JeIena Knezevic

I moved from Belgrade (Serbia) to New Zealand in 2001. I was a registered nurse in Serbia, and I loved it. I considered retraining as one in NZ, but then a better idea occurred to me. My whole life, I had unpleasant experiences at the dentist. When I came to New Zealand, not only did the experience continue to be unpleasant, but it was also unaffordable. So, in order to bypass this issue, I decided to train as an Oral Health Therapist. I thought by doing this, not only would I gain inside knowledge on which dentist to see and which one to avoid, I would also get staff discounts while still doing what I love, which is working with people. Fortunately for me (and patients), this turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I love treating patients how I wished I was treated with compassion and understanding. I love making something that is usually an unpleasant experience as enjoyable as humanly possible (with skill, humour, and a generous helping of topical anaesthetic). I do my best to adjust each treatment plan to individual patient needs and to implement that treatment plan in a manner that will be comfortable and effective. I do not lecture nor do I judge. I aim to motivate and inspire—think of me as your gums' personal trainer (accommodating & gentle).

I graduated from AUT in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in Oral health. I worked 2 years for ARDS as a dental therapist and for the last 12 years as a dental hygienist at some really nice places, and although I enjoyed them, at my most recent job I met Lisa. After talking about it for a while, we decided it is time to do our own thing, open our practice, and make patients the priority.

To anyone out there that believes that all dental treatments are unenjoyable, please do come and see us. We will be happy to change your mind. Let the fun begin, and let's work together on building skills and habits that will save you a fortune by minimising or preventing the need for future dental treatments.