A Caring and Friendly Approach to Dentistry with Over 30 years of Experience!
Welcome to Avondale Dental Centre. We look forward to getting to know you and your family.
Our mission is to provide exceptional dentistry designed to promote good oral health and a confident smile. Our experienced dentists combine the latest modern dental technology with their extensive training and experience to restore optimum function and aesthetics.
As a private dental clinic, we are able to spend time with our patients, learning about their goals and developing a relationship based on trust.
Dr Sinan Najar, BDS
Principal Dentist
Avondale dentist Dr Sinan Najar attended the University of Baghdad College of Dentistry, earning his BDS in 1990. He also participated in a progressive orthodontic training program to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to provide our patients with traditional orthodontics, Invisalign and Six Month Smiles.
Dr Najar is a current member of the following organisations:
- New Zealand Dental association
- Former Committee Member and Treasurer of Auckland Dental Association
- Founding Member of New Zealand Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Member of New Zealand Society of Sedation Dentistry
'My practice philosophy is based on a deep, personal belief in the importance of each patient's dental and oral health. Our Avondale Dental Centre pledges to provide the best dental care in a compassionate environment.'
When away from the clinic, you will find Dr Najar playing soccer, swimming, playing sport with his children and walking with his dog.
Dr Andrea Copplestone, BDS
Dentist
Dr Andrea is an associate dentist with Avondale Dental Centre and earned her degree from Dunedin Otago in New Zealand. She has been a dentist for three decades and loves helping people and making them comfortable. In fact, her love of science and desire to help others first brought her to dentistry.
The best part of her job is keeping smiles healthy and helping her patients enjoy the good things in life, like a diverse diet and a healthy smile. Dr Andrea loves treating patients of all ages at our Avondale dental clinic and helping Dr Sinan.
‘The patients are so lovely, and it’s a pleasure to help them,’ says Dr Andrea.
When not seeing patients, she loves to walk in nature and potter in her garden. When given the chance, she curls up with a good book in a sunny spot. She can also knit and sew.
FUN FACT: Dr Andrea was born in Canada.
Dr Gayatri Singh
Dentist
Dr Gayatri has worked as a dentist for more than fifteen years and has been with our practice for five of those years. She did her registration exam in Australia and became a dentist because she is interested in teeth and general smile health.
She enjoys looking after patients and caring for their oral health conditions. The best part of her day is getting to know our patients and interacting with people in the community.
‘I like getting to know the people I work with,’ says Dr. Gayatri
When Dr Gayatri is not in the dental clinic, she spends time watching TV and taking relaxing walks. She also enjoys dancing.
Sandi Renall
Teeth Whitening Technician
Sandi joined our dental team in 2019 and has enjoyed many roles since then. She currently works as our whitening technician and has more than 25 years of experience in dentistry. Sandi learned her trade hands-on in the field!
She helps patients feel relaxed and comfortable while she whitens and brightens their teeth. The best part of her job is educating patients about their dental health and watching their expressions after seeing their teeth whitening results for the first time.
‘The happy faces of my patients give me so much satisfaction,’ says Sandi.
When she is not seeing patients, Sandi enjoys volunteering for the Cancer Society, hiking, and discovering new places. She loves pottery and has made some lovely pieces on the wheel. Sandi gardens and travels and is keenly interested in ancestry, collecting old memorabilia, and visiting historical places.
FUN FACT: In the 1990s, Sandi taught step Reebok classes and aerobics in gyms, wearing bright pink leotards, tights and headbands.
Jessica Taylor
Oral Health Therapist
Jessica earned her credentials in oral health therapy from Auckland University of Technology and joined our dental team in 2021. She enjoys supporting our valued patients and participating in their oral health education, contributing to their overall well-being. Jessica also collaborates with our Avondale dentist to promote patient success. Their shared goal is optimal oral health for one and all.
