Meet the Team
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Dr. Kevin Yeow
Dentist
Dr. Kevin Yeow
Dentist
As a kind and compassionate dentist, Kevin finds it rewarding to convert dental-phobic patients with gentle treatment and clear communication. He is also passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve their smile goals whether it be top dental health or improved appearance, and routinely provides care for children through to senior citizens in our family friendly practice.
Qualifications and Education
Kevin earned a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Western Australia in 1998 and regularly attends both local and international dental conferences to give him broad exposure to emerging products and new approaches. “This ensures that all treatment I provide remains current and evidenced-based, so I know I am always doing the best for my patients.”
His many years of experience means he is able to provide all clients with a wide range of treatment options, from general and restorative dentistry to top end cosmetic or implant dentistry.
Area of Expertise
Dr Kevin is high skilled in root canal treatment. Our other practitioners often recommend and refer their patients to him to perform this area of dental treatment.
He also speaks fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
In His Spare Time
When he’s not at the practice, Kevin enjoys travel, food and Lego modular builds.
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Dr. Tessa La Mela
Dentist
Dr. Tessa La Mela
Dentist
Dr Tessa La Mela is driven by her desire to help people feel happy and confident with their smiles. She loves the unique blend of science and artistry in dentistry and values the opportunity to build long-term relationships with her patients and their families.
Qualifications and Education
Dr. Tessa holds a Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours from the University of Western Australia (UWA), graduating in 2008. Some of her extensive qualifications include:
- Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Primary Examinations with commendations in all six subjects
- Level 1 Surgical and Restorative Implant Courses
- Certified clear aligner provider since 2009, with training in Invisalign, Spark, Angel Align, Archform, and Clear Correct
- Recipient of a full scholarship for a Post Graduate Diploma in Aesthetic Orthodontics (Sequential Aligner Therapy), completed in 2018
- 3D Sleep Institute Certificate in sleep disorders and mandibular advancement splints/devices
Dr Tessa is dedicated to continual learning, regularly completing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses across all areas of dentistry to ensure she stays up to date with the latest research and applications for her patients.
Personal Passion
Tessa has a passion for helping people overcome their dental anxieties and is known for being a patient and gentle practitioner. She enjoys treating patients of all ages including children. Her primary focus is on preventative dentistry and the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But her real passion is creating beautiful smiles with either tooth straightening, whitening, dentures or ceramic work, and will regularly complete entire smile makeover cases.
Life Outside Work
Outside of her professional life, Dr Tessa enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She balances an active lifestyle with enjoying a nice meal. Additionally, she has a passion for baking and cake decorating. She enjoys a Spanish conversation class once a week giving her proficiency in this additional language.
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Dr. Russell Powell
Dentist
Dr. Russell Powell
Dentist
Russell completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine at UWA in 2019. He also earned a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) in New Zealand in 2009. Prior to joining Avadent, he worked in a private practice in Tasmania, where he gained a wide variety of experience in general dentistry.
Russell’s approach to Dental care is to create a calm, and relaxed environment. He believes in clear, open communication in which all treatment options can be discussed. He strives to stay up to date with the latest advances in Dentistry through professional development.
Outside of Work
Outside of work, Russell is usually out and about with his young family, trying new cafes or playing sport.
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Dr. Jeffrey Yong
Dentist
Dr. Jeffrey Yong
Dentist
Dr Jeffrey was inspired to become a dentist as he wanted to transform the lives of his patients while restoring their oral health. “I also like to teach them about the benefits of proper oral hygiene and give them the best chance to have a beautiful, healthy smile for life.”
Qualifications
In 2017, Dr Jeffrey graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Dental Science. To stay abreast of the latest in the field, he regularly takes continuing professional development courses. He is trained in all aspects of dental care for his patients, including general, emergency and cosmetic dentistry and can provide treatment options to fit all lifestyles and budgets ranging from dentures through to implants.
Providing Attentive Care
“I find great joy in gradually rebuilding a patient’s confidence in dentistry and in themselves. I achieve this by fully listening to and understanding their questions and giving them my complete attention. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help someone truly relax and build trust throughout the process.”
He also speaks three languages fluently: English, Chinese (Mandarin) and Malay.
Outside-the-Practice Interests
When he’s not caring for patients’ smiles, Dr Jeffrey enjoys gardening, rock climbing, cooking and spending time with his wife and two sons.
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Dr. Darren Chai
Dentist
Dr. Darren Chai
Dentist
As a highly experienced practitioner, Dr. Darren has worked with patients for over two decades and loves welcoming all types of people into his dental chair. Patients often seek him out for challenging cases, such as implants, surgical extractions, root canal therapy and even wisdom tooth removal.
Dr. Darren is happy to offer surgical procedures in practice so that patients don’t have to travel elsewhere, reducing stress and hassle.
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Dr. Joy Er
Dentist
Dr. Joy Er
Dentist
To date, Dr Joy has primarily taken courses on oral surgery and restoratives. Dr Joy has completed her certification to treat patients with the Invisalign Go! clear aligner orthodontic system, allowing her to treat simple or moderately complex cases. She is excited to combine this with other aspects of cosmetic dentistry to be able to provide her patients with all available options for smile makeovers She’s interested in pursuing more knowledge in aesthetic dentistry, clear aligners and implants in the future. “I like how there’s so much to learn and expand in dentistry.”
Dr Joy completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at UWA. To stay abreast of the latest in dentistry, she regularly takes continuing education courses.
