Dr Monty Al-Ansaree
Monty has been with Lumino’s Gentle Dentists practice since the end of May 2012. He is an Otago University graduate and before joining the Lumino team he spent time working for the Capital and Coast DHB where he improved his skills in emergency dentistry, trauma management and oral surgery.
Monty has a growing interest in cosmetic dentistry and endodontics, but he likes all aspects of dentistry. Monty especially enjoys making his patients feel at ease, pain-free and boosting their self-confidence. He has a genuine interest in their wellbeing and therefore takes pride in providing quality dental care.
Outside of the…
Show more...Monty has been with Lumino’s Gentle Dentists practice since the end of May 2012. He is an Otago University graduate and before joining the Lumino team he spent time working for the Capital and Coast DHB where he improved his skills in emergency dentistry, trauma management and oral surgery.
Monty has a growing interest in cosmetic dentistry and endodontics, but he likes all aspects of dentistry. Monty especially enjoys making his patients feel at ease, pain-free and boosting their self-confidence. He has a genuine interest in their wellbeing and therefore takes pride in providing quality dental care.
Outside of the practice Monty loves playing squash, football and spending time with family and friends.
Monty is also trained in Invisalign, book your free initial consult to see whether Invisalign is right for you.
Dr. Monty is not taking any new patients under 18 years old.
Dr Aditi Patel
Dr Aditi Patel brings over 35 years of clinical experience to the team. She attained a postgraduate diploma in clinical Dentistry from Otago University in 2002.
Aditi has been an external examiner for both postgraduate and undergraduate students at the school of Dentistry at the University of Otago.
Aditi always strives to achieve clinical excellence in her work and keeps abreast of the clinical and technical advancements in dentistry by attending continuing educational programmes. She has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and a keen eye for detail. Aditi is extremely passionate about her work and this is reflected in the treatment and care she provides to her patients.
Dr Taryn Desouza
Taryn graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide. While at university, she was very involved in the Adelaide University Dental Student Society (AUDSS) and in her final year, she was the Treasurer. Tayrn was also involved with the Adelaide University Rural Health Alliance (AURHA) as the Dentistry Representative. She was also privileged to be part of the Flying Doctor’s Service in remote South Australia.
Her interest in dentistry stemmed from an early affinity for healthcare, a keen eye for design and her attention to detail. She enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and keeps her…
Show more...Taryn graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide. While at university, she was very involved in the Adelaide University Dental Student Society (AUDSS) and in her final year, she was the Treasurer. Tayrn was also involved with the Adelaide University Rural Health Alliance (AURHA) as the Dentistry Representative. She was also privileged to be part of the Flying Doctor’s Service in remote South Australia.
Her interest in dentistry stemmed from an early affinity for healthcare, a keen eye for design and her attention to detail. She enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and keeps her knowledge up to date by attending courses and online seminars where possible.
Taryn has always been passionate about helping people, volunteering for St Vincent de Paul and the Red Cross. Her aim is to help people receive the dental treatment they need, working with them to overcome dental anxiety and phobia which may have previously prevented them from seeking dental treatment.
Taryn loves to travel, and has visited more than 10 countries, nurturing a keen interest in understanding cultures, cuisine and the hearts of people. When travel is not an option, hiking or exploring the fascinating world of cuisine, takes up most of her spare time. You can often find her at food shows and markets all around the Auckland region. Recently, she has also developed an interest in landscaping and gardening.
Dr Rupa Talathi
Dr Rupa Talathi completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Bombay, India, and passed the New Zealand Dentist Registration Examination in 2008. She has worked in a wide range of settings, from public hospitals to private clinics, and brings a wealth of experience to her role as a general dentist.
Rupa has a particular interest in root canal therapy, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and Invisalign Go. She is passionate about helping people take care of their oral health and believes that a healthy smile plays a big role in overall confidence and wellbeing.
Known for her gentle…
Show more...Dr Rupa Talathi completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Bombay, India, and passed the New Zealand Dentist Registration Examination in 2008. She has worked in a wide range of settings, from public hospitals to private clinics, and brings a wealth of experience to her role as a general dentist.
Rupa has a particular interest in root canal therapy, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and Invisalign Go. She is passionate about helping people take care of their oral health and believes that a healthy smile plays a big role in overall confidence and wellbeing.
Known for her gentle and caring approach, Rupa takes the time to get to know her patients and build long-term relationships based on trust. She takes great pride in making a real difference in people’s lives—whether that’s getting someone out of pain, improving their smile, or simply helping them feel more at ease during their visit. She is committed to ongoing learning and staying up to date with the latest techniques and advancements in dentistry.
Outside of the clinic, Rupa enjoys yoga, reading, and learning classical dance. She has also been a regular participant in Auckland’s Round the Bays for many years—a fun run that celebrates community, health, and resilience.
Dr Purna Rajapakse
Dr Purna Rajapakse graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide in 2013. Since then, she has been dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care across a wide range of general dentistry treatments.
She has a strong interest in preventative dentistry, as well as fillings, extractions, crown and bridge work, and dentures. Purna’s goal is to empower her patients by helping them understand their oral health and treatment options. She believes that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions that support their long-term wellbeing and confidence.
What Purna enjoys most about her role is getting to…
Show more...Dr Purna Rajapakse graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide in 2013. Since then, she has been dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care across a wide range of general dentistry treatments.
She has a strong interest in preventative dentistry, as well as fillings, extractions, crown and bridge work, and dentures. Purna’s goal is to empower her patients by helping them understand their oral health and treatment options. She believes that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions that support their long-term wellbeing and confidence.
What Purna enjoys most about her role is getting to know patients and their families over time. She values the relationships she builds through dentistry and the opportunity to support people in maintaining healthy, happy smiles for years to come.
Outside of the clinic, Purna enjoys reading and making the most of New Zealand’s beautiful hiking trails. Whether it's a quiet afternoon with a book or a weekend adventure in nature, she appreciates the balance and inspiration these moments bring to her life.