Staff Profiles

Dr Julee Birch

Dentist
I’ve been practising dentistry for more years than I want to admit … and I still get a kick out of it. Believe it or not.. I love being a dentist. I can’t imagine being in any other field – a decision I made when I was 14, and never regretted. I love making teeth look pretty and feel good. And I feel very fortunate to be practising now when there are so many options available to do this. I spend a lot of time at dental courses because I want to be the best dentist I can be. I also have the added joy of managing the entire team here at More Smiles .. and some days it is more of a joy than others!!

I feel very fortunate to have so many fabulous people involved with me in the practice. When not at work I spend my time walking my dog, surfing the net and listening to podcasts. I just love all things technological!

The future .. One day Hugh Jackman WILL realise I am the woman of his dreams.

Lisa Patman

Practice Manager

Hi, I’m Lisa… I have worked in the dental industry for over 26 years, in different countries and different environments, and I have been a witness to many changes…

Restoring a persons smile with dental implants to replace missing teeth, Ceramic Crowns fabricated while you wait, teeth whitening to create that sparkling smile for a special occasion, digital x-rays and the most important change that I feel, is the valuable addition of the Hygienist to the dental team, who have become our resident expert in oral care and oral hygiene.

I started working for Julee in 2002 in our old premises across the road when we were known as ‘Mountain Creek Dental’ you may remember me from those days assisting in the surgery.

Well life for me at More Smiles has taken a different direction from chairside to management. A position that is challenging but very rewarding. We have a wonderful team of dedicated, experienced and fun loving members whom I’m very honoured to be associated with.

I look forward to seeing old acquaintances and making new ones!

Dr Lee Erwin

Dentist

Hi, I’m Lee and I love being a Dentist and part of the More Smiles team! It feels like being part of a family and it’s a wonderful working environment. The comment that I hear most is that I “look far too young to be a dentist”…. let me assure you that a female never tires of being told she looks young, and many people are surprised when they learn my age!!

One of my favourite parts of being a dentist is that I am lucky enough to meet so many interesting and inspiring people, and I enjoy getting to know each of my pateints. I’m sure they will all tell you that I like a bit of a chat, and laughter is often heard coming from my room! I especially enjoy working with children.

I am passionate about teeth and oral health, and enjoy attending dental courses regularly to keep me up to date with the latest techniques and research.

Outside of work, my husband and I have a passion for travel. We are always planning our next getaway, and I welcome travel tips from my patients!! I also have in interest in photography, and though I’m very much an amateur, my motto is practice makes perfect.

Dr Simon Friend

Dentist

Dr Jodee Friend

Dentist

Mr Anthony Jardim

Dental Prosthetists

History

Born and bred in Durban South Africa. Matriculated at Marist Brothers St Henry’s College, and qualified as a Dental Technician at the College of Dental Technology in Durban. Studied further and obtained a National Higher Diploma in Dental Technology. 

Married and had two sons. Was invited to lecture at the Dental Technology School after having worked in private laboratories for a few years, and remained there for five years. The family then moved to the Algarve in Portugal to establish an international Dental Clinic in conjunction with several Dentists. The family were there for three years until being accepted into Australia. 

Moved to Toowoomba to fulfill immigration conditions. Whilst in Toowoomba, further studies at Otago University led to a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology which was obtained with distinction. Finally moved to the Sunshine Coast.

Sporting activities 

Participated in numerous sports such as rugby union, scuba diving, ultra marathons, squash, fishing, and in later years lawn bowls. 

Inspirations   

Challenges, sunsets, the ocean, and indigenous forests. 

Personal Values 

Always to maintain a high standard. 

Future Goals 

To find interesting challenges. To camp in remote areas. And finally to live long enough to become a nuisance to my kids.

Ai-Vi Nguyen

Dental Therapist/Hygienist

Jan Dimond

Dental Therapist / Hygienist

As a Dental Therapist / Hygienist, I play a dual role in the“More Smiles” Team.

