A FORMER naval surgeon who set up her own dental practice in Tranent has taken part in a Parliamentary review of private healthcare in the UK.

Dr Gillian Leslie’s Bridge Dental Care is one of just nine organisations working in the private healthcare sector asked to contribute to the review.

She will travel to Westminster in March for a gala event to mark the important document and its contributors.

Established by former minister The Rt Hon David Curry in 2010, The Parliamentary Review’s release is now a key fixture in the political calendar.

It is sent to more than half a million leading policy makers, stakeholders in industry and other relevant individuals and is considered both a blueprint for success and a template for reform.

The private healthcare review section looks at highlighting best practice at scompanies and Dr Leslie was asked to expand on how she had built her practice, which now has three surgeries and a sterilisation room, and her approach to providing services, both privately and through the NHS.

Dr Leslie, who served in Iraq with the Royal Marines, said she brought a unique ethos to the practice by insisting it was run in line with the principles, methodology and standards of the Royal Navy.

She said: “Our aim is to provide a relaxed, friendly environment for dental care.

“Working for over a decade as a naval Surgeon Lieutenant Commander (D), I am used to dealing with very anxious and nervous patients.

“Dentistry is all about trust. In order for a patient to trust their dentist, a dentist has to work hard to alleviate fears and nerves.”

Dr Leslie opened her Tranent practice in 2013. She is now joined by associate Dr David Hunter and recently added a third surgery in anticipation of new housing developments in the town.

Bridge Dental Care is one of only three Scottish-based dental companies invited to contribute to the annual review, with the others Bite Dentistry, who are based in Edinburgh, and Oak Tree Dental Clinic, Kilsyth.

Biotech firm Precious Cells, which has a base in Motherwell as well as in England, was also asked to take part.

All those who took part are invited to a gala to mark the review’s launch next month.

Dr Leslie said: “We were honoured to be asked by Westminster to appear in this years’ Parliamentary Review. It is a huge acknowledgment for my team, who have worked extremely hard to build the practice over the past four years.”

Prime Minister Theresa May said in her opening address of the document that “this year’s Parliamentary Review follows a significant year in British politics”.

Daniel Yossman, The Parliamentary Review’s executive director, said: “Bridge Dental Care and other hardworking organisations from across the country have come together to make the review possible.

“Sharing knowledge and insight with peers and Government is essential work and I am delighted that this year’s review will reach every corner of the British economy.”