Throughout my career, I have always strived to learn new techniques and use the latest equipment. I love the process of learning and mastering something new and then seeing how this benefits my patients. I also enjoy passing on this new information to other dentists which helps them overcome the challenges I faced when I was a young dentist. As the founder of Naenae Dental Clinic, my constant drive to learn and try new things has been behind much of what we do every day.
Meet the team
Here at Naenae Dental Clinic we are dedicated to providing you with a stress free visit with results that you are happy to show off. We have a team that brings you more than 100 years of combined experience in dental practice. We strive for dental excellence and keeping up to date with the latest dental technology. This enables us to provide you with the highest level of dental service and care. Want to know more about us and who you will be seeing? Details about the whole team can be found below.
Our Dentists
Dr Ashish Gulati
Senior Dentist
I have always been fascinated with dentistry, as a child I remember watching my father working as a dentist while I was growing up. Often I would drop into his clinic after school and observe all the different procedures and techniques. I did not choose dentistry but it chose me! I have a passion for supporting people to be the best they can be. My role in Naenae Dental Clinic gives me the opportunity to use my skills and experience to do what I enjoy most – look after my patients.
Dr Haidar Al-Hassiny
Dentist
Coming from a family of the dentist I have always been fascinated and admired the dental field. Having been exposed to the paramount importance of oral health when considering overall health I decided to become a dentist early in my university career. I spent 7 years studying to become a dentist at the University of Otago. Afterwards, I spent time in Kaitaia working as a General Dentist for 2 years in a tight-knit community. I found it was very rewarding to know my patients individually and be a part of their community and lives. In 2014, I moved back to my home of Wellington and remembered why I fell in love with this city. I have worked in Naenae Dental Clinic since moving back and have enjoyed every aspect of providing dental care.
Dr Ahmad Al-Hassiny
Dentist
Having graduated from the University of Otago, with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with First Class Honours in 2015 I am glad to be back home in Wellington. I enjoy all aspects of dentistry especially identifying problematic areas for my patients and addressing them efficiently and painlessly. I pride myself in communicating effectively with my patients and keeping them relaxed during all stages of treatment. Although I miss the relaxed lifestyle of being a university student, I enjoy the professional life of being a dentist and being able to provide the highest level of dental care for my patients. I also enjoy traveling and regularly attend dental courses both in New Zealand and abroad to ensure I remain up to date with the latest in dental technology and procedures.
Dr Liam Dury
Dentist
Originally from the UK, Liam graduated with his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. After some years spent in working in public healthcare and private dentistry, he made the bold move to settle in New Zealand and hasn’t looked back since.
“The technology and massive amount of experience here at Naenae Dental Clinic is simply breathtaking, I am delighted to be a part of this forward thinking team”
Liam enjoys all aspects of dentistry, from tackling painful problems in urgent situations to rebuilding broken down and cosmetic makeovers. Outside of work he can be found keeping fit at the gym, exploring the sights that the Wellington region has to offer, or relaxing with a good cup of coffee.
Dr Yvonne Chai
Dentist
“Do all things with heart and passion” is my motto in life. Since young I have always aspired to be in the healthcare profession while being hands on- and dentistry is the perfect job. Being naturally caring and compassionate, I find great joy in helping to improve the oral health and quality of life of my patients while taking pride in my work. Being here at NDC is perfect as I am able to produce higher quality dental treatments and achieve great results for my patients.
A little bit about me- I was born in Malaysia and came to New Zealand to pursue my dentistry degree at University of Otago. I fell in love with this beautiful country instantly.
Our Dental Assistants
Monique
Clinical Team Leader
Having been a dental assistant for over 8 years, I discovered something very special within Naenae dental clinic, from the cutting edge technology to the warm and friendly working environment, I knew this was the place for me. I absolutely enjoy being able to lead our team of dental assistants and help enhance their clinical and communication skills so that we continue to provide the absolute best experience for our patients.
