Meet The Beaches Dental Mona Vale Team

Dr Meredith Gay

Dr Meredith Gay is a principal dentist at Beaches Dental Mona Vale. She loves caring for all her patients and increasing awareness about oral health in the community. 

Dr Gay graduated with Honours from the University of Sydney in 2011 with a Bachelor of Dentistry. She was working in Penrith for over 7 years before joining the team at Beaches Dental Mona Vale. Dr Meredith loves learning. She has done many continuing education courses to develop her skill set and ability to provide the best possible dental care to her patients. She is a member of the ADA, the NSW Endodontic Society and Manly Warringah Dental Study Group. 

Dr Meredith Gay offers a complete range of dental treatments. She has a particular focus on preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She enjoys treating the whole family – from kids to grandparents and everyone between. She takes the time to get to know her patients, creating tailored treatment plans which she explains in detail. 

Meredith is also a busy Mum, raising her kids on the Northern Beaches. In her free time, you’ll find her at soccer games, in the park, riding her bike with the kids or relaxing on the beach with family.

Dr Isaac Suh

Dr Isaac Suh graduated Dentistry from the University of Queensland. He then went on to provide dental care in both Private practice and Public hospitals working in Brisbane, Toowoomba and Bribie Island where he had the opportunity to carry out extensive oral rehabilitation treatments.

Dr Suh has since returned to Sydney where he has established a reputation for quality dental services. These include general, cosmetic and emergency dental care. He is committed to continuing his professional education and keeps up to date with the latest industry developments by attending national and international seminars. Dr Suh is passionate about all fields of dentistry but has a special interest in regenerative and cosmetic dentistry.

Dr Isaac has a gentle and friendly approach and aims to make all his patients, young or old, feel at ease in his care. He takes the time to provide quality dental care. He explains everything fully, so his patients always know what to expect. 

Outside of dentistry, Isaac enjoys camping, fishing and bushwalking, often accompanied by his drone. He also loves tending to his collection of growing bonsai trees at home and has a soft spot for parrots.

Dr Alan Trinh

Dr Alan Trinh graduated from Sydney University in 2001. He then went on to work in rural and regional centres across NSW. During this time he became passionate about oral surgery. Upon returning to Sydney, he joined the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Sydney University. He held Associate Lecturer and Clinical Associate titles there for many years. 

A member of the Royal Australiasian College of Dental Surgeons, Alan holds a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry in Oral Implants from the University of Sydney. Dr Alan has been performing oral surgery and dental implant procedures for over 15 years. 

Dr Alan Trinh’s patients love his honest and fun nature, and how at ease they feel in his care. He takes the time to get to know his patients and has a reputation for quality dental care you can rely on. 

Alan loves skiing, travelling and the wonders of Japanese sake as well as spending quality time with his family.

Dr Chris Contreras

Dr Chris Contreras loves all aspects of dentistry but is especially passionate about helping dental anxious patients overcome their dental fears and is fabulous with engaging children on their oral health journey.

Dr Chris is a caring General Dentist and Oral Health Therapist who has worked as a clinician for the past 14 years. After Chris graduated Dentistry at Charles Sturt University (B. Dent Sci) in 2014, Chris focused his skills into providing cosmetic and restorative treatments with a calming and gentle approach. Also working as an Oral Health Therapist after graduating from the University of Sydney (B. Oral Health) in 2008 Chris has earned a strong background with gum disease treatment and children’s dentistry.

Dr Chris is a proud father of 2 young boys, loves having a good chat and is also fluent in Spanish. Dr Chris is a member of the Australian Dental Association and is very committed to professional development and continued education.

Dr Byron Kwok

Dr Byron Kwok graduated as an engineer before switching over to dentistry, completing his Bachelor of Dentistry in 2009 from the University of Sydney. Since then, he has worked at several private practices around Sydney and has been serving the northern beaches community for over 10 years. Byron enjoys spending time with his patients, getting to know the person behind the smile, to be able to offer personalised care and attention tailored for each individual. Dr Byron holds a special interest in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry as well as endodontics (root canal therapy). He has attended countless courses and seminars throughout his career with the sole focus of improving the quality of his patient care.

As a patient you will find Dr Byron caring and gentle, with the ability to help calm even the most anxious of patients. He has a keen and fastidious eye for detail, to recreate beautiful and confidence inspiring smiles. Byron is also focused on prevention and education, to teach his patients how best to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Outside of work you will find him fishing or relaxing at the beach, spending some quiet time with his wife or chasing after his two young kids. He loves listening to jazz, playing basketball and has a passion for good food and wine.

Dr Andy Lam

Dr Laura Blackmore

Dr Laura Blackmore is a highly accomplished dental professional with a passion for providing exceptional dental care to patients of all ages. Graduating at the top of her class as a Dental Hygienist from the University of Newcastle in 2015, she received the prestigious Faculty of Health Sciences Medal and the Colgate Prize for her outstanding performance as a final-year student. Driven by her dedication to the field, Dr Laura continued her academic journey at Charles Sturt University, where she completed her Bachelor of Dental Science in 2020 and was honoured with the Dean’s Award for maintaining a Distinction average.

