THE ADMIN TEAM
Welcome to the Torrington Dental admin team.
Meet the friendly faces behind the scenes, ensuring your dental experience is as smooth and pleasant as possible.
Whether managing your appointments or answering your questions, our team is committed to providing exceptional service and support.
Samantha paine
Head receptionist
Samantha joined us in 2004 at a very young age of seventeen. She has since become a valued member of the reception team and after gaining her NVQ III in Customer Services was promoted to head receptionist in 2014. She leads a team of four receptionist, to provide our patients with a professional and friendly welcome working closely with Toni, our practice manager and the other team leaders.
Samantha is also one of our First Aider team helping ensure the safety of our patients and staff. Samantha is always on hand to answer any questions our patients may have, so please do not hesitate to contact her on reception@torringtondental.co.uk
Helen Marchant
Practice Administrator/Receptionist
Helen started work at Torrington Dental Practice in 2006 as part of the reception team. Helen changed her role in 2014 and now works alongside Toni, our practice manager, to ensure the smooth running of the practice. Helen is the first point of call for any account queries.
Helen is a local girl from Torrington. Her interests include running and spending time with her family and friends.
Kim Symonds
Receptionist/Dental Nurse
Kim joined us in 2005 and qualified as a RDN in 2007.
During this time her role as a dental nurse evolved somewhat and she was responsible for our Domiciliary service, became Head Nurse, responsible for all the clinical areas of the practice.
Working alongside John Evans for twelve years (who has now retired), Kim has now decided to slow down herself, reducing her hours and responsibilities. Kim has now joined our dedicated reception team. This now gives Kim more time to drink prosecco and eat chocolate. Kim is the first point of call for any patient account queries.
Alison Ellam
Receptionist
Alison joined Torrington Dental Practice in December 2015, as part of the reception team.
Her varied career started as a cook manager in Wrafton until her desire to travel realised when she joined Gulf Air as an air stewardess based in Bahrain, followed by many years with British Airways. She then took a career break to bring up her son and on returning to work joined a busy doctor’s practice in Barnstaple.
Ali has become a valued member of the team, using her previous customer service experience to provide our patients with the welcome they expect
SOPHIE MCCARTHY
Receptionist
Sophie was a registered dental nurse for 15 years before becoming a receptionist at her old practice in Exmouth. Sophie has since relocated to North Devon and is now part of the Torrington Dental Practice Reception Team offering patients excellent service and a wealth of knowledge about dentistry.
In her spare time she enjoys walking the in countryside with her dog and spending time with her friends and family.
JAYNE BROCK
Receptionist
Jayne joined the practice in September 2024. Originally from Bristol, she moved to North Devon 13 years ago after meeting her husband. With over 45 years of experience in the dental field, Jayne was a GDC-registered dental nurse for many years. She’s known for her kind and caring nature, always putting patients first.
Jayne is now part of our reception team, where she plays a vital role in ensuring every patient feels welcome and supported from the moment they arrive. She handles appointments, queries, and helps make each visit as smooth and comfortable as possible.
In her spare time, Jayne enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for walks, and gardening.
Emma Sanders
Receptionist
Emma grew up in the beautiful New Forest and spent many childhood holidays in North Devon. In May 2024, she and her partner relocated to Barnstaple and purchased their first home together.
After 11 years working in early years settings, Emma decided it was time for a career change. She joined the practice in April 2025 and is now settling into her role as a dental receptionist. She’s loving getting to know the team and building her skills, and she’ll soon be starting a Business and Administration course.
In her spare time, Emma enjoys running, spending time with family and friends, and walking her dog in the countryside.
Sue Taylor
Referrals Administrator
Sue joined the admin team at Torrington Dental Practice in April 2018 as our Referrals Administrator.
Sue brings 30 years of experience as an admin executive having worked all her professional career in the blue chip industry. Initially moving from Kent to enjoy a slower pace of life, she realised she was not entirely ready to hang up the keyboard just yet! She should be your first point of contact for all referrals including Implants, Sedations, Orthodontics and Domiciliary and can be contacted at admin@torringtondental.co.uk.
Sue has fully integrated into village life playing both darts and skittles for her local teams and enjoys long walks on the beach with the dog.