Meet Our Team

Dr David Hong graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2014. 

David joined the busy practice of Lumino Ponsonby in 2018. David has focused on several different aspects of dentistry, and has pursued further training in dental surgery. 

David has advanced surgical training, and can assist you with all your wisdom tooth problems. He can even help replace any missing teeth with dental implants!

David says his job satisfaction stems from the variety that dentistry offers, both simple and complex and he loves reuniting people with the smiles they thought they had lost.  He loves that dentistry is the perfect blend of science and art and has an understanding that for some patients, going to the dentist is not the ideal place to be.

He believes that no two treatment plans are entirely similar and will strive to create a treatment plan that is tailored to individual patient needs.   

He is passionate about oral surgery, endodontics (root canals), implant surgical placement and crown and bridgework in the dental prosthetic field.  David enjoys all aspects of dentistry and looks forward to having you in his chair!

Jaedan qualified in 2019 from Barts and The London School of Dentistry. Having also completed a degree in Medical Physiology and Dental Education, he has a holistic approach to dentistry.

Since qualifying, he has completed post-graduate training in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, providing him with lots of experience in oral surgery and extractions. He has also worked in private and NHS practice. Jaedan offers all aspects of general dentistry with particular interests in prosthodontics and oral surgery.

Outside of work he is a keen musician and DJ, making appearances on major radio stations like the BBC. Jaedan is also a fluent Tamil speaker.

Jaedan and his partner recently made the move to New Zealand from the UK, with the aim of exploring and enjoying this beautiful country.

Tess graduated from Barts and The London School of Dentistry in 2019. Since then she has been working in Wales and England, providing both NHS and private treatment.

She provides all aspects of general dentistry, and particularly enjoys working with children. She finds working with nervous patients rewarding and takes the time to make them feel at ease. She has recently spent some time volunteering for Dent Aid, providing emergency dental care for vulnerable groups in the UK.

In the future, she plans to undertake further training in facial aesthetics and dermal fillers. Tess is a fluent Spanish speaker.

Outside of work, she has travelled extensively and is excited to explore as much of New Zealand as she can. She also loves baking and cooking, and running and CrossFit to balance it out!

Sweta graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the Barkatullah University India and then went on to sit the Australian Dental Council Licensing Examinations. After her graduation, she worked in both private as well as community sectors. She also worked as a tutor in the department of prosthodontics in SAIMS India.

Sweta believes in providing quality dental treatment options in a relaxed and virtually pain-free environment. She enjoys general dentistry but has a special interest in aesthetic dentistry, endodontics and oral surgery. Sweta is passionate about staying at the forefront of dentistry and regularly attends courses to ensure that she provides the absolute best dental treatment.

When not practicing  She likes to spend time with her family outdoors or travel around the world. 

Alex graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Distinction from the University of Otago and is up to date with all of the new techniques and technology in dentistry.

As a general dentist, Alex’s skills include restorations, extractions, root canals, crown and bridgework and emergency care. She has a particular interest in aesthetic cases such as veneers and tooth whitening. This year she plans on upskilling by taking courses in Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry.

Alex enjoys meeting new people every single day, being able to make someone’s dental experience something they don’t dread, and working around such intelligent people that can always teach you something. Her friends would describe her as friendly, funny and personable.

With her patients, Alex is calm, patient and passionate about helping patients achieve the teeth and smile they have always wanted.

Alex appreciates a good work-life balance. When she is not in the clinic, you might find her at the gym taking a boxing or pilates class, up a ski-field, lying on a beach or spending time with friends or family. Alex is a three-time national rowing medallist and four-time national hockey champion!

Kelly graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with credit in 2017. She has had the opportunity to work in multiple rural and community settings as well as busy private practices throughout Northland and Auckland gaining large experience in both areas.

She prides herself on her gentle chair side manner making even the most nervous feel comfortable in her chair. She has a special interest in general dentistry, crown and implant restorations, facial injectables and minor oral surgeries including extractions.

Kelly is a member of the New Zealand and Auckland Dental Association’s and attends regular courses to increase her knowledge to provide a unique, holistic treatment plan for each patient.

Kelly has spent the last four years living on Waiheke Island and after welcoming her first child in 2022, she is moving back to Auckland to be close to friends and family and live the city life she has been missing.

Aline graduated with a Bachelor of Oral Health from the University of Otago in 2019. Born in Brazil, she moved to NZ in 2008, and speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Aline has a zest for life, and her warm, bubbly personality is infectious. Her understanding and caring manner, along with her gentle approach puts her patient's minds at ease, and she has a passion for working alongside them to transform their smiles and boost their confidence.

She also enjoys working with patients who perhaps are more hesitant about dental treatments, and her goal is always to provide a positive & informative experience that motivates them to not only look after but also take pride in their smiles.

In her spare time, Aline enjoys quality time with friends & family, dancing, camping, and baking delicious treats.

Karen qualified in 2012 as an oral health therapist and has cared for many communities both in adults gum care, kids and adolescent teeth. Currently Karen is also training for dentistry at Otago which provides her with further knowledge for your care.

Karen strongly advocates that oral health is an integral part of our overall health. She is privileged to be part of your oral health care and uses a tailored care approach for each unique individual. She also places an important emphasis on education and prevention of tooth decay and gum disease for our teeth and gums as they serves us lifelong. She can also help you with tooth whitening needs whether done in the clinic or at home.

Beside work Karen keeps outdoorsy with hiking with her collies and dragon boating. She is also passionate about canine training and their dental care and breeding!

Karen started her career in dentistry over 30 years ago.  She joined Lumino on March 22 and brings her enthusiasm and wealth of management experience with her. 

She enjoys the energy and enthusiasm of the team and takes pride in the high levels of experience and professionalism that they provide.   

Her goal is to make every visitor to the practice feel welcome and comfortable and provide the highest standard of care. 

We understand that good dental health impacts your overall health, self-image, and well-being, with this in mind we provide a long-term approach that encompasses this philosophy”.  She believes her team can make a big difference in people’s lives by offering the opportunity to be fully active in the treatment decision.  

Outside of dentistry sport has always been a big part of life, playing competitive netball for many years, Karen also enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.