Practice Director

Linda Heads

Born in Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, I moved to Stockton-on-Tees when I was about 10 years old. Educated at Grangefield Grammar School and Stockton Sixth Form College (where I met Mike), I then studied History at Lancaster University and obtained a B.A. Honours degree.

Whilst Mike returned to Leeds University to do his second degree in Dentistry, I had various jobs to support us both - he was "a kept man." Mike says he has been paying me back ever since. Our two children, Charlotte and Laurence, are both at University now and, interestingly, Charlotte has gone down the science route, like Mike, and is studying Biochemistry at Oxford, whilst Laurence is more arts based and is currently studying Economics at Monmouth University in the USA. Both kids are sporty and cheeky, the latter attribute coming from their Mum.

Leaving my job in the Education Dept. At Middlesbrough, I was determined to help Mike set up his first practice - in those days (1984), I used to nurse for him and work on the reception desk. Now, I have my own office, upstairs at Greenfields House - patients rarely see me and I'm sure those patients who go back to 1984 and beyond think that I am now a lady of leisure. All I can say is that a chance would be a fine thing!

I am still working as hard as ever behind the scenes - accounts, marketing, personnel, interior design and, most recently, practice photographer. My work is varied, very rewarding and made enjoyable by the people I work with.

My role normally involves me making a nuisance of myself - distributing work and ensuring its completed by the required deadline. The rest of the team think I am good at doing this - making a nuisance of myself, that is, and I know they say, "it's her again" when my line lights up. The most important thing about my job is to have a sense of humour and ensure that the whole team are happy in their work - after all, "a smile a day keeps the Director away!"