homeopathy.

I have also had some experience in acupuncture and hypnosis and when time allows would like to study these further.

Favourite Movies:
The Commitments – fun, great music, good storyline and Irish accents as well!

Favourite Music:
I have a very varied taste in music and on my Ipod you’ll find Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, The Buena Vista Social Club, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, George Michael, Jay-Z with just about every other kind of music in between.

Favourite Books:
I love to read anything and everything and usually have 2 or 3 books on the go but my favourites are: – Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden – Angela’s Ashes by Roddy Doyle – Wild Swans by Jung Chang.

I also have a huge weakness for cookery books because one of my favourite ways of relaxing is cooking and baking and the one I use most is Delia Smith’s Complete Cookery Course.

How many years at existing practice?
25 Years

How many years a qualified dentist?
25 Years