Divya
Dental Assistant
Being an overseas trained dentist, I was really interested to get a job in New Zealand’s dental industry so that I can be surrounded by the field before I take a big step of registering and seeing patients. I have been lucky enough to be part of the team at Naenae in the last year. The experience has been amazing because of the various things that we do and the awesome service we provide our patients. One of favourite thing about this practice is all this amazing technology we have, my particular favourite is 3D scanning as of I am orthodontic assisting with Haidar. Its great to be able to a full scan of one’s teeth and not have to take that old yucky impressions like we used to. Also its fun to change their ties to different colors and watch their teeth get straighter month-by- month and see that smile on their face get bigger. One of my other favourite thing about Naenae Dental Clinic is the Team. We have such a large multi varied team, we all get along and work as always happy and very positive. When I am not in Naenae, I am usually travelling around New Zealand with my husband and in the future after our family gets bigger I plan to travel overseas and see more of the world.
Ruaa
Dental Assistant
My role is a sterilization nurse and a dental assistant. I am new to Naenae dental clinic but I feel I have found the right place and the right job for me. The team here are very welcoming and we feel like a big family! I am passionate about helping people get the best possible dental service and leaving the clinic with a beautiful smile. What I love about my workplace is the excellent service, the accuracy, and I feel it is totally worth it to get treatment at this clinic. As part of the efficient Naenae Dental Clinic team, I feel happy and satisfied with my work.
Shameran
Dental Assistant
I first joined Naenae Dental Clinic not long after arriving in New Zealand from Iraq in 2002. I have been a senior dental assistant within the clinic for over 11 years and I have loved every minute. In my experience I have seen dentistry grow through the digital age. We can offer faster more efficient ways to provide the best quality treatment to our patients. With hands on experience in CAD/CAM dentistry I find a sense of satisfaction with being able to be a part of that experience. I look forward to many more years here at the clinic.
Our Dental Hygienists
Melissa Grant
Oral Health Therapist
Melissa has over 13 years experience in the dental industry, starting initially as a dental assistant before going on to study Bachelor of Oral Health at Otago University and graduating in 2012. Her career in dentistry has led to her working throughout NZ, and in Australia and England. Mel’s qualification as an Oral Health Therapist allows her a duel scope to provide a full range of dental care for teenagers under the funded government dental scheme, and also work as a Hygienist to treat or prevent gum and periodontal disease. Mel enjoys building report with her patients, as she believes a relaxed, trusting environment in the dental clinic helps build optimal dental health. Knowing that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for patients she strives to turn her appointments in to a positive experience. When Mel isn’t at work she has a passion for travel, enjoys playing and following sports and spending time with her dog down at Petone Beach.
Beth Romeril
Oral Health Therapist
Beth graduated with a Bachelor of Oral Health from Otago University in 2013, receiving awards from both the NZ Dental Therapist's Association and NZ Dental Hygienist’s Association during her studies. She has two daughters who keep her busy outside of work and in her spare time she loves tramping and photography. She joined Naenae Dental in 2017 after working on the Kapiti Coast and for the Bee Healthy Dental Service in Porirua. She treats college aged patients under the government dental benefit as well as working as a dental hygienist. Beth enjoys helping teenagers and their families understand the importance of good oral hygiene habits from a young age and aims to make each appointment a positive experience for all her patients.
Emilee Walby
Oral Health Therapist
I graduated from the University of Otago in 2011 with a Bachelor of Oral Health degree, and have been working as an oral health therapist in the Wellington region since 2012. Alongside my clinical role I have consulted for the Dental Council (NZ) on degree accreditation, provided volunteer dentistry in the pacific, and have held the position of Continuing Professional Development Officer on the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Dental Hygienist's Association.
I am passionate about working with the team at Naenae Dental Clinic to help our patients achieve excellent oral health. I provide dental hygiene treatment to assess for and treat gingivitis and gum disease; and general dental care for teenagers via the dental benefits scheme. It is important that our patients feel comfortable during their visits, and I endeavor to make the experience harmonious and relaxed.
Outside of work, I am currently undertaking a Master of Public Health, having completed a Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction in 2018. I also enjoy hobbies of running and tramping and a love for travel and the arts.
