About Us
National Dental Care, Byron Bay, is a modern practice with state of the art technology and a contemporary layout in all four surgeries. The latest equipment enables us to provide our patients with gentle and convenient treatment.
With decades of experience behind our team of dentists and hygienists, we have adopted a philosophy built around trust. We value our patients and we are proud to have been providing are to the Byron Bay community for several years.
We are committed to providing optimum standards in dental health, and cater for all members of the family, including children and the elderly, with a focus on obtaining long-term results. Come in, experience dentistry at its best, in state of the art surrounds, and be cared for by our friendly and professional team.
On street parking is available, with local bus stops nearby.
Meet the Team
At National Dental Care, Byron Bay, our dentists provide a gentle approach in treating oral health problems. Come in, experience dentistry at its best, in state of the art surrounds, and be cared for by our friendly and professional team.
Dr Ben Jonas
Dentist
Dr Duncan Drew
Dentist
Dr Helen Safranek
Dentist
Dr Jan Safranek
Lead Dentist
Jo Purssey
Oral Health Therapist
Dr Meritxell Jimenez
Dentist
Michelle Dunnett
Oral Health Therapist
Dr Ben Jonas
Dentist
Dr Duncan Drew
Dentist
Dr Helen Safranek
Dentist
Dr Jan Safranek
Lead Dentist
Jo Purssey
Oral Health Therapist
Dr Meritxell Jimenez
Dentist
Michelle Dunnett
Oral Health Therapist
Dr Ben Jonas
Dentist
Dr Duncan Drew
Dentist
Dr Helen Safranek
Dentist
Dr Jan Safranek
Lead Dentist
Jo Purssey
Oral Health Therapist
Dr Meritxell Jimenez
Dentist
Michelle Dunnett
Oral Health Therapist
Ben attended Charles Sturt University where he completed the Bachelor of Dental Science. Prior to joining the National Dental Care team in Byron Bay, Ben worked in both private practice and rural clinics around NSW.
Having grown up in a small community town, Ben appreciates the vital role played by health professionals and the impact they can have on one’s wellbeing.
He is a friendly, empathetic and dedicated individual who strives to deliver a high standard of individualised care to all patients. Ben has developed a keen interest in all areas of general dentistry and enjoys getting to know his patients.
Coming from a sporting background, Ben enjoys keeping active by playing golf and running. He also enjoys relaxing at the beach with his wife Hannah, and their dog Leo.
Dr Duncan Drew is a skilled dentist with 17 years of working experience. He qualified at the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 2005 and has gained invaluable working experience in several countries including Holland, South Africa and New Zealand. In New Zealand he worked at a cosmetic dental practice and before that, Dr Drew ran his own dental practice in Durban, South Africa for 10 years.
Dr Drew is an accomplished dentist with special interests in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. He also enjoys utilising Invisalign clear braces to help straighten his patients teeth. He enjoys utilising the latest dental technology such as same day crowns and guided implant placement to improve the outcomes for his patients. He enjoys working with patients of all ages and is known for his gentle nature.
Having found the weather in New Zealand far too cold, he moved with his wife and two young children to the beautiful Gold Coast. He is a rugby fanatic but is also learning about NRL and AFL. He enjoys playing squash, training in the gym and the occasional game of golf. If you’re looking for him on a Saturday, he’s more than likely relaxing on one of the beautiful local beaches.
Dr Helen Safranek
Dentist
Originally from the UK, I graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK, completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and obtaining a Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery in 1996. I have been working since graduating, in a mix of general practices and hospitals in the UK before moving to Byron Bay in 2004 and joining the team at Star Family Dental.
Dentistry has given me the opportunity to provide a service to others, and to be a part of the health industry in Australia. I love working in all areas of general dental practice. I am lucky to be a part of such a supportive team, in such a friendly atmosphere. In my work, I aim to meet the needs of my patients in a friendly yet professional manner.
When I am not working, I enjoy camping, running, cycling and family time with my three boys. I also devote time to being a scout leader, and a committee member of the Byron Bay runners.
Dr Jan Safranek
Lead Dentist
I graduated from the University of Newcastle (UK) in 1996 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. After a year in general practice I undertook 3 years of hospital posts focusing on oral maxillofacial surgery. I pursued further studies, obtaining Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in England in 1999. I then returned to general practice.
I joined the team here at National Dental Care, Byron Bay in 2004 when I moved to Byron from London, being drawn to the Australian climate and outdoor lifestyle. In 2010 I undertook further studies completing the GIDE Master Clinician Program in Implant Dentistry in Sydney and Los Angeles.
I enjoy working in all aspects of dentistry, especially more complex cases involving implants. I have a strong focus on prevention and aim for my patients to keep their teeth for life. My aim is to practice to the highest possible standard but still in a friendly and relaxed way, trying to make my patients feel as comfortable as possible.
In my spare time, I enjoy road-cycling, surfing, cricket, and participating in triathlons. I speak Czech and have a rudimentary knowledge of French. I have 3 very active boys aged 10, 8 and 5 who keep me occupied with their various sporting activities.
Jo Purssey
Oral Health Therapist
Jo is an Oral Health Therapist and has worked as a Dental Practitioner in general practice throughout her career in both urban and regional areas of Qld, Vic and NSW. She has also performed academic roles at the University of Queensland and Latrobe University Victoria, in both the Bachelor of Oral Health and Dentistry programs.Jo completed her undergraduate studies and was Deans listed at the University of Queensland in 2004, with a Bachelor of Applied Health Science, Oral Health.
She then completed postgraduate studies at the University of Melbourne, achieving first class honours in a Graduate Certificate in Dental Therapy (Advanced Clinical Practice) in 2015, extending her scope of practice to incorporate general dentistry across the lifespan.Originally from Brisbane, Jo has also spent time living, working, and exploring Victoria and more recently NSW.
In her spare time, Jo loves spending time with her 3 children and 2 dogs. Jo loves cooking, food and wine, fitness, camping, fly fishing, hiking/trekking, swimming, music, yoga, reading, movies and relaxing at home. In 2016 Jo completed the 800km Camino de Compostela in Spain and hopes to one day walk the Routeburn track in NZ.
Dr Meritxell Jimenez
Dentist
A detailed description is being written.
Michelle Dunnett
Oral Health Therapist
I graduated from the University of Queensland in 2009 with a Bachelor of Oral Health. Prior to joining National Dental Care in Byron Bay in 2014, I worked as a full time Therapist and Hygienist in private practices throughout Brisbane including Tony Weir Orthodontics, Smile Central, and Mary’s Dental Practice. I have always had a keen interest in health and the human body, and found my passion for dentistry after graduating high school and working as a Dental assistant, and no matter what I do, I have always found myself drawn back to dentistry.
I left a full-time position in 2005 as a dental assistant to backpack through Europe for 7 months, and upon returning home began a Bachelor of Nursing at the Australian Catholic University in 2006. In 2007 I decided to switch to studying dental hygiene instead. Working with great mentors and building close bonds with work colleagues and patients inspired me to further my qualifications within the field. I enjoy all aspects of my role, but most importantly love working with people and being able to treat children.
Working for NDC in Byron Bay I am very fortunate not only to be surrounded by such lovely staff but also by such amazing surroundings. All the staff at Byron have been so friendly and welcoming. I love being able to unwind after work with a walk around the Byron Bay headland. In my spare time, I like to keep fit and active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
When not working, you will find me enjoying Byron Bay and all it has to offer—the beaches, markets, food, activities. I like spending time with family or friends, and bonding with my two Staffordshire Bull Terriers. My other passions include travel, meeting new people and exploring my new surroundings in the Northern Rivers District.