About Us
The practice takes a hygiene-focused approach, and Dr Matt Ross and LweeZar Thar pride themselves on ensuring patients leave with a positive experience, feeling well cared for.
Meet the Friendly Team at Tikipunga Dental Centre
Dr Matt Ross
Dentist
Dental Implantologist
BDS (Otago), DipImpDentRCSEd
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Matt is extremely passionate about dentistry. His work combines the technical skills of an engineer, the flair of an artist, and the empathy and knowledge of a doctor.
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Matt loves learning and has embraced opportunities to travel (pre-Covid) and upskill all over the world. He has invested heavily in professional development over his 25 years' in the dental industry. This has helped him develop a unique skill set that complements his experience and friendly chairside manner. Matt has a way of explaining things clearly, so that patients come away feeling well-informed and reassured about the next step in their oral health journey.
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In October 2015, Matt became one of the first in Australasia to gain the prestigious qualification of a Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, Scotland. This examination assessed Matt’s knowledge of all things related to Implantology, Oral Medicine and General Dentistry.
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Offering IV Sedation means Matt can help nervous patients control their fears and feel confident visiting the dentist again. Matt’s sensitive and caring chairside manner is very reassuring to these patients.
Matt also has a special interest in Invisalign Orthodontics, Botox, and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy.
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Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his family and mentoring new graduates. His interests include rugby, fishing, gardening and cooking. Matt is married with three children who all enjoy the beauty and outdoor lifestyle that Northland offers.
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Qualifications
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Diploma in Implant Dentistry Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh
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Member of the NZDA Member of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry
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Member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
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Member of the NZ Society of Conscious Sedation
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Member of Australasian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics
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LweeZar Thar
Oral Health Therapist
BHS (AUT)
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With a strong foundation in public health, our Oral Health Therapist LweeZar brings a wealth of experience working with individuals across all ages, cultural backgrounds, and medical complexities.
LweeZar's years working in the public sector have shaped a compassionate, inclusive approach to care—one that prioritises understanding each patient’s unique needs and circumstances. LweeZar is known for her gentle touch and reassuring sense of humour, creating a calm, welcoming environment that helps even the most anxious patients feel at ease. Whether delivering preventive care or managing more involved treatments, LweeZar is committed to achieving the best outcomes for every smile.
Outside of work, LweeZar enjoys gardening, hiking, and exploring new places around the world.
Serena Ross
Business Manager
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Serena, wife of Matt and Mum to their 3 children, is new to the dental industry. She is a primary school teacher by trade, sharing her time between teaching at a local Catholic school and being business manager at Tikipunga Dental Centre. She is enjoying the challenge of learning a whole new set of skills and welcomes the opportunity to work alongside other staff.
As a new business owner, Serena has two main priorities. One is to ensure staff feel valued and validated. She understands the importance of creating a team environment, where staff are supported, respected and appreciated. The second is to strive for a positive and professional experience for all patients.
Outside of school and work life, Serena enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing tennis, doing Pilates, travelling and being involved in
pre-marriage education through the Catholic parish.
Lana Keatley
Dental Assistant
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Lana is dedicated to providing exceptional support to Matt and our patients and ensuring their comfort during every visit. Lana believes oral health is incredibly important for overall well-being.
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Lana is passionate about both her work and personal life and plans on completing the NZDA course in the near future and is looking forward to helping our patients on their dental journey.
When Lana is not assisting in the Practice you will find her on the hockey field, enjoying the beautiful Northland beaches and making memories with her niece and nephew.
