MEET THE KEPPEL DENTAL TEAM
It’s good to get to know your dentist and the team that supports them. Having a little insider knowledge
about the person that’s taking your appointment and those looking after you may help you relax.
Get to know your Keppel Dental team better — each profile gives you insight into their
professional history and training, why they love their job and what makes them smile.
YOUR DENTISTS
Luke Christensen B.Sc (Hons) B.Dent (Hons)
Practice Principal Dentist
Luke wants your smile to look awesome. A big fan of cosmetic dentistry, Luke embraces the latest technologies that help rebuild natural-looking smiles. He also believes a trip to the dentist should be far from dull. Putting Netflix on the ceiling, so you can watch while in the chair? Yeah, that was his idea. What a genius! Besides dentistry, Luke enjoys surfing (although he says there’s room for his skills to improve) and taking his boat out for a spot of fishing.
Lyndsey Browne B.Sc (Hons) B.Dent
DENTIST
Lyndsey enjoys the variety that modern dentistry can offer. Not just the techniques and treatments available, but the people she gets to meet too. She’s known for her calm nature, so even the most anxious patient will be able to relax that little easier during an appointment with her. Beyond work, Lyndsey loves to travel around Australia and beyond, and is a keen fitness fan.
University of Queensland in 2008
John Christensen BD.Sc
Locum Dentist and Practice Mentor
John is one half of the reason Keppel Dental is even here. He set up shop in Yeppoon back in 1977 and was the first full-time dentist to establish a private practice in the area. What a trendsetter! Although John recently retired, you’ll still see him around the practice from time to time, as he provides locum cover and continues to mentor our dentists and OHTs. (Well there’s no way we could let him go that easily.) When not swotting up on current dentistry technologies or nerding out over the new possibilities digital dentistry could bring, he enjoys singing with a local choir and attempting to play tennis.
YOUR Oral Health Therapists
Christie Snary
Oral Health Therapist
Whether young or old, Christie wants to help you enjoy your dental experience and rinse out any unnecessary fears. What she most loves about working with the team at Keppel Dental is a shared commitment to providing exceptional dental care, education, and support to help patients reach their oral health goals. As there’s lots to enjoy about life in Yeppoon, Christie spends as much downtime as possible with her husband and children exploring the beaches and 4WD tracks.
Thalia Suarez
Oral Health Therapist
If Thalia was forced to choose her favourite areas of dentistry then she would say, restorative dentistry, orthodontics and paediatric dentistry. “Kids are so fun to work with. It brightens my day when the littlies race into the clinic for a ride in the chair or to show me their newest wiggly tooth,” she explains. And who can argue? An upcoming trip from the Tooth Fairy is exciting. Beyond work, Thalia’s two troublesome kelpies, Randall and Remy, keep her on her toes.
Megan Swanson
Oral Health Therapist
You know you’ve found your calling when going to work every day is a joy, not a chore. And that’s what working at Keppel Dental feels like for Megan. Helping people overcome their dental anxiety, transform their smile, and educate patients of all ages and from all backgrounds about the importance of good oral health, gives her a great sense of job satisfaction.
Kasey Oxenbridge
Oral Health Therapist
Kasey is proud to work at a practice that provides a range of treatment options so patients can get all their care in one location. She also loves that we’re a tech-happy practice, saying it’s a great asset when helping patients “understand their oral health.” Beyond work, Kasey keeps busy, but in a relaxed, Yeppoon kind of way. She fills her downtime with deep water fishing, boat trips to the Keppel Islands and beach walks.
Leah Wendelborn
Oral Health Therapist
Laughter is never far away at Keppel Dental. And no, not because of the gas. It’s just a crazy happy place, which is why Leah reckons the amount of giggles, chortles, and belly laughs she hears every day is one of the best things about coming to work. When she’s not taking care of patients’ smiles, Leah finds happiness during family camping trips and when she works up a sweat at a reformer pilates class.
YOUR DENTAL ASSISTANTS
Maddy Luck
Senior Dental Assistant
Maddy prides herself on providing a homely environment for nervous patients and feels a strong sense of accomplishment seeing their confidence lift once dental treatment ends. She loves that her role continuously expands her knowledge and organisation skills. As a self-confessed adventure seeker, Maddy makes the most of her downtime either hiking, relaxing on the beach with her dogs, or going for long drives with the music, up!
