Your team for oral health,

it's vital

The power of many More knowledge, more expertise, more care…

Get the benefit of the experience and insights of an entire team that is dedicated not only to your oral health but to helping you live a better, happier life.

Dr Sean Phillips Dentist

I am very excited to be part of the friendly team of fantastic clinicians at The Dentists, Taradale. My focus is to provide high quality dental care to our community using the latest technology and techniques including 3D scanning (CAD/CAM), Air Abrasion and Laser treatment.

Growing up on a farm near the village of Puhoi, just north of Auckland, my interest in dentistry was sparked during orthodontic treatment. The satisfaction and confidence I gained was life changing.

Early detection and prevention of oral disease is my passion. With a good home care routine and regular professional support, I believe everyone can have strong, beautiful teeth and a smile that will last a lifetime.

Continuing education is vital, so I regularly attend conferences, overseas training courses and professional online lectures. I am a member of the New Zealand Dental Association, NZ Society of Sedative Dentistry and the Institute of Minimally Invasive Dentistry. I am a certified Invisalign provider, DSD resident in surgical Implant placement and hold a 3-year GradDipClinDent in Full Face Orthodontics from the University of Bolton.

After spending eight years as a Sea Scout, achieving both Chief and Queen Scout awards, I have developed a love of being in the great outdoors, tramping, camping, sailing and scuba diving. Additionally, I enjoy training in martial arts including Aikido, Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Dr Mei Ironside Dentist

Malaysian-born Mei Ironside graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago and she has also completed her Graduate Diploma of Digital Orthodontic Treatments (AU & UK accredited).

In sunny Hawke’s Bay, she met her now husband, Matt who is the assistant pastor at a local church and they are here to stay. Driven by her primary values of integrity, gentleness, and genuine care, she is passionate about her mission to empower you with healthier, more functional, and more confident smiles utilising advanced technologies. She is also committed to lifelong learning to develop and hone her skills to deliver patient-centered outcomes at the highest levels of care, quality, and comfort.

She firmly believes in a holistic and preventive approach to dentistry. Learning the latest technologies has allowed her to deliver crowns in one day, perform minimally invasive fillings using air abrasion technology, design smiles with laser and deliver dentures in fewer visits.

These innovations have led her to her growing passion in Full Mouth Rehabilitation, Clear Aligners and Implants. She is a certified Spark and Invisalign provider and is certified in IV sedation. She has also completed her implant surgical training at California Implant Institute and her fellowship with Australian Implant Academy .

Beyond dentistry, she loves spending quality time with family and friends, reading books, listening to podcasts and biking. On Sundays, you will find her with a camera at church capturing photographs for their media.

Li-Ann Dentist

Originally from Malaysia, I moved to New Zealand to complete my Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Otago and have loved calling New Zealand home ever since.

I’m passionate about helping patients feel comfortable and confident in the dental chair while providing high-quality care tailored to each person’s needs. I enjoy all aspects of general dentistry, with particular interests in restorative treatment, preventative care, and helping anxious patients feel at ease during their visits.

I believe great dentistry is about more than just teeth, it’s about building trust, improving confidence, and helping people maintain long-term oral health in a welcoming environment.

I’m committed to continuing professional development and enjoy keeping up to date with modern techniques and technology to provide the best possible care for my patients.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies, playing couch co-op games with my partner, and travelling whenever I get the chance.

Abigail Dental Assistant

Hi, I’m Abigail!

I recently joined the team at The Dentists Taradale and have loved getting to know our patients and learning more about the dental industry every day.

Before stepping into dentistry, I worked in beauty therapy specialising in advanced skin treatments and laser, alongside working as an online fitness coach and personal trainer. Across both industries, I’ve always loved helping people feel confident, comfortable, and like the best version of themselves - which is something I now enjoy bringing into the clinic environment too.

I’m passionate about learning, creating a welcoming experience for patients, and being part of a team that helps people smile with confidence.

Outside of work you’ll usually find me at the gym, out walking, reading, gaming a little, or spending time with my two cats. I also love baking… although I try not to do it too often because my self-control disappears around sweet treats!

