About Merrion
Merrion Square Dental
Welcome to Merrion Square Dental, your trusted source for comprehensive dental care in Dublin, Ireland. Our experienced team offers a wide range of general Dentist Dublin services to meet all your oral health needs.
78 Merrion Square has been steeped in the tradition of the dental profession.
- From the 1920’s until 1948, Leo Smyth, both, lived and practiced as a dentist in the building. His son, Brian, took over the practice and remained there until his retirement in 1986.
- Along the way, the coach of the Irish rugby team, Roly Meates, practised in “No. 78” from 1964 until 1972.
- Former Leinster rugby player, Declan Molloy, practised in the building from 2011 – 2016.
- Barry Devaney founded his practice in “No. 78” in 1983 and is still practicing with great enthusiasm.
Paddy Steed has now taken over the practice as “Merrion Square Dental”, to bring a new, innovative approach to dentistry, utilising the latest technologies, and materials to provide care in a modern practice.

Megan
Front of House Manager
I am very interested in the relationship between dentistry and nutrition. The book titled ‘The Dental Diet’ sparked this interest. I have experience in creating individual food plans for patients following various procedures such as implants and extractions to ensure a speedy recovery.
I love all things in relation to Food Science and Wellbeing. In my spare time you can often find me cooking new recipes or long walks with my dogs. Hanging out with my friends and family is also a very important aspect of my life.
Martina Antonucci
Dental Nurse
With several years of experience as a Dental Nurse in Italy, I have gained a wide range of skills and built a solid foundation in patient care. Working as the only Dental Nurse in a private clinic in Rome helped me become independent, organised, and work closely with the dentist to provide high-quality care.
I value teamwork and enjoy helping create a positive and well-organised environment in the practice, always keeping patients comfortable and confident.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, reading, going to concerts, and painting with watercolours, as well as spending time with family and friends whenever possible.


Elaine Bannon
Dental Hygienist
I am from Greystones. I have worked locally, and abroad in Bahrain and Dubai.
I have worked in general practices, and a specialised orthodontic practice. I helped set up an oral health educational programme in Bahrain, where I went out to schools and colleges to give talks and workshops on oral health. My particular interest within dental hygiene is to help and be understanding to those who might be afraid of attending, and to provide oral health education.
I like to go long distance running, cycling, music, and reading.
Zané Hazel
Dental Hygienist
I have over a decade of experience as a dental hygienist graduating with a Bachelors degree in Oral Hygiene in 2013 from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
I’m passionate about helping patients gain confidence through their smiles and being part of that transformative journey.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and have a love for travel and new experiences.


Dr Paddy Steed Dentist Dublin
Dr Steed has lived and worked in Scotland and England, before settling in Dublin and working in private dental practices before taking over Merrion Square Dental.
As well as working in Merrion Square Dental, he is currently studying a Masters in Implantology at Bristol University. He also supervises at the Dentist Dublin Hospital advanced restorative department, helping students refine their skills.
When he’s not busy with studies or work, Paddy enjoys walking the outdoors, competing in Triathlons and hitting a golf ball.
He graduated from the University of Dundee and went on to achieve membership in Dentistry of the Royal College of Surgeons in England. Throughout his career he has developed a particular interest in and aptitude for Oral Surgery and Restorative Dentistry. He is also passionate about the opportunities presented by Digital Dentistry.
Dr Shane O’Neill
Dentist Dublin
Dr. Shane O’Neill, a native of West Cork, graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2021 with a BA.B.Dent.Sc and is known for his compassionate approach to patient care. His primary goal is to ensure every patient feels comfortable and relaxed during their dental visits.
Dr. O’Neill practices in all areas of general dentistry and is proficient in restorative dentistry, root canal treatments, pediatric care, and emergency dental procedures. He is particularly passionate about biomimetic aesthetic dentistry—a field that focuses on preserving healthy tooth structure and restoring teeth to their natural function and appearance. His dedication to this area has led him to complete numerous advanced courses, enabling him to provide modern, evidence-based treatments that maintain a natural aesthetic.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. O’Neill is an avid sports fan and enjoys keeping up with current affairs. He also loves skiing, traveling, and spending quality time with his friends and family.


Dr Rui Pereira da Costa
Endodontic Specialist
Rui Pereira da Costa, DDS, MSc, PhD, is root canal specialist at Merrion Square Dental. He is a dentist with both a Master’s degree and a doctorate in Endodontics and teaches in postgraduate programs at the University of Lisbon and the International University of Catalonia in Barcelona.
He is nationally and internationally recognised as a leader in Endodontics and is regularly invited to speak at specialist conferences across Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Colombia, Angola, Dubai, Bahrain, Lebanon, Italy, Hungary, and beyond.
