About Gentle Dental
We’ve cared for thousands of happy customers in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt with our gentle approach. Our dentists have over 125 years of combined experience and a passion for delivering dentistry with a careful touch.
Locally owned and operated
We’ve been locally owned and operated since 1992. Our Dixon Street location was formed from an original practice dating back to the 1930s. Today, we’re owned by local Wellingtonians Mike and Sam.
Investing in the latest technology has allowed us to deliver gentle results since the early days. We were one of the first practices to offer same-day CEREC Crowns back in 2008. Since then, we’ve continued to invest in emerging dental technology. For you this means more in-house services, more accurate results and faster recovery times.
50,000+
Satisfied smiles
125 years
Combined experience
5,000+
Active patients
4 Locations
In Wellington and the Hutt Valley
Meet the Team
We’re a dedicated and compassionate team who do our very best to make you feel relaxed. We pride ourselves on explaining things clearly and plainly, adopting a conservative approach and a strong focus on prevention.
Each of our dentists have many years of experience, both in training and in practice, which means that you will always be in safe and expert hands.
Dr. Mike Tonkes BDS (Otago)
Owner and Principal Dentist
Dr. Mike Tonkes BDS (Otago)
Owner and Principal Dentist
“I’m passionate about what I do and I treat my patients how I would like to be treated myself. My main aim is to help people keep their teeth for life, and at Gentle Dental, we have the experience and technology to do exactly that.”
Mike graduated from Otago University in 1998, after which he returned home to Wellington, with his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Mike spent the next three years working and training in the Maxillofacial Unit at the Lower Hutt Hospital, alongside Wellington’s best Oral Surgeons; as their Dental Registrar, he learned skills from simple extractions to fixing broken jaws.
After a short stint in outback Australia, Mike joined the Gentle Dental Centre in 2002. He is a general dentist with a special interest in Orthodontic treatments, including Braces and Invisalign. He has experience in most aspects of dentistry, making him a valuable clinical team member.
Mike became a partner in 2010, and is committed to growing and developing an already well-known brand; he played an instrumental role in the setup of the Gentle Dental new branch practice in Lambton Quay and, more recently, Upper Hutt.
Mike believes in providing quality dentistry with a gentle touch and is committed to helping patients keep their teeth for life. Over the years, this has ensured his clients return to him time and time again, and in 2007, he was voted “Wellington’s Best Dentist” by listeners of The Breeze radio station.
“I like to explain what I’m going to do before I do it. It helps my patients to relax and feel at ease.”
“I enjoy being part of a big team. We have a huge range of different skills and combined experience; we can discuss cases and get second opinions from each other. This is a huge advantage of working at Gentle Dental so your standards stay high, and your work is constantly being viewed by your colleagues.”
Mike is a member of the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA).
Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with family (3 daughters and 1 son), holidays and great food! If time permits, he also enjoys cooking and doing DIY projects!
Dr. Sam Moeung BDS (Otago)
Owner and Principal Dentist
Dr. Sam Moeung BDS (Otago)
Owner and Principal Dentist
“I understand that most patients are apprehensive when coming to the dentist. That’s why I try to make each visit a pleasant experience for my patients. In fact, most of my patients comment that the treatment hardly hurt at all and a lot less than they were expecting! Also, the relaxed atmosphere at the GDC helps put our patients at ease.”
With over 25 years of experience, Sam graduated from Otago University in 1997 and following a couple of years at an Accident and Emergency Centre in Auckland, has been practising at the Gentle Dental Centre in Wellington (his home town) ever since. He became partner/owner in 2010 and was heavily involved in setting up their Lambton Quay, Ghuznee street and Upper Hutt branches. He enjoys all facets of dentistry with a special interest in endodontics (root canal treatment), replacing missing teeth and restoring badly broken down or heavily filled teeth. He is focused on delivering pain-free high-quality dentistry.
With the aid of some of the latest technology available at the Gentle Dental Centre, he strives to achieve predictable, long-lasting results while giving his patients the most comfortable experience possible in the dental chair. So that he can deliver the best possible care to his patients, Sam regularly attends courses both in NZ and overseas. Currently, he is partway through a nine-course curriculum at the renowned Kois Centre in Seattle, USA upskilling in key areas such as restorative, aesthetics, occlusion, and full mouth oral rehabilitation.
“I realise that a lot of patients can’t afford the optimum treatment recommended; that’s why I always take the time to carefully explain to my patients all the treatment options available and in many cases, I can create a treatment plan that stages out the treatment over a length of time to fit in with their budget.”
Away from dentistry, he is kept busy chasing around after his four kids (and wife), providing a “taxi service” carting them all around Wellington to their various sports and activities. He is an avid sports fan in particular rugby and cricket. He also enjoys music, film, mountain biking and the occasional round of golf.