As a member of the Australian Dental Association, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, and the Australian Society of Periodontology, Dr Laura brings invaluable expertise to her practice. Her diverse experience includes working in specialist periodontal and holistic/functional dental practices before joining the team at Beaches Dental Mona Vale.

With a gentle touch and warm demeanour, Dr Laura is passionate about treating children, anxious or scared patients, and those suffering from gum disease (periodontics). Her keen focus on effective communication and commitment to providing the gentlest care possible ensures that each appointment is a positive and comfortable experience for her patients.

Outside the dental office, Dr Laura is a proud Northern Beaches local who loves staying active through social netball and cherishes quality time with her family and pets. You might even find her enjoying the beautiful outdoors at Long Reef or Bayview, appreciating the natural beauty of her beloved community.

Dr Nick Teo

Dr Nick Teo graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2006 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. He began his career as an emergency and trauma dentist and then went on to locum in Jindabyne during the winter ski season (where he developed his love for snowboarding). He has since served the Penrith and Greater Western Sydney community for 20 years. We are excited to have him bring his expertise and experience to the Northern Beaches community.

Over the last two decades, he has gained a reputation in the Greater Penrith area as a dentist who specialises in multi-generational care, which has given him the privilege of treating patients for their ever-changing dental needs as they progress through life’s stages. Nick is truly passionate about developing a lifelong relationship with his patients as he firmly believes that having a dedicated dentist who is familiar with your lifestyle, medical history and personal circumstance is paramount to providing a successful, tailored dental solution. His years of experience along with his calm and familiar nature makes even the most technical of dental appointments feel more like catching up with a friend of the family.

In line with the culture at Beaches Dental, Nick is committed to staying current with the latest advancements in dentistry to ensure he is providing the highest standard of care for our patients. He has a particular interest in cosmetic dentistry, root canal therapy, trauma and emergency dentistry, Botox and treating dentally anxious patients (with and without sedation). With every patient, his goal is to make every interaction as transparent and comfortable as possible.

When he is not being a dentist you’ll find him bouldering with friends, scuba diving or walking around Mona Vale with his dog. So if you see him, please say hi, otherwise he looks forward to welcoming you at Beaches Dental.

Nicole Wealleans

I am a dedicated Oral Health Therapist with over four years of comprehensive experience in the dental field. Since graduating in 2020, I have developed a broad scope of clinical expertise that spans dental hygiene, adult dental care, and orthodontic auxiliary services. My diverse skill set allows me to provide tailored care to patients across various age groups and treatment needs.

Committed to delivering the highest standard of oral health care, I actively pursue continuing education and professional development. Staying current with the latest advancements and best practices in dentistry ensures that my patients receive evidence-based treatments and personalized care that promote optimal oral health outcomes.
During my time at university, I was honoured to receive an award for Best Oral Health Promotion, recognizing my passion for educating and empowering patients about preventive dental care and healthy smiles.

I am passionate about building trusting relationships with my patients, helping them feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment journey. With a patient-centred approach and a strong foundation in clinical skills, I strive to make a positive impact on every smile I care for.

Dr Michael Johns (RETIRED)

Dr Michael Johns is a founding principal dentist at Beaches Dental Mona Vale. He helped patients throughout Mona Vale and the Northern Beaches for almost 30 years before his retirement, and as one of the longest-serving dentists in Mona Vale, he built a loyal patient base that remains with the practice today.

Dr Johns graduated from the University of Sydney in 1980 and began his career at a busy dental surgery in Parramatta. He then set up in Mona Vale and built his reputation as a family dentist focusing on general and cosmetic dentistry.

Throughout his career, Dr Johns placed great importance on continuing education, attending many local and overseas conventions and courses covering all aspects of dental innovation. He developed particular expertise in Endodontics, Implantology and Cosmetic Dentistry, and was a member of the ADA and the Manly Warringah Dental Study Group.

Michael and his wife, Karen, have lived in the area for more than 36 years, raising three children. They are active members of the community through local schools, the Avalon Lions Club, various Chambers of Commerce and the ‘Save the Mona Vale Hospital’ Committees. Both Michael and Karen continue to work on many campaigns to protect and support the local community and environmental issues.

In retirement, Dr Johns enjoys keeping fit and healthy with morning runs and surfs, and loves travelling with Karen and the occasional surf or snowboard trip away with mates.

Dr Anastasia Bakopoulou

Specialist Orthodontist

BDS (Hons), MPhil Ortho (Hons), DClinDent Ortho, MRACDS Ortho

Dr Anastasia graduated as a dentist in Caracas, Venezuela, before pursuing advanced orthodontic training at the University of Sydney, where she gained a Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. A Member of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, she has published research on temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and bone cements.

Between private practice and her former role as a Clinical Educator at Sydney Dental Hospital, Dr Anastasia has treated a wide range of cases while mentoring future dentists. She blends the latest digital tools with a warm, patient‑centred approach to create healthy bites, confident smiles and better breathing for children and adults alike.

Tri‑lingual in English, Spanish and Greek, she enjoys family time, volunteering with young adults who have Down syndrome, and exploring Sydney’s Northern Beaches.