Team

Neil Taylor BDS, LLB, Dip LP

Head of Services

Neil Taylor is qualified in Dentistry, Law and a retired five year member of the Faculty of Advocates. Neil qualified as a Dental Surgeon in 1991 from the University of Glasgow. Whilst in practice as a General Dental Practitioner for 13 years Neil obtained a Law degree in 2003, with an interest in pursuing a career in medico-legal/dento-legal work.

Neil obtained a diploma in legal practice and after a period as a solicitor he embarked upon a one year devilling course at the Faculty of Advocates. Neil called to the Scottish Bar as an Advocate in 2007. Neil was instructed by Insurance companies and solicitors in the Court of Session, High Court of Justiciary, Appeal Courts and Sheriff Courts on a regular basis, defending clients' interests.

Neil is an excellent defender with an extremely high success rate. In order to provide a service to dentists in Scotland Neil has resigned from the Bar. With the unique qualifications that Neil has, he is an excellent defender, mediator, negotiator and mitigator. Neil's main interests are fraud, negligence, professional misconduct, regulation and statutory interpretation.

Neil has unparalleled qualifications and experience in dental legal advice and assistance.

Stuart Anderson MBA MCIBS

Operations Director

Stuart began his professional career in business in 1999, as Senior Business Development Manager for The Royal Bank of Scotland, followed by a role as Director of Corporate Development with the Bank of Scotland, before creating a consultancy service primarily focused on business turnaround advice and provision of viability reports for banks and financiers.

Stuart has been Operations Director within a number of dental corporates since 2009.

Stuart joined TDS in October 2017 as Operations Director, bringing a wealth of experience to the team and has been able to successfully evolve both, the business infrastructure to support the continual growth of the business as well as working closely with our insurer to ensure we introduce a great insurance policy for TDS clients.

Stuart is continually involved in the finer detail of the dental indemnity market, helping TDS to stay at the forefront of change and is always passionate about helping teach everyone about the topic, to the profession in general and is more than happy to discuss all aspects of the service provided by TDS. 

Cloe Pettigrew

Head of Client Acquisition

Cloe joined our team in August 2020. Cloe previously worked as a Sales & Events Coordinator, after graduating in 2018 with a first-class honours degree in Events Management.

Cloe joined TDS as our operations assistant and in October 2022, became our Head of Client Acquisition. Cloe is one of our first points of contact for prospective clients looking to join TDS and is more than happy to discuss the services which TDS provide. As well as dealing with enquiries via phone and email, you will be able to speak to Cloe at the dental shows across the UK. Cloe also oversees our social media and marketing content.

Lauren Heaney

Marketing and Operations Assistant

Lauren joined TDS in January 2023 as Marketing & Operations Assistant. Lauren is one of the first points of contact for prospective clients looking to join TDS. As well as dealing with enquiries via phone and email, you will be able to speak to Lauren at dental shows across the UK, where she will be promoting TDS. As well as dealing with enquiries to join, Lauren provides invaluable marketing support to the company and manages our social media accounts and website blog updates.

Lindsay Fitzpatrick LLB (Hons)

Head of Claims

Lindsay joined TDS in June 2018 following her graduation from the University of Strathclyde, where she achieved LLB (Hons) 2:1. She had a keen interest in Medical Law and Ethics whilst studying law, and focused her dissertation study period in this area. Family ties have also given her a background knowledge of dentistry, and she is delighted to have the opportunity to pursue this interest further with TDS.

As our Head of Claims, Lindsay’s duties include daily management of the claims team and liaising with brokers/insurers as required. Lindsay also deals with her own cases, working with our clinical advisers when necessary. She has a keen interest in cases with regulatory involvement for non-clinical matters.