Dr Andrew Chin BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Dr Andrew Chin BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
“Visiting the dentist shouldn’t be a chore, I try to make clients feel welcome and relaxed before we discuss their dental needs and develop a treatment plan that will exceed their expectations!”
Andrew is a local Wellingtonian and joined the team at the Gentle Dental Centre in 2007. He graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago with credit in 2005, after having completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiology in 2001. Andrew has experience in hospital dentistry.
Andrew enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and takes pride in providing high-quality dental treatment in a friendly and relaxed environment. He likes to spend time with clients explaining the benefits of different options before developing a treatment plan with the client that best suits their needs. He takes particular satisfaction in contributing to the transition from apprehensive patient to confident regular dental attender.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys being involved in his local Basketball team, outdoor activities and spending time at home with his wife and two sons.
Dr Ray Temo BDS MDS MOrthRCS MRACDS
Specialist Orthodontist
Dr Ray Temo BDS MDS MOrthRCS MRACDS
Specialist Orthodontist
Dr Temo brings extensive experience in orthodontic treatment of both adults and children of all ages.
Dr. Temo gained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery Degree(with credit) from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Dr. Temo spent three years in Wellington, New Zealand working in both Hospital and private practice. He then returned to Dunedin to complete his Master of Orthodontics (with distinction) from the University of Otago. Dr Temo then went on to receive membership with the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Dr. Temo is a member of many professional associations including the Australian Society of Orthodontists, Australian Dental Association and is a registered Specialist Orthodontist with the New Zealand Dental Council.
A proud husband and father, Dr. Temo and his wife Monica have two beautiful young daughters and an adorable son. He is a keen sport person, who enjoys rugby union, touch rugby, basketball, surfing and skiing.
Dr Rehua Smallman BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Dr Rehua Smallman BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
“I enjoy making the experience of coming to me as pleasant as possible. Visiting the dentist can be an unnerving experience for some patients, so I strive to make them comfortable by creating a casual atmosphere where we can both relax. I also want my patients to feel that they understand as much about their mouths as I do – so that they are fully informed and can make informed decisions about their oral health for themselves.”
Rehua graduated from Otago University in 2006. He began his working life in the Dental unit of Kenepuru hospital. Following this, he worked in Sydney for three years in a Private Biological Dental Practice. After an OE in 2010, Rehua returned home to the Wellington region and joined the Gentle Dental Team.
As a valued member of Gentle Dental Family, Rehua enjoys dentistry, and has a particular interest in biological dentistry; he will consider the whole picture of a patient’s health in his diagnosis and treatment planning. He prefers a model of long-term prevention rather than treatment and practises conservative dentistry – that is, treatments that involve minimal intervention to augment the natural healing mechanism of the teeth, rather than fillings where possible.
Some procedures that Rehua takes a special interest in are replacing amalgam fillings, difficult extractions and resin infiltrations – a special type of filling with no drilling required!
Rehua has changed many people’s perceptions of visiting the dentist – his attention to patients’ feelings and wellbeing results in many patients remarking that coming to Gentle Dental was the best dental experience they have ever had, and that they understand more about their mouths than ever before.
Outside of work, Rehua enjoys learning new things, getting outdoors, and discovering new places.
Dr Jessica Lee BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Dr Jessica Lee BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
“Dentistry is a platform to make a positive impact; we are dedicated to help you achieve your smile and take charge of your own oral health whilst ensuring an honest and comfortable experience."
Dr Jessica Lee was born in Malaysia and graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She is passionate about providing personalised patient-centred dental care in a relaxed environment. She values the connections she forms with her patients and understanding the experiences that have shaped their lives that allows her to cater to each patient’s needs and deliver the best possible care and outcome for her patients.
Dr Jessica has a minimally invasive and conservative approach to dentistry. She believes in educating her patients into taking charge of their oral health and preventing the need for complex dental procedures down the line. Which is why her goal is to ensure her patients have a clear understanding of what is happening with their teeth and how to move forward with a plan together to maintain their oral health and wellbeing.
Dr Jessica Lee prioritises ongoing commitment to development and has undergone continued comprehensive training that has allowed her to deliver innovative solutions and quality care to her patients. She is a certified Invisalign and IV sedation provider and is part of the NZSSD (New Zealand Society for Anaesthesia and Sedation in Dentistry), AIA (Australasian Implant Academy) and NZDA (New Zealand Dental Association). She has special interests in aesthetic restorative dentistry and oral surgery with aims to help restore and maintain healthy smiles through a range of treatment options.
She feels privileged to be part of her patients’ transformative journeys and remains dedicated to providing her valued patients with the highest standard of dental care and services.