Kathleen Brown
Dental Hygienist
Kathleen has a wonderful ability to put people at ease and to get them laughing – something most patients don’t expect to experience at a dental clinic! She is a great for patients to get another opinion about improving their oral health. Her particular strength is helping people to see that taking one step at a time will make a difference and overcoming the idea that everything has to be done all at once. Through her expertise Kathleen helps her clients develop positive attitudes towards their oral health and take the steps necessary to achieve a beautiful smile.
Tia Yu
Dental Hygienist
Since I graduated from Otago with a bachelor degree in oral health, I’ve been working in the Wairarapa. The lovely community in Masterton helped my clinical skills grow fast. My best moment of the day is usually when a patient smiles and says “Thank you that was a very pleasant experience!”, which makes all the hard work pay off. As a kid, I grew up dreading the dentist because I had some extensive treatment done without numbing. Until today, I am still very anxious as a patient myself. Therefore I make sure to take time listen to each patient’s needs. I wish I could help anxious patients overcome their fear, and help everyone in my dental chair leave happily and be more ready to better look after their oral health. Outside of work, I enjoy hot yoga, cooking different cuisines, and painting. Recently I’m hoping to get better at swimming and pick up surfing, so I could better enjoy the Wellington beaches.
Our Front Office Coordinators
Ritika
Client Service Manager
When I first applied to Naenae dental clinic, I thought working in dental practice will be very dull and mundane. I was pleasantly surprised to see the way we do things is so amazing, judging by the response we get from our patients. My passion for this role comes from my enjoyment of interacting with people, whether it is the patients we treat or the staff I work with. My background before I started here was Bachelor of Commerce (honours) followed by post graduate diploma in management, and regular trainings in NDC has really helped me out to ensure our patients have an exceptional experience from the time they walk through the door to when they leave with a smile, they are proud of. Even though I don’t work directly in the surgery room, I feel I have equally invested in patient’s treatment as the dentist and DA and help people out if they have any queries. I look forward to greet you the next time you visit us.
Aula
Front Office Coordinator
Dentistry has been part of my background for many years, being a loving wife to a dentist here at the clinic it was natural step to come and join the rest of my family. I am passionate about continutiously learning about dentistry that I can share and pass the knowledge to patients in order to serve then with optimal oral health and a great smile.
I have been part of the smiling Front Office Team at Naenae Dental Clinic since 2014. I thrive to interact with patients to ensure they experience flawless and exceptional service. The most rewarding part of my job is to see the same patients returning time after time for regular maintenance as well building a personal relationship m and catch up about their day to day lives.
Being a mother of two kids and one on the way, I can sympathize with juggling children and attending the regular appointments. That's why I love that our clinic is open 7days a week with late nights so we can provide this service.
Our Support Staff
Dr Sally Woods
Sedation Doctor
Sally is a general practitioner working in Upper Hutt. Through her work she has extensive anaesthetic training and experience. Every week she visits our dental practice to provide I.V sedation for our patients who opt for this service. Having a medical doctor carry out this aspect of treatment ensures it is as safe as possible for our clients. Through sedation Sally is able to provide a relaxing and calming experience in a safe environment enabling you, to complete your dental procedure without worry. She has been offering this sedation service to Naenae Dental Clinic since 2011.
Hannah
Office Administrator
I've been a part of Naenae Dental Clinic since 2011. As an office administrator, it is my role to work behind the scenes and ensure the clinic is running smoothly. Some of my roles as an office administrator are various functions within an office environment to make sure that the administrative duties required by a company are carried out smoothly and tracking duties of operation costs, being in charge of billing and collections efforts, staff payrolls etc. Dentistry is a field I enjoy working in, and within Naenae Dental Clinic I have been privileged to work alongside experienced and amazing staff that work together to achieve the same goal: to ensure our patients have the best dental experience.
Lana
Sterilisation Nurse
Lana has been with Naenae Dental Clinic for almost 15 Years. She is very caring and likes to welcome every patient as a friend. Her open, warm approach puts people at ease and helps them to relax even if they are nervous. Lana is very experienced and an important part of our team. Currently she is working as a circulating assistant helping support all dentists that are working on the day. Lana has a lovely garden and often shares her flowers and fruit in the Clinic - she also makes fantastic borscht!