Dr Akash Kota B.D.S. (Otago)
Principal Dentist
DR Michelle McSweeney B.D.S. NUI (Hons)
Dental Surgeon
Dr Ishani Sukumaran B.D.S. (Otago)
Dental Surgeon
Dr Bashar Al Kadhi B.D.Sc (Western Australia)
Dental Surgeon
Dr Simran Joshi B.D.S. (Melbourne)
Dental Surgeon
Carla Mowbray DSA
Practice Manager and Senior Dental Surgeon Assistant
Charlotte Macdonald-Winiata
Dental Surgery Assistant
Sandra
Senior Dental Surgeon Assistant
Jenny Tuhoro
Front office Manager
Teresa Laffey
Receptionist
Dr Akash Kota B.D.S. (Otago)
Principal dentist & Owner
Email [email protected]
I graduated from the University of Otago in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc). I was thrilled to be extended an offer to join the team at Masterton Dental. What I love about Masterton Dental is that is a modern, progressive practice that offers a comprehensive range treatment options all in-house.
After taking over Masterton Dental in 2019 I am excited to be providing world class dental care to the community of Wairarapa. The most rewarding part of being a dentist is getting to know all my patients well and ensuring they are at ease during their visits. Providing same-day smile makeovers and full mouth reconstructions are amongst my favourite cases.
I am incredibly passionate about dentistry and am keeping up with courses nationally and internationally, this empowers me to keep abreast with the new technologies and emerging techniques. My current education includes studying towards post-graduate qualifications in Orthodontics and Dental Implantology. I have attended residency programmes and courses in Prosthodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry and Practise Management systems.
I am proud to be a member of the following organisations and study groups: NZ Dental association (NZDA), NZ Sedation Dentistry (NZSSD), NZ Dental council (NZDC), International Team Implantology (ITI).
In my spare time I am a car and aviation enthusiast. I have completed part of my private pilot’s licence. I love travelling overseas and where possible I enjoy volunteering in dentistry. I have been privileged to assist in Samoa and Cambodia and aim to assist in more countries overtime.
Dr Bashar Al Kadhi B.D.Sc (Western Australia)
Dental Surgeon
I completed my tertiary education at the University of Otago in 2009 and the University of Western Australia in 2015. My interests within dentistry revolve around providing comprehensive care for patients with the aim of maintaining or reestablishing oral health. I strongly believe that there is always more to learn in dentistry and strive to constantly update my knowledge. Fields of interest within dentistry include prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures), endodontics (root canal therapy), and orthodontics.
For me one of the most foundational aspects in dentistry is establishing trust and mutual understanding. One of the most rewarding aspects of dentistry is having anxious patients feel at ease during treatment, as this in turn helps them to become more proactive in maintaining their oral health.
I am a member of the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), New Zealand Society of Endodontics (NZSE), and the International Team for Implantology (ITI). I hold professional registrations with the New Zealand Dental Council (NZDC) and the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). I have volunteered on two occasions in the Philippines as part of Operation Restore Hope and I hope to serve more underprivileged communities in the future.
I grew up in Hamilton but over the last few years have made the Wellington region my home. I’m excited to be a part of the team at Masterton Dental and looking forward to serving Masterton and the greater Wairarapa region. Outside of dentistry I enjoy playing guitar, cooking, and exploring the outdoors.”
Dr Michelle McSweeney B.D.S. NUI (Hons)
Dental Surgeon
I graduated from University College Cork, Ireland, in June 2013 and have worked for 3 years in London and Kent. During this time I gained considerable experience in both Private and National Health Practices.
In 2016, I travelled to New Zealand with a view to exploring the Country and found myself drawn to the Wairarapa, where I decided I should like to settle and make this my home.
It was my great fortune to discover that Masterton Dental were considering expanding their Practice and it was with great pleasure that I found myself being offered an Associate Dental Surgeon position within their organisation. One of the great attractions is the opportunity I will be afforded to advance my knowledge and experience within so many and varied branches of Dental Surgery.
Since joining Masterton Dental, I have pursued an advanced training in aesthetic medical procedures and am further expanding my experience under the guidance and mentorship of Dr Robert Jones at Wellington Cosmetic Clinic. I am excited about extending my Dental Surgery skills into the field of aesthetic medicine at Wellington Cosmetic Clinic.
I currently hold Professional memberships with Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA).
In my spare time I enjoy hiking, painting and traveling- most of which I intend to do exploring New Zealand over the next few years.
Dr Ishani Sukumaran B.D.S. (Otago)
Dental Surgeon
I am a 2019 Bachelor of Dental Surgery graduate from the University of Otago. Masterton has been the destination of many holidays so I am very thrilled to be joining the team at Masterton Dental. I am passionate about being at the forefront of modern dentistry in order to provide only the best care for my patients.
I hope to spend my career improving my patients’ oral health while creating positive and pleasant dental experiences. I enjoy providing a wide range of comprehensive dental care while continuing to expand my skills and knowledge with modern research.
My bucket list is filled with travel to a multitude of cities alongside the Great Walks of NZ. I also enjoy swimming, biking, reading and getting stuck into a good crime show.
I look forward to making Masterton my new home.
Dr Simran Joshi B.D.S. (Melbourne)
Dental Surgeon
I completed my Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Melbourne in 2015. Prior to moving to Melbourne to study dentistry, I graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Bioscience Enterprise from the University of Auckland.
