John graduated from the University of Otago School of Dentistry in 1983 with his degree in Dental Surgery. After graduation, he worked in Dunedin Public Hospital, travelled to UK working in several group practices and then returned in New Zealand towards the end of 1986. John built his own practice and shifted into its current purpose built location in John Wickliffe in 1995. Aside from a four year absence between 2014-18 when John was working in the School of Dentistry as the Clinical Director of Oral Diagnostic & Surgical Sciences, he has been committed to general practice dentistry in Dunedin.

John’s extensive training and experience includes advanced endodontics, complex restorative care as well as cosmetic dentistry, implant surgery and management of the medically compromised patient. He remains a passionate provider of general dental services willing to share his knowledge and skills with his colleagues and the many patients he has cared for in his over thirty five years of clinical practice.

Hannah graduated from the University of Otago School for Dentistry with two degrees; one in Dental Surgery and one in Dental Technology. Together these degrees with a first in class medal for prosthodontics have given her a wealth of knowledge that delivers the highest quality dentistry in a comfortable and relaxing environment.

Hannah is a mother, a great listener and has a great deal of compassion for all her patients. She loves meeting new people and delivering dental care that suits your budget and needs.

She looks forward to meeting you and creating a trusting relationship, where your dental care is her first priority and is delivered in a respectful and caring way.

Aaron is from Michigan in the United States. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (USA) in 2007. For 15 years following graduation, he owned a private dental practice in Michigan. He has pursued extensive post-graduate training, including the curriculum at the Dawson Academy focusing on comprehensive care, occlusion, and complex restorative treatments. Aaron has more recently undergone training in early-intervention orthodontics (children 4 - 10 years old), which aims to identify and treat problems from an early age.

Aaron moved to New Zealand with his wife, Mary, and their two daughters in February 2022. Initially starting out in Whangarei, Aaron and his family are excited to make Dunedin their home.

Bomi graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with First Class Honours. She started her career at the Dunedin Public Hospital as a Dental House Surgeon, then enjoyed two years of general dentistry in Invercargill before coming back up to Dunedin.

She loves seeing patients of all walks of life. In particular, it rewards her to see her anxious clients’ confidence grow with each appointment. Many have commented on her gentle hands and she even catches some people falling asleep! Bomi will take the time to listen to your concerns, and as a perfectionist, will ensure you receive the best care possible.

Outside of work, she accompanies her husband in his fishing adventures, but mainly likes to stay indoors enjoying good food and movies.

With over 20 years of experience in the dental industry, Leanne is the Lead Oral Health Therapist in our practice. She is passionate about providing high-quality care to both children and adults. Leanne brings a wealth of expertise in preventative and therapeutic dental care, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and compassionate treatment.

Her extensive experience, combined with her dedication to improving oral health outcomes, makes her an integral part of the Synergy Dental team.

Say hello to Nuala, a kind and caring Oral health therapist who is now part of our wonderful hygiene team.

She graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Oral Health.

Nuala loves her job and is passionate about providing quality oral health care. She enjoys the relationships she builds with her clients and finds the ability to make a positive change for them very rewarding. Nuala is compassionate and dedicated to supporting her clients to achieve excellent oral health in a friendly and relaxed environment.

When not at work, Nuala can often be found walking her dog, Reggie, on the beach with a coffee in hand.

Hello! My name is Shalini, I’m an experienced Oral Health Therapist and have recently joined the team at Synergy Dental. I love working both with adults and children.

I’m originally from the North Island but embraced the charm of the South Island five years ago.

Beyond crafting healthy smiles, I am an enthusiast of crochet and knitting. Outside of work I spend my time with my husband and daughter.

I look forward to meeting all the lovely clients at Synergy Dental. Let's embark on a journey to optimal Oral Health together!

Ivy is an enthusiastic Oral Health Therapist who recently made the move back to Dunedin after gaining valuable experience working in Wellington. With a genuine passion for helping people maintain optimal oral health, Ivy loves nothing more than seeing the smiles on her patients' faces and witnessing the positive impact that a great hygiene experience can have.

Her commitment to providing top-quality care ensures that every patient feels heard and comfortable in the dental environment. Ivy believes in creating a personalized experience, making sure her patients feel relaxed and at ease while receiving the care they need.

Zadran is a passionate Oral Health Therapist, born in India with Afghan heritage, and a 2023 graduate from University of Otago with a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy. Fluent in five languages, Zadran’s diverse background not only helps him connect with patients from all walks of life but also enriches his approach to patient care.

Committed to helping others achieve optimal oral health, Zadran creates personalised treatment plans to ensure every patient feels at ease and well cared for. His multilingual abilities make him particularly skilled at communicating with a wide range of individuals, ensuring that each person’s needs are fully understood and addressed

Sarah was head-hunted to join the Synergy Dental team over three years ago, bringing her warm energy and sharp organisational skills to the role. She made the move from another dental practice to ‘spread her management wings’ and take charge of the all-important Director of First Impressions role at Synergy.

Sarah has a natural gift for putting patients at ease, especially those who feel anxious about visiting the dentist. Nothing makes her happier than hearing a first-time patient say, “That was exactly as you said - thank you!” as they leave with a smile.

Her role is all about keeping the practice running smoothly – from booking patient appointments to supporting the clinical admin team with a wide range of behind-the-scenes tasks. She loves being part of a team that builds long-lasting relationships, making every visit a positive experience.

Outside of work, Sarah is always on the go – whether she’s out walking, tending to her garden, knitting, or baking up a storm. She’s also a keen motorbike rider, often out on adventures with her husband. Keeping up with their two adult sons and answering to the daily demands of their beloved cat, Mrs Whippy, keeps life interesting!

Amber is Synergy Dental's Senior Dental Assistant and Clinical Support Manager. With eight years of experience in the dental world, she’s a cornerstone of the clinic’s day-to-day success. Her ability to handle the fast-moving pace of the practice makes her a crucial part of the team.

As John’s trusted right hand, Amber keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. Her knack for organization and attention to detail ensure patients get top-notch care and her team enjoys a seamless workflow.

When Amber’s not at work, she’s spending quality time with her family. Whether it’s adventures with her husband, cheering her four children on at their activities, or playing with their two dogs - balancing such a full-on career with an active home life, she’s a true master of juggling it all.

Our team of care co-ordinators are integral members of our clinical team, ensuring everything runs smoothly both in our surgeries and sterilization areas.

Our dedicated team brings expertise, warmth, and efficiency to their roles, creating a welcoming experience for patients while supporting clinical staff. From preparing for surgeries to maintaining hygiene standards with thorough sterilization protocols, their work is crucial for excellent care.