About Us

Dentists

Peter Platts

Born and schooled in Christchurch, I went to University in1973 where I completed a B.Sc in Human Physiology and then a B.D.S.in Dentistry. After graduating I headed off to the U.K. for five years where I worked as a Dentist, gaining valuable experience in sedation dentistry and oral surgery.

In 1984 a friend and I kitted out an old steel yacht with the intention to sail back to N.Z. via South Africa. After a couple of years on the yacht and getting as far as Turkey, we parted company and I headed back to New Zealand.

After locuming for two years I bought Jack Hayman's practice here in St. Albans, which we renamed St Albans Dental Centre. Over the years the practice has grown and in 2000 we built our present purpose built building to accommodate that growth.

I am married and have four lovely daughters and a dog. My interests include skiing, diving, multisport, music and the great outdoors generally.

Jo Walker

I graduated in 1992 with a Batchelor of Dental Surgery (with credit) from Otago University in Dunedin.

My first year after graduation was spent employed as a Dental House Surgeon in Dunedin Public Hospital and the Otago School of Dentistry. This was an interesting year gaining skills in Oral Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry. Hospital dentistry provided dentistry for medically, physically and mentally compromised people.

In 1994 I moved to Christchurch and practiced dentistry in private practice. I worked full time for 2 years before deciding to venture overseas. In 1996 I took time out from dentistry and travelled through South East Asia, America, United Kingdom and Europe. In 1997 I returned to Christchurch, got married and was a locum for a year before joining St Albans Dental Centre in 1998. In August 2002 I had a daughter (Georgia) and since November 2002 practise part time. My career now is divided into being a mother and a dentist and I thoroughly enjoy the challenges of each occupation.

Olivia Apperley

I went to the University of Otago and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with distinction.

I grew up in Canterbury and returned after studying in Dunedin to work as a dental house officer at Christchurch public hospital for two years.

I love travelling and recently spent some time living and working in Ireland which gave me a great base to travel around Europe. I have now settled back in Christchurch and am enjoying working with the St Albans dental team.

I enjoy all aspects of dentistry and helping my patients improve their oral health as part of maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.

I look forward to meeting you.

Nina Scott

Originally from Northland, I studied Dentistry at Otago University and graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with credit in 2006. I spent a year working as a dental house surgeon at Southland Hospital before moving to Christchurch. I joined the team at St Albans in 2009.

In my spare time I make use of the many outdoor opportunities the Canterbury region has to offer, and I especially enjoy windsurfing, mountain biking, road cycling and tramping.

Freddie Linterman

After 25 years of experience successfully building up and running my practice in the city central, I have joined the excellent team at St Albans Dental Centre.

On graduating from Otago University, I spent two years as a Dental House Surgeon at the Christchurch Hospital dental department before doing postgraduate study in Restorative Dentistry at the Eastman Dental Hospital in London, then returning to my home town of Christchurch.

I still practice all aspects of dentistry, including Crowns, Bridges and Implants being what I have developed a particular interest in. I have been a member of the New Zealand Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry since it was started.

My philosophy is that patients should be able to keep their teeth for their whole lives, through quality dentistry provided in a comfortable way, together with motivated home care.

I have been married for 25 years and have a daughter Annabel. My interests, aside from still being very passionate about dentistry, are reading, photography, music, outdoor pursuits, particularly fitness, cycling and boating.

Kristin Morton

I grew up in this area and attended St Albans Primary School, Heaton Intermediate and Christchurch Girls High School. After graduating from Otago University Dental School in 1989 I did a locum for Peter Platts at St Albans Dental Centre. Back then it was a one man practice in a small building at the front of the existing site. The following year another surgery was added and I worked as an associate there for the next ten years. In 2000 I joined my husband in his dental practice in the BNZ Building in Cathedral Square and practiced there until February 2011 when we became “Central business district refugees’ as a result of the Earthquake.

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to return to St Albans Dental Centre and work with a great team of people in what is now a State of the Art Dental Practice.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, road biking, running, walking and skiing. I have enjoyed travelling overseas and exploring different places and cultures and hope to do more of this in the future.

Hygienists

Megan Smith

I trained as a Dental Therapist in Wellington in the 90's, I then travelled over to the UK where I furthered my studies to become a Dental Hygienist.

After training and working in hospitals and private practice for 8 years, I started to miss New Zealand and moved back to Auckland in 2007 where I worked for a gum specialist for 4 years.

After 12 years away from Christchurch I am now back close to family and friends.

My interests include tramping, swimming, cooking and I love cats.

Corinne McKeown

I trained as a School Dental Therapist in Wellington, and then went on to train as a Dental Hygienist in London. I graduated from Guys Hospital, London in 1995. I worked in London and Saudi Arabia then returned to NZ in 2001 where I have been working in Christchurch. I have two children and I am happy to be helping out for Sally’s Maternity cover.

Amy Lee

I graduated with a Bachelor of oral health degree at the University of Otago in 2009.