Dr Snehal Shah BDS MFDS RCS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Dr Snehal Shah BDS MFDS RCS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Dr Snehal Shah is an empathetic and diligent dentist, with more than a decade of experience in her profession. She is keenly interested in surgical procedures, particularly implant placements and wisdom teeth removal. Her commitment to her craft is evident in her continuous pursuit of knowledge, regularly attending various courses and programs within New Zealand and overseas to enhance her skill set.
Dr Shah has completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from India. She holds a Diploma of membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians of Glasgow, UK. Her compassion extends beyond her professional life as she volunteers to provide free dental care to those in need, demonstrating her commitment to community service.
In her personal life, Dr Shah is an avid trekker and traveller. She has an adventurous spirit and love for exploring new places. Outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her family and friends.
Dr Colleen Loo BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Dr Colleen Loo BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Profile coming soon
Dr Litty Scariya BDS
Associate Dentist
Dr Litty Scariya BDS
Associate Dentist
“I’m here to provide the best solution for your dental problems but with a gentle and patient-centered approach.”
Dr Litty grew up in a small town on the foothills of the beautiful Sahyadri Mountains on the western coast of India. She completed a five-year Dental Surgery degree in 2012 and then went on to complete a three-year Master’s degree in Periodontics. While at University, Litty carried out a successful clinical trial that investigated the effect of probiotic bacteria on the symptoms of periodontal diseases. Her research work has been published and cited numerous times. She is registered in New Zealand as a general dentist but continues to devote a large amount of her time advancing her periodontal skills. Outside of work, she is a keen gardener and Mum to a little boy and girl.
Dr Harshitha Chintireddy BDS
Associate Dentist
Dr Harshitha Chintireddy BDS
Associate Dentist
Profile coming soon
Dr Jennie Edmondson BDS (Glasgow)
Associate Dentist
Dr Jennie Edmondson BDS (Glasgow)
Associate Dentist
Profile coming soon
Dr William Wallace BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Dr William Wallace BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
“A checkup at GDC answers the questions you may have been avoiding and empowers you to take control of your oral health, all in a relaxed and judgement-free environment. You deserve to be comfortable and confident with your smile.”
Will graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (with Credit) in 2021. He finds value in creating a relaxing and positive environment in the chair and building relationships with his patients. He aims to educate patients about their mouth (teeth, gums and surrounding structures) and work with them to create a cost-effective long-term plan that helps them achieve their goals and maintain and sustain their oral health, leaving them comfortable and confident.
Will is a general dentist and enjoys the diversity offered by practising all aspects of Dentistry. He is keenly interested in endodontics (root canals) and fixed prosthodontics (crowns and bridges). He volunteers at DCM providing dental care for people experiencing homelessness in Wellington, and is studying towards his Masters in Digital Health.
Outside of the clinic, you’ll find Will running along Oriental Parade or the catalogue of trails in the Wellington region, at band practice or spending time with his friends and family.
Will is a member of the New Zealand Dental Association.
Dr Catherine Edwards BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Dr Catherine Edwards BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Profile coming soon
Dr Michelle Tiong BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Dr Michelle Tiong BDS (Otago)
Associate Dentist
Originally from Malaysia, Michelle graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2017. She gained valuable experience from spending three years in Invercargill and subsequently broadened her clinical practice with three years in Auckland. She recently joined Gentle Dental Centre's team following her move down to Wellington.
Michelle enjoys all aspects of general dentistry. She focuses on providing an honest and appropriate care tailored to the individual circumstances and delivered to a high standard.
Outside of work, Michelle is keen to explore Wellington with her husband.
Dr Thomas Noble-Campbell BBioMedSc (Hons), BDS (Otago), MRACDS (PDS)
Associate Dentist
Dr Thomas Noble-Campbell BBioMedSc (Hons), BDS (Otago), MRACDS (PDS)
Associate Dentist
Thomas joined the Gentle Dental team after eight years at Otago University, completing his Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with First Class Honours and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Distinction. Thomas enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with a special interest in Endodontics (root canal treatment). In 2023, he was fortunate to be awarded the P K Renshaw Prize for the top research report by the Otago Medical Research Foundation for his endodontic research.
Thomas believes the cornerstone of dentistry is reaching the correct diagnosis, providing evidence-based treatment, and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their oral health. He is passionate about digital dentistry technology and how it can be used to provide comfortable, high-quality, dental treatment for his patients.
Thomas is an avid believer in continual professional development. He is a Member the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS), having completed the college's revered primary examination. He is an affiliate member of RACDS and a member of the New Zealand Dental Association.
Outside the clinic, you might see Thomas out on one of Wellington's many running tracks, the tennis court, or spending time with friends and family at the local cafes.
