DR. GABE PETRI, B. D. S. (Syd.)
Dental Associate
Dr. Petri graduated from Sydney University in 1972. He travelled to the UK for work shortly thereafter, before returning to work in country NSW and finally settling in Wollongong in 1977. Since 1977, Dr. Petri has maintained a general dental practice in Corrimal. During this time he became fondly known in the area as ‘Painless Petri ’ and has attracted a very large base of loyal patients owing to his quiet, caring manner and friendly personality.
In 2006 Dr. Petri decided to semi retire and sell his practice to Contemporary Smiles and has been retained as a practicing dentist on a part time basis. Dr. Petri commented that in the last 30 years he has noted the dental health changes in his community and has endeavoured to meet the needs of his patients. Continuing education has always been important to him so that new treatment options could be met.
Dr. Petri hopes to continue to serve our patients in the new look practice of Contemporary Smiles. He will also maintain professional updates in education and looks forward to working as a team with the practice personnel - dentists and auxiliaries - so that the best options and service are provided.
DR KURT DEAN B.D.S. (Qld.)
Dental Associate
Dr Dean graduated from the University of Queensland in 1997. Following graduation he has worked in private practices in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, gaining extensive experience in all facets of dentistry.
Dr. Dean has particular interests in implants and cosmetic dentistry and he is strongly motivated to keep an up to date knowledge in all areas of dentistry. As a result of these efforts, Dr. Dean’s patients may be confident in the knowledge that they will be receiving the most up to date care, utilizing state of the art techniques and materials in the fields of cosmetic dentistry and oral implantology. Dr. Dean states that ‘today, with such advances in implant dentistry, no one has to live with gaps in their mouths and a compromised lifestyle as a result’.
Dr Dean is a highly caring and focused professional who listens to his patients carefully to ensure that their needs are addressed and met at an optimum level, each and every time. He is a full member of the Australian Dental Association and the International Team for Oral Implantology.
Dr Dean enjoys spending time with his wife and young son. His recreational pursuits include sculpture, painting, reading and regular workouts in the gym.
DR BARRY PHELAN B. Dent. Sc. (Hons.) (Dublin)
Dental Associate
Dr. Barry Phelan graduated with honours from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland in 2004. After graduation, he moved to London to pursue his career, where he worked in private practice for two years. From the outset, Dr. Phelan was committed to continuing education and undertook a year long course in Cosmetic Dentistry under the tutelage of Dr. Chris Orr (Head of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentists).
In 2006, Dr. Phelan came down under to experience the Australian way of life for a year. He enjoyed it so much he hasn’t left. While taking in all that Australia has to offer, Dr. Phelan has continued to develop his expertise in dentistry, undertaking courses in both implant dentistry and rotary endodontics.
Dr. Phelan prides himself in delivering the highest standards of care for his patients and is particularly interested in cosmetic treatments.
To relax, Dr. Phelan enjoys the laid back beach lifestyle. He recently became a father for the first time and takes delight in his daughter.
MS. DANIETTE MCKEITH, Cert. III., D. A.
Practice Manager, Treatment Coordinator
Daniette has been a treatment coordinator for 6 years having worked at various surgeries in the Illawarra, including Oak Flats, Wollongong, Figtree, Unanderra and, for the last two years, for Dr. Gabe Petri in Corrimal. She previously worked at a large group practice where she assisted over 7 different dentists, learning different approaches and techniques to carry out her tasks. Daniette's qualifications include Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting from TAFE NSW and Certifications in Infection Control, Occupational Health and Safety, Practice Management and Forensic Dentistry.
Daniette has excellent interpersonal skills. Her friendly manner is reassuring to patients and she shows genuine empathy and care towards everyone in need. These skills enable her to anticipate the needs of both patients and staff alike and to take action without prompting. Daniette shows great competence and efficiency in her work and her reliability and diligence are great assets to both our patients and to Contemporary Smiles.
Daniette enjoys the new technology that is being introduced at Contemporary Smiles and she is looking forward to the new redevelopment of the premises. Daniette states that ‘Contemporary Smiles has a nice friendly environment and friendly staff which makes it a pleasure to work for the company’. In the future she hopes to continue her education by undertaking courses to assist her to stay up to date with future technology and increase her knowledge in dentistry. In her spare time, Daniette enjoys going out with friends, going to the beach and also exercising in the gym.
MS. LAURA BENNETT, Cert. III. D.A., Cert. D. Rad., Cert. Bus. Man.
Practice and Treatment Coordinator
Laura has gained valuable and wide ranging experience in dentistry over the last few years through her work in various capacities at a number of general and specialist (e.g. orthodontic) dental centres. These experiences, as well as her formal qualifications in the dental field, ensure that she is highly competent in looking after her portfolio at Contemporary Smiles. Her gentle disposition and keen awareness of sensitive issues encountered during the day to day running of a dental practice ensure that operations under her control run smoothly.
Laura states that her work at Contemporary Smiles gives her the opportunity to focus her skills on those areas that she has a particular interest in, such as cosmetic and implant dentistry. Laura is a team player and takes an active role in ensuring that all employees of Contemporary Smiles function as a cohesive unit. She finds her day to day work highly stimulating and challenging. Laura’s interests outside work include acting as an RSPCA volunteer and relaxing with family and friends.
MS. KARA HAMILTON Cert. III D.A. (in progress)
Trainee Practice and Treatment Coordinator
Kara has been a resident of the Illawarra since birth. After attending high school at Keira Technology High, she has worked in the retail industry where she developed important skills to ensure customer satisfaction. Her career in dentistry as a practice and treatment coordinator started a number of months ago at Contemporary Smiles. Kara is currently undertaking Certificate III in Dental Assisting at Shellharbour TAFE, NSW, as well as any further courses and training necessary to increase her knowledge and experience in dentistry.
Kara states that ‘I have grown to appreciate and enjoy the exciting role as a practice and treatment coordinator at Contemporary Smiles as I have a particular interest in cosmetic dentistry and see my work not only as a job but as a rewarding experience for all the staff involved and mainly for our patients. I feel privileged to be part of a team that provides smiles that our patients can be proud of’. Kara’s quiet and gentle nature and her attentiveness and efficiency make her a great asset to Contemporary Smiles. In her spare-time, Kara enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, watching movies and going to the beach.
