Dr Tacia, Dentist

Tacia is a dentist passionate about general health and wellness. Originally from Brazil, she graduated in a public university considered one of the bests in Latin America. She arrived in Australia 7 years ago and has been calling the Sunshine Coast home for the past 5 years.

With a particular interest in paediatrics, cosmetic dentistry, TMJ related problems and health promotion, she has a minimally invasive approach, and is great with anxious patients.

Tacia believes that health starts from the mouth and has an integrative approach in her day-to-day practice, using breath work and aromatherapy to help creating a calming and soothing environment for her patients.

Outside of work, Tacia loves to gardening and spend time in nature. She is also a dance teacher, practices yoga, and is an enthusiastic of holistic health.

Marianne, Front Office

Marianne has proudly called the Sunshine Coast home since 1993, with a memorable decade spent living in Holland before returning to the region she loves.

She enjoys the relaxed coastal lifestyle and brings that same warmth and positivity into the practice each day. Marianne values building genuine connections and contributing to a welcoming environment for both patients and team members.

Outside of work, Marianne loves spending time at the beach, exploring with her new caravan, and making the most of quality moments with her family and friends.

Donna, Front Office

Donna has been part of the dental industry for over 24 years, including the last 20 years here on the Sunshine Coast. With her extensive experience, Donna plays an important role in helping patients feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely cared for throughout their visit.

Donna particularly enjoys creating a relaxed, friendly environment where patients feel like they are part of the Diamond Dental family. She understands that visiting the dentist can be daunting for some, and takes pride in helping each patient feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door.

Outside of the practice, Donna is a proud mum of three and a loving grandmother to seven beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys spending time outdoors, especially camping, and cherishes every opportunity to create special memories with her family.

Anita, Practice Coordinator

Anita has lived on the Sunshine Coast her whole life and she has been in the dental industry since 1994. We have been fortunate enough to have Anita as part of the Diamond Dental Care Team since 2015. She has one young son and loves her dogs.

Miko, Dental Assistant

Miko, hailing from Japan, has been working as a trainee dental assistant at Diamond Dental Care & Implant Centre for 5 months. Her passion lies in learning the various facets of dentistry. A little-known fact about her is her skill in Japanese Calligraphy. During her leisure time, she enjoys dog grooming and practicing yoga. Her affection for living on the Sunny Coast is due to the allure of the blue skies and the azure ocean.

Talia, Dental Assistant

Talia, originally from Sunshine Coast’s Caloundra, has intermittently worked in Dentistry for 5 years. Her passion at Diamond Dental Care & Implant Centre stems from the fondness for the hot chocolates Anita introduced to her when she began as a patient in 2015. She also enjoys collaborating with the team. A hidden fact about her is the interest in building desktop computers. During her free time, she indulges in activities like driving, computer games, and Netflix. Her affection for living on the Sunny Coast is rooted in the access to both hinterlands and beaches, as well as the abundant sunshine and warmth.

Kira, Dental Assistant

Kira, raised in Newcastle, has dedicated 8 years to dentistry. Her fervor at Diamond Dental Care & Implant Centre lies in the camaraderie with her colleagues, relishing conversations with patients, and forming connections with new individuals. During her free moments, she enjoys spending time with her children. Her affection for the Sunny Coast is due to its proximity to the beach.

Shelley, Dental Assistant

Shelly, who grew up in Dunedin, NZ, has been working in Dentistry for 22 years. She is most passionate about working with the Team at Diamond Dental Care & Implant Centre. In her spare time, she enjoys building her dream home and going MTB riding. She loves living on the Sunny Coast because of its sunny, warm weather and bright days.

Samantha, Dental Assistant

Sam has been working in the dental industry since 1998. She grew up in Lismore and has lived on the Sunshine Coast since 2000. Sam has 2 kids and loves to latin dance in her spare time.

Erica Unsworth, Hygienist

After many years of international travel, and working all over the world, Erica returned and settled on the Sunshine Coast, with her husband and teenage son, to enjoy the lovely lifestyle it has to offer.

Erica enjoys traveling but is packing away the passport for a while, and instead will enjoy hiking, cycling and many other outdoor activities.

