Our Team
We bring a wide range of expertise to offer you a multitude of services
Helen Yan
Dentist
Helen has been running Dentistry With A Smile since 2018.
After graduating from Otago Dental School in 2008, Helen joined our practice in 2009. Helen holds her certificate in Intravenous Sedation.
Outside of work Helen spends a lot of time with her family. She, her husband and their two boys love to travel and explore.
Languages spoken: Mandarin
Dawson Young
Dentist
Dawson graduated from Otago University with an Honours degree in Chemistry and completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1999.
Dawson was first with our practice as a locum after graduation and returned after 2 years of OE in London to practice in Hoon Hay.
Dawson spends his free time with his partner and their son. He loves to spend time outside, tinker with carving and has even created his own video game machines.
Laura has returned from maternity leave and is working part time.
Laura joined our practice in 2021 and gained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Otago in 2014.
She holds special interest in providing pain-free dental experiences and pursues the highest quality of dentistry in all aspects of dentistry including root canals, oral surgery, CEREC crowns and full mouth rehabilitation.
Languages spoken: Korean
Dentist
Laura Lee
Born in Thailand, Nicha completed her schooling in the UK before earning a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney and then her Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Otago.
Nicha enjoys all areas of general dentistry, with a special interest in restorative work, crowns, and aesthetic treatments. She values genuine patient relationships and takes an individualised, collaborative approach to provide care in a comfortable setting.
Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with her dog.
Languages spoken: Thai
Dentist
Nicha Nivatvongs
Matthew graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Honours and has recently joined our practice.
Before joining the team, he worked at Whangarei Hospital where he gained experience in a broad range of areas including oral surgery, management of medically compromised patients, dental trauma and paediatric dentistry.
Matthew is passionate about providing the best possible care for his patients.
In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, kayaking and anything to do with cars and engines.
Languages spoken: Mandarin
Dentist
Matthew Loh
Imogen is a caring and approachable clinician with a focus on providing gentle, patient-centred dental care.
She has particular experience in tooth extractions and is committed to ensuring patients feel comfortable and well-supported throughout their treatment.
Imogen offers procedures under both local anaesthesia and IV sedation, tailoring her approach to each patient’s needs to minimise anxiety and discomfort.
She takes pride in clear communication, a calm manner, and delivering safe, efficient care, particularly for patients who may feel nervous about dental treatment.
Imogen holds clinics specialising in more complex extractions which we work in around her busy schedule as a doctor.
Dentist
Imogen Scott
Renée graduated with her Diploma of Dental Hygiene in 2003 and she has been with Dentistry With A Smile for over 13 years. Renée enjoys keeping up with the latest in preventive treatment and technology, such as our Airflow machine.
Renée loves to spend time with her family and dog whenever possible. They all enjoy travelling together, both locally and internationally when able.
Dental Hygienist
Renée Ford
Allana is currently on maternity leave.
Allana joined our practice in 2021. She studied Bachelor of Oral Health and graduated in 2013 from University of Newcastle, NSW. Allana finished her Bachelor of Health Science (Hons) in 2014.
She prides herself in providing gentle hygiene treatment and instilling confidence in anxious patients.
In Allana’s spare time she spends time with her two greyhounds, dabbles in outdoor sports and enjoys being our token Australian.
Dental Hygienist
Allana Coxon
Omar works for Duchenne Denture Specialists and holds a clinic twice a week at Dentistry With a Smile.
Omar graduated from Otago University in 2010 with distinction. He has been with Duchenne since 2011, providing over 15 years of experience in denture fabrication for our patients.
A skilled technician, we love having him as part of our team and being able to offer denture services for our patients.
Denture Technician
Omar
Hannah
Hannah has been part of the surgery since the beginning of 2020. She also used to work in the surgery as a dental assistant and receptionist for 10 years while at high school and studying.
Hannah has 10 years experience as a teacher and finds many of the skills transferable into the role of Practice Manager.
In her spare time she enjoys socializing, cooking and travelling wherever and whenever possible.
Practice Manager