Our team

We invite you to learn more about our team of dedicated professionals who endeavour to ensure that your visit to Chatswood Dental Associated is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Information from our principle dentists:

Dentists

Dr. Poe Lim

Poe graduated with BDS (Hons) from Sydney University in 1990, and practiced in Cowra (in the Central Tablelands of NSW) for over 8 years. He returned to Sydney in 1999 as his fiancée (now wife) started doctoral studies at University of New South Wales, and purchased Dr Frank Harding’s surgery as Dr Frank had decided to retire.

Knowing how nervous people are about coming to the dentist, Poe offers laser assisted dentistry with a Kavo KEY Laser 3, currently the only dental laser that detects and only removes decay, leaving healthy tooth. The Laser, in some cases, may reduce or eliminate the need for injections and drills for fillings. Where the tooth needs to be numb, where appropirate, Poe uses The Wand assisted injection system to minimise discomfort, and also the Injex needleless injection system for those who fear the needle.

As many patients hate dentures, as of late 2007 Poe have been placing implants for patients who demand an alternative, and completed the Implant Surgical Level 2 (Level 2 Mentor Program) with Nobel Biocare in November 2008, and have also completed the Advance Tissue Management and Implant Porcedures Program with Nobel Biocare.

Poe has always had an interest in aesthetics (creating attractive smiles) and occlusion (how people bite their teeth together), how that can cause some people to grind (sometimes breaking) their teeth, how that influences the muscles of the head and neck, and the headaches, sore shoulders and neck that can sometime be caused by problems in the occlusion. In practice, he often had patients who complain of such symptoms, and in trying to find out how to best help them, Poe discovered the Las Vegas Institute for Advance Dental Studies (LVI), where Neuromuscular Dentistry is taught as part of a wholistic treatment of the mouth, not only helping with the symptoms, but also recreating an attractive smile at the same time. At LVI, Poe have completed both Mastering Neuromuscular Occlusion and Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction (both level II courses) in early February 2005. As of July 2010, Poe is happy to offer his patients GlamSmile, which is a more affordable (albeit less customisable) veneering system to help them achieve a beautiful smile, and is one of the most experienced GlamSmile practitioners in NSW. Poe is a member of the Australian Dental Association, and has been the President of the Northen Suburbs Dental Study Group from 2011 to 2013.

For recreation, he enjoy exploring places less visited, either by four wheel drive, or SCUBA diving, when he can find time off from his productive garden. Everyone at Chatswood Dental Associates also knows his love of messing around with new gadgets.

Dr. Gautam Sridhar

Gautam graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Honours) and later completed a Graduate Certificate in Dentistry from the University of Adelaide. He has a special interest in Endodontics (root canal treatments) and Periodontics (gum treatments including Implant Dentistry). He has lectured on behalf of the trade and a number of special interest groups on the above topics.

Gautam has been twice elected to serve as a Council Member of the Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) and has served on its Professional Indemnity and Infection Control Committees.

Gautam has served two terms as President of the Australian Prosthodontic Society(NSW Branch), having served in the executive since 2003.

He has achieved the highest level of Accreditation afforded by the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry and he is a current Councillor of the NSW branch. Gautam has previously held the positions of Associate Lecturer, Clinical Associate and Clinical Lecturer in the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney.

He is a Fellow and member of various Societies including the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, International Association for Orthodontics and the Australasian Association of Orofacial Orthopaedics.

Away from Dentistry, Gautam has a young family with three children – Matthew, Sarah and Emma – and claims that “junk food” is his only vice. He has recently completed his coaching License with the Football Federation of Australia.

Gautam joined Chatswood Dental Associates in January of 2011 and uses a gentle and caring approach with all his patients.

Dr. Audrey Yau

Dr Yau has left Chatswood Dental Associates for a professional change - being a mother! Congratulations Audrey!

And congratulation on the imminent arrival of number 2!

Administrative Staff

Kristin Dennington

Practice Manager

Kristin provides guidance and direction to the team at Chatswood Dental Associates. Having over 9 years’ experience in the dental industry, she has completed her Certificate III in Dental Assisting, her Certificate IV in both Oral Health Education and Dental Radiography, her Diploma in Practice Management, the Las Vegas Institute Neuromuscular Occlusion course, her Senior First Aid Certificate and is a licenced Dental Radiographer.

To ensure the smooth running of the practice, Kristin has also completed her Advanced Diploma in Management (HR) with the University of New England and is a member of the Australian Association of Practice Managers.

Kristin works from Tuesday to Friday and is constantly improving procedures at Chatswood Dental Associates to ensure excellent care for all our patients. In her spare time she enjoys travelling to various countries all over the world to enhance her knowledge and experience.

Elysha Bailey

Office Coordinator

Elysha previously worked as a Beauty Therapist for 3.5 years, completing her Diploma in Beauty Therapy in 2005. She left her career as a Beauty Therapist to become a Dental Assistant in 2007 and has now worked at Chatswood Dental Associates for over 6 years, starting as a Dental Assistant and moving to Front Office Coordinator.

In this time she has completed her Certificate III in Dental Assisting, Certificate IV in Radiography, Certificate IV in Professional Practice Management, her Senior First Aid Certificate and is a licenced Dental Radiographer.

Elysha works from Tuesday to Friday and enjoys providing our patients with her array of knowledge and passion for dentistry. In her spare time she enjoys preparing for the birth of her first born son.

Elysha will be going on maternity leave in May and will be returning to Chatswood Dental Associates early 2014. Congratulations on your newborn son!!!!

