Dr Ravi de Silva
After an initial interest in science at the University of Otago, completing a degree and post graduate diploma in physiology, I chose a career path in dentistry entering the Otago School of Dentistry in 1987.
I enjoy all aspects of General Dentistry; routine treatment, cosmetic treatment and the restoration of gaps with implant retained crowns and bridges. I also provide IV sedation for both surgical removal of wisdom teeth as well as for treating anxious patients.
I was a facilitator for the Graduate Development Programme for seven years, assisting newly qualified dentists in the region, as well as having an…
Show more...After an initial interest in science at the University of Otago, completing a degree and post graduate diploma in physiology, I chose a career path in dentistry entering the Otago School of Dentistry in 1987.
I enjoy all aspects of General Dentistry; routine treatment, cosmetic treatment and the restoration of gaps with implant retained crowns and bridges. I also provide IV sedation for both surgical removal of wisdom teeth as well as for treating anxious patients.
I was a facilitator for the Graduate Development Programme for seven years, assisting newly qualified dentists in the region, as well as having an active role on the committee of the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Dental Association. Currently I remain a member of this local branch.
Life cannot be only about my career, my wife with three children and three loyal dog’s (if only for food and a belly scratch) are a priority. Socially cooking for friends and family, together with providing cocktails is time well spent. To balance this lifestyle, I need to be a regular at the gym, but my sport of choice is target shooting. At present I am on the executive of the Wellington Smallbore Rifle Association, while I am the Club Captain for our Wellington Central Club. On that note I can state we are always keen to support and encourage newcomers and past shooters alike.
Dr Ailsa Small
Ailsa graduated from The University of Otago, School of Dentistry in 1989. Since then, Ailsa has worked in general practice both here and in the United Kingdom. She lived and worked in London for seven years in a Kiwi owned and operated practice. Since returning to New Zealand, Ailsa has worked at Symes de Silva and Associates. She practises all aspects of restorative dentistry and has a keen interest in endodontics (root canal treatment). Ailsa is an active member of a Wellington-based study group and the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Dental Association.
Outside of work, Ailsa is happily…
Show more...Ailsa graduated from The University of Otago, School of Dentistry in 1989. Since then, Ailsa has worked in general practice both here and in the United Kingdom. She lived and worked in London for seven years in a Kiwi owned and operated practice. Since returning to New Zealand, Ailsa has worked at Symes de Silva and Associates. She practises all aspects of restorative dentistry and has a keen interest in endodontics (root canal treatment). Ailsa is an active member of a Wellington-based study group and the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Dental Association.
Outside of work, Ailsa is happily married and has three amazing children. In her limited spare time, she enjoys a gym routine, cooking European and Asian cuisine, eating and drinking with family and friends, along with walking her Westie’s.
Dr Harnie Jo
I obtained my Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Otago. I enjoy the diversity offered by general dentistry and have worked in private practice for several years.
I am known for my thorough approach in my work, and have a caring nature towards my patients. I believe in the importance of communicating effectively to ensure patients understand the causes behind their oral health conditions, and providing treatment which is in their best interests.
Outside of work, I enjoy yoga, wall climbing and a good hike in the middle of nowhere.
Dr Susie Kwon
Susie completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Otago. After a chilly (but fun) stint in Dunedin, she found herself in the wonderful Wellington!
Susie’s interests are full comprehensive care and minimally restorative dentistry. Susie is trained in Invisalign GO and enjoys creating beautifully straight smiles. Susie is an active member of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Dental Association and is always keen to learn about new technology in dentistry.
Outside of dentistry, you can catch Susie on the mat practicing yoga and Pilates or curled up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea. She also loves to stroll the Wellington markets on the weekend.
Dr Cara Christie
Cara's dental career began in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she graduated from Queens University Belfast with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Cara then moved and worked in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England to complete her foundational training, where she gained valuable experience working for NHS England. Cara moved home to Northern Ireland where she worked in general practice for a few years.
Cara has a range of experience and skills throughout all aspects of general NHS and private dentistry. She decided to further her life experience and travels, so relocated to Wellington, NZ to become part of the wonderful team of…
Show more...Cara's dental career began in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she graduated from Queens University Belfast with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Cara then moved and worked in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England to complete her foundational training, where she gained valuable experience working for NHS England. Cara moved home to Northern Ireland where she worked in general practice for a few years.
