Clinical Advisory Board

Clinical Director

Fred graduated from the University of Sydney, Australia, in 1989. He has some 30 years of clinical experience. This includes starting his own private practice in Castle Hill, Sydney, in 1997. He grew this practice considerably and it went on to become a facility widely-known for clinical excellence. Today, Fred maintains part-time clinical hours at the practice, alongside his role as Clinical Director for both Lumino and Maven Dental Group (Abano Healthcare Group’s Australian dental practice brand). In this key role for the company, he provides clinical oversight across both sides of the Tasman.

Before becoming Clinical Director, Fred was a highly sought after dental educator. He was well known for his inspirational, honest, and enthusiastic presentations, which focused on achieving continuous improvement in clinical excellence. Fred’s intuitive understanding of the clinical environment and his passion for providing a high standard of patient care connected with his audience and empowered them to take up the challenge. Fred considers himself a lifelong learner and continues to devote time to ongoing education and sharing his knowledge and expertise. He is considered an industry thought leader and has lectured in Australia and internationally on numerous dental and non-dental topics.

Fred was an active member of the part-time teaching faculty at the University of Sydney where he was involved in the undergraduate programme teaching fixed prosthodontics, tooth conservation and oral health courses. He was awarded clinical associate at the university. He has held memberships of several dental industry associations. Fred is also a Fellow of the International College of Dentists (FICD).

Fred originally joined the board because of his desire to help in the growth of the dental industry. More importantly though, he wanted to realise his passion for delivering excellence in patient care, on a daily basis. In his clinical leadership role, Fred is able to do just that. He has a huge impact and influence on clinical care standards and outcomes for two of the largest trans-Tasman groups of dental practices. He brings to the board and the company a solid foundation of experience with the fundamentals of outstanding clinical practice – excellence in patient care, a commitment to the satisfaction of clinicians in the provision of excellence, and authentic collaboration in its pursuit.

Clinical Advisory Board Chair

Jacob graduated from the University of Otago with distinction, in 2002. He then gained valuable surgical experience as a dental house surgeon. His was experience was further developed when he worked as part of a surgical team in Manchester, England.

As well as continuing to practice as a general dentist, today Jacob teaches final year dentistry students at the University of Otago. He is passionate about all areas of general dentistry but fosters a special interest in cosmetic treatments, supporting anxious patients, and wisdom teeth removal.

Jacob was admitted as a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) and in 2009 received the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) Outstanding Young Dentist Award. He is the current President of the Otago branch of the NZDA and holds membership of the NZDA, RACDS, the New Zealand Society of Sedation in Dentistry (NZSSD) and the New Zealand Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (NZACD). He also serves on a nationwide Restorative Advisory Panel for Henry Schein and mentors a group of new graduate dentists in the Graduate Professional Development Programme, hosted by the NZDA.

Clinical Advisory Board Member

Dr Holly Christmas graduated from the University of Otago in 2003, with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) with credit. She then went on to complete two years as an oral and maxillofacial house surgeon at Christchurch Hospital.

Following three years in Scotland working at the Glasgow Dental School and in private practice, Holly returned to New Zealand in 2008. She has spent the last eleven years in Queenstown at Frankton Dental. During that time the practice team has expanded to include 7 dentists, 3 hygienists, 2 receptionists and 7 assistants. Holly has since been accredited with Invisalign and completed a post graduate diploma in digital orthodontics (PGDip Dig. Ortho. (UK)).

Holly went from associate to owner, and in 2018 Frankton Dental entered into a joint venture with Lumino The Dentists, something she is very excited about. Her team is what makes her most proud. She loves working in a collaborative environment, incorporating new technology and providing quality care that patients can get excited about.

Clinical Advisory Board Member

Ben graduated from the University of Otago in 1997. He then spent nine years practicing in London and then Auckland. In 2007, Ben returned to Christchurch, shortly after completing his fellowship in Sydney.

Ben has been a member of the board since 2011 and has also served as a past Chair. He is the practice lead of four great teams in Christchurch and Ashburton, where his focus is on mentoring his teams and growing the practices.

Clinical Advisory Board Member

Preetesh graduated from the University of Otago in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. He worked as a dental house surgeon at Hutt Valley Hospital gaining valuable experience in surgery and treating patients with complicated medical histories before moving to private practice in the Wellington area. Determined to do a partial OE, Preetesh moved to Melbourne completing three years in private practice with a focus on aesthetic and implant dentistry. Now Preetesh is the lead dentist at Lumino Auckland Central.

Clinical Advisory Board Member

Dr Andrew Middlemiss graduated from the University of Otago in 2001. Andrew joined Lumino as a Clinical Lead Dentist in 2019 after returning from 12 years working in private practice in London. During his time in London Andrew work with one of the most prestigious practices on Harley Street, working to BDA Best Practice Standards.

Whilst in London, Andrew found a passion for minimally invasive, aesthetic dentistry. Andrew is committed to continuing his education in order to ensure he continues to deliver the highest quality of work for his patients. He enjoys mentoring and supporting other dentists in the Lumino family. Andrew has a special interest in aesthetic composite bonding and Invisalign.

Andrew has joined the board in 2022 and is excited about his contribution to the Lumino CAB team.

Clinical Advisory Board Member

Dr Miriam Al-Kaissi graduated from the University of Otago, in 2003. She has worked in private
practices in Palmerston North, Western Australia and Auckland and for the last thirteen years
has been at St Heliers Dental Centre. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry but has a special
interest in aesthetic dentistry, CAD-CAM dentistry, Invisalign and endodontics. With such well-rounded interests she is committed to providing the very best holistic dental treatment, using the
latest technology and techniques.

Miriam joins the Clinical Advisory Board in 2022 and is looking forward to having the opportunity
to contribute to the direction and expertise of the board.

Clinical Advisor

Chris serves as one of Lumino's Clinical Advisors and leads his Lumino practice team at City Dental in Tauranga.

Chris is an experienced general dentist who has a special interest in clinical compliance and complaint management. He has experience working with both the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) peer review process and the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ).

Chris has been actively involved with forensic odontology for many years, following both the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011. He also coordinated the odontology team after the 2019 Christchurch mosque tragedy and assisted after the tragic Ethiopian air disaster. 

Clinical Advisor

Sophia graduated with a BDS from the University of Otago in 1992. For twelve years post-graduation, she owned and worked in private dental practices in the Auckland region.

Sophia brings a wide range of clinical understanding and delivery of dental care. In 2004 she commenced work as the inaugural Continuing Professional Development Manager for the New Zealand Dental Association. In this role she was involved in working with new dental graduates, assisting them in their transition from student to working professional. She was also head of training for the Dental Assistants undertaking the NZDA Dental Assistants programme. Working in conjunction with the dental industry, Sophia was responsible for continuing education both for NZDA lecture programmes and for sections of the NZDA Conferences. She was also one of the NZDA frontline liaison personnel for consumer complaints. 

Before commencing work for Abano, Sophia worked as a sales consultant for a dental implant company. In this role she worked with dental specialists, general dentists and dental technicians to provide comprehensive dental implant treatment. She also assisted in the undergraduate dental implant teaching programme at Otago University.

In addition to her Dental Degree, she also has a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies majoring in Human Resource Management. Sophia undertook this Diploma as she was interested in helping people to have the best working experience possible. 

Sophia enjoys the process of learning and broadening her horizons. At present she is studying toward a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Social Anthropology) with a focus on medical anthropology, technology and science. Outside of work and study Sophia loves to cook, enjoys gardening, a variety of handcrafts and spending time with her family which includes a dog, Zoe and Nigel the turtle.