Dr Geraldine Chen BDS
Associate Dentist
Dr Geraldine Chen BDS
Associate Dentist
Profile coming soon
Dr Steven McKinstry BDS MBChB PhD
Dental Surgeon
Dr Steven McKinstry BDS MBChB PhD
Dental Surgeon
Profile coming soon
Helen Yang BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Helen Yang BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Profile coming soon
Sheaynee Pama BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Sheaynee Pama BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Profile coming soon
Olive Kennedy BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Olive Kennedy BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Profile coming soon
Crissalina Sak BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Crissalina Sak BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Crissalina was born and raised in Wellington, where she completed her Bachelor of Oral Health degree in Otago in 2022.
Crissalina aims to educate her patients on why good oral health is essential and how this can be achieved with good oral health habits.
Outside the clinic, she plays badminton and pilates and enjoys catching up with friends over a good meal.
Shivani Reed BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Shivani Reed BOH (Otago)
Oral Health Therapist
Profile coming soon
Kate Toropova BHSc (Oral Health, AUT)
Oral Health Therapist
Kate Toropova BHSc (Oral Health, AUT)
Oral Health Therapist
"Being in healthcare means a lot to me: it’s not only about caring about oral health, it’s also about caring for my patients during my appointments."
Ekaterina, or Kate for short, was born and grew up in the very East of Russia. Kate successfully completed several degrees in Russia, one of which was a Bachelor of Dentistry. In Kate’s opinion, you can never have too many degrees. She applied to AUT in 2020 and completed a Bachelor of Oral Health in 2022.
Kate is always motivated to continue her education: whenever Kate has a chance, she participates in various lectures, webinars, symposiums and conferences. Moreover, Kate applies the newest information from recent research to her work. Kate is passionate about her profession and cannot imagine her life without the dental field.
Outside of work, Kate loves running in the mornings, exercising in the gym, hiking and cooking. Kate loves to explore new places, when she has free time. When Kate’s friends have free time, she likes to spend time with them.
Maxie Hanson BHSc (Oral Health, AUT)
Oral Health Therapist
Maxie Hanson BHSc (Oral Health, AUT)
Oral Health Therapist
Maxie's goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable clinic experience for her patients, where they can feel supported and involved in achieving their optimal oral health goals. Maxie has always had a passion for dentistry and knew she wanted to work at a dental clinic ever since she was young.
Maxie has a well-rounded knowledge of the dental industry due to her experience working as a certified dental assistant for The Gentle Dental Centre for multiple years before going to study oral health therapy and then returning as an Oral Health Therapist.
Maxie has a passion for oral health education and promotion, believing it has a critical role to play in the prevention of disease. Maxie was awarded the Ivoclar Vivadent award for Outstanding Achievement and Understanding of Oral Health Promotion Methodologies at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), additionally, she was also awarded the Annette King and Colgate Best Overall Academic Achievement for her graduating year for Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health).
Maxie lives in the Hutt Valley with her husband, cat and dog. In her spare time, you'll find her running, reading a good book, crocheting or learning to play golf.
Ashleigh Zammit
Group Practice Manager
Ashleigh Zammit
Group Practice Manager
Profile coming soon
Rose Vermy
Practice Coordinator
Rose Vermy
Practice Coordinator
Profile coming soon
Hannah Chapman
Practice Coordinator
Hannah Chapman
Practice Coordinator
“I ensure the smooth, day-to-day running of the clinic. Our patients are our top priority and my goal is to ensure that the moment a patient walks through the door, they are treated with the utmost professionalism and respect.”
Lavinia has been the friendly face of the Gentle Dental Centre for many years. Her bubbly personality and professional manner have made her a favourite with patients, many of whom she has formed relationships with over the years.
A trained dental assistant as well as frontline receptionist, Lavinia is a true people person and thrives on managing staff, interacting with patients and keeping the practice humming along nicely day-to-day.
When Lavinia’s not helping with patient accounts, queries or concerns, she loves spending time with her husband, family, friends, and keeping fit at the gym.
Our History
Providing gentle care to patients since 1992
2001
Sam joins the team as Associate Dentist
2002
Mike joins the team as Associate Dentist
2008
Gentle Dental becomes one of the first practices in Wellington to offer same day CEREC crowns
2010
Mike and Sam buy into the practice
2011
Our second practice on Lambton Quay is established
2011
Oral Health Therapists and Hygienist are incorporated into the practice
2012
Omnicam CEREC purchase
2014
Mike and Sam buy out original owner Adam and become the sole owners, partners and principal dentists
2018
Gentle Braces is established offering specialist orthodontist treatment
2019
First practice in Wellington to have the latest CEREC & Digital Scanning System
2019
Cone Beam 3D X-Ray purchased
2019
Moved and expanded the Dixon Street practice to Ghuznee Street, our custom-built, state of the art practice, with Gentle Braces incorporated all under one roof
2021
A third practice is opened on Royal Street, in the heart of Upper Hutt
2023
Gentle Dental takes over 32 Gems in Lower Hutt. Forming the fourth practice
