Meet Our Team

Martin graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago in 2016. With nearly a decade of experience in rural New Zealand, he has developed a broad skill set in general dentistry, ranging from preventative and restorative care to oral surgery. His areas of interest are cosmetic dentistry, crown and bridge work and surgical extractions.

Known for his calm, thoughtful manner and problem-solving ability, Martin takes pride in providing high-quality dental care that’s both empathetic and efficient. He places great emphasis on patient education and believes in empowering patients to take charge of their oral health.

Outside of dentistry, Martin is a keen outdoor explorer and cyclist. He’s looking forward to exploring the Bay of Plenty and becoming part of the Whakatāne community.

Jahla graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2024 with a Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health. She is a registered Oral Health Therapist who’s passionate about building patient confidence and helping people feel proud of their unique smiles. Prior to graduating, she was a dental assistant for 5 years, which inspired her to progress her career further by studying oral health therapy.

With a strong focus on prevention, Jahla loves making dental visits feel more relaxed and approachable for all. Jahla enjoys educating patients with simple, practical ways to care for their oral health at home, and she’s especially committed to creating positive experiences for those who may feel nervous about coming for their dental appointments. 

Her goal is to build genuine, long-term trusting relationships with patients while supporting great oral health outcomes for the community.

Outside of the clinic, Jahla enjoys keeping active and spending time in nature. She’s travelled the length of the country by car, including an unforgettable road trip from Queenstown to Tauranga, and loves discovering Aotearoa’s hidden gems and phenomenal views alongside her partner and whānau.

A proud Bay girl, Jahla grew up in Tauranga in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. She’s one of four siblings, and while the rest of her whānau are in education, she took the path into healthcare. A fun fact, she once played Sharpay in her primary school’s High School Musical production… but lucky for Shortland Street, she decided to hang up her acting dreams and stick with teeth! 

Justin is a visiting orthodontist from Bay Orthodontics in Tauranga. Inspired by his own experience of Orthodontic treatment as a teenager, Justin is passionate about helping both kids and adults achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Originally from Ireland, he completed his dental training at University College Cork. He graduated with an honours degree receiving awards from both Irish and UK dental societies for his academic and clinical work.

While working as a general dentist in the UK, Justin completed a 3 year Masters degree in Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry at Kings College London. Following this, he earned a place on the Orthodontic specialist training pathway and graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Sciences degree in Orthodontics from the University of Liverpool.

Justin has successfully completed Orthodontic specialist examinations at both the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. He was awarded the William Houston Gold Medal for achieving the highest mark amongst Orthodontists sitting the Royal College examinations across the UK, Australia and UAE. He also received an award from the British Orthodontic Society for the standard of his orthodontic clinical work.

In 2018, Justin made the move to New Zealand and is proud to call Tauranga his home. He is married to a Kiwi, Kimberley, and they have two young daughters. When he's not straightening teeth, your likely to see Justin out running or spending time with his young family.

To book an appointment with Justin, please phone Bay Orthodontics at (07) 577 0916.