Our dental team

DENTIST

Jeff graduated from the University of Southern California – School of Dentistry (USA) in 1987 with his Doctorate degree in Dental Surgery. After graduation, he went on to own two large dental practices in the Los Angeles area for 20 years, before moving with his family to Whangarei in 2007. Jeff went on to design and lead the build of the new Kowhai Dental facility on Maunu Road, which opened in 2009.

Jeff's extensive training and experience includes advanced endodontics, complex restorative care as well as cosmetic dentistry, including modern, short-term orthodontics.

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DENTIST

Cindy graduated from Southern Illinois University – School of Dental Medicine (USA) in 2000 with her Doctorate degree in Dental Medicine.

She went on to own a private practice for 16 years, gaining advanced training in cosmetic, endodontic and complex restorative care, before moving to Whangarei in 2014.

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DENTIST

Matthias graduated from the University of Freiburg (Germany) in 1995 with his Doctorate degree in Dental Surgery. He continued his studies to include Implantology and Periodontology. Matthias went on to become an Associate Professor of Oral Surgery and Implantology at the University of Dusseldorf, followed by ownership of a private clinic in Overath, Germany.

He moved to Whangarei in 2016 and joined the team at Kowhai Dental in May, 2017. He continues to be a world-renown speaker on Implantology and Restorative Dentistry.

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DENTIST

Renate grew up in Brazil where she later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery. In May 1998 she earned her Doctor of Dental Sciences degree and her license to work in California, where she practised until 2001, when she decided to return to Brazil. After returning to Brazil, she purchased her father’s practice and has been working in private practice ever since.

She went on to further her studies at the University of São Paulo, becoming a specialist in Restorative Dentistry. She also continues her academic work by advancing her studies in implants, prosthodontics, endodontics, occlusion and, more recently, cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Dermal Fillers and Microneedling.

Renate is passionate about dental health and is excited to join the team at Kowhai Dental in February 2020, working to improve the health and smiles of the people of Northland.

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DENTIST

Adam graduated from the University of Colorado (USA) in 2012 with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Adam has worked across the world to help others achieve ideal oral health, including a private practice in both Colorado and Texas in which he provided world class care ranging from implant placements for missing teeth to esthetic full mouth rehabilitation. He also spent almost three years working as the Chief dentist on the island of Saipan where he performed many surgical procedures that were unavailable anywhere else on island.

Adam and his family relocated to Whangarei in 2019 for the opportunity to work with the amazing team at Kowhai Dental and to help the people of Northland achieve their best oral health and a beautiful smile.

Dentist

Michael graduated with a Doctorate degree from the University of Bern in Switzerland. He has worked in private practice in different regions of Switzerland since 2007. He has extensive training in periodontics and implants with over 13 years of experience in general dentistry.

Michael and his family moved to Whangarei in Autumn 2020 to join the great team at Kowhai Dental. He looks forward to providing the people of Northland the best possible care to improve their oral health and brighten their smiles.

Dentist

Colleen graduated with highest honours from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1990, after which she spent a term at the University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry on a Rotary Scholarship. During that time she enjoyed both teaching dental students and seeing patients. She founded two successful private practices in New Mexico and Colorado in the U.S.

Colleen recently relocated with her family to Whangarei to work with the amazing crew at Kowhai Dental and to finally live near the ocean... a lifelong dream. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and is well known as a gentle, kind, and meticulous dentist. Colleen provides all facets of restorative dentistry and strives for results that are both beautiful and functional. She is excited to meet and care for the dental needs of the people of Northland!

HYGIENIST

Wendy graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, Summa Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico.

She worked in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico before coming to New Zealand 22 years ago where she worked in Periodontal practice in Auckland before joining the team at Kowhai Dental in early 2019.

Wendy has further her education with training in Dental Endoscopy (Perioscopy) in California, had the honour of having one of her cases published in American Periodontal textbook in 2015 and has lectured and trained hygienists in New Zealand and the U.S.

ORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

Teuila is a New Zealand born Samoan, who graduated from the University of Otago in 2018 with a Bachelor of Oral Health degree. She is qualified to provide both Hygiene and Oral Therapy services.

Teuila is a devoted and passionate Oral Health Therapist who prioritises her patients' individual needs to help them achieve excellent dental health.

With Whangarei being her new home, she is excited to be part of the Kowhai Dental family.

HYGIENIST

Larisa, originally from St.Petersburg, Russia, moved to the U.S. in 1999. She graduated with high honours with an Associate of Dental Hygiene from Georgia State University in 2008. She practised in Atlanta, Georgia for seven years before moving to New Zealand in 2015. For the past five years she worked in a periodontal practice in Auckland, before moving to Whangarei to join the team at Kowhai Dental.

Larisa is passionate about her work and being able to make a difference in her patients’ lives. Seeing them smile is her best reward.