AN award-winning dental practice is extending its range of treatments by offering sedation for anxious patients or complex treatments.

Graham Orr has joined Smile Spa, in Stockton, recently voted the UK's best dental team.

A dentist for more than 23 years, Dr Orr is also involved with dental education in the region and is a part-time tutor at Newcastle Dental Hospital.

He also undertakes clinical tutoring roles for general dental practitioners in Teesside and runs training sessions for new dentists in the North.

Dr Simon Andrews, owner of the practice, said: "Graham is a very well-respected practitioner, who has exceptional skills.

"As the practice grows more and more popular, we are seeing a growing demand for sedation techniques from clients who are choosing to have smile makeovers. His skills will be invaluable in offering our clients the best expert care."

■ THE Northallerton office of property consultant Bruton Knowles is expanding with the appointment of senior commercial surveyor Richard Johnson.

Mr Johnson has more than 20 years' commercial property experience and has dealt with property portfolios across the public and private sectors. He has been working in Yorkshire for the past ten years, handling major disposal programmes for Jarvis Accommodation Services Ltd on behalf of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, and providing in-house consultancy for The Magnet Group and the Arcadia Group.

Philip Boothroyd, head of Bruton Knowles' Northallerton office, said: "Richard's depth and breath of property experience across the private and public sectors, together with his knowledge of the markets, are great assets.

"He provides a valuable additional resource to our expanding office I am delighted to welcome him to the team."

■ LLOYDS TSB Corporate Markets has announced the appointment of Gary Chapman as a director in its North-East office.

The appointment is the latest development in the strategic expansion and investment in the North-East by Lloyds TSB.

Mr Chapman has more than a decade's worth of corporate finance experience.

He joins Lloyds TSB from the London office of BDO Stoy Hayward LLP, where he was a director in the firm's corporate advisory team."

■ ALISON AULD, 32, is the latest addition to the team at independent financial advisor Active Financial Services.

Part of her remit is to boost the Guisborough-based company's presence in Newcastle.

Active - one of the region's last remaining independent financial advice companies - now has seven advisors across the region.

Mrs Auld is resuming her career after leaving her previous job, as manager of the Newcastle branch of the Leeds Building Society, to devote more time to her family.

■ FITNESS guru Lou Davidson has left one of Switzerland's top ski resorts to return to her former employer.

She has been appointed gym manager at Springs Sanctuary Spa, in Kingston Park, Newcastle, where she was previously a gym instructor.

She said: "I've enjoyed the champagne ambience of a top ski resort and the chance it provided to indulge in my favourite sport, but it's nice to be back in my home environment again, working with former colleagues, and facing the new challenge of management."

■ NEURO rehabilitation service Hunters Moor has taken on a recruit less than two months after opening.

Clare Costello joins the Gateshead company, which helps rehabilitate people who have suffered severe brain traumas. The firm opened in its Team Valley base last month.

Following an 11-year career as a deputy school manager at Newcastle University, Gateshead-born Ms Costello joins Hunters Moor as company administration manager.

John Donovan, managing director of the company, is delighted with the appointment.

He said: "Clare is joining the business at a very exciting time.

"We'd only been trading a week when we made the decision to bring her on board.

"She brings skills and experience of co-ordinating large numbers of people, which is an excellent tool for us to utilise. We're very pleased to welcome her."