Meet The Team
Dr Melanie Cole
BSc (Mon), BDent (Syd)
Principal Dentist
Dr Melanie Cole’s top priority is to make sure all her patients feel cared for and heard. She has a calm and gentle manner which puts her patients at ease. Dr Cole has over 12 years’ experience working in Sydney in both private practice as well as for the Australian Defence Force and is skilled in all facets of general dentistry. She takes pride in the quality of her clinical work and regularly attends professional development courses to keep up-to-date with the rapidly changing world of modern dentistry.
After graduating with high distinctions from Monash University in Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Dr Cole moved to Sydney to complete post-graduate studies in a Bachelor of Dentistry from the University of Sydney in 2005. Since completing her University studies, Dr Cole has done further professional development courses at the California Implant Institute in the USA, endodontic studies at Kings College in London as well as in Auckland, New Zealand. Coming from a family of medical doctors and surgeons, Dr Cole, felt drawn to the sciences. Also, having an artistic background of painting and drawing throughout high school and into University, Dr Cole, felt dentistry was the perfect career choice to combine her love for creating things with her hands with science. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her husband and family at the local beaches and travelling to new places. She very much looks forward to meeting you and serving your dental needs in any way she can.
Dr Elizabeth Kerr
BDS (Syd), GradDipClinDent (Imp) (Syd)
Dental Surgeon
Elizabeth Kerr graduated from the University of Sydney in 1987 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Although living on the Central Coast since 1985, Elizabeth initially practiced in Gladesville, Sydney. She then spent eight years practicing in Castle Hill with Dr Alain Middleton.In 1994 she moved to Kariong, to be closer to her three growing daughters, and purchased a part-time practice. The practice grew quickly and in 1997 Elizabeth started practicing exclusively at Kariong.
Since graduation, Elizabeth has attended many continuing education courses, including a long course in Orthodontics (2005 – 2006). In 2011 she completed a Graduate Diploma of Clinical Dentistry in Implants at the University of Sydney. Although Elizabeth is a general practitioner who practices all aspects of dentistry, her interests lie in Paediatrics, Orthodontics, Endodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Dr Swapna Sharma
Specialist Anaesthetist
FANZCA, FCARSCI, EDRA, MD, MBBS
Dr Swapna Sharma provides IV (intravenous) sedation for our Sleep Dentistry service. She is very experienced and understanding, making dental procedures possible for even our most nervous patients. Dr Sharma graduated from Medicine in 2000 and underwent extensive post-graduation training in Anaesthetics internationally.
In 2009 she obtained her Fellowship from the Royal College of Anaesthetics of Ireland, and in 2012 she completed The European Diploma in Regional Anaesthesia and Acute Pain Management. In 2015, Dr Sharma earned her Fellowship from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. Her special interests include dental sedation, day surgery anaesthesia, simulation and regional anaesthesia.
Dr Sharma is dedicated to continually providing exemplary quality intravenous (IV) sedation to anxious patients. She endeavours to make the experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible, and eliminate any fears, by contacting her patients a few days prior to their appointment to explain the procedure and answer all their questions. In her personal life, Dr Sharma is passionate about good food and loves to look for her family and friends. She also loves art and travelling to the countryside to soak up fresh air.
Sheree King
Senior Clinical Assistant
Sheree is a fully certified Clinical Assistant, with a Certificate IV in Radiography, and over twelve years' experience in the dental industry. She has been a valuable member of Kariong Dental Care for the past ten years, where she has gained extensive knowledge and experience in both Clinical and Administrative roles within the practice and hence, is the most senior Dental Assistant in the practice.Sheree enjoys all aspects of Dental Assisting, though she thoroughly enjoys surgical procedures, as well as the before and afters of cosmetic dentistry. Her caring nature ensures all patients feel comfortable throughout their procedures. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her two young boys and husband.
Lauren Yates
Dental Assistant
Lauren joined the practice late 2018 and is currently completing her certificate III in Dental Assisting. She enjoys the contact with patients and being a part of a friendly and helpful team. In addition to dentistry, she also enjoys time with her family and friends and rock climbing.
Renee Florio
Dental Assistant
Renee has worked in the dental industry for the past 9 years as a Dental Assistant and has recently added an administrative role to her skill set. Renee has completed Certificate III in Dental Assisting and enjoys all aspects of her position. She is caring and passionate about her nursing role. She strives to make each patient feel as comfortable as possible during treatment. In her spare time, Renee enjoys spending time with her three young children who keep her very busy.