Cara has a range of experience and skills throughout all aspects of general NHS and private dentistry. She decided to further her life experience and travels, so relocated to Wellington, NZ to become part of the wonderful team of Lumino Symes de Silva. Cara considers herself an outgoing individual and enjoys spending time with her friends and family, over a nice meal and a nice glass of wine. She enjoys playing and watching sports, in particular Gaelic football, the national sport of Ireland. In her free time she enjoys cooking new dishes, relaxing with a movie and going for scenic walks
Priscilla Kumar
Originally from Fiji, I moved to New Zealand in 2007 to pursue further education. I initially completed a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Structural Biology from the University of Otago. I later graduated with a Bachelor of Oral Health in 2013. In my final year I also received the Oral Health Research Award.
After working for four years, providing funded dental care for adolescents, as well as working as a hygienist privately, I joined Symes De Silva & Associates in 2018. My primary focus is prevention and maintenance of gum disease through patient education and empowerment. I strongly believe…
Show more...Originally from Fiji, I moved to New Zealand in 2007 to pursue further education. I initially completed a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Structural Biology from the University of Otago. I later graduated with a Bachelor of Oral Health in 2013. In my final year I also received the Oral Health Research Award.
After working for four years, providing funded dental care for adolescents, as well as working as a hygienist privately, I joined Symes De Silva & Associates in 2018. My primary focus is prevention and maintenance of gum disease through patient education and empowerment. I strongly believe in care that is holistic and tailored to the individual patient. There is nothing more rewarding than helping people feel more comfortable and confident with their smiles.
Outside of work, I love experiencing Wellington’s food culture, cooking and going for walks with my husband and lovely dog Willow.
Urvarsee Lallu
Urvarsee graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Oral Health in 2019. After which she joined the Symes de Silva team. Urvarsee believes in providing patient-centred care and enjoys working alongside her patients to help them improve and maintain their oral health. She understands that most people dread a visit to the hygienist and aims to make every visit a relaxing and pleasant experience. Outside of work she enjoys exploring the outdoors, enjoying a coffee at a local cafe, and spending time with friends and family.
Tracey Ng
I graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Oral Health in 2019. I have also completed a Bachelor of Dental Technology before that. I joined Lumino Symes de Silva in 2022 after practicing at other practices within Wellington.
As an oral health therapist, I am passionate about helping my patients improve and maintain their oral health. I love to form great connections with my patients and have an interest in maintaining the community’s health.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, trying new foods and spending time with my family and friends.
Durrah Rosli
Originally from Malaysia, Durrah came to New Zealand in 2015 to further her studies at The University of Otago. She graduated with the Bachelor of Oral Health from Otago's Faculty of Dentistry in 2019. Durrah then worked in Timaru as an Oral Health Therapist for 2 years before finally moving to Wellington in 2021.
Durrah is passionate about helping my patients improve and maintain their oral health status. She views oral health care as a journey. Therefore, she values working together with patients in order to achieve their oral health goals.
In her free time, Durrah enjoys socialising with friends (usually over a good cup of coffee), reading books and yoga.
Ashleigh Taufale
My names Ash, I have been working at Symes de Silva for over 16years. Over those years I have had a variety of different roles within the Practice including Dental Assistant, receptionist, and Clinical Services Manager.
These days you’ll find me in the back office working away as Accounts/ACC Manager, I would be the one to ask for if you had any ACC claim questions or account inquiries in general.
I have three very active children who keep me very busy when I’m not here at work.
Leah Ells-Tewhiu
My passion and drive as a Practice Manager is installing the best customer service throughout the team and caring about our Patients health and well-being from the moment they walk through the door, to the moment they leave feeling a healthier happier person.
My background originates in hospitality with over 10 years’ experience in various managerial roles which have allowed me a wider scope of different cultures, life styles and an expectation of myself to be the best I can utilizing the skills I have acquired over a long career focused on consumer satisfaction.
I am a friendly and outgoing person who feels fairness, family and teamwork are of the utmost importance.