Dr Alan Miller BChD NZDREX
I have over 26 years experience as a general dentist and enjoy providing patients with individualized treatment plans that address their oral health needs. I recognize that most patients are not too keen to be in the dentist’s chair and so have developed a gentle, caring approach to treatment.
I offer all types of dentistry and also have an experienced, highly skilled, in-house dental hygienist, Karen. We believe in oral disease prevention as a key part of any treatment plan and encourage ongoing preventative maintenance.
The hygiene department also offers comfortable tooth lightening in a single visit using the latest cool light technology. Take-home bleach kits are also available so that you can touch up your teeth whenevery you like.
I have a special interest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and endodontics (root canal treatment). Seeing patients’ excited reactions to their beautifully restored smiles gives me great job satisfaction. “It is a pleasure and a privilege to treat my patients, and their appreciative comments after treatment make coming to work every day a pleasure”.
I was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (a town similar to Hamilton 100 km inland from Durban). I graduated from the School of Dentistry at the University of Pretoria in June 1985 and received a BChD degree with distinctions in four subjects.
I was the first recipient of the Oral-B® medal for outstanding achievement in the field of dental materials and during my final year had the honour of presenting a research paper I co-authored to the 1985 International Congress of the IADR (International Association of Dental Research) held in Pretoria.
In January 1998 I traveled to New Zealand to sit the New Zealand Dental Registration written examinations. In June the same year I passed the final clinical examination at the Otago School of Dentistry and was registered with the New Zealand Dental Council the same year. I am a member of the New Zealand Dental Association, NZ Endodontic Society and NZ Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I also have dental laser use certification from the University of Queensland. I am a past Secretary of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Branch of the NZDA and currently still serve on the Executive as Branch Advisory Officer and maintain the Branch’s membership database.
I am the proud father of two children, a son and a daughter. In my spare time I enjoy dancing, cycling and flying gliders at the Piako Gliding Club.
Karen Turanga
I was born and grew up in rural Canterbury, attending Ashburton College before joining the NZ Defence Force as a dental assistant. I soon developed a keen interest in dental hygiene and was accepted on the Dental Hygienist course at the Royal NZ Dental Corps school in Burnham Military Camp, graduating in 1987.
I continued to work as a dental hygienist in both the regular and territorial forces of the army up until 2003. During that time I was lucky enough to gain valuable experience in a wide scope of hygiene practice.
Being involved in civil aid projects providing dental treatment for people who were disadvantaged or living in isolated areas allowed exposure to extremes in treatment requirements not often seen in private practice.
I also spent some time treating NZ personnel in Singapore and participated in a Mutual Aid Programme (MAP) instructing at the Navy dental school in Jakarta, Indonesia. The experience gained through the military has proved to be of considerable benefit to my patients.
Since leaving the defence force I have continued to practice dental hygiene in the private sector, moving to Hamilton with my children in 2006 to provide independent dental hygiene services to Hamiltonians, and now also an online oral care product service called Widesmile.
I enjoy working with a wide variety of people and actively endeavour to make the dental experience as enjoyable as possible while still providing the best possible treatment for patients in my care.
I offer each of my patients the best advice and all options for their individual needs are fully discussed. I take pride in getting to know each person to provide the best treatment and long term results for them. I have the training and experience to provide sound treatment for advanced gum problems and accept referrals for treatment of people who may not be able to afford or need specialist care. I can also help with improving the appearance of your teeth with in-house (BEYONDTM) and take home whitening procedures, and re-contouring of existing fillings if required.
Clare Bason
I am Alan’s dental chair side assistant and clinical coordinator. I work in the treatment room and make sure our patients are comfortable. I have been working in the dental industry since 2001 and am very experienced in all things dental. I can help you with your questions about your treatment plans and general tooth health. I started working with Alan in 2004, so we are a great team and everything always runs smoothly.
Sometimes you will talk to me on the phone as well when I am on reception or explain your treatments and appointments to you. I am very enthusiastic about my work and feel passionate about dental health.
I am not only responsible for all clinical tasks, but I am also the “inflight entertainment coordinator”, driving the entertainment channels for your own TV screen during your treatment visit. This way you won’t even notice that you are at the dentist’s.
Privately, I am married to Matt and the “mother” of two cute fur babiest, Zena and Cooper (our cats).
We love to spend our weekends golfing, socialising with family and friends and chilling out with DVDs. Recently we invested in a pool table so I’m slowing learning the art of being a “pool shark”.
