About

Clinical Advisory Panel

At Lumino, we're firm believers in building strong partnerships with our clinicians, who play a critical role in the success of our vision.

The role of a Clinical Advisory Panel is to extend country specific clinical feedback which has been provided by the Clinical Advisory Team to further assist the Executive leadership team (ELT), and support office senior leadership teams (SLT).

CAP members assist Abano through:

  • being the “customer advocate” for the clinician network by providing feedback on the facilities and services provided by Abano to clinicians;
  • providing input on new technologies, materials, techniques, and trends within the industry which Abano may procure as part of its service to clinicians and practices across the network;
  • sharing information obtained through their clinical work which can be used for the benefit of other clinicians conducting their business from Abano’s facilities;
  • providing feedback on clinical policies and procedures developed by the clinical advisory function of the SMT, including feedback on how those policies and procedures can practically be implemented in the network;
  • setting the example for other clinicians by delivering high quality dental services to their patients;
  • assisting Abano in emphasising the importance of health and safety in practices.

CAP members are encouraged to attend events arranged by Abano (eg, dental conferences, networking events etc). These events provide an opportunity for CAP members to meet clinicians from the Abano network and obtain their feedback on the level and quality of services provided by Abano and assist CAP members in providing the input referred to above.

The CAP is composed of registered oral health practitioners (which may include dentists, hygienists, oral health therapists) utilising the facilities and services of the Abano network of dental practices in Australia and/or New Zealand. 

Dr Fred Calavassy

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).

CAB Fred Calavassy

Clinical Leadership Team

Dr Chris Brooks

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. 

Chris Brooks Edited

Dr Sophia Armstrong

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.

Sophia CAB