Claire Walsh BDS, MML, Dip FMS, MFFLM

Senior Dental Adviser

Claire Walsh graduated in Glasgow in 1993, and practiced as an associate in corporate practices in Glasgow for 15 years, alongside sessional commitments for the Salaried Dental Services at Glasgow Dental Hospital. She then took up a role as Clinical Director for Integrated Dental Holdings' Scottish practices, assisting dentists with all aspects of clinical governance, compliance with NHS regulations and patient management.

Claire was an dento-legal adviser in various roles with Dental Protection for over 10 years, latterly gaining extensive experience in clinical assessment & liason with in-house legal terms for the handling of dental negligence claims in the UK, Ireland and Israel.

She was active in local and national dental politics/committees early in her career, and for many years contributed her own opinion column in the Scottish Dental Magazine. Claire has completed postgraduate studies in Forensic Medical Sciences and Medical Law, and in 2021 became a Member of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine in reflection of her experience in the dento-legal field.

Claire joined TDS in February 2019 and is now a Senior Dental Adviser on a full-time basis.

Damien McNee BDS, MSc, PgCert (Dental Law & Ethics)

Senior Dental Adviser

Damien graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2007 and has worked in both NHS and Private practice ever since, gaining valuable experience in all aspects of patient care in the process. Damien has focused heavily on continuing education as part of his career development, obtaining an MSc in Implant dentistry, alongside postgraduate certificates in both restorative dentistry and dental law and ethics.

Damien is actively involved in general practice and focusses much of his time on restorative and implant dentistry, alongside endodontics.

Damien joined Taylor Defence Services in 2021 and became Senior Dental Adviser in September 2023. Damien is enjoying using his own experiences and knowledge to assist clients with any concerns they may have.

Michael Dhesi MSc AGDP BDS (Hons) MFDS RCPS (Glasg) MPDC RCSEd FCGDent

Dental Adviser

Michael qualified from the University of Glasgow in 2012 attaining a BDS with Honours. He has been active in postgraduate dental education from the outset of his career achieving Membership to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 2013.

Michael is a passionate advocate of evidence-based dentistry with particular interests in restorative dentistry, digital dentistry, implantology, oral surgery and conscious sedation. He holds an MSc with Distinction from the University of Birmingham and a Membership in Primary Dental Care from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is also actively involved in delivering hand-on courses via NHS Education for Scotland and is a marker for the MSc in Advanced General Dental Practice at the University of Birmingham.

Michael joined Taylor Defence Services as a clinical advisor in 2017 and has enjoyed assisting clients in all aspects of their dental careers. As an owner of multiple practices including a busy referral practice  Michael is well placed to assist our clients. In 2022 Michael was awarded Fellowship from the College of General Dentistry.

Katie MacDonald BDS, MFDS, PgCert (Dental Law & Ethics)

Dental Adviser

Katie graduated with a BDS from the University of Glasgow in 2015 and has since enjoyed locuming as a GDP in various practices across Scotland .
Post graduate learning is important to Katie, who attained an MFDS (RCPS Glasg) in 2017. She also regularly attends restorative, endodontic and orals surgery courses to ensure her practical skills and knowledge are kept up to date.
Katie has always been passionate about pursuing a career in Dental Law and in 2018 she completed a PGCert in Dental Law and Ethics. Katie is currently studying towards an LLM.

Katie joined TDS in June 2021 and enjoys being part of a hard-working and enthusiastic team, dedicated to assisting clients in need of help or advice.   

Amit Frankie Rai BDS (Hons), LLM, Dip. MFGDP(UK) MJDF, FHEA, FPFA, PG Dip Ortho

Dental Adviser 

Frankie qualified in 2003 with honours from the University of Manchester following which he attained both MFGDP (UK) and MJDF RCS Eng. diplomas. He has worked as a General Dental Practitioner ever since, still happily working at the coal-face within his own mixed Dental & Orthodontic practices. 