A Dental therapist is specifically trained in children’s dentistry, and I have enjoyed working in this profession over the past 20 years. I believe in creating a friendly, safe environment where children can feel accepted, secure and confident.

A dental surgery does not have to be a scary place.

The Dental Hygienist works closely along side the Dentists to ensure that the foundations of your mouth (primarily your gums and supporting bone) are maintained and exhibit optimum health.

With collaboration with the dentist, the hygienist is able to tailor make a preventive programme designed to target the needs of each individual. Prevention and education feature prominently in both roles.

Away from the mouth, in my leisure time, I find enjoyment in various craft activities, gardening and reading, but above all, I love spending time with my husband and two children in this perfect environment on the Sunshine Coast.

Karen Garrett

Dental Assistant

My Name is Karen Garrett and I have worked as a Dental Assistant on the Sunshine Coast for many years. I have been fortunate to witness an amazing transformation in Dentistry over this time.

Being a Dental assistant is a great job as everyday is different and interesting.

Lyn Wenzel

Front Office Coordinator

After leaving school, I started work in 1974 as a Dental Nurse/Receptionist, and since then I have had experience in several other practices in Queensland and New South Wales, for quite a number of years

I returned to work after a short break when our daughter was born and for 10 years worked in the Retail Clothing Trade.

I was eventually lured back to Dentistry, and worked in an Orthodontic Practice in Brisbane City for 15 years in the capacity of Dental Assitant, Receptionist and Practice Manager.

In 2001 we moved to Buderim, and I have worked in this practice as a Receptionist on a casual basis since July 2002.

Margot Goode

Front Office Coordinator
My first job I had after leaving school was to work in a dental practice. I turned up for the interview and ended up staying to assist the dentist with a surgical extraction. At that time I was employed as the dental assistant and the receptionist working sixty hours per week. Needless to say I moved on after two years of doing this and have worked in the fashion, chemical, medical and was instrumental in helping a friend to set up a business which is still thriving after ten years. Prior to working at More Smiles I was employed as a practice manager in Brisbane so have been involved in all aspects of the dental industry. I feel very lucky now to be living on the Sunshine Coast and working in such a fabulous practice.

Melody Stubbs-Mills

Dental Assistant

Hi my name is Melody, and I am a qualified dental assistant here at More Smiles. I have been assisting for 9 years and really enjoy it. I started my training as a trainee on a normal one day a week basis, and soon I was asked to become a fulltime employee. I hadn’t yet finished school and really wanted to graduate year 12. After lots of discussions with the department of education and my school, I was allowed to continue to graduate as well as work 3 days a week to complete my traineeship. I was the first person in Queensland to be offered this opportunity. I then went on to study with the Australian Dental Association, completing my course and received an award of excellence.

I love to travel and feel lucky to have visited many different countries. I especially love to drive, and I have a new Volkswagen beetle, along with my pride and joy a 1973 model convertible beetle. Its good fun on sunny weekends!!

More Smiles is a practice with exemplary standards, from the warm welcome of our front office staff to the extremely high level of infection control, for me this makes coming to work satisfying knowing that it is as it should be. I look forward to meeting you, as I enjoy getting to know our patients and making you feel as comfortable as possible.

Paige Ajani

Dental Assistant

I have been a dental assistant for 2 and a half years and have enjoyed every moment of it. I became a More smiles team member 1 and a half years ago and since then I have seen myself grow and become a better assistant.

My roles at More Smiles are to chairside assist and ensure that the highest standard of sterilization and infection control is maintained. I am also dedicated to making our patients feel comfortable and cared for while receiving treatment.

In the 1 and a half years that I have been here all the More Smiles team members have taught me and supported me so much. I am very lucky to work alongside a very enthusiastic team who are all dedicated to achieving the same goal.

My career goal for the future is to become a hygienist. To work alongside the dentist to maintain the optimum health of patients mouths.

Outside of work I enjoy reading, listening to music, dancing and being with my friends.