The best part of her job is watching patients make progress in their oral health endeavours. She loves seeing them make changes to improve their teeth and gums and take pride in their oral hygiene routines. Jessica also values our team, a relationship that has come full circle. When she was a teen, Dr Sinan did her orthodontic work!
‘The Avondale Dental Centre team,’ says Jessica, ‘support each other so every team member can succeed in their roles.’
When she is not seeing patients, Jessica enjoys going to the gym, running and being with her dog. She puts her feet up and watches reality TV with her partner to relax.
FUN FACTS: Jessica played competitive badminton in her early teens and enjoys watching Futsal.
Venus Herrera
Dental Assistant
Venus Herrera is a compassionate dental assistant who joined Avondale Dental Centre in 2025.
As a dental assistant, she supports the dentist during procedures and ensures the smooth operation of our Avondale dental clinic.
Her responsibilities include:
- Preparing the work area for our valued patients
- Ensuring sterilisation at all times.
- Supporting our entire team.
- Taking and developing dental x-rays.
- Helping with record keeping and bookings.
She loves working with our patients and helping them feel comfortable and less anxious.
“Many people are nervous about going to the dentist,” Venus explains, “so being able to calm their fears and create a positive experience can be really rewarding.”
Apart from valuing our patients, she enjoys being part of the team and the hands-on work her job entails. Venus likes to make a difference wherever she goes and loves to help people directly, which is what brought her to dentistry.
In her free time, she enjoys going on nature walks.
Shannen Wylie
Oral Health Therapist
Shannen studied at the Auckland University of Technology and graduated with a BA in oral health. She has been part of our team since 2025.
Her aim is to help our patients confidently look after their oral health through education. She also takes pride in creating a comfortable and safe environment, ensuring they always feel at ease under her care. When not seeing patients, Shannen assists her team members with various tasks, such as sterilisation and reception.
The best part of her job is working with patients and providing them with the necessary tools to enhance their dental health. She finds it rewarding to see positive changes and their increased confidence in smiling.
‘I love getting to know my patients and creating a lasting relationship of trust so that they feel comfortable when visiting,’ says Shannen.
She has been interested in dentistry since childhood and has always enjoyed visiting the dentist. Today, Shannen is thrilled to create the same positive experiences for her patients.
When she is not in our dental clinic, Shannen enjoys reading, going to the gym, hiking, dancing and listening to music.
A fun fact about Shannen is that she reads over 150 books a year!
Keithrine Quemuel
Dental Receptionist/Dental Assistant
Keithrine has been with Avondale Dental Centre since 2022 and enjoys her role as our receptionist/dental assistant. She assists the dentists and helps patients feel comfortable. She has taken courses in basic life support for health professionals and dental care assisting.
The best part of her job is socialising with our valued patients daily and learning new things. She feels genuinely privileged.
‘I love working with my team,’ says Keithrine, ‘because they are easy to work with and diverse.’
When she is not at our Avondale dental clinic, she enjoys wandering the area and finding new places to eat.
Nicole Ritchie
Dental Assistant
Nicole joined our team as a dental assistant in 2021 and received her education right here at Avondale Dental Centre. She loves that there is always something new to learn and discover in dentistry.
The best parts of her job are making sure patients are comfortable, helping the dentists, learning new things, using the team's excellent communication skills, and building relationships with our valued patients.
‘I love that we have return patients coming through the clinic,’ says Nicole.
Having dental work done sparked her interest in dentistry, and she has never looked back.
Nicole enjoys working out and doing crafts when she is not at the dental clinic. She makes soy candles in her spare time.
Fun Fact: Nicole is the mum of two beautiful boys.
Aileen Henry
Receptionist/Practice Manager
Aileen is often the first face you will see when you visit our clinic. She joined our team in May 2000 and helps patients enjoy a cheerful welcome and successful visit.
'I enjoy helping patients and the wide variety of tasks required throughout my day.'
When Aileen is away from the clinic, you will most often find her catching up with friends, walking her dogs, gardening, reading and travelling.
Ziena Aziz
Dental Technician