Paige Johnstone
Dental Assistant
Paige joins us as a trainee dental assistant and, we’re happy to report, is enjoying working in the field of dentistry. Seeing patients happy and confident after successful treatment brings her the most job satisfaction, as does the human side of the job and getting to chat with patients about life's highs and woes.
Tara Whaitiri
Dental Assistant
Seeing patients happy and smiling after their treatment is what keeps Tara feeling upbeat at work. She understands that getting the right dental treatment and being cared for by dentists and assistants who want the absolute best for you, is what makes a high-quality experience. During her downtime, Tara enjoys hitting the beach or lounging by the pool with family and friends.
Lucy Kirkman
Dental Assistant
You might not think it, but dentistry can be an emotional industry. And Lucy certainly feels that. She appreciates the gravitas successful treatment can have on a patient and all the smiles and happy tears that come with that. Beyond work, Lucy enjoys kicking back with family and exploring the natural beauty that we’re lucky to have on our doorstep.
Gemma Warrender
Dental Assistant
Gemma gets a kick out of new experiences. At work she seeks them out by embracing every learning opportunity that comes her way and she loves that no two days here are the same. When the weekend arrives she fills her time with 4WD experiences, adventures with friends and hitting the beach.
Ryella Clark
Dental Assistant
Ryella is lucky. She’s one of those people who loves going to work so much, that it doesn’t feel like work at all. The friendly environment, the range of services, and the ability to help patients overcome their fears and feel confident give Ryella great job satisfaction.
Sandahl Svilans
Dental Assistant
Sandahl appreciates the difference good dental care can make to a person’s life. Seeing positive treatment outcomes and being part of a team that’s caring for the next generation’s oral health brings her a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. After work you’ll likely find Sandahl at the beach, hanging with family, working out, or reading.
Team Support
Trish Jarvis
Lab Supervisor
Trish enjoys being creative with her hands, channelling that energy into drawing, gardening, and pottery. She even has her own pottery wheel and kiln. So it’s no surprise that her favourite part of her role as receptionist and self-appointed digital dentistry lab whizz is using the digital software, mill, and firing our ceramic crowns.
YOUR Front of House Staff
Kristy Leahy
Clinical Care Coordinator
You’d think after 20 years of working as a clinical care coordinator in the dentistry that you’d seen it all. But nuh-uh. Kristy loves her job because every day is different and presents its own challenges. Plus, she’s working in an ever-evolving industry. There is always something new to discover about dentistry. When not working, Kristy enjoys keeping fit and enjoying the beach life. Currently, playing on jet skis is her favourite thing to do. What a thrill-seeker!
Robyn Bowen
Receptionist
As our Keppel Dental receptionist, Robyn is on hand to meet, greet and answer your questions over the phone or when you arrive for your appointment. Robyn understands that for some people a trip to the dentist can be nerve-wracking. Just know that she’s on hand to help you feel comfortable while you wait. When not running the Keppel Dental reception, Robyn enjoys a spot of gardening and spending time with family and friends during get togethers.
Jessica Morneau
Receptionist
Meeting patients and chatting with them is just one thing Jessica loves about her job at the Keppel Dental. The other is the fact that she gets to be part of a friendly and approachable team who work hard to make sure patients have a smooth experience when it comes to booking appointments and settling up. Being behind our reception desk is in complete contrast to what Jessica enjoys during her downtime. She’s actually a real outdoor bunny and will seize any opportunity to go camping by the beach with her family.
Belinda Kristalyn
Receptionist
No two days are the same at Keppel Dental. And for Belinda, knowing she’s got a team of supportive, friendly colleagues by her side to experience that with her makes all the difference. Beyond the practice, Belinda soaks up precious family moments with her husband, kids, grandkids and (in her words) her very spoiled fur babies, George the Shihpoo and Henry the Ridgeback.
Shari Ellis
Receptionist
Some people find coming for a check up really tough. In fact, around one in seven Australians experience dental anxiety. Shari does all she can to remove some of that worry. She hopes to be a calming presence while you wait for your appointment. So if you’re feeling nervous and Shari’s about, just let her know. Outside of work, Shari enjoys exploring Australia to take in its beauty, and camping trips.