Providing personalised care
What Dr Joy enjoys most about working at Avadent Dental Centre is how dynamic the working environment is.
“I enjoy having chitchats with different people, and providing personalised treatment for each person depending on their motivation, goals and circumstances.”
Finding fulfillment helping patients
For Dr Joy, it’s rewarding to make every dental visit an enjoyable and stress-free experience for patients of all ages. She enjoys working with patients to help them achieve their goals, see results and maintain a healthy and happy smile.
Life outside the practice
When Dr Joy isn’t working, she enjoys painting (mostly portraits of her dogs), working out, figure skating, collecting vintage tea sets, and travelling. She has two Shih Tzu mixed-breed fur babies, Odie and Nugget.
Dr Joy also works rurally (in Northam twice a week).
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Dr. Lisa Staer
Dentist
Dr. Lisa Staer
Dentist
Dr. Lisa is a skilled general dentist driven by her love for science and human biology. Her enthusiasm for fine detail work and hands-on practice made dentistry the ideal career choice. Dr Lisa has a gentle and compassionate approach to dental treatment and believes in practicality, education and communication when it comes to planning solutions to competently manage individual dental concerns. She works well with nervous patients and children and will manage your dental emergencies efficiently and effectively. We’re thrilled to have her as a part of the Avadent Dental Centre team!
Dr Lisa is currently on maternity leave, on her return she will be working from Booragoon Family Dental Centre.
Education and qualifications
Dr. Lisa graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours from the University of Western Australia in 2015. Dr. Lisa won several awards during the course of her studies including the 2014 Australasian Academy of Oral Medicine’s award for the highest achieving final year student. She continues to enhance her expertise and has completed the first year of the MRACDS (GDP) Membership course with the Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons.
Commitment to patient ca
Dr. Lisa finds great fulfillment in devising practical, aesthetic, and affordable solutions for her patients’ dental needs. She enjoys building relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds, making her practice a welcoming place for all.
Life outside the practice
Outside of Avadent Dental Centre, Dr. Lisa has a passion for art and design, playing musical instruments (piano, guitar, clarinet, and voice), cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.
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Dr. Vanessa Ho
Dentist
Dr. Vanessa Ho
Dentist
Dr. Vanessa earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 2018. She has also successfully completed the primary examinations for the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. Having worked in the public dental sector before transitioning to full time work in private practice, she has experience in treating a wide range of patients.
Creating positive dental experiences
Recognising that dental anxiety is common, especially among children, Dr Vanessa strives to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for all her patients. Her gentle approach and empathetic nature help ease fears and ensure each patient receives care tailored to their individual needs.
Dr. Vanessa values the personal connections she forms with her patients. She enjoys hearing their unique stories and is committed to improving their quality of life through excellent oral health care and education.
Embracing dental advancements
To provide the best possible care, Dr. Vanessa regularly participates in continuing education courses, focusing on restorative and digital dentistry techniques. She is qualified to place and restore dental implants and is certified to use clear aligner system for orthodontic treatment.
Beyond the dental chair
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Vanessa leads an active lifestyle. She enjoys tennis, pilates, and exploring Perth’s cafe scene. A lifelong musician, she has taught piano for a decade, holds various music qualifications, and has been awarded several music scholarships.
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Dr. Gia-Long Nguyen
Dentist
Dr. Gia-Long Nguyen
Dentist
Gia is currently accepting new patients for treatment, as well as being available to provide care for regular clients at Avadent Dental Centre. His current clinical focus is on general and preventative care, in addition to root canal therapy, dentures or crown and bridge treatment. He enjoys providing care to patients of all ages.
Qualifications and Education
Gia earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Western Australia. He was inspired to become a dentist as he wanted to be able to provide compassionate, patient-centred care.
“The most fulfilling aspect of being a dentist is creating a warm welcoming environment for patients and helping them achieve their best confident smile.”
In His Spare Time
When he’s not crafting beautiful smiles for patients, Gia enjoys cooking new recipes, trying new food, and playing sports including golf, basketball and tennis.
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Navila Abubaker
Oral health therapist
Navila Abubaker
Oral health therapist
At Avadent Dental Centre, Navila employs her special skill set as a hygienist that provides periodontal care and general cleanings for children and adults, as well as preventative and restorative care as a therapist. She loves helping patients make informed decisions about their oral health care, and works to educate them so that they can have a beautiful, healthy smile for life.
Qualifications and Education
Navila achieved the Golden Scaler award for her incredible performance at Curtin University where she obtained her Oral Health Therapy Degree. Before that, she worked in the dental field for several years, ultimately deciding to advance her studies.
“I believe and value the importance of regular preventative dental care. I hope to inspire patients, especially children and teens, to take an interest in their oral health.”
Area of Expertise
She regularly works alongside Dr Tessa and Dr Kevin to help with scale and cleans, as well as works with patients on her own to help achieve their goals.
Navila has been working alongside Dr Tessa to provide care for Invisalign patients for many years now. Together, they provide shared care to all clear aligner patients.
Outside of the practice
When she isn’t offering patients wonderful care at Avadent Dental Centre, she loves to soak up all that Cannington has to offer and spend time with friends and family.
Schedule an appointment
Contact our Cannington dental clinic today to book a convenient appointment. We are open late on Mondays and Thursdays and offer Saturday appointments. Plenty of free parking is available, and insurance is accepted.
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
