Meet the Team South Terrace
Our highly experienced team includes members who have been with our practice for decades, ensuring your oral health is in the most capable hands.
Dr Richard Sawers
Lead Dentist
I graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1972 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, and since then have furthered my education by taking various other educational courses in dentistry. From 1972-1975, I gained experience in Goodwood and Glenside, before pursuing work in Maidenhead, England. I returned to Australia in 1978, where I worked again at Goodwood until moving to South Terrace Dental in 1992, where I have worked ever since.
Dr Ash Kaur
Dentist
Dr Ash Kaur was born and raised in Malaysia before relocating to Adelaide to further her studies in Dentistry. She has worked mainly in the private practice side of dentistry since 2013, in both country and metropolitan Sydney and Adelaide. Dr Kaur now calls Adelaide home and currently lives in the CBD. Ash enjoys the scientific side of dentistry and how it closely it ties in with a patient's general health, she also enjoys how dentistry can change someone's confidence via the aesthetic aspects as well. Dental wise, Dr Kaur is experienced in general dentistry, with a passion for CEREC or same day crowns; she has also completed a clear aligner program and can deliver simple to moderate Invisalign cases to patient's as well. Dr Kaur believes no question is a 'dumb question' and is always happy for a chat and is happy to breakdown dental treatment to patients as well. This year, Dr Kaur will be undertaking clinical tutoring for 3rd year Undergraduates at the University of Adelaide.
Dr Ben Dang
Dentist
Dr Ben Dang graduated in Dentistry from the University of Adelaide in 2020. Since then, he has largely worked within the Adelaide CBD. He has a keen interest in oral surgery and thoroughly enjoys problem-solving and interacting with patients, building strong relationships that foster positive dental experiences. In his spare time, he keeps busy finding Adelaide's best coffee and playing sports with his partner and dog
Dr Clementine Mellor
Dentist
I was born and raised in the Adelaide Hills, and graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2011 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Since then, I have furthered my studies by taking various Continuing Professional Development Courses, including training in Invisalign. For the first 18 months of my career I worked at Mount Barker Dental Care and moved to South Terrace Dental Care after this, where I have been ever since. I have wanted to be a dentist since I was seven. I was interested in working with my hands, with people and in a constantly challenging and developing industry which allowed flexibility throughout life.
Dr Jasper Lee
Dentist
Dr Jasper Lee came into dentistry later in life, after receiving some life changing level of dental care after a major cycling accident. He moved to Adelaide to retrain as a dentist completing his studies in 2019, and loved it so much he stayed! He has furthered his dental education and experience working in private practice and at the Adelaide Dental Hospital. Jasper has the most current evidence-based practice and is passionate about general clinical practice and emergency care and is passionate about creating healthy smiles for life. His focus areas include dental sleep medicine and being an autistic friendly dental practitioner. Outside of work, he is busy with a young family, productive vege garden and cycling to work and the local area. He is passionate about sustainability. He is currently on the federal advisory working group with Australian Dental Association, with the aim of moving the profession to a low carbon, zero waste and sustainable future.
Dr Marcio Maia
Dentist
Dr Marcio Maia has 17+ years of dental experience and a keen interest in research and teaching. He obtained a Bachelor of Dentistry in 2006 and pursued further studies in Endodontics and Implant Dentistry, becoming a specialist in both fields in Brazil.
Dr Mimi Kim Ngo
Dentist
Dr Mimi Ngo graduated from Griffith University after completing a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science and a Graduate Diploma of Dentistry on the Gold Coast, after which she worked in Brisbane for 6 years treating patients. She moved to Adelaide to undergo a postgraduate university at the University of Adelaide. Dr Mimi strives to provide quality and gentle care to all her patients to ensure that every patient keeps their healthy smiles for life. She is dedicated to keeping up with modern research and technology to ensure she offers the best standard of dental care. In her spare time, Dr Mimi enjoys CrossFit, cooking, travelling and spending time with her family and friends.
Dr Pegah Tavakol
Dentist
I completed my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2008. Since then, I have furthered my studies by taking various Continuing Professional Development Courses, including training in Resin bonding veneers, Anti-wrinkle injections and Dermal Fillers.
