Meet the Team
Dr. James Talbot
BSc, BDS (Otago), FDS RCS (England), MSc (London)
James has a keen interest in complex dentistry including dental implants, helping patients deal with tooth wear, missing teeth and reconstructing smiles that have deteriorated or even lost entirely. He often sees patients on referral for difficult treatment needs.
Dr. Gavin Cho
BDS (Otago)
In the 30 plus years Gavin has been practising dentistry he has honed his skills to become an expert in creating healthy and functional smiles. Facial aesthetics and skin health are an integral part of a beautiful smile, and his ability to offer patients Fastbraces® Orthodontics, Invisalign®, Botox, Dermal Fillers, and other skin therapies has made the possibility of a healthy smile accessible and achievable for many.
Dr. Jefferey Annan
BDS (Otago), Dip. Clin Dent, FADI, FICD
Over the course of his 40 year career Jeff has derived great pleasure using his conservative approach to dentistry to provide lasting results, which has seen dentition, and his relationship with patients stand the test of time. As the longest serving member of The Wellington Dental Practice, Jeff brings a level of expertise and wealth of knowledge that only a lifetime in dentistry can provide.
Dr. Laura Ichim
BDS with Distinction (Otago), FRACDS (GDP)
Since graduating (with distinction) from Otago in 2010, Laura has carved out an impressive career for herself. Laura believes in practising ethical, evidence-based dentistry with a focus on patient centred care. She strives to provide a positive, comfortable, relaxed and pain free experience – because of this, she has been able to build long lasting relationships with her patients.
Dr. Suresh Rajapakse
BDS (Otago)
At Otago, Suresh completed 2 years of an undergraduate Bachelor of Biomedical Science followed by a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) with credit in 2011. Before joining The Wellington Dental Practice, Suresh spent 8 years at a well-respected practice in Whanganui honing his skills so successfully he took on the role of Principal Dentist in his last 2 years there. This role allowed him to act as mentor to new graduates as well as treating more complex cases.
Dr. Isaac Ter Ellen
BDS (Otago)
Originally hailing from Tauranga, Isaac relocated to Wellington after obtaining a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with credit (2012) at Otago University. Isaac joined The Wellington Dental Practice in March 2022, but he has spent his whole career looking after Wellingtonians and has been a welcome addition to our team.
Dental Hygienists
Wendy Key
Dip Dental Hygiene
After a stint as an air force photographer, Wendy graduated from Otago in 2000 with a Diploma in Dental Hygiene. We have been fortunate to have Wendy as a member of The Wellington Dental Practice team since 2004 – her holistic, patient centred approach has helped build the foundation of what has become one of the best Dental Hygiene departments in Wellington.
A lover of the arts and the outdoors one can never be sure if Wendy will be found at a gallery opening, in the garden, or tramping one of our scenic walkways.
Mel Fox
CertDentHyg
Mel graduated from Otago in 1998 and started her career on the Kapiti Coast, but spent the majority of her career working in Wellington CBD. She has also been involved in voluntary work providing dental hygiene services to New Zealanders in need. Mel has such passion and dedication to her profession and patients. With her gentle, respectful approach, and her ability to tailor comprehensive treatment to the need of the individual makes her an indispensable member of the team. In her spare time,
Mel enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as running, cooking, reading, and exploring New Zealand.
Kim van Mil
Oral Health Therapist BOH
Kim began her career in dentistry in 2010 as a Dental Assistant, and then a Front Office Coordinator, before completing her Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health - Oral Health Therapist at AUT in 2016. It was also in this year Kim was awarded the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler award for excellence in dental hygiene skills.
Kim’s practice philosophy is to provide quality, evidence-based dental care that is prevention-focused and tailored to each patient. She respects patients’ individuality by treating them with dignity, kindness and understanding. Her oral health aims are to support, inform, encourage, motivate and communicate effectively while involving patients in the oral care process.
Outside work you will most likely find Kim bushwalking, gardening, or partaking in every Kiwi’s favourite pastime - DIY!
Marija Lovric
Oral Health Therapist BOH
Marija has worked in dentistry for more than 17 years starting first as a dental assistant before heading down to Otago and obtaining her Bachelor of Oral Health in 2012. While at Otago, Marija was involved in the Sir John Walsh Research Faculty of Dentistry Summer Studentship programme, working on the topic “Completing the “genomic jigsaw puzzle” of the oral bacterium Streptococcus salivarius strain M18.” with Nick Heng. The paper was published in the Journal of Bacteriology at the end of 2011. That strain of M18 is now used in BLIS Probiotics Tooth Guard.
In her final year at Otago she was awarded the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award for clinical excellence and compassionate service which has continued to be the foundation of her practising philosophy. Her compassionate care has made Marija the favourite of the most nervous patients, and she takes pride in her ability to put patients at ease.
Ever the student, Marija is studying Te Reo and holds a special passion for history. In her spare time she loves spending time with friends and family as well as listening to music and podcasts - don’t be surprised if you walk away with a recommendation of must listens!
Dental Assistants
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Jodie
Dental Assistant
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Georgia
Dental Assistant
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Laura
Dental Assistant
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Vladka
Dental Assistant
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Steph
Dental Assistant
Practice Manager & Front of House
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Tara
Practice Manager
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Emma
Front Office
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Lynda
Front Office