Born in Christchurch I moved down to Dunedin in 2005 where I studied two years of Human nutrition and crossed over to study Bachelor of oral health, a new degree introduced at Otago in 2007. With this degree, it allows me to become a registered dental hygienist and therapist.

I am happy to be part of the team at St Albans Dental Centre. My goal here is to help patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health through the diagnosis, non- surgical treatment and prevention of periodontal disease.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing Badminton, netball, swimming and reading. I attend church at Elim and like to travel to Australia and Malaysia visiting family with my husband Nelson and son Nathan born October 09.

Sally Negus (Nee Daubney)

I grew up in sunny Blenheim where I became a chair side assistant for 5 years after finishing high school and then moved to Wellington for a couple of years. I then decided that I wanted to further my career in dentistry and moved to Dunedin, graduating in 2003 with a diploma in Dental Hygiene from Otago University.

Assisting you with your oral health care, provides me with great satisfaction and I look forward to being part of the team that will be assisting you in your prevention and treatment of gum disease, one of the most common diseases in New Zealand.

When I’m not at work you will find me hanging out at home curled up on the couch reading a book watching a DVD with my friends or at the gym.
Sally will be on Maternity leave from the 14th February 2011.

Administration and Reception

Jo Berry

Hi my name is Jo.

I started at St Albans Dental Centre in January 2004 and in October 2004 took over the position as Manager. I enjoy working as part of our busy team here.

When I'm not at work I'm normally out running or relaxing at home with my dog Eddy.

Odette Pannell

I value being part of the team at St Albans Dental Centre. The great staff are a reflection of the warm, friendly environment which both patients and staff enjoy.

I grew up in South Africa, having lived in NZ a number of years this is where I call home. I have been working in the dental environment for the past eleven years. I look forward to seeing you at reception.

Christine Wilson

I have worked within the dental industry for many years, gaining my certificate in 1985 while working in a Timaru practice. I have found it to be an interesting and varied job, a good way to met people and a good job to travel overseas with. My husband and I worked in London for 5 years and I had the opportunity to work at the University Hospital and a series of Private Practices that specialized in a range of dental procedures.

My time at St Albans Dental Centre has been very enjoyable mainly due to the staff who are a great bunch of people to work with.

I work at the practice part time as I have 2 school age children. My hobbies are walking, gardening, music and dance.

Jessica Fauchelle

I find working in Dentistry exciting and interesting, I completed my certificate and I am now a qualified Dental Assistant as of December 2008.

Born in Nelson, I have lived in Christchurch for over 7 years. I have recently purchased a new home with my partner and have welcomed our new baby girl Chloe into the world in October 2009.

I look forward to meeting you!

Raewyn Godwin

In October 2000 I completed my Dental Assistant qualification whilst volunteering at St Albans Dental Centre. I started working here in February 2002.

I enjoy the variety of work from general dentistry to restorative work to cosmetic dentistry. I enjoy meeting people therefore enjoy the patient contact.

My hobbies include water sports, walking, cycling, going to the gym, socializing with family and friends. I also play the piano.

Sandra Blake

I have been at St Albans Dental Centre since March 1995. I qualified as a Dental Assistant in the same year.

I do a variety of work here from assisting the dentists, reception and also do some of our laboratory work making bite splints and bleaching trays.

My hobbies include going to the gym, singing, going to the movies and cake decorating.

Dental Assistants

Lorraine Fraser

I have been working at the St Albans Dental Centre since 1991. I particularly enjoy oral surgery and restorative dentistry.

In my spare time I enjoy walking/tramping, music, reading and painting.

Maria Flemming

I have been working at the St Albans Dental Centre since 1988 and gained my Dental Assistant qualification in 1994. I enjoy all aspects of dentistry particularly oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry.

In my spare time I enjoy going to the movies, gardening, meeting people, travel and music.

Phyl Cain

I joined the team here at St Albans in 1996 after a move from windy Wellington with my husband. I have 2 adult daughters & 3 grandchildren who live in Australia.

One of my favorite parts of the job would be meeting new people.

I enjoy walking & am a keen gardener.

Jan Hoskins

Hi my name is Jan,

I started at St Albans Dental Centre in January 07 as a dental assistant. I completed my NZDA in October 2004.

I enjoy meeting new and interesting people, that along with the team here make coming to work enjoyable.

My hobbies are travelling, jigsaws and walking.

Karen Eichholtz

Hi, I am Karen. I joined the team in May 2011 and I am enjoying it very much.

I was born in Christchurch and grew up in Greymouth.

My interests are reading, music, cooking, watching old movies and riding on the back of our triumph.

Cate Casey

I began working at St Albans Dental Centre as a sterilizing Assistant in 2009; I am now a qualified Dental Assistant. St Albans Dental is an inclusive and rewarding place to work.

Previously I worked in the Horticultural industry and raised two boys.

Spare time is spent relaxing with friends and family, tramping, walking, training and trekking with Lamas, studying and a continued interest in Flora and Fauna.

Sarah Findlay

I started at St Albans Dental Centre in September 2011. I have been a qualified Dental assistant since 2006 and have just returned to work after having a baby.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking, basketball and watching most sports.