He has previously worked as a Dentolegal adviser with the Dental Defence Union (DDU). In addition, he possesses the rounded experience of having worked at the GDC, NHS England, NCAS, HEE London deanery as a VT (DFT) adviser and as an Expert Witness in clinical negligence cases. Following the completion of his Master of Laws degree at De Montfort University, Frankie assisted the University by designing their Dental Law & Ethics LLM module as lead lecturer. He has also gained international recognition by being awarded Fellowship to the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

As a consequence of his eclectic experiences, he joined Taylor Defence Services in 2022 with a track record of defending colleagues against claims, complaints and GDC matters. 

Frankie is an award-winning author, writing in the dental press and having authored the textbook ‘Dental Foundation Training’ (Radcliffe publishing). You will often find him speaking to colleagues on a range of risk management and dentolegal matters at events nationally. 

Judith Brady BDS, MFDS, CGDent, PgDip (Healthcare Law and Ethics)

Dental Adviser 

Judith graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2007. She has worked as an associate in Glasgow for over thirteen years. During this time, she has represented colleagues on various dental committees both locally and nationally.

She has a keen interest in medical law and has recently achieved a post-graduate diploma in Healthcare and Ethics from University of Dundee. 

Fiona Waddington

Dental Adviser 

Fiona graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1998 and has worked in NHS practice ever since. A lifelong interest in forensics led Fiona to gain an MSc in Forensic Odontology in 2012 from the University of Glamorgan. She is a member of the British Association of Forensic Odontology and lectures widely on this subject, as well as providing postgraduate courses and workshops via NHS Education for Scotland. Fiona also runs a busy facial aesthetics clinic in Ayrshire.

Fiona joined Taylor Defence services as a clinical adviser in 2023 and is enjoying assisting clients with any concerns they may have.

Jennifer Donnelly BDS (Hons)

Dental Adviser

Jennifer graduated from Glasgow University in 2007 where she achieved a BDS with honours. She has been working as a GDP in practices in Lanarkshire for over 16 years.

Jennifer has attended many post graduate courses including ortho and restorative in which she has particular interest. Jennifer joined TDS in January 2024 and is keen to utilise her own experience and knowledge in assisting other dentists.

Luke Phillips

Claims Adviser

Luke joined TDS in May 2022. He studied business at Middlesex University before joining the insurance industry and working in claims for most of his career. He worked at The Medical Defence Union/ Dental Defence Union for many years and has extensive experience handling clinical negligence claims against doctors and dentists both in the UK and internationally. 

Luke is passionate about his work defending clients against claims made against them, along with providing claims advice and support.

Megan MacKay LLB (Hons)

Claims Adviser

Megan graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2021 with an LLB (Hons) Bachelor of Laws 2:1. Megan has previous experience working in customer service and has also worked as an operations analyst in the financial services sector. Megan joined TDS in April 2022, and was originally part of our claims administration team. In Septemeber 2022, Megan became a Claims Adviser. Megan will primarily advise on civil claims, non-clinical complaints and corporate matters.

Laura Quinn

Claims Adviser

Laura joined TDS in March 2023 as a Claims Adviser. Laura previously worked within the Insurance industry handling Personal Injury claims. Her role involved reviewing claims submissions, obtaining and verifying information, corresponding with insurance agents and beneficiaries, reviewing medical reports and processing claim payments.

Laura also has experience of managing a team of around 12 staff and recently completed the Management Excellence Programme.Laura will primarily advise on civil claims, non-clinical complaints, and corporate matters.

Siobhan Walsh LLM, PgDip, LLB (Hons)

Chartered Legal Executive

Siobhan joined TDS in April 2022 as a member of the in-house legal team. A Chartered Legal Executive, Siobhan has over a decade of experience defending Dentists and Medics, both for an Indemnifier and panel firm of Solicitors. She is therefore accustomed to providing risk management advice at every stage of a matter, from initial complaint to formally defending a claim. Family ties have provided a background of knowledge of dentistry, meaning that she is sensitive to the specific challenges faced by Dentists. 