Dr Sasha McLean
Dentist
Dr Sasha McLean prides herself on making even the most anxious patients feel comfortable, cared for, and informed during their visits. Sasha has a soft touch and a gentle nature. She is thorough and will take the time to listen to your concerns and work with you to choose the treatment that best suits your needs. Dr Sasha is a perfectionist in her work, with an eye for detail, and strives to build lasting relationships with her patients and provide the highest quality care. In her spare time, she enjoys embroidery, gardening, cooking, podcasts, reading, travel, and time with family and friends.
Dr Siavash Tabatabaei
Dentist
Dr Siavash Tabatabaei graduated from Tehran University with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2014, he has practised general dentistry with passion and love since then. Dr Tabatabaei's priority in dental is to ensure his patients have a positive experience. As a good listener, he tries to find the patient’s genuine needs and address those concerns. Dr Tabatabaei has developed skills in almost all aspects of general dentistry, particularly sharp skills in root canal treatments. After a post-graduate course in implantology in 2015, he started to provide dental implants for his patients. Also, believing the digital dentistry is the future, he enjoys working in this field as here at Findons, we have the state of the art digital technologies. When not working dentistry or updating his dental knowledge in his free time, Dr Siavash enjoys writing short stories, reading novels and sometimes poems as well. He also enjoy exploring different restaurants, foods and wines. If he has any extra time, he likes to go jogging, hiking and fishing.
Bonnie Petroff
Oral Health Therapist
Bonnie Petroff completed her Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Adelaide in 2015. Since graduating, she has worked in private dental practice and has always had a keen interest in minimally invasive and preventive dentistry. She enjoys working collaboratively with patients of all ages to best identify achievable options to improve and maintain the individual’s oral health, both in the dental setting and at home. She strives to personalise treatment with special attention to patient comfort, wants and needs, in addition to providing effective dental care. Outside of dental, she loves spending time with family and friends, her dog Gus, and finding time to relax and enjoy a good television series or novel.
Tina Tran
Oral Health Therapist
Tina graduated with a bachelor of Oral Health at Adelaide University in 2018. She enjoys seeing both children and adults to better their overall dental health outcomes. Tina is passionate about preventative dentistry and helping patients feel at ease in a dental setting. Outside of work Tina loves to spend time with her partner and family. She also enjoys long walks with her furry friend Justin!
James Bosworth
Hygienist
I obtained an Advanced Diploma of Oral Health in 2009 from the Gilles Plains College of TAFE, and have since obtained a Certificate VI in Dental Radiography, and Certificate III in Dental Assisting. I was presented with the Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia (SA) Outstanding Performance in the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene) and the Inaugural Jane Chalmers Award (Special Needs Dentistry). I have worked in the Special Needs Unit of the Adelaide Dental Hospital, with Andrew Hayes and Associates, and with the Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre for the Adelaide University. I have been part of the National Dental Care team at South Terrace Dental Care since 2011.
Jesse Kourakis
Hygienist
Jesse first joined our team in 2019 as his first step into the dental industry for his placement as a Dental Assistant. He fitted so well in our team we decided to keep him on as a Dental Assistant after he graduated. His ambition was always to become a Dental Hygienist, so after graduating from the Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene in 2022 he stayed on board as one of our Dental Hygienists. He has a friendly and positive nature and loves to work with patients in providing quality dental hygiene therapy and tailored oral health care. Jesse prides himself on quality care, working gently but thoroughly, ensuring his patients leave feeling like they have received the best possible treatment. He looks forward to seeing all his patients return for their ongoing check ups and cleans.
Megan Chaffer
Hygienist
Megan began working at National Dental Care as a Dental Assistant during her studies to be a Dental Hygienist. Once graduating with an Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Hygiene) in 2023, she begin working with us as a Hygienist.
Vishu Nigam
Hygienist
Vishu's dedication to dentistry is clear from her journey. She pursued her dream of working in the field by obtaining a Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting and starting her career in Melbourne in 2012.