Meet the team

Meet the Newtown Elite Dental Team

Meet our Newtown dentists, oral health therapists and visiting clinicians providing general, children’s, orthodontic, implant, oral-surgery and anxiety-aware dental care. We listen carefully, explain clearly and keep your priorities at the centre of every visit.

The Newtown Elite Dental clinical and support team at the Newtown practice

Leadership, prevention and clinical care

Different experience. One shared standard.

Dr Joanne Tseng

Dr Joanne Tseng

Principal Dental Surgeon, BDS (Syd)

With over 20 years’ experience, Dr Joanne Tseng is co-owner and principal dentist at Newtown Elite Dental, with a second surgery in south west Sydney offering an array of services ranging from minor restorative treatment to extensive cosmetic dentistry for a full smile makeover.

Kristy O’Hara

Kristy O’Hara

Principal Oral Health Therapist, BOH (Newcastle), Adult Scope, Orofacial Myology (OFM)

Kristy is a qualified Oral Health Therapist, enabling her to practise as both a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist. As a Hygienist, Kristy helps develop personalised oral health plans tailored to each patient’s dental needs. Her focus is on preventing oral disease through education and treatment, helping patients maintain excellent oral health.

Dr Arruni Kandasamy

Dr Arruni Kandasamy

General Dentist, DMD, BOH (Syd)

Dr Arruni Kandasamy completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine and Bachelor of Oral Health degrees from the University of Sydney, where she was also a recipient of the Professor Noel Martin Memorial Prize in Research.

Dr Lisa Liu

Dr Lisa Liu

General Dentist, DMD, BSc(Adv)

Dr. Lisa Liu completed her dental training at the University of Sydney. With a gentle and caring approach, she is dedicated to helping patients feel informed and receive tailored treatment plans that reflect their personal needs and values.

Dr Orla Hughes

Dr Orla Hughes

General Dentist, BDS with Hons (QUB)

Dr. Orla Hughes is an Irish dentist based in Sydney who graduated with Honours from Queen’s University Belfast, earning a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and is known for her gentle approach and attention to detail.

Sonia Ngo

Sonia Ngo

Oral Health Therapist, BOH (Syd)

Sonia is a compassionate Oral Health Therapist from the University of Sydney who is dedicated to improving dental health and well-being. With expertise in preventive and restorative care for adults and children, she specialises in comprehensive assessments, personalised treatment plans, and various dental procedures.

Dr Marisa Perera

Dr Marisa Perera

General Dentist, DMD, BMedSc (Hons I)

Dr Marisa Perera received her Doctor of Dental Medicine and Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours Class I) from The University of Sydney.

Dr David Taub

Dr David Taub

Dental Surgeon & Implantology

Dr. David Taub graduated with First Class Honours from Sydney University in 1995.

Catherine Succar

Catherine Succar

Practice Manager

Portrait of Dr Joanne Tseng, Principal Dental Surgeon, BDS (Syd)

Meet the clinician

Dr Joanne Tseng

Principal Dental Surgeon, BDS (Syd)

With over 20 years’ experience, Dr Joanne Tseng is co-owner and principal dentist at Newtown Elite Dental, with a second surgery in south west Sydney offering an array of services ranging from minor restorative treatment to extensive cosmetic dentistry for a full smile makeover.

Dr Joanne has a keen interest in the field of orthodontics, including ‘Plates’, ‘Traditional Braces’ and ‘Clear Aligners’ providing these treatments to children and adults. She is also trained in sleep dentistry, and can treat snoring and sleep apnoea.

Dr Joanne continues to progress her skills through ongoing professional development and prioritises her patients needs to achieve the best possible outcome as she provides the best dental care for her patients.

Portrait of Kristy O’Hara, Principal Oral Health Therapist, BOH (Newcastle), Adult Scope, Orofacial Myology (OFM)

Meet the clinician

Kristy O’Hara

Principal Oral Health Therapist, BOH (Newcastle), Adult Scope, Orofacial Myology (OFM)

Kristy is a qualified Oral Health Therapist, enabling her to practise as both a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist. As a Hygienist, Kristy helps develop personalised oral health plans tailored to each patient’s dental needs. Her focus is on preventing oral disease through education and treatment, helping patients maintain excellent oral health.

As a Dental Therapist, Kristy is qualified to provide dental care for children. Her compassionate and gentle approach helps children feel relaxed in an unfamiliar environment. She believes introducing children to dental care from an early age is important for preventing dental problems and helping them become comfortable in the dental environment.

Kristy also provides orofacial myology and oral-habit support at the practice. Her services include assessment and therapy for concerns such as thumb and finger sucking, tongue posture, swallowing patterns, mouth breathing and other oral habits that may affect dental development and oral function.