I have worked in both rural and urban settings and this has allowed me to enhance and develop my knowledge and clinical skills.
I strive to ensure that my patients have the best dental experience possible and receive outstanding treatment and care. I ensure that I listen to the concerns of each patient in order to understand and tailor treatment to their specific needs. I endeavour to put my patients at ease and create a calm, relaxed, friendly and comfortable environment in order to provide pain free care.
I love meeting new people and developing strong long-lasting relationships, whilst creating beautiful healthy smiles via a minimally invasive, holistic approach to dental care.
I enjoy all facets of dentistry with special interests in the areas of Cosmetic dentistry and Oral Surgery. I am committed to ongoing professional development and staying at the forefront of modern dentistry. I regularly attend courses and am constantly engaged in literature to keep up to date with the latest advances in techniques and technology. Giving back to the community is incredibly important to me and I have spent time volunteering in Cambodia, Australia and New Zealand. I am currently a member of the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the Dental Board of Australia via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Outside of dentistry I enjoy travelling, hiking, yoga, cooking and spending time with friends and family. You can often find me exploring the local farmers market in search of the best local produce or enjoying the local cafes and vineyards.
I look forward to meeting and treating the beautiful people of the Wairarapa.
Carla Mowbray DSA
Practice Manager and Senior Dental Surgeon Assistant
I joined The Dental Clinic team in 2006, after a long career in hairdressing and embarked on my Dental Surgery Assistant certification course, passing this in 2007. Over the next few years I assisted in many oral surgery procedures, including several visits to the plastics unit at Hutt Hospital, where several of our patients have undergone extensive treatment for various oral cancers.
In 2010, I successfully completed my Level I examinations in Orthodontic Assisting and followed this by achieving certification in Level II in 2012. I have attended several Invisalign courses as well as being trained in Fast Braces and tooth whitening systems, the use of Botulinum Toxin for treatment of Bruxism and dento-facial aesthetics, Dermal Fillers and the Obagi range of skin rejuvenation treatments.
As of 2019 I have taken the position of Practice manager where my duties include day to day management of the practice and assisting in all aspects of general dentistry when required.
In my spare time I look after my demanding animals and enjoy developing our rural home and section with my partner.
Charlotte Macdonald-Winiata
Dental Surgery Assistant
After leaving school, I was determined to pursue a career in the dental field. I waited a few years before an opportunity arose to fulfil this dream. After school, I worked in the retail and hospitality industries which prepared me very well for working with people.
I am currently in my second stint of employment with Masterton Dental, returning two years ago after the birth of my twin daughters. I have found myself specialising in nursing for new dental graduates and easing their path from student to general practitioner- although I’m not sure if they would all agree with the word “easing”!
In addition to general dentistry I enjoy assisting for oral surgery and dental implants. Alongside my chairside duties, I work in administration, which is part of our rotation policy at the practice. This enables us to be proficient in both clinical and administrative procedures. I am trained to level 4 in resuscitation and recovery.
In my spare time – twins allowing – I enjoy going to as many live concert events as I am able to and I hope to do more travelling in the future.
Teresa Laffey
Receptionist
I have recently joined Masterton Dental as part of their Reception and front desk team and am currently undergoing the challenge of learning the completely different and complex field of Dental Surgery and its many branches.
In my spare time I love walking, travelling and spending time with friends, not least of which involves the four legged canine who has decided to make our home his home!
Jenny Tuhoro
Front office Manager
I have been working in dentistry for 14 years. My main responsibility is the running of reception. I am also a qualified Dental Assistant.
I was born in the Wairarapa quite some time ago… I have lived in other regions but have been back ‘home’ since 2006. I love the region and the community we have here.
My priority is to the patient, ensuring they receive a warm and friendly greeting and putting them at ease before their appointment.
I am a proud mum of 4 daughters and 13 yes 13! Grandchildren…. They are all the apple of my eye.
I love the team that I am a part and we all work towards the best possible experience for our patients.
I like to think of myself as ‘Mother Hen’ to our team.
We pride ourselves on building relationships with our patients, so that they can feel confident in our team.
I enjoy meeting new patients and getting to know a little about them to make their visit a warm experience.
I do have a “wacky” sense of humour and it is often obvious to both staff and patients.
If you chose to visit Masterton Dental be assured of a very warm welcome.
I look forward to meeting you all.
Sandra
Senior Dental Surgeon Assistant
I have recently joined Masterton Dental as a clinical Dental Surgery Assistant having decided to return to my former profession.
I achieved my NZDA Dental Surgery Assistant’s qualification in 1985 and over the next 16 years, worked in several Dental Practices in both the Hutt Valley and Taupo. During this time, I had extensive experience in General Dentistry as well as the specialist services such as Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics and Endodontics. I was also able to gain considerable administrative experience during this period to complement my clinical time.
In October 2000, my husband and I came to Masterton to set up our own business, which we ran successfully for 12 years before I moved to a position within the hospitality industry but after 6 years decided to return to my initial profession.
Dentistry has certainly changed in the past 18 years but I am embracing the new challenge, particularly with Masterton Dental who offer all the treatments available within the field of dentistry.
I enjoy good food, wine and travel and am currently turning my hand to house renovations to which my interest in wine is put to good use!
Fara is an internationally recognised and published Medical Scientist who has recently been at the forefront of New Zealand’s fight against the Covid 19 Pandemic. She has over 6 years of International training in Aesthetics, Hair Transplant and Skin rejuvenation.