MEET OUR DENTISTS
Dr. Lloyd Saville
Principal Dentist
"I always wanted to be a dentist and almost 30 years on, I am just as passionate about it!"
Dr. Lloyd Saville is the proud Practice Owner of 818 Dental, having first opened the doors to the business in 2000. It has since undergone a number of impressive extensions and upgrades that have resulted in the high-quality, welcoming clinic patients are familiar with today.
Lloyd’s passion for dentistry has continued to grow throughout his career. He has a keen interest in aesthetic dentistry (crowns and bridges) and orthodontics, and enjoys staying on top of new advances in cosmetic dentistry through further study to enhance his patients’ outcomes.
He also loves his gadgets- as the range of high-tech equipment throughout the practice can attest to.
When he’s not working, Lloyd can typically be found playing a mean game of tennis, enjoying a round of golf or spending time relaxing with his family. Ideally, while exploring new corners of the globe.
Dr. Shymal Kumar
Dentist
“The most enjoyable part of my job are the relationships I’ve built with my patients… as well as our state of the art technology which appeals to my geeky side!”
Dr. Shymal Kumar has been part of the 818 Dental team for more than a decade, having already worked in the industry for several years. The high levels of care demonstrated at the practice motivates him every day, as does the thrill of changing people’s lives through his dentistry.
Shymal is passionate about creating smile overhauls, rebuilding broken down teeth to restore people’s confidence and removing people out of pain.
When he’s not busy up-skilling (having done further study in clear aligner orthodontics, rehabilitation of worn teeth and communication courses to help alleviate patient anxieties) he enjoys travelling, dining out and spending time with his wife and two children.
Dr. George Hermans
Dentist
After graduating from The University of Otago with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, George developed his skills in New Zealand before making the move to Melbourne. George has a passion for providing individualised patient care to the highest standard. He believes oral health is fundamental to living a health life with a happy smile.
George is continuously developing his general dentistry knowledge and is know to speak at dental conferences. George works closely with dental companies to achieve the best results for his patients.
When George isn’t at 818 Dental, he enjoys snow sports, live music and photography.
Dr. Nabil Ishak
Dentist & Implantologist
Dr Nabil Ishak graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1992 and has had extensive experience in all facets of dentistry.
Dr Ishak has a strong interest in Cosmetic Dentistry, Implantology and Crown and Bridge procedures.
Our Dentists are active members of the Australian Dental Association
.
MEET OUR HYGIENISTS
Alison Thomas
Dental Hygienist Team Manager
“I honestly think I have the best job in the World! We have such a fabulous group of patients at 818 and whilst helping them achieve the best possible dental health, I also have the opportunity to get to know them and their families. I especially love watching the kids grow up and evolve into mature young adults-with great teeth!"
Alison has been with 818 Dental since 2003. She was integral in establishing the 818 Dental Hygiene program and its expansion due to high demand over the years.
The patient experience is always foremost in her mind. She believes that if the 818 dental team are happy, friendly and professional this helps every patient have an experience that’s as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. “The strength behind this is to have the latest dental technology and our team is committed to continuing education, often spending their personal time attending professional courses.”
Her special areas of interest are preventative dentistry and treating children of all ages.
In her spare time, she enjoys going away to the beach with her husband and two children, building and renovating houses and trying out new creative tasks.
Keera Buswell
Oral Health Therapist
"I have been with 818 Dental for over a third of my life!”
Keera started out as a dental assistant with Dr. Lloyd in 2009 and through that role her passion for the dental industry grew. She took a brief intermission to complete a Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Melbourne. She has now been welcomed back to 818 in her new role as a Dental Hygienist.
Keera loves caring for people with her gentle nature and believes the best part of her role is being able to coach children and anxious patients through their dental visits to provide a positive dental experience.
Outside of 818 Dental she loves brunching along the Mornington Peninsula and overindulging her two adorable Daschunds.
Natalia Frias
Dental Hygienist & Dental Therapist
" After more than 20 years as a hygienist, I still find it rewarding to educate people and encourage them to improve their oral health"
Natalia joined the 818 Dental team in 2022 with over 20 years experience in the dental industry. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Oral Health) from the University of Queensland and practices both as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist.
Natalia is passionate about achieving great outcomes in oral health and is delivering high quality patient care.
Outside of 818 Dental Natalia enjoys running, baking, and beating her partner at Scrabble (and everything!).
Renae Kumar
Oral Health Therapist
"The life of a professional tooth fairy has been very rewarding! I love seeing my patients and ensuring they have the best experience possible!"
Renae began her love for dentistry when she was 13 years old, after an amazing experience with her childhood orthodontist. She has since developed a passion for creating healthy and beautiful smiles.
Her dental career began as a dental assistant in 2011. Alongside assisting, she completed her Bachelor of Oral Health at The University of Adelaide in 2012. Since then, she has worked at a variety of different dental practices, with experience in general dental, specialists orthodontics and specialist periodontics. Renae has been a great addition to the 818 team, with her extensive skills and professional manner.
When Renae is free, she loves to indulge in the culinary scene that Melbourne has to offer. If not, you will find her getting sweaty at Pilates class or exploring Melbourne’s nature trails with her fiance.
Kinjal Divecha
Oral Health Therapist
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"Good oral health is a team effort - it involves not only you - the patient - but the whole 818 dental team to work together to give you the best possible care."
