Meet Our Team

Kerry graduated from Otago School of Dentistry in 1981.

He has practised in New Plymouth for 31 years. Over this time Kerry has specialised in Cosmetic, Amalgam Replacement, Restorative (Implants, Crowns, Bridges & Veneers) & Orthodontic dentistry.

With the improvement of materials and technologies this side of dentistry has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. To keep abreast of these developments Kerry spends a lot of time refining his skill and knowledge at courses here and overseas.

His dental philosophy is prevention pitched. Annual examinations, & six monthly hygiene appointments are a standard of care. Restoration with tooth coloured, strong bonded materials such as Emax & Porcelain are normally advised.

All new patients have an initial thorough examination at which time they are treatment planned and an estimate & information is supplied.

Kerry’s interests outside of dentistry include, multisport, kayaking, cycling, skiing and spending time with his family & friends.

As the only Oral Surgeon in the Taranaki area Peter is required to perform the more complicated surgeries.

During the week Peter consults at Hamilton Dental on a Monday & Thursday. On his other days he is either operating at Taranaki Base hospital or at Southern Cross.

Most of Peter’s work involves the extraction of teeth, (especially wisdom teeth), jaw surgery, joint , gland, oral & facial cancer, Orthognathic & Implant surgery and other oral related issues.

As the only Oral Surgeon in the Taranaki area Peter is required to perform the more complicated oral surgeries.

This includes the extraction of impacted and unerupted teeth, in particular wisdom teeth. These can be very tricky operations as the roots of wisdom teeth are often very close to the inferior dental nerve, if damaged it can lead to long-term facial paralysis.

The surgical placement of Implants is also a large part of his practice. This often involves the extraction of a single or multiple teeth, bone grafts and finally the placement of 1 or more titanium screws. These act like a tooth root onto which a false tooth or denture can later be attached.

Many patients opt to have IV sedation during these procedures. Having this option allows the patient the benefit of having a low dose of anaesthesia without having to subject themselves to a full blown general anaesthetic. IV Sedation gently relaxes the patient into a semi-conscious state while the operation is performed.

If you are considering Implants, Extractions or need a biopsy or have a concern regarding a facial or oral growth then it is worthwhile seeking Peter’s expert advice.

If you have medical or surgical cover most insurance policies cover his fee as a registered Surgeon.

Peter’s interests include his large family & skiing.

Raj is our visiting Specialist Endodontist. Raj travels from Hamilton twice a month to treat patients with complicated Root Canal issues.

This treatment is used after the nerve in a tooth has died. It is the only way of saving the tooth. The only other option when a tooth dies is an extraction which often leads to other complications later in life.

Root Canal therapy is the treatment of the inside of a tooth. Fine canals in the tooth contain the nerve and blood supply for the tooth.

If a tooth dies these canals become infected from the dead tissue. Raj, with the help of a very powerful microscope, can access and fill these canals. This means the tooth can stay in place, as a result other teeth are not compromised by extraction.

Anna graduated from the University of Otago in 2006 and has spent the majority of her career in Taranaki.

Anna is the current President of the New Zealand Oral Health Association and is a strong advocate for oral health.

In 2018 she was also awarded New Zealand Dental Hygienist of the Year.

Anna believes prevention is better than the cure. Preventing and managing gum disease improves over all systemic health for life.

Anna is passionate about helping her patients to achieve and maintain optimum oral health and confident smiles. She believes that tailored patient education is pivotal in enabling positive behavioural changes with home care habits through improved understanding, self-management and motivation, thus helping to prevent and stabilise oral and physical wellbeing.

When not at work Anna enjoys an active lifestyle with family and friends.

Sara and her team run the practice behind the scenes. Sara manages the practice and is ably supported by Desiree.

Desiree is also Peter Liston’s assistant in the surgery and manages his correspondence. Kirsten is Kerry’s chairside assistant & laboratory tech, she also helps in reception on Monday.

Karen assists Pablo and Raj when they are here and is responsible for recalls & reception on Friday. Tracey is always on hand to assist in the clinics or at reception when needed.

Our team strives to make your time with us as comfortable and as stress free as possible. We hope you will enjoy your dental experience and leave with an understanding of your procedure, and knowledge of your overall dental health.