Meet Your Hastings-Based Dental Experts

BDS Otago

Rob graduated from the University of Otago in 1994 and spent eleven years in private practice in London before returning to New Zealand. He enjoys all aspects of clinical dentistry and takes pride in the fact that The Dental Institute can offer nearly all services in-house without the need for referral, from dental care for the whole family to full mouth rehabilitation. He has a particular interest in implant dentistry and has over 20 years of experience in this area. Rob has been a national NZ Dental Association Board member and past President of the Hawke’s Bay Branch. Spending time with his wife and young daughter, golf, skiing, and travelling help Rob maintain a healthy life-work balance when outside the surgery.

BA,BDS Otago, MDS(Perio), FRACDS(Perio)

Helen completed her Masters in Periodontology with Distinction from the University of Otago in 2005, gaining her Royal Australasian College Fellowship that same year. She brings 20 years of specialist experience to Hawke’s Bay in treating gum disease, dental implant surgery and bone grafting. She is a specialist provider for ACC, a clinical assessor for the Dental Council of New Zealand, a member of the Australia and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists and the International Team of Implantology, and has been the Specialists Representative on the board of the NZ Dental Association. She is frequently invited to lecture at conferences and has run courses for dentists and hygienists, both locally and internationally. Her love of languages and travel led her to complete her BA in French and English in 2023.

BDS Otago, DipClinDent (Oral Surg)

Gary is an experienced dentist, having qualified at the University of Otago in 1984. After a short stint as a locum in an Oamaru practice, Gary joined the Army full time as a Dental Officer and served both in New Zealand and overseas for ten years. During this time he also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Oral Surgery from Otago University and then had his own practice in Dannevirke for 23 years before moving to Hawke's Bay. Gary welcomes new and existing patients to The Dental Institute, including referrals for oral surgery procedures. For those who may be anxious or need a little help to relax in the dental chair Gary is trained in providing intravenous sedation and Penthrox. His hobbies include being in the local brass band, golf and cycling the Hawkes Bay trails.

AdvDip DH, Adelaide, Cert DT

Denise is a Hawke’s Bay local who has been in the dental profession since she was 19 years old.  After graduating as a Dental Therapist she worked in School Dental Clinics throughout the North Island. Following an extended period overseas she returned home to Hawke’s Bay after graduating as a Dental Hygienist from Adelaide, Australia. Denise enjoys working in a team atmosphere and develops great relationships with her patients and work colleagues. She thoroughly enjoys her job and is very passionate, kind and gentle – with attention to detail and a great sense of humour. Denise is also a busy Mum who brings balance to her life by spending time with her family and friends, reading and trying to keep fit. 

BSc Otago, BHSc(Oral Health)

Born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, Lucy gained a BSc from Otago University followed by a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy from Auckland University of Technology in 2017. She has practiced alongside general dentists and periodontal specialists over the last 8 years and her aim is to help her patients better understand and achieve excellent dental and periodontal health. Outside of work she has an interest in architectural draftsmanship and loves spending time with her family - hiking, camping, playing hockey and surfing.

Katie is our Clinical Manager who has undertaken many roles within the dental sector, management and compliance over the last 20 years, in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. She has a Diploma in Professional Practice Leadership and a passion for advising, training and empowering teams in the healthcare industry. She oversees the daily operations of the clinic and supports the entire TDI family in providing an outstanding service and optimum experience for all new and existing patients. Katie has two young boys and enjoys travelling the world.