Georgia, Oral Health Therapist

Georgia graduated with 1st Class Honours in the UK from Teesside University in 2021, obtaining a BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy degree. Since qualifying, she has worked across several practices, utilising both hygiene and therapy scope.

As a clinician, Georgia is very enthusiastic and prides herself on improving the patient’s dental experience. She is meticulous in the treatments provided, tailoring care to individual needs and prioritising patients’ best interests. Georgia’s empathetic approach has always enabled her to quickly build rapport, especially with those who are dentally anxious.

Georgia is really excited to have recently relocated to the Sunshine Coast in Australia and is looking forward to establishing herself at Diamond Dental Care & Implant Centre, where she can continue working alongside our wonderful patients to improve their oral health.

Ruchi Pawar, Oral Health Therapist DEN0002598355

Meet Ruchi, our highly skilled and dedicated Oral Health Therapist who brings expertise and passion to Diamond Dental Care & Implant Centre. With a dual qualification as a Dental Therapist, Ruchi provides comprehensive examination and treatments for patients of all ages.

After completing her Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy at The University of Sydney, she gained valuable experience in busy clinics in Sydney before moving to the beautiful Sunshine Coast for a more relaxed lifestyle.

Ruchi’s passion for oral health extends beyond the treatment room as she believes in promoting oral health and empowering patients to maintain healthy smiles. Specializing in gentle hygiene, she uses the innovative “Airflow” technique, warming the water to body temperature for a comfortable clean. Ruchi also loves discussing teeth whitening treatments, helping patients achieve radiant, confident smiles.

Dr Kim Mooney DEN0002592447

Kim is originally from New Zealand, and graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. At graduation she was awarded the sole prize in Restorative Dentistry for both her theoretical and clinical skills. Kim has many years of experience working in New Zealand, Brisbane and now here on the Sunshine Coast. While she enjoys all areas of general dentistry she has a special interest in endodontics, aesthetic composites, paediatric dentistry and oral health education.

‌Kim spends most of her free time with her daughter and husband at the beach. She loves nature, so when she’s not down at the beach she will often be found keeping busy outside somewhere.

Dr Josh Jong, Dentist DEN0002304762

Josh grew up on a farm in Borneo and as a teenager, made the big move to Newcastle upon Tyne in 2007 to train in dentistry. Upon graduating, he worked for several years in general practice in Newcastle but decided that he actually didn’t mind studying and went on to complete an MSc in Restorative Dentistry from Manchester and an MSc in Implantology in Rome. Josh enjoys the social aspects of his job as much as the dentistry itself and has a keen interest in Restorative, and Implant dentistry.

Josh and his wife have very recently relocated to the beautiful Sunshine Coast and are busy enjoying the outdoors in their spare time. Otherwise, he is a keen cook and foodie, or if there’s still a spare moment, he can be found on the PlayStation.

Dr Doug Leishman, Principal Dentist DEN0000950832

Doug was born in Perth, Scotland, and moved to Australia in 2001. He has worked as a dentist since qualifying from the University of Dundee in 1988 and enjoys updating his skills and knowledge through professional training courses (completing two post graduate dental qualifications, including orthodontics.)

In 2008 Doug and Vicky set up Diamond Dental Care to offer high quality dentistry with exceptional customer care. They relocated from Hervey Bay where Doug had worked both in private practice and in the surgical public dental service in Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

Doug enjoys various outdoors activities including cycling and kayaking, but mostly Doug and his wife Vicky are kept busy by their young kids – Jack and Amy.

Dr Luke Puente De La Vega, Dentist DEN0001972753

Luke is from Newcastle, in the North of England. He studied dentistry at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. During his training, he came out to Australia to undertake a placement with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and fell in love with the country and the people he met.

In 2015 after completing a Vocational Training year with the NHS, Luke relocated to the Sunshine Coast with his partner Leanne, who is also a dentist. He enjoys the variety of general dentistry as no two days are ever the same.

Outside of work, Luke loves playing soccer and badminton. He is currently taking Latin dance lessons and doing his Bronze medallion with Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club. Luke also enjoys the strategies of board/card games and escape rooms and is known to frequent local trivia nights.