Skip to content

Meet The Team at Woonona Dental

Our dentists have almost eighty years combined experience, most of which has been in the Woonona and greater Illawarra region. As part of our ongoing commitment to quality and providing the best service to our patients, Woonona Dental regularly takes part in continuing development activities both in Australia and abroad.

Contact us today to book your time! We look forward to meeting you & your family!
EXPLORE OUR SERVICES »

Dr Raj Pather

Dr. Raj PatherBorn in South Africa, Dr Pather moved to Australia in 1978. He attended the University of Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1985. Immediately, he began working in Illawara and then Dapto. He’s served our community area for over 30 years, and his father, too, was a well-known medical practitioner in Illawarra.

Dr Pather has numerous professional associations. He has completed aid work through Equal Health in Calcutta and other parts of India and became a Fellow of the International Academy of Dentists in 2006. He’s a member of the Australia Dental Association and was Secretary of the South Coast Division from 1990-1992, then President from 1992 to 1994. Additionally, he is a member of the Australian Society of Dental Implants and the International Team of Implantology.

He has a keen interest in cosmetic dentistry and implant surgery. Married with two children, Dr Pather enjoys travelling to different parts of the world with his family and motor racing.

Divider

Dr Amit Balgi

Dr. Armit Balgi photoBorn and brought up in Wollongong, Amit completed school and an undergraduate degree at the University of Wollongong before moving to Orange to pursue Dentistry, where he obtained his Bachelor of Dental Science from Charles Sturt University. After graduating in 2016, he continued to work for the University in Private Practice, but also in an academic role, lecturing and tutoring Year 3 and 4 students.

He has developed a strong interest in Endodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry. He enjoys treating anxious patients and those that feel uncomfortable about visiting the Dentist.

Amit continues to develop and improve his professional skills by attending courses when he can.

Divider

Dr Darian Karunaikumar

Dr. DarianDarian is a Perth born, Sydney bred dentist with an undergraduate medical science followed by Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Sydney. His early time in clinical practice was spent in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, and he’s now swapped the hustle and bustle for a sea change, calling the Illawarra region his new home.

His main areas of interest lie in oral surgery and prosthodontics. He strives to provide comfortable treatment for his patients and to produce high quality restorations. He regular attends further education to improve his skills.

Darian loves to travel and volunteer. He’s served in dental missions on several occasions to underprivileged communities in Guatemala, Honduras and twice in rural Cambodia, and can’t wait for the next opportunity.

Divider

Dr Kanishko Das

Dr Kanishko DasBorn and brought up in Delhi, India, Kanishko moved to Sydney, Australia in 2009 to pursue his tertiary education at the University of Sydney. There he completed his undergraduate degree in Medical Science, majoring in Neuroscience and then went on to complete the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2016, to qualify as a dentist. Upon graduating, he started his career in Queensland to work in corporate private practice in Sunshine Coast, while serving the community in rural Queensland out in Mt Isa at the same time. He then moved to Dubbo, in regional NSW in 2017. He operated as the loved, friendly local dentist providing care to the community up until 2020, when he finally moved to Wollongong, to join our team.

As a practitioner, Dr Das has a very systematic and structured approach, centred around the patient. From making patients immediately comfortable in the chair, he puts them first while devising treatment plans and works with them every step of the way. He also spends time with anxious patients and kids to help them overcome their fears. He is interested in aesthetic and functional restorative dentistry as well as endodontics. He also completed the Master Implant Program with the Brener Implant Institute in 2019.

In his free time, he enjoys the company of his family and friends, be it at home or outdoors. He also enjoys cricket, tennis, motorsport, cooking and photography.

Divider

Dr Kishain Pather

Dr Kishain PatherDr Kishain was born in Wollongong and completed high school in Sydney at Newington College. He moved to Orange to obtain his Bachelor of Dental Science from Charles Sturt University.

Dr Kishain has a keen interest in orthodontics and he is currently pursuing further education in this field to develop his skills.

Outside of dentistry, he enjoys basketball, motor racing and trying new restaurants.

Divider

Dr Omar Ezzat

Dr Omar EzzatDr Omar is a very friendly and skilled clinician, with a passion for providing personalized dental care to his patients. He earned his Bachelor of Dental Science from Charles Sturt University, where he was recognized for his exceptional clinical skills and patient-centered approach.

Fluent in both Arabic and English, Dr. Ezzat enjoys getting to know his patients on a personal level, and takes the time to listen to their concerns and answer any questions they may have.

When he’s not in the dental chair, Dr. Ezzat likes to keep active by playing football, and enjoys spending time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes.

Divider

Kristin Gault

Oral Health Therapist

KristinKristin, our dedicated Oral Health Therapist is an integral member of the Woonona Dental team. Kristin graduated from the University of Sydney in 2012 with a Bachelor of Oral Health and has spent the last 7 years practising both dental hygiene and therapy. Kristin works collaboratively with Dr Pather and the Woonona Dental team to provide the best quality dental care and treatment to patients of all ages.

Kristin is the person you see every 6 months for your maintenance and cleaning appointments, always with a thorough but gentle approach. She is also highly skilled in more specialised care including management of gum disease as well as taking care of the dental needs of the children that visit our practice. Kristin is always ready to share her knowledge with you to ensure you are well informed about your dental health and how best to manage it. She places a high focus on prevention of oral disease and is passionate about creating individualised maintenance, homecare and introducing new oral care products to help every patient achieve optimal oral health.

In her free time, Kristin enjoys playing netball, looking after her dog and going camping on the South Coast.

Divider

Lauren Hogan

Oral Health Therapist

Lauren HoganLauren has always loved working with people and has worked in the dental industry since she was 15. She has had many roles (dental assistant, practice manager and receptionist) and always wanted to become a clinician so she can help people and make smiles they love. “Someone’s smile can be such a big part of who they are, and I enjoy helping them love and care for their smile.”

To prepare for her role, Lauren earned a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy from Charles Sturt University in 2016. To stay abreast of the latest in the field, Lauren regularly takes continuing education courses. She enjoys learning new skills and advancing herself. Recently, she focused on painless periodontal treatment (hygiene appointments,) communication and holistic dentistry.

For Lauren, the most fulfilling part of her job is getting to know her patients and helping them achieve their best smiles. She particularly loves working with children to teach them how to properly care for their teeth. Lauren also finds it rewarding to make each appointment comfortable, meeting each patient’s needs and tailoring care to suit them.

When she’s not caring for patients’ smiles, Lauren loves hiking, camping, and exploring the Illawarra area, which is new to her. She also likes cooking and wine. Fun fact: Lauren also has experience as an event manager!

Divider

Marwa Khojah

Oral Health Therapist

Marwa KhojahIn her role at the practice, Marwa is passionate about being able to help people improve an aspect of their health and be a part of the positive change. She earned a Bachelor of Oral Health (with adult scope of practice) from the University of Sydney in 2017.

She stays abreast of the latest in the field by taking professional development courses in adult scope of practice, as well as general continuing education courses.

For Marwa, the most rewarding aspect of her job is seeing patients enjoy returning to the dentist and witnessing their oral hygiene and dental health improve over time.

When she’s not working, Marwa enjoys playing badminton, exploring new brunch places, and spending time with family and friends.


Meet The Team at Woonona Dental | (02) 4284 2557