The Dental Company Pukekohe

Meet Our Team

The Dental Company Sanjay Madhav
Lead Dentist

Dr Sanjay Madhav

Sanjay qualified as a dentist (BDS) at Otago in 1986. Upon graduating, Sanjay started working in the first private A&E clinic in Auckland, later setting up his own A&E clinic at Takanini, while also operating a general practice in Pukekohe since 1991.

Sanjay has an interest in general dentistry (in particular implants and root canals) and cosmetic dentistry to improve a patient’s smile.  He has a conservative approach and is a current member of the New Zealand Dental Association, Auckland Dental Association, and New Zealand Society of Endodontic. 

Outside of work Sanjay enjoys playing hockey and also is a keen gardener and likes landscaping.

The Dental Company Arun Pragji
Dentist

Dr Arun Pragji

Arun graduated from the University of Auckland in 1981 and gained his BSc biochemistry. He then went onto gain his BDS at Otago University. 

He has worked in his Private practice in Auckland since graduating. He now enjoys working with the team at Lumino.

He offers kind and caring dentistry.

Arun likes boating, fishing and likes a good laugh over a Craft beer.  He is also occasionally seen playing the didgeridoo.

Claire H
Oral Health Therapist

Claire Horscroft

Claire has been working in dentistry for over ten years. Initially starting as a Dental Assistant, she realised her passion for oral health and patient care, leading to her completing a Bachelor of Science in Oral Health at Auckland University of Technology.

As an Oral Health Therapist, Claire strives to educate patients of all ages on the importance of oral health and wellbeing. Her kind and caring approach allows patients to feel comfortable and at ease in the dental environment.

Claire has two young children. The eldest loves BMX’ing and competes all around the north island. In her spare time she enjoys going to CrossFit, and exploring the outdoors with family and friends.

 

Lumino Waiuku Ritu Verma
Oral Health Therapist

Ritu Verma-Mendriatta

Ritu is an overseas-trained dentist, who moved to New Zealand in 2010. Originally from India, Ritu brings a wealth of experience with diverse patients to the team. After completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise in Invercargill, she gained five years of hands-on experience as a dental assistant with the Tauranga District Health Board. This role deepened her understanding of patient care and reinforced her passion for community-focused dentistry.

Motivated by a strong commitment to oral health and well-being, Ritu undertook further study to become an Oral Health Therapist. Her three years of formal education, alongside the opportunity to work…

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Ritu is an overseas-trained dentist, who moved to New Zealand in 2010. Originally from India, Ritu brings a wealth of experience with diverse patients to the team. After completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise in Invercargill, she gained five years of hands-on experience as a dental assistant with the Tauranga District Health Board. This role deepened her understanding of patient care and reinforced her passion for community-focused dentistry.

Motivated by a strong commitment to oral health and well-being, Ritu undertook further study to become an Oral Health Therapist. Her three years of formal education, alongside the opportunity to work closely with an experienced oral health professional, have shaped her patient-centred approach and dedication to delivering gentle, high-quality care.

As a clinician and mother of two young boys, Ritu brings patience, empathy, and a collaborative spirit to her work. She thrives in team-based environments and is especially passionate about preventative care and oral health education. She is excited to contribute her skills, compassion, and experience to a practice that values patient care and community well-being.