Dental Hygienists

Justine Medin

Justine completed her Bachelor of Applied Science in 1993 and Masters of Nutrition in Dietetics in 1999. She left her career as a Dietician in 2002 to become a Dental Hygienist and completed her Advance Diploma in Oral Health in Adelaide in 2005.

Justine has been with the Chatswood Dental Associates team since 2006 and loves working with the team because of its friendly atmosphere. Committed to improving the oral health of her patients, she thrives on the latest advancements in oral health.

Justine works on Thursday and Friday and is a member of the Australian Dental Association and Australian Hygienist Association. Outside of work, Justine enjoys the gym and music, especially Rock n Roll!

Ranulfo C. Solano

Ranulfo previously worked as a qualified Dentist in the Philippines before moving to Australia. Ranulfo worked as a Dental Assistant from 1998, obtaining his Certificate III in Dental Assisting, Certificate IV in both Dental Radiography and Oral Health Education before completing his Diploma of Dental Hygiene in Adelaide in 2004 to become a Dental Hygienist.

Ranulfo has worked at Chatswood Dental Associates as a Dental Hygienist since 2008 and constantly improves his skills by undertaking further education and training.

Ranulfo works on Tuesdays and enjoys working with the Chatswood Dental Associates team and helping his patients improve their oral health.

Virginia Salas

 Virginia began her career in the dental industry at Chatswood Dental Associates in 2003 starting as a Dental Assistant and obtaining her Certificate III in Dental Assisting.  Since then she has completed her Bachelor of Oral Health Degree at the University of Newcastle and now uses her vast experience and passion for oral health as our Dental Hygienist. 

As an oral healthcare professional Virginia instils in her patients a sense of purpose and control in achieving and maintaining their optimum level of oral health.  She will tailor preventative treatment thereby making use of her eye for detail and gentle touch, all helping along the way.  A healthy mouth, like a well-built house, starts with good foundations. Virginia’s focus is in the maintenance of the gum, bone and teeth supporting structures, i.e. the foundations of your mouth, subsequently reducing the likelihood of more extensive and expensive treatment in the future.

Dental Assistants

Kirstie Wray

Kirstie has been a member of the Chatswood Dental Associates team as a Dental Assistant since early 2011. Having worked as a Pharmacy and Dispense Assistant for 4 years, she decided to expand her knowledge in the dental industry.

Kirstie has completed her Certificate III in Dental Assisting, her Senior First Aid Certificate and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Dental Radiography to further her knowledge and understanding.

Kirstie works from Tuesday to Friday and her aim is to provide the best possible patient care and experience and spends her spare time shopping and catching up with family and friends, she particularly likes sitting down with a good book.

Alice Quigg

Alice joined the team at Chatswood Dental Associates as a Dental Assistant early 2013. Having completed her HSC in 2012, Alice had a keen interest in the dental industry and in oral health. Alice is studying towards her Certificate III in Dental Assisting to improve and develop her knowledge to provide the best possible care for her patients.

Alice works from Tuesday to Friday and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Magdalena McKeown

Magdalena is the newest member to join the team at Chatswood Dental Associates as a Dental Assistant. Magdalena is studying towards her Certificate III in Dental Assisting to develop her knowledge and exercise her passion for dentistry.

Magdalena originated from Poland and moved to London at the age of 21. After spending 7 years in London and obtaining her Diploma in both German and English Language and Business Management at Britam College in 2005, she travelled Europe and Australasia before deciding to settle in Sydney in 2012.

Magdalena works from Tuesday to Friday and in her free time she enjoys socialising, exercising and taking her dogs for walks.

Madelaine Broadfoot

Madelaine is currently travelling around North America; all the best and safe travels!

We are always on the lookout for the ideal candidate to join our team; if you think you have the right stuff, please give Kristin a call!

For your comfort:

Dr. John Vassiliadis

Sedation Specialist

Dr. John Vassiliadis MBBS FACEM, graduated from Sydney University in 1993. He is an Emergency Medicine Specialist at Royal North Shore Hospital and Clinical Lecturer at Sydney University. He is also a senior instructor at the Sydney Simulation Centre. He specialises in Emergency Medicine, sedation, trauma management, trauma ultrasound and toxicology.

Currently he is also a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Australian Navy Reserves and in 2005 was part of Australia's medical relief force that was sent to Indonesia after the Tsunami.

Dr. Vassiliadis performs conscious sedation at Chatswood Dental Associates.

Having worked with Dr. Vassiliadis on several occasions, we have found him great with our patients; in his capable hands, people who had previously been too afraid of dentistry can sleep through their treatment!

Dr Minoo Vellani

Sedation Specialist

Dr Minoo Vellani graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney in 1987. Upon graduation he was offered a place in the Masters program in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Sydney.

In 1988, appointed a clinical associate in the Department of Operative Dentistry at the United Dental Hospital, Sydney. In 2004, appointed a clinical associate in the Department of Oral Surgery at Westmead Hospital. In 2006 obtained a Graduate Diploma in Intravenous Sedation from the University Of Sydney, which qualifies him as a Dental Board Approved Dental Sedationist. Having practiced Dentistry for 25 years, now provides a mobile sedation service to dental practices in Sydney (city and suburbs), the Central Coast, regional NSW, and even interstate.

Chatswood Dental Associates offers his services for oral surgery, implant surgery, restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontics/hygiene and even paediatric procedures.

Minoo is also a member of the Australian Dental Association and the Australian Society of Dental Anaesthesiology.