In addition to practice, Siobhan has lectured in Law at multiple Universities for several years, including as Module Leader of the Medical Law & Ethics module at the University of Huddersfield.

Deborah Wilson

Claims Administrative Supervisor

Deborah joined us in April 2021 as Claims Assistant, her main role being to provide administrative support for our busy claims team. Deborah will be one of our client's first point of contact should they ever need to get in touch and will direct them to an appropriate adviser. Deborah has over 20 years experience in  Complaint Handling within the Banking Financial Services sector where she worked as a Complaint Handler/Team Leader and for the last 2 years as an Outcome Tester in the Quality Control Department.

In October 2022, Deborah became Supervisor within our Claims Administration team.

Ava Cassells

Claims Administrative Assistant 

Ava joined TDS in September 2021. Ava is part of our claims administration team and provides administrative support to our advisers. Ava will be one of our client's first point of contact should they ever need to get in touch and will direct them to an appropriate adviser. Ava has previous experience working in customer service and is a valued member of our team.

Ava also provides valuable input in other matters such as marketing including our monthly newsletter and social media accounts.

Hannah Bradley

Claims Administrative Assistant

Hannah joined TDS in October 2019 as an Administrative Assistant within our Administration and Accounts department. She gained experience in administration roles, and as an Accounts Assistant, involving payroll, banking, invoicing and all related tasks.

Within our Administration and Accounts department, Hannah assisted with all administrative tasks, including TDS renewals and payments.

In November 2022, Hannah joined our Claims Administration team. Hannah now processes all new cases and provides administrative support for our advisers.

Avril Dunsmore

Claims Administrative Assistant

Avril joined TDS in March 2023 as part of our Claims Administration team. She qualified as a dental nurse in 2011 and gained over 14 years dental experience and knowledge. Avril will be one of our client's first points of contact and will provide administrative support for our advisers.

Alessia Barrack

Claims Administrative Assistant

Alessia joined TDS in June 2023 and currently works within our Claims Administration team as a Claims Administrative Assistant. Alessia’s day to day job includes being the first point of contact for clients requiring assistance and providing our claims advisers with administrative support, to ensure a seamless claims handling process for our clients. Alessia has this year started a Law degree and is enjoying studying alongside her role at TDS.

Sofia Graham

Claims Administrative Assistant

Sofia joined TDS in November 2023 after graduating with honours from University of the West of Scotland as part of the BA Business course. Sofia is part of our claims administration team and provides administrative support to our advisers. Sophia will be one of our client's first point of contact should they ever need to get in touch. Sofia has previous experience working in customer service and is a valued member of our team.

Ben Bradshaw

Claims Administrative Assistant

Ben joined TDS in November 2023 after graduating from Glasgow University with an Honours Degree in Business & Management. Ben is part of our claims administration team and provides administrative support to our advisers. Ben will be one of our client's first point of contact should they ever need to get in touch and will direct them to an appropriate adviser. Ben has previous experience working in customer service and is a valued member of our team.

Kerry Morrison

Head of Administrative Services

Kerry joined TDS in 2016, bringing many years of experience and knowledge in IT systems, general administration, and accounts management.

Kerry is our main point of contact for clients for queries regarding payments, updating personal details and any other general non-claims queries.

Chloe Panchal

Administrative Assistant

Chloe joined TDS in April 2022 and is part of our administrative team. Chloe has previous experience working in customer service, complaints handling and sales. Chloe assists with administrative tasks including TDS renewals and payments. Chloe is a valued member of our team.

Marley Leck

Administrative Assistant

Marley joins us from her role as a Senior Administrator which she held for over 6 years, prior to joining TDS in November 2022. She had responsibility in a number of areas including processing orders, creating and issuing invoices, handling customer enquiries and also had experience in dealing with complaints. Marley is a welcome addition to our administration team and will be very pleased to assist clients with any queries they may have in respect of their TDS and/or policy administration.