Our Dentists
Team that brightens your smile
Dr Chelvi Sathiakumar
BDS, ADC (Melb)
Dr. Chelvi is one of our most senior dentists. After graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, she migrated to Australia in 1997 and passed the Australian Dental Council’s qualifying exams, preparing at the University of Melbourne. Chelvi began her career at a private practice in Mornington, Melbourne, in 1999. Her passion for endodontics led her to pursue post-graduate studies at the University of Melbourne, where she earned a diploma in Endodontics and Fixed Prosthodontics in 2001. She later became Clinical Manager at Central Bayside Community Health Services before moving to Sydney in 2009 to establish Opal Dental.
As a mother of two, Chelvi is known for her calm, empathetic approach, particularly with anxious patients. She continually updates her skills through courses by the Australian Dental Association and has introduced advanced technologies like nitrous oxide sedation and “The Wand” for pain-free anaesthesia. Currently, she is expanding her expertise by pursuing an internationally recognized orthodontics course to enhance patient care.
Dr Florina Thasanthan
BDS, ADC
Florina is particularly passionate about restorative and preventative dentistry, ensuring her patients achieve long-lasting oral health. She regularly attends professional development courses to stay updated with the latest advancements in dentistry, including cosmetic procedures and pain-free techniques. Outside the clinic, Florina enjoys spending time with her family and participating in community health initiatives. Her warm demeanor and meticulous attention to detail make her a trusted and valued member of the Opal Dental team.
Dr. Janani Ravichandran
BDS, MRACDS (PDS)
Dr Ravichandran is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist committed to providing the best dental care for patients of all ages. She has had over 8 years of experience in treating patients and has had extensive experience with patients that are medically compromised, have complex needs and with unique pathologies.
Dr Ravichandran earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Adelaide. She has completed the rigorous process of obtaining her Membership with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgery through the completion of her Primary Dental Sciences examinations. She is the first author of a chapter in the Pathological basis of Orofacial Pain and has done extra course work in Oral Medicine at Westmead Hospital. This vast experience has ensured that Dr Ravichandran can provide an in-depth assessment for all patients and takes a much broader scope than focusing on just teeth.
Outside of dentistry, Dr Ravichandran enjoys baking, taking care of her cat, knitting and is aiming to teach herself to play the Banjo.
Dr. Jacob Stretton
BDS (USYD)
Dr Jacob Stretton graduated with a Bachelor of Dentistry from The University of Sydney 2013 and has since gained a wide range of clinical experience in both regional and metropolitan private practice.
Jacob provides high quality dentistry within a friendly atmosphere which puts nervous patients at ease, often helping people to overcome their dental phobias. Jacob is known for his gentle touch and calming demeanour. He also has vast experience in all aspects of dentistry especially wisdom tooth surgery.
By participating in regular professional development, Jacob keeps abreast of the latest techniques in dentistry.
Outside of dentistry, Dr Stretton likes to stay fit by running and spends a lot of his spare time writing and producing music.
Dr. Berwyn Liu
BDSc, GradDipClinDent (Surgical Dentistry), FIADFE
Dr Berwyn Liu completed his dental degree from Charles Sturt University with multiple academic scholarships and awards. After graduating, he has gained experience and received mentoring in both public and private practices across various locations in regional and metropolitan NSW. Dr Berwyn is passionate about providing the highest quality of care to all patients while creating a relaxed and friendly experience.
To further his interest in surgical dentistry, Dr Berwyn completed post-graduate surgical training at University of Sydney and with gIDE dental institute, gaining the Graduate Diploma of Clinical Dentistry in Surgical Dentistry. Dr Berwyn continues to be committed to keeping up to date with all the latest developments in the dental and surgical fields.
Dr Berwyn comes from a Chinese background and moved to Sydney with his family at the age of 11. He is fluent in Mandarin and can understand basic Cantonese.
Outside work, Dr Berwyn enjoys health & fitness, travel and has been involved with volunteering and outreach programs both in Australia and overseas.
Special Interests:
- Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Dental Implants
- Minor Oral Surgery procedures
- Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Carl Pan
BOHDSc GDipDent GradDipOrtho (CoL) GradDipClinDent (Clear Aligners) FIADFE, FICCDE
Dr. Carl Pan, serves as the Co-Principal Dentist of Opal Dental. He is most recognized for his proficiency in enhancing smile aesthetics, mainly through orthodontic treatment (such as braces and aligners) and composite veneers. The comfort of all patients is highly regarded and achieved by his approachable nature and exceptional communication abilities, which is frequently mentioned in his Google reviews.
Dr. Carl Pan achieved distinction in both his Bachelor’s and postgraduate Dentistry degrees at Griffith University. He then pursued advanced studies, completing a three-year postgraduate program at the City of London Dental School under the guidance of the esteemed specialist orthodontist Dr. Derek Mahony, and subsequentiy another post-graduate degree in clear aligner technology.
He was nominated for Fellowship in both the International Academy for Dental-Facial Esthetics and the International College of Continuing Education. Additionally, he is currently a Masters student in Orthodontics, which further demonstrating his dedication to ongoing learning in the newest techniques for the betterment of his patients.
Having undergone complex orthodontic treatment himself, Dr Carl understands the life changing impact a confident and healthy smile can have. While prioritizing the alignment of crooked teeth and enhancing facial features with a beautiful smile,he believes it is essential to ensure that this endeavour is complemented by promoting healthy jaw joints and airways. Other interest areas include early childhood orthodontic interventions, adult orthodontics and non-extraction treatment plans when appropriate.
When Dr. Carl isn’t working on teeth, you will catch him crafting short films of his outdoor adventures with loved ones, occasionally having a drone mishap (oops!), and channelling his inner David Goggins by aiming to up his running game.
Special Interests: Aligners, Braces, Teeth Whitening, Bonding
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