Alycia Dental Assistant

Hi, I’m Alycia, I am French Vietnamese and have been in NZ since 2019.

I studied and graduated Hospitality in France and have been working around the world ever since.

I had the opportunity to join the team at The Dentists Taradale, and I am excited to bring my love and care for people to my new career!

I met my husband here in Hawke’s Bay, we love travelling, sharing good food and wine with friends and taking our puppy Scooby outdoors.

We have recently bought a house, and are spending a lot of our spare time renovating it.

Eva Dental Assistant

Hello I’m Eva!

Born and raised in sunny Hawke’s Bay, I’m someone who loves bringing a bit of positivity into every day, whether that’s through a smile, a laugh, or at least a cheeky grin.
I returned home in 2024 after spending two and a half years travelling the world with my partner. I’m happily settled back in Hawke’s Bay. I am now busy being a proud dog mum to my 11 month old border collie, Navi — (energetic, adorable, and fully convinced he’s the boss of the household)

I was lucky enough to begin my journey as a dental assistant in 2025, and I’m absolutely loving it. I enjoy creating a welcoming, reassuring environment and supporting patients through every stage of their visit.
Helping people feel comfortable, cared for, and confident alongside our amazing team is truly the best part of what I do.

Hannah Receptionist

At the beginning of 2025 after spending 15 years in Perth Western Australia I decided to relocate back to my home town in Hawkes Bay, to reconnect with my roots and spend some quality time with family. My professional background before starting with the team was in retail where I loved connecting with people through genuine customer service, I am now excited to be a part of our patient’s dental journey.

Outside of work you'll find me either running, paddling with my waka-ama team or enjoying some good food and wine.

I look forward to meeting you in the clinic!

Janaya Dental Assistant

Born and raised in Hawke's Bay, I began my dental career in 2019 after finishing high school and becoming a qualified dental assistant.

I enjoy working in both dental assisting and reception, and love creating a welcoming and positive experience for our patients. Outside of work, I live a busy life with my fiancé and enjoy being involved in my church, helping in crèche, Sunday school, and decorating for events.

I’m passionate about serving others and showing kindness and compassion in both my work and everyday life.

Jodie Phillips Oral Health Therapist

I was born and raised in Puhoi, a village just north of Auckland.

I studied my Degree in Oral Health at Auckland University of Technology, then spent several years working for the Auckland District Health Board and in private practice. I then went on to further my training at the University of Melbourne in Dental Therapy Advanced Clinical Practice with First Class Honours.

I strive to ensure that my patients feel comfortable and receive the best possible care.

My interests lie in prevention, early detection of oral diseases, fillings using the latest materials and clear aligner orthodontics. Strength, function and aesthetics are very important to me when restoring damaged teeth.

Outside of the clinic, I spend my time enjoying Rock’n’Roll dancing, trying new recipes, and exploring nature with my fiancé and our two energetic dogs.

Kelly Dental Assistant

Hi, I'm Kelly and I was born and raised in Taradale. I started working at The Dentists in 2015 as a new dental assistant and haven't stopped learning and developing my knowledge since then. I completed my dental assistant qualification the same year. I have a real love and passion for dentistry and all the team work it involves. It's really rewarding to be able to contribute to our patients having a really positive dental experience when they visit us.

Outside of work I enjoy family time with my hubby and 2 kids. I also enjoy a glass of red and a good book!

Phoebe Dental Assistant

Hi there ! My name is Phoebe I joined our clinic at the start of 2025 and I enjoy making patients feel welcome, I'm very excited to grow my career in the dental industry and intend to sit my certificate of dental assisting at the beginning of 2026.

Previously working in hospitality I feel as though my warm personality and customer service skills will transfer well into making you feel welcome in the clinic.

Outside of work I enjoy walking my dog and listening to music.

Sue Oral Health Therapist

My name is Suvarna, but you can call me "Sue".

I enjoy working out in the gym, good food, family, and friends. My role is more than to care for smiles, I restore confidence, help build healthy habits, and remind you deserve care too.

Every smile has a story…

The Dentists

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