Meet the Tufton Cottage Team
Welcome to our practice. We understand that visiting the dentist can be a nervous experience for some, which is why we’ve created this space for you to get to know us. Our goal is to help you feel completely at ease and confident in the friendly, professional care you’ll receive before you even step through our doors.
Meet the Dentists
Dr. William Crank
Principal Dentist
BDS (Sheff.) Certificate in Facilitating Medical Education Senior Dental Officer – Clinical Supervisor (NHS) Honorary Clinical Teaching Fellow (UCLan) Educational Supervisor – North East and North Cumbria Deanery
Will leads our clinical team with two decades of expertise. He is passionate about combining patient care with the latest advancements in modern dentistry.
Dr. Edward Lindsay-Black
Associate Dentist
MChD / BChD, BSc (Leeds 2024)
After qualifying in Leeds, Ed came to Tufton Cottage to complete his foundation training year. He has gone on to spend a year working with the oral surgery team at the Cumberland Infirmary, while continuing to care for patients at Tufton Cottage on Saturdays.
Meet the Dentists
Dr. Folu Ogunyide
Foundation Dentist
BDS (Liverpool, 2025)
Folu joined the team in 2025 to complete his foundation training placement. He brings fresh energy and fresh ideas to the practice. Folu's placement gives him the time to spend with his patients to focus on their care and try new ideas.
Dr. Graham Cunningham
Associate Dentist
BDS University of Glasgow
Graham joined our team in 2022, he is committed to providing high-quality, clinical excellence to families in Appleby.
Our Hygiene & Therapy Team
Samantha Shepherd
Dental Hygienist
Diploma in Dental Hygiene 1995 Manchester
Sam began her journey at Tufton Cottage in 1992. For over 3 decades, she has been a trusted guide for our patients, building a wonderful reputation through her caring and dedicated focus on healthy smiles.
Danielle Leach
Dental Therapist
BSc Oral Health Science University of Manchester 2016
Danielle joined the team in 2025 and brings some fresh ideas to the team. Danielle is continuing her education alongside working with us to become a Dentist at the University of Lancashire.
Our Nursing Team
Jayne Simpson
Dental Nurse
Jayne comes with over 20 years of experience, She has been with Tufton Cottage since the start of her career. She loves Wine and Downhill mountain biking
Abbie Cannon
Dental Nurse
Our resident farmer, Abbie has over 10 years experience. She has been with us at Tufton Cottage since 2016. Abbie is famous for doing every job possible with both hands tied behind her back.
Zoe Graham
Dental Nurse
After having so much fun attending Tufton Cottage as a patient, Zoe enquired about the opportunity to become an employee. 2 years later she is our newest qualified nurse. Outside of work she is currently learning her 5th new language.
Fern Shepherd
Trainee Dental Nurse
Our newest member to the nursing team is Fern. Fern is great with people and always keen for a chat. Feel free to stop her in the street for a natter if you're bored.
Rhianna Crank
Practice Manager
Rhianna moved to Appleby with Will to lead Tufton Cottage. Nine years on, she manages our evolving practice with heart while also supporting clinical care as a qualified dental nurse.
Our Administrative Team
Tracey White
Receptionist
Tracey joined Tufton Cottage 19 years ago and is always happy to greet you with her welcoming smile. Outside of work you'll spot Tracey pumping iron in the gym.
Lisa Petty
Receptionist
Lisa joined the team 7 years ago temporarily to help during Rhiannas maternity leave and made such a great impression she stayed with us ever since.
Our Core Values
Gentle Care: Ensuring every visit is tranquil and comfort-focused.
Clear Communication: Open dialogue for informed dental health decisions.
Modern Technology: Advanced clinical tools for precise, effective results.
Family First: Dentistry designed for every member of the Appleby community.