Whether you need preventative, cosmetic or restorative dentistry, a holistic approach is key to maintaining healthy teeth for life without compromising your overall wellbeing. Casuarina Dental proudly operates Casuarina’s only completely holistic and bio-compatible dental practice. We assist clients from all throughout Casuarina and the Tweed Shire, including adults and children.
On this page you can meet our team and find out what you can expect when you visit our dental surgery.
Born in Greece and brought up in Brazil, Maria chose to pursue a career in the dental profession as a way to help people achieve their goals related to overall health and well-being. Dr. Maria did not start out as a holistic dentist but her early experiences in traditional dentistry left her wanting to find a better way to treat patients with more of a focus on the whole person, continuously searching for the latest advancements, least invasive procedures, and most natural resources available.
In order to achieve an outstanding approach, she takes into account a number of factors: your overall health; your oral health; the latest developments in traditional dentistry; and the most current information on scientifically substantiated natural health and dental practices.
She believes that every patient is unique and understands that everyone has different needs and expectations. When it comes to kids, she believes that every child should be treated as family and strives to ensure that every visit is a positive one, through her fun-loving demeanour.
She completed her Bachelor in Dental Science in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2000 and has a special interest in prevention and family practice.
In 2011, Maria and her two beautiful boys immigrated to Australia, where she has been enjoying simple things in life like spending time with her family and the rejuvenating feeling of having a stroll by the beach.
Dentist, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), IAO
Dr Natalia graduated with honours from the University of Sydney. As a student, she was awarded numerous academic awards, including the prestigious Colgate Prize for her research in Pediatric dentistry and was invited to present her findings internationally. She is a Fellow for the International Association of Orthodontics (IAO). As an orthodontic provider, she tackles orthodontic problems holistically. She provides different types of orthodontic solutions for her patients such as: removable and fixed appliance therapy, Invisalign and traditional braces. She also provides BOTOX treatment for a wide range of jaw issues, night-time grinding, migraines and tension headaches. She is also highly trained in root canal therapy, crown and bridge and composite restorations.
Areas of interest:
Annie graduated with the highest distinction from Westmead College Of Dental Therapy in 2000. She then spent the next 18 years working in paediatrics for NSW Health.
In 2018 Annie made the ocean change to Northern NSW where she has spent the last four years working in both general dental and orthodontics.
Annie uses a warm, engaging and fun approach when dealing with her young patients to make every visit exciting and non-threatening.
She is very passionate about enabling adult patients to have a confident and healthy relationship with the dentist and that all starts with a positive experience as a child. Annie has a keen passion for health and fitness and is very excited to embrace and amalgamate her two worlds by being part of Casuarina’s Holistic Team.
Annie is currently accepting new patients.
BDS
Vanessa was born in Brazil, where she owned and operated a dental practice for many years, before relocating with her family to the Gold Coast in 2011. She has spent her time in Australia working in private practice as well as supervising and tutoring at the Griffith University School of Dentistry and Oral Health.
Vanessa has always been passionate about her work, and for the past 20 years has treated her dental patients with care and dedication. She loves all aspects of dentistry, especially Endodontics and Paediatric dentistry, in which she has advanced qualifications and vast experience.
When she is not working, Vanessa spends most of her time with her two active boys. Together, they enjoy the beach, surfing, and anything else the Gold Coast sunshine and outdoors have to offer. Vanessa speaks both fluent English and Portuguese.
Dentist, BDSc (Hons)
Dr. Cristine earned her Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours in 2003 and has been dedicated to patient-centered care ever since. She understands the importance of empathy, patience, and building lasting relationships with her valued patients.
Dr. Cristine takes pride in helping patients achieve healthy and confident smiles. She has a special interest in Cosmetic Dentistry and Clear Aligners (Orthodontics). To enhance her skills, she completed a 2-year Post Graduate Diploma in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry with the Australasian College of Dental Practitioners, studying under one of the world’s leading specialists. This advanced training has provided her with the framework to deliver high-quality dental care. Additionally, she has completed Invisalign fundamentals training to ensure her patients receive comprehensive orthodontic care.
Outside of her practice, Dr. Cristine enjoys spending time with her husband and their Bernese Mountain Dog. She loves catching up with friends, traveling, and exploring the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast.
Dr. Cristine is currently accepting new patients.
