Our Team
A Relaxed & Caring Atmosphere
At Bentleigh Dental on McKinnon, we are pleased to offer a wide range of services to all age groups. We have great fun introducing children to dentistry. Making their early experiences pleasant sets them up for a lifetime of good dental health.
Adults of all ages can be assured of the highest quality care. Our capable team is able to provide general and cosmetic dentistry (including fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers), implants, Invisalign straightening, root canal treatment, periodontal care, fissure sealants, extractions, whitening (in-chair and take-home) and dentures.
Dr Andrew Hawkins B.D.Sc.(Melb)
Andrew graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1992 and has been a principal of the practice since 1998.
He is experienced in all aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry and enjoys challenging work such as root canal treatment and restoring implants. Andrew enjoys treating people of all ages and has a special talent for relaxing children.
Away from work Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He is an avid Swans supporter and is a life member of Burwood Cricket Club.
Dr Asha McIlwaine B.D.Sc.(Melb)
Asha graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1994 and has been a principal of the practice since 1998.
Asha finds it very satisfying to help people overcome their dental fears and become regular dental attendees. She enjoys providing all aspects of general dental treatment, to every age group. She has often said that the most enjoyable aspect of her job is the relationship she builds with her patients.
Asha has three rapidly growing children and divides her time between home and work. Outside of work she enjoys regular gym training, reading, cooking and spending time with her family.
Dr Nathan Pitchforth BDS (U. Sheff)
Nathan, a 1991 University of Sheffield graduate with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, had a diverse UK career in NHS, private practice, and orthodontics at Sheffield Dental Hospital.
Choosing dentistry for his love of caring for people, he moved to Australia in 2014 with his family.
Nathan specialises in general and cosmetic dentistry, including Invisalign, emphasising patient involvement in treatment planning. Committed to prevention, he works closely with patients to maintain their smiles.
Beyond work, Nathan explores Melbourne’s arts scene, spends time with family, and enjoys a good book.
Ms Heidi Lui
Dental Hygienist
Ms Heidi Lui
Dental Hygienist
Heidi has worked in the dental field for many years. She completed her hygiene training in Adelaide in 2009. Prior to this, she had 14 years experience in China.
Heidi joined the BDOM team in January 2014. She finds hygiene to be a very rewarding career. She is passionate about providing gentle and thorough treatment for all her patients.
In her spare time, Heidi enjoys hiking, cooking, going to the gym and watching movies with her family.
Heidi is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
Ms Shellie Morris
Oral Health Therapist
Ms Shellie Morris
Oral Health Therapist
Shellie, a 2007 graduate from The University of Melbourne as an Oral Health Therapist, brings over 20 years of dental industry experience, having initially worked as a Dental Assistant.
With a caring and gentle approach, she is passionate about addressing the impact of poor oral health on overall well-being.
Shellie’s achievements include recognition on the Dean’s Honours List and earning prizes such as the Dental Health Services Victorian Public Health Prize.
Outside work, she stays busy with her three growing sons and enjoys water skiing and cross-stitch tapestry.
Ms Lisa Nguyen
Dental Hygienist
Ms Lisa Nguyen
Dental Hygienist
Ms. Lisa Nguyen graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2009 with a Bachelor of Oral Health (dual qualified dental hygiene/therapy degree). In 2017, she obtained a Graduate Certificate in Dental Therapy (Advanced Clinical Practice) from the same institution.
Lisa’s expertise spans various aspects of dentistry, particularly focusing on preventative dentistry, periodontal, and paediatric care. She has worked in diverse settings, including specialist and general practices, and community oral health clinics, specialising in non-surgical gum treatment and implant maintenance. Committed to minimal intervention dentistry, Lisa prioritises quality, client-focused care to help patients achieve healthier smiles.
Beyond her profession, she enjoys hiking, aiming to explore all seven continents, gardening, and spending time with her family and dog, Milo.
Laura Nixon
Dental Hygienist
Laura Nixon
Dental Hygienist
Laura has worked in the dental industry for 17 years, leading to her fulfilling a long term goal by studying to become an Oral Health Therapist and graduating with a Bachelor of Oral Health from Charles Sturt University.
Passionate about oral health and minimal intervention dentistry, Laura practiced in community health clinics in ACT and Wagga Wagga. She worked closely with indigenous communities and gained valuable experience in paediatric dentistry.
Her kind, caring and patient nature helps her patients have a comfortable and positive experience.
Our Valued Support Team
To support our clinicians, we have a committed and excellent team of dental assistants and receptionists.
They will ensure that your experience at Bentleigh Dental on McKinnon is the best dental experience possible.
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