Meet Your Oral Health Team
At Torrington Dental Practice, we believe that a healthy smile starts with a strong foundation in oral health and hygiene.
Our dedicated Oral Health Team is here to support you in achieving and maintaining optimal dental health. With a focus on preventive care, education, and personalised treatment plans, we work closely with you to ensure your smile remains bright and healthy for years to come.
Our Dedicated Oral Health Team
Gemma Bealey
DENTAL THERAPIST/HYGIENIST
GDC Number: 234376
Having gained her National Diploma in Dental Nursing in 2012, Gemma Joined TDP in 2014 as a qualified dental nurse, undertaking further training to qualify as an Oral Health Educator. Gemma then followed her dreams and left the practice to study Dental Hygiene and Therapy at Liverpool University.
She qualified for her Diploma in 2018 and re- joined our team in her newly qualified role shortly afterwards. As a Dental Therapist she is certified to undertake additional treatments on top of those of a hygienist, including permanent fillings for both children and adults, and the extraction of children’s teeth.
Gemma has also undertaken additional training in Conscious Sedation and is part of the sedation team here at the practice. In her own time, she enjoys walking the Devon coastline and paddle boarding and spending time with her family.
Kim Durk
Head Nurse
GDC Number: 126159
Kim joined the practice in 2004 as a trainee dental nurse. She qualified in 2006 and was soon promoted to Head Nurse, a role she has now resumed after taking a break from the role to have her children.
Kim is a very busy person at the practice, and recently has added “Dental Health Educator” to her role, working with patients on a one to one basis, as well as visiting local schools, community groups etc. to spread the message about the importance of good oral hygiene.
Kim also has additional NEBDN qualifications in Impression taking, Plaque scoring and Fluoride varnish application, all skills that complement her Dental Health Educator role. Kim has also recently completed her ILM Decontamination Lead course.
Kim is also a dental nurse tutor and examiner for the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) and runs the NEBDN course from Torrington Dental Practice.
Outside of work, Kim loves spending time with her family, socialising and keeping relatively fit!
Gemma Bowden
Dental Hygienist & Therapist
GDC Number:262469
Gemma began her career in dentistry as a receptionist before earning her Diploma in Dental Nursing in 2016. She continued to expand her skill set by gaining additional qualifications in Dental Radiography in 2017 and Oral Health Education in 2020.
Prior to attending university, Gemma spent two years as a Practice Manager, providing her with valuable experience in both patient care and team leadership.
In 2026, Gemma fulfilled a long-held career ambition by graduating from Peninsula Dental School as a Dental Hygienist and Therapist.
Joining the Torrington Dental Practice team in September, Gemma genuinely loves every aspect of dentistry. She takes great pride in helping patients achieve healthier smiles while ensuring they feel relaxed and comfortable throughout their treatment. For Gemma, building trusting relationships and supporting patients on their oral health journeys are among the most rewarding parts of her work.
Outside of the practice, she enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and keeping busy with DIY projects and odd jobs around the house.