Kristy is registered with the Thumb Sucking Clinic and is a member of the Australian Association of Orofacial Myology.

Portrait of Dr Arruni Kandasamy, General Dentist, DMD, BOH (Syd)

Meet the clinician

Dr Arruni Kandasamy

General Dentist, DMD, BOH (Syd)

Dr Arruni Kandasamy completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine and Bachelor of Oral Health degrees from the University of Sydney, where she was also a recipient of the Professor Noel Martin Memorial Prize in Research.

Arruni has extensive experience in private practice and government hospitals in rural and regional NSW including Dubbo, Bryon Bay, Ballina, Lismore and Casino. She currently works part-time at the Special Needs and Oral Medicine department at Westmead Hospital and as a casual Academic for the University of Sydney.

She has a keen interest in general dentistry in medically compromised and anxious patients. Her main focus is prevention and education to help patients feel empowered with regards to their oral and general health.

Portrait of Dr Lisa Liu, General Dentist, DMD, BSc(Adv)

Meet the clinician

Dr Lisa Liu

General Dentist, DMD, BSc(Adv)

Dr. Lisa Liu completed her dental training at the University of Sydney. With a gentle and caring approach, she is dedicated to helping patients feel informed and receive tailored treatment plans that reflect their personal needs and values.

Lisa has worked across locations including Sydney metropolitan hospitals and in the Northern Rivers, Canberra and Perth where she gained a broad range of clinical experience. Dr. Lisa believes that listening to patient's concerns and forming genuine connections are a priority, and she always aims to achieve positive outcomes for all her patients.

She is committed to continuous learning and regularly attends workshops and conferences to enhance her skills and knowledge, staying up-to-date with the latest developments in dentistry.

Having grown up in Sydney, Lisa enjoys spending her free time in the sun when it's not too hot—visiting beaches, exploring fresh food and art markets, and playing tennis. In most cases, often accompanied by her beloved bichoodle.

Portrait of Dr Orla Hughes, General Dentist, BDS with Hons (QUB)

Meet the clinician

Dr Orla Hughes

General Dentist, BDS with Hons (QUB)

Dr. Orla Hughes is an Irish dentist based in Sydney who graduated with Honours from Queen’s University Belfast, earning a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and is known for her gentle approach and attention to detail.

Dr. Orla places great importance on creating a calm and supportive environment for her patients. She has a particular interest in helping anxious patients feel comfortable and confident during their dental visits, ensuring each experience is relaxed, positive, and tailored to the individual.

Outside of the clinic, Orla enjoys spending time outdoors, practising Pilates, and connecting with friends and family.

Portrait of Sonia Ngo, Oral Health Therapist, BOH (Syd)

Meet the clinician

Sonia Ngo

Oral Health Therapist, BOH (Syd)

Sonia is a compassionate Oral Health Therapist from the University of Sydney who is dedicated to improving dental health and well-being. With expertise in preventive and restorative care for adults and children, she specialises in comprehensive assessments, personalised treatment plans, and various dental procedures.

Known for her gentle approach and love for working with children, Sonia creates a comforting environment that puts patients at ease. Passionate about preventive dentistry and patient education, she delivers tailored, high-quality care.

Committed to lifelong learning, Sonia stays updated on advancements to help patients of all ages achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

Portrait of Dr Marisa Perera, General Dentist, DMD, BMedSc (Hons I)

Meet the clinician

Dr Marisa Perera

General Dentist, DMD, BMedSc (Hons I)

Dr Marisa Perera received her Doctor of Dental Medicine and Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours Class I) from The University of Sydney.

Throughout these degrees she was the recipient of the Noel D Martin Memorial Prize, Summer Research Scholarships and Global Mobility Scholarship.

Marisa has had experience in working at private practices in Sydney as well as throughout rural NSW including Tamworth, Armidale, and Bathurst. She is also currently working as a clinical educator for the University of Sydney.

Marisa has a friendly gentle, demeanor and always aims to get her patients out of pain. She puts anxious patients at ease quickly and aims to make the dental visit pleasant and fun.

She has an interest in all areas of general dentistry and aims to look after patients for life, giving them the tools and knowledge to ensure their oral health is the best it can be.

Portrait of Dr David Taub, Dental Surgeon & Implantology

Meet the clinician

Dr David Taub

Dental Surgeon & Implantology

Dr. David Taub graduated with First Class Honours from Sydney University in 1995.

In 2000, David was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons by examination and in 2003 he completed the Post Graduate Diploma Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants).

David has restricted his practice of dentistry to Oral Surgery and Implantology for the last 20 years

How we work

A close-knit team.

Our clinicians and support team communicate closely so your visits feel calm, organised and clear—from your first phone call through treatment, aftercare and ongoing maintenance.