Dentists

Dr Neena Bhandari

Our lead dentist, Dr Neena Bhandari has a wide variety of experience and qualifications. Throughout her career, she has emphasised communication and trust between dentists and patients; she excels at explaining issues and treatments in jargon-free language and helping people understand their oral health.

Along with her Bachelor of Dental Science, Dr Bhandari has earned qualifications in a variety of areas, including orthodontics, joint disorders, and sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnoea. She believes that oral health is an important part of our broader well-being, which is one reason she’s so interested in the role that dental issues can play in areas like sleeping and breathing.

Dr Bhandari is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the Australian Dental Sleep Medicine Group, and various other organisations committed to oral health and well-being.

In her free time, Dr Bhandari enjoys travelling, golfing and skiing.

Dr AJ Ambikairajah

Dr AJ Ambikairajah earned his Bachelor of Dentistry at the University of Sydney before going on to practice in Nowra. Since then, he has developed a reputation as a friendly dentist who loves a good chat and aims to help people understand their oral health needs. “Dentistry is my passion, and I hope that’s demonstrated in my dedication to my work,” Dr Ambikairajah explains.

After spending time in Nowra, Dr Ambikairajah shifted to the Central Coast and has been practising in this area ever since. He went on to earn a Graduate Diploma of Dental Implantology and has developed a keen interest in implants*, root canal therapy, oral surgery*, and restorations like crowns and bridges.

He believes strongly in educating his patients on oral health issues and possible solutions, using straightforward language to explain what’s happening. He is a member of the ADA and the Australian Society of Endodontics.

Outside of his work, Dr Ambikairajah is an avid soccer fan who enjoys catching up with friends, going to the gym, and running.

Dr Simon Joseph Briggs

Dr Simon Briggs is a passionate and experienced dentist with additional qualifications in intravenous (IV) sedation. His personal yet professional approach to dentistry has helped him build strong relationships with both patients and colleagues alike.

After earning his Bachelor of Dental Science while in Sydney, Dr Briggs has gone on to earn further qualifications and complete multiple courses in areas like bone grafting, dental implants and oral surgery. He has studied and practised both internationally and domestically.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr Briggs has serviced dozens of dental clinics in Australia and the UK. He is a member of the ADA, International College of Oral Implantology, and a number of other industry organisations.

Dr Briggs likes spending his free time with his wife and four children. He’s also a big fan of playing soccer and tennis.

Oral Health Therapists

Ms Samantha Rich

Originally hailing from Melbourne, Samantha Rich is an experienced oral health therapist and earned her Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy from the University of Newcastle.

As an oral health therapist, Samantha has a strong preventive focus. She provides quality dental care to children and adults and always tries to cultivate informed, positive approaches to oral health among patients.

Samantha says she feels especially motivated when she sees evidence that she’s helping people overcome anxiety or fear toward getting dental treatment. She believes that educating people about their oral health, combined with building trusting relationships in the dental clinic itself, is important for helping them look after their teeth and gums.

She is a member of the DHAA and the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association.

Outside of the clinic, Samantha enjoys water polo, swimming, travel, breakfast with friends, and going to the beach whenever she can.

Lauren Church

Lauren completed her Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy degree from the University of Newcastle and is currently completing a Bachelor of Health Science Honours degree. She is an Oral Health Therapist with a passion for knowledge, and a willingness to work with her patients to achieve great outcomes. Lauren recognizes that making connections with her patients and making them feel comfortable is important, and cares for the oral health of all family members. In her spare time, Lauren likes to be with her family and friends, walking her two dogs and enjoying the Central Coast lifestyle.

Kylie Doney

Kylie Doney is one of our Oral Health Therapists who graduated from Westmead College of Dental Therapy in 1998, and graduated from Melbourne University in 2004 as a Dental Hygienist. Kylie has worked in both public and private practices and has also been involved in the implementation of many promotional health initiatives.

Kylie furthered her studies at Newcastle University in Adult Scope Dentistry for Oral Health Therapists in 2017.

Kylie has been part of our team for the last twelve years and has also been a Clinical Tutor during that time at Newcastle University.

Kylie’s area of focus is working with children and early oral health prevention.

Kylie is a member for Australian Dental Oral Health Therapist Association (ADOTHA).

Kylie loves spending time at the beach, doing Pilates and spending time with family and friends.