Kinjal has joined us all the way from New Zealand. She graduated in 2017 from the University of Otago with a Bachelors in Oral Health Therapy. Since then she has worked in a diverse range of dental practices as an Oral Health Therapist, and developed a real passion for preventative dentistry.
Kinjal believes a smile helps define a first impression and also provides a snapshot into a person’s overall health. She finds herself passionately engaged with her patients, working as a team with them, by facilitating healthy dental habits to reduce future dental and health risks. Kinjal is skilled at supporting her patients through dental anxiety, helping them get the care they need. She loves to help patients keep their beautiful smiles!
In her spare time she enjoys playing board games (competitively of course!), travel and loves a good food recommendation!
MEET OUR DENTAL ASSISTANTS
Kimberly
Clinical Coordinator
"The people at 818 have welcomed me like no other team, and I love coming to work each day."
Kathryn
Clinical Coordinator
"The team here have taken me under their wing, and my knowledge of dentistry has expanded immensely"
Kathryn joined the 818 dental team in late 2022. Already Kathryn finds the world of dentistry incredibly intriguing, most especially the art and intricate detail that goes into each procedure, whether it is a simple filling or reshaping a patient’s smile. In 2023 Ronnie will be completing her Certificate III in Dental Assisting, which will continue to develop and further her clinical skills.
When Kathryn is not at work she takes every opportunity to see what Australia’s beauty has to offer on driving holidays.
Mikayla
Clinical Coordinator
“I am proud to work in such a beautiful practice with great technology and to work with an extremely talented, caring and enthusiastic team.”
Mikayla has worked in dentistry in various practices since finishing school in Sydney and we now have the privilege to work alongside her. Over this period, she’s gained a broad range of experience in preventative, restorative, paediatric, cosmetic, orthodontic and surgical dentistry.
Mikayla’s passion lies in cosmetic dentistry because of the physical and psychological transformation patients achieve through helping them design their perfect smile.
In her spare time, Mikayla enjoys exploring Melbourne and photographing all the incredible places Victoria has to offer with her family and fur babies!
Fiona
Clinical Coordinator
"I love the fast-paced nature of clinical dentistry, but my favourite thing is how at the end of each appointment, I've been able to settle a patients nerves, or make them smile, knowing what we did made a difference."
MEET OUR FRONT OFFICE TEAM
Briony
Practice Manager
"818 Dental has such an incredible team, and I love being surrounded by individuals who are just as passionate about dental, and as committed to enhancing the patient experience as I am."
Rachel
Front Office Coordinator
"I love working with such a great team. There is such enthusiasm and love for what they do and I’m enjoying being a part of it all"
After 23 years teaching Pilates, Rachel decided to venture into a new area of healthcare.
Building customer relationships is what she loves best and 818 Dental is the perfect fit as patient care and satisfaction are their highest priority.
Rachel works to ensure that the patient experience is seamless and they leave knowing we took care of them to the best of our abilities.
When she is not working, Rachel loves training for long distance hiking events.
Marian
Front Office Coordinator
Marian, a customer service expert with a heart for helping people. She has experience in various industries and has learned the ropes of providing high quality customer service. Now, she is bringing her friendly smile and problem-solving skills to 818 Dental, as one of our front office coordinators.
In her personal time, Marian is all about trying new things. Whether it is exploring new places, tasting different foods, or taking up fresh activities, she is always up for an adventure.
Rayah
Front Office Coordinator
Rayah combines her hands-on experience as a receptionist with her pursuit of a Bachelor of Biomedical Science to offer compassionate care at 818 Dental. Her passion for helping others is evident in her work and interactions with patients.
When she’s not at the clinic or studying, Rayah loves discovering new cafes, going for hikes or indulging in reading. She’s thrilled to bring her dedication and positive attitude to the 818 Dental team!
Marian
Front Office Coordinator
"I am blessed to work alongside the staff here at 818 Dental, whom are highly motivated and skilled."
Kate has over 20 years’ experience within the dental industry and has worked alongside Dr Lloyd and the team at 818 Dental since 2019.
During her time in the dental field she has evolved in her career. She began in general practice, moving onto Paediatrics and also Orthodontics as a dental assistant before moving into roles of treatment coordination and practice management.
Kate gains a great level of satisfaction from problem solving and enjoys the creative side of managing.
Kate has undertaken higher learning, various training courses and conferences to ensure she is up-to-date with the latest information and technology within the dental world.
When Kate is not in the clinic, she enjoys immersing herself in a new pod cast and enjoys trying new cafes for brunch. Kate has been known to be a little bit of a coffee connoisseur so, if you are after any recommendations she is more than happy to oblige!
Annie Saville
Director
“Seeing patients changing their dental values and perceptions is great – it really is a nice place to be, and shows dentistry can really be pain free!”
Annie brings with her a great wealth of experience in various fields she has worked in throughout her career. We are fortunate to make use of her extensive customer service experience gained through a background in teaching, advertising and management, ensuring the smooth operation of 818 Dental.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working at the practice is seeing patients being given the best possible care and their dental goals being reached.
Annie is known to love a chat with patients at their appointments and is often found sitting in reception with them.
“It is like a social visit seeing how they are and watching families grow over the years!”
The little personal touches you see in the office are often attributed to Annie too, with her keen eye for detail.
She loves being a part of a vibrant, dedicated and professional team at 818 and the challenges leading a team brings. She believes that she can continually learn things from everyone and gain fresh ways to look at the world.
“The team are a joy to work with. They must be- I’ve been here for over 20 years now and still love the variety each day brings!”
