Our team of Hamilton dentists have years of combined experience so you can be sure you are in good hands. We work collaboratively to get the best outcome for your oral health.
Our practice has been providing dental care to Hamilton residents for more than 50 years. Some of our patients even travel to see us from all around the country!
Meet our Hamilton dentists below, get to know our team and find out more about Hillcrest Dental & Tamahere Dental.
Our Dentists
Gus Ariaens
After graduating in 2008, I worked as part of the Maxillofacial Team at Waikato Hospital for 2 years – an experience that helped me develop my dentistry skills, especially in the area of non-specialist oral surgery. I worked for a year at Hillcrest Dental Centre before transferring to Tauranga for 2 years for my wife's medical training. We returned to Hamilton at the end of 2013 and became a partner of the dental practice in 2016 and in 2019 took over full ownership of the practice.
I enjoy meeting new people and providing all aspects of dental treatment with a minimum of stress. I offer IV sedation for my patients who wish it, whether it be for wisdom tooth removal or general dentistry.
I moved to New Zealand from the Netherlands in 1995 when I was 10 years old and am still able to speak Dutch. During my time off I like spending time with my wife, Caroline, and our three children, Charlotte, Jack and Emily.
Gus is accepting new patients.
Celeste Lim
I completed my Bachelor of Dental Surgery in University of Otago in 2020 and moved up to Hamilton after.
Being from Malaysia, a melting pot of cultures, I enjoy meeting new people and connecting with each patient.
I strive to maintain a gentle manner throughout the entire dental experience. Dental anxiety is a common concern, and that's why I'm dedicated to creating a comfortable environment for every visitor to the clinic, transforming dental visits into positive, stress-free experiences.
Outside of work, I practise yoga for my fitness and mental well-being. I also enjoy exploring the region through hikes.
Celeste is accepting new patients.
Karyn Taylor
I had been Owner Practitioner at Hillcrest Dental Centre since 1997 until Gus Ariaens took over the Owner Practitioner role in 2019. I practice all aspects of dentistry with a particular interest in Restorative Dentistry. As one of the senior dentists at the practice, I have been taking care of the oral health of many of our long-standing, loyal patients of Hillcrest Dental Centre and their families.
I am a keen quilter and triathlete and was a Past President of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Branch of the NZ Dental Association.
Karyn is not accepting new patients.
Steven Pawley
I first came to Hillcrest Dental Centre in 1988 and was Owner Practitioner from 1989 until selling the practice in 2019 to Gus Ariaens.
I have practiced a wide range of family dentistry over this period and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Periodontology, with distinction, in 2000. My attention is focused on the treatment of Periodontal (Gum) disease and minor Oral Surgery with IV Sedation.
I am a keen cyclist, and have competed in recent years at the World Amateur Cycling Champs in Europe. I am also currently serving as President of the Hamilton City Cycling Club.
Steven sees patients referred by their dentist for periodontal treatment. He is not available for general dentistry.
Janet Yen
Originally from Taiwan, I moved to Hamilton in 1999 & can still speak fluent Mandarin as well as English. I graduated from University of Otago with my Dental degree in 2010.
I previously worked at Palmerston North Hospital before joining Hillcrest Dental Centre in 2013.
I enjoy all aspects of general dentistry particularly in restorative & preventative aspects. I strive to create a calm & respectful environment for my patients to help them make an informed decision about their oral health.
I have volunteered with organisations like YWAM Ships Aotearoa, Trinity Koha mobile dental clinics, NZDA free dental days, Marine Reach Fiji & East Meets West Foundation in Vietnam to provide free essential dental services to theses underserved communities.
Outside of work I enjoy practising Kendo (Japanese martial arts), playing the piano, singing & participating in local church activities.
Janet is accepting new patients.
Sonam Bansal
I graduated in North India in 2005 and worked there as a dentist until 2007 before moving to New Zealand.
While going through the registration process in New Zealand I worked as a dental assistant at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department at Waikato Hospital, gaining valuable experience working with senior consultant maxillofacial surgeons. I gained registration in 2011 and started working at Hillcrest Dental Centre in May 2012 as a general dentist.
I am passionate about preventative dental care and patient education. I also have an interest in all aspects of general practice including cosmetic, restorative dentistry and endodontics. I am a gentle, caring and sensitive practitioner who adheres to the highest standard of care and treatment. I can speak fluently in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Outside of work I enjoy travelling, reading, baking and spending time with family. I am married to Nitin and have two beautiful daughters Ananya and Niyati.
Sonam is accepting new patients.
Our Oral Health Therapists
Caroline Kells
I have been in the dental industry in various roles for over 15 years now, and I have been a part of the team here at Hillcrest since the end of 2020.
I am really enjoying my current position in hygiene here, and love to help my patients achieve the best oral health outcomes possible through in clinic treatment as well as education for home care.
Born and bred in rural Waikato, Hamilton has now been home for many years. I love the community I have made here.
In my spare time I enjoy hiking, volleyball and cooking.
Sachi Wijeyekoon
Information coming soon!
Our Dental Assistants
Rachael
I've been at Hillcrest Dental since 2002.
I am honoured and enjoy my role being part of our patient's experience, treatment and service here.
I love the people contact and variety in the day's work that my position offers & sending a smile out the door is gold!
I am married, with 2 teenage boys and outside of work, I enjoy cooking, papercrafting and swimming.
MacKenzie
Information coming soon!
Jasmine
I have been working and training as an assistant since July 2020 and I can honestly say my job is my passion.
Working alongside our team and ensuring that everyone is happy and looked after will always bring a smile to my face.
Alice
Information coming soon!
Tori
Information coming soon!
Karen
I moved to Hamilton August 2022 for family reasons and have come to call it home.
I see my job as one where I not only assist the Dentist but also assist and care for you.
When I'm not working I'm spending time with friends and family, reading, crafting and going for walks.
Our Receptionists
Courtney-Lee
Information coming soon!
Lena
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Our Managers
Rachel Gregory
I started working at Hillcrest Dental Centre as a Dental Chairside Assistant in 2011. In between times I have had time off on maternity leave and have returned on a part-time basis as Practice Manager to work alongside Loren Bennett. I work Monday-Wednesday.
I handle the HR side of things within the Practice including staff rostering, wages, performance reviews, new staff onboarding and patient accounts. My job is to ensure the smooth running of the practice to ensure the best quality patient care.
I am married to Robert, we have two young boys and our own building company, so when I am not at work I am very busy I have a passion for running, staying active, spending time with friends and family and travel.
Loren Bennett
I first worked at Hillcrest Dental in 1998, soon after finishing school. After a few years as a dental chairside assistant, I broadened my horizons with study and time as a sterilisation technician at a hospital. Prior to coming back to Hillcrest Dental in 2018, I gained experience in complaint investigation & resolution - specialising in personal information privacy and official information for a crown entity. I have also worked for non-profit membership organisations, providing event management and administration services.
When I'm not at work, I enjoy decorating cakes and cookies, true crime and I would love to travel more.
Since May 2021, I have been full-time Practice Manager and now work together with Rachel to ensure the smooth running of the practice for best patient care. I have a focus on the more technical aspects of managing the practice, including compliance, infection control and electronic patient management.
Find Us
We have two convenient locations - Hillcrest and Tamahere - with good parking. At Hillcrest, you can park in front of the clinic - carpark is marked "staff" - but make sure to park in the back space to avoid being blocked in. You can also park on Cambridge Road or Masters Avenue, or in the carpark near the medical centre entrance. At Tamahere, there is plenty of parking around the building in the Tamahere Village shops. Both locations have mobility parking spots available - please display your mobility parking permit.