ABOUT US
Looking for a local dentist who will take the time to listen, explain your options, and help you feel at ease? You are in the right place.
Dental care that feels personal, clear, and reassuring.
Our team is focused on providing high-quality service and patient care. Northwest Dental provides premium dental services, including general, family, and cosmetic dentistry.
Since opening in 1993, Northwest Dental has grown, evolved and diversified to become one of Christchurch’s leading dental practices in the North West, attracting and retaining loyal customers along the way.
Our highly qualified team provides high-quality services, using modern equipment and materials while offering a warm and compassionate approach.
We offer a wide range of dental services from routine check-ups, gum disease treatments, and fillings, through to complex aesthetic and restorative procedures.
Not happy with your current smile? We can help. Talk to our team about how we can help give you confidence in your smile.
Meet Your Christchurch
Dental Team
Dentist
Dentist
Hygienist
Head Dental Assistant
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Sally has over 20 years' experience as a dental hygienist having graduated from the University of Otago Dental school in 2003. Originally from Blenheim, she began her Dental career as a dental assistant, working in the profession for seven years before completing her hygiene training.
Known for her gentle, caring approach, Sally believes in working closely with both patients and the wider team to achieve the best possible oral health outcomes.
She takes the time to get to know each patient, building trust and helping them feel comfortable throughout her appointments. Her warm and empathetic nature, combined with the occasional sing-along to the radio, has helped many patients feel at ease.
Sally has a particular passion for the caring of elderly patients and those who experience dental anxiety. She finds great satisfaction in helping patients gain confidence in their oral health and making dental visits a positive experience.
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Kira is Head Dental Assistant and plays a key role in supporting both the clinical team and patient experience. She has a particular passion for oral surgery and sedation dentistry and enjoys assisting with complex procedures while helping patients feel comfortable, informed and at ease throughout their treatment. Known for her leadership, attention to detail and compassionate approach, Kira is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care and contributes greatly to the success of the practice.
Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant
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Hunter is a passionate Dental Assistant with a keen interest in surgical dentistry. She enjoys assisting with surgical procedures, working closely with clinicians, and helping patients achieve the best possible outcome. Her positive attitude and dedication to patient care make her a valued member of the dental team.
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Paige brings a warm and friendly approach to her role as a Dental Assistant. Paige is passionate about making every patient experience a positive visit. She enjoys working alongside the clinical team and values building genuine connections with patients while helping them achieve health, confident smiles.
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Dr Amelia Yu has been part of Northwest Dental since 2020 and she is devoted to restoring confidence, relieving pain, and creating beautiful, healthy smiles.
She graduated with Distinction in Dental Surgery from Otago (2018)
Prior to working at Northwest Dental, she was a Maxillofacial House Surgeon at Dunedin Hospital, where she treated patients with complex dental / facial traumas and dental infections
She is a published author and researcher on halitosis (bad breath)
She enjoys all aspects of general family dentistry and treating emergency toothaches and injuries with a keen interest in
Tooth restoration
Wisdom teeth extractions
Root canal treatments
Dental implants
Crowns and veneers
Dentures
She is skilled in IV sedation dentistry - gentle and reassuring care for anxious patients
She has a special interest in aesthetic full mouth makeovers.
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Chris was raised in Christchurch and earned his dentistry degree from Otago University.
Chris Kennedy and Steve Simmons set up Northwest Dental in 1993.
Chris is a former President of the Canterbury Branch NZDA, and also a former Chairman of NZDA Southern Region Peer Review.
He proudly works with highly skilled dentist, Amelia Yu, and hygienists, Kirstine Latimer and Sally Negus, in the Northwest Dental team.
His auxiliary staff are excellent and do their upmost to enhance patient care.
Chris has special interest areas of implants, restorative dentistry, periodontal maintenance and preventive dentistry.
He is also part of a team in managing temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
For patients with highly complex treatment requirements, he works closely with local specialists to aim for best outcome treatments.
Chris has a large number of longstanding patients, retaining their teeth into later life.
He enjoys the challenges of pragmatically helping to manage their dentitions, into and throughout their senior years.
Head Hygienist
Practice Manager
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Kirstine is a highly experienced dental hygienist with a strong focus on preventive care, periodontal health, and patient wellbeing. She graduated from the University of Otago School of Dentistry in 2000 and has since built a respected career across clinical, leadership, and mentoring roles.
A former owner-operator of a dental practice, Kirstine has been part of the North West team for the past 16 years. Outside the clinic, she served as President of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Dental Hygienists’ Association (NZDHA) for three years and is an active mentor for new graduates. Her approachable style and consistent results have earned her a loyal patient following and a substantial patient base.
Kirstine has worked alongside periodontal specialists, developing advanced skills in managing comprehensive periodontal cases. She is experienced in professional teeth whitening and stays current with the latest technology and treatment protocols. She holds a Certificate in Guided Biofilm Therapy from the Swiss Dental Academy.
Expanding her scope into facial aesthetics and therapeutic care, Kirstine is qualified in facial injectables and is associated with AADFA. She has comprehensive training in Botox, dermal fillers, and skin rejuvenation, with a particular clinical focus on TMJ dysfunction and facial pain management using botulinum toxin alongside other evidence-based therapies.
Above all, Kirstine is passionate about general oral health and its connection to overall wellbeing, delivering care that is thorough, modern, and genuinely patient-centred.
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Deidre is the friendly face behind the smooth day-to-day running of the practice. As Practice Manager, she is passionate about creating a welcoming environment for both patients and staff and ensuring everyone receives the highest level of care and service. She enjoys building relationships with patients and takes pride in helping make every visit a positive experience.
