Our team

BSc Waikato, BDS Otago (Distinction)

As the owner and founder at Sisam Dental, Scott is proud to care for patients in the community he calls home. Born and bred in Whakatāne, he graduated from the University of Otago School of Dentistry in 2009, following a Science degree at the University of Waikato, and has spent his entire dental career in his hometown.

Scott takes a calm, confident and patient-led approach to dentistry, finding solutions tailored to each individual. He has a particular passion for digital dentistry and loves using the CEREC Primemill to design and create same-day restorations, ensuring the fit, function and aesthetics are just right.

Outside of work, Scott is kept busy by his two daughters and two four-legged companions, Tippy and Beneli. He loves getting outdoors and is a passionate All Blacks supporter, although his rugby league loyalties tend to switch between the Warriors and Canberra Raiders depending on who's playing better!

BSc London (Hons), D.D.S Spain (Distinction)

Stefanie brings a wealth of international experience, clinical expertise and a warm, compassionate approach to the Sisam Dental team.

Originally from the Netherlands, Stefanie completed her Bachelor of Science with Honours at King's College London before graduating with Distinction in Dentistry from CEU Cardenal Herrera University in Spain in 2015.

Outside of dentistry, Stefanie loves spending time with her husband, Ken, and their three daughters. She enjoys bush walks, music, skiing and Pilates.

After falling in love with New Zealand while travelling around the country in a caravan years ago, Stefanie and Ken made it their dream to one day call it home. Having recently made the exciting move from Australia, they're thrilled to finally be making that dream a reality and settling into life in Whakatāne!

BDS Otago (Distinction)

Laura graduated from the University of Otago School of Dentistry in 2019 and has called Whakatāne home since 2020.

She takes a gentle and meticulous approach to dentistry. She is passionate about helping patients feel relaxed and confident in the chair.

A talented artist with an impeccable eye for detail, Laura brings her creativity and precision into her dental work, particularly when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Her artistic flair and attention to the finer details shine through in the beautiful, natural-looking results she strives to achieve for her patients.

When she’s not at work, you’ll usually find Laura walking her dog on the beach, getting lost in a good book, or spending time painting. She’s also a big fan of Pilates and a well-made coconut latte.

Laura is currently on maternity leave, and we look forward to welcoming her back to the Sisam Dental team.

DipDH Pretoria, SA

Marelize qualified as a Dental Hygienist in 1996 at the University of Pretoria. Gaining experience in Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodondics and general Hygiene practice in South Africa before immigrating with her husband and two sons to New Zealand in 2019, calling Whakatāne home since then.

With her friendly demeanour and focus on finding the best dental hygiene plan for her patients, she will endeavour to make a dental hygiene visit a relaxing experience. As she dubs it: “A facial for your teeth”.

When not at work you will find her experimenting with new recipes, reading a book or out taking photos in nature.

BPharm Auckland (Hons)

Melissa graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Pharmacy in 2006. Having grown up enjoying family holidays in Whakatāne, she jumped at the opportunity to move to the area when a pharmacy role became available in Kōpeopeo nearly 20 years ago, and has called it home ever since.

Melissa is married to Scott and is also our Practice Manager. She brings her healthcare background, organisational skills and genuine care to the running of the practice, allowing Scott to focus on what he loves most – caring for his patients.

Outside of work, Melissa loves spending time with Scott and their two daughters, enjoying bush walks and exploring the beautiful Eastern Bay of Plenty, with Otarawairere Bay being her favourite local spot.

Anna brings incredible dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm to both her roles. Her genuine passion for dentistry and exceptional eye for detail make her an absolute joy to work alongside, and we're often learning something new from her!

With her naturally warm and caring personality, Anna makes everyone feel welcome—even our children are always asking to come to work just to see her!

An animal and plant lover at heart, Anna is also the reason our fish tank has never looked cleaner and our plants have never been healthier!

We're so lucky to have Anna as part of our team!

Chontelle brings a wonderful, positive, can-do attitude to both her roles on reception and as a dental assistant. Her passion for dentistry and genuine care for patients shine through in everything she does.

Always calm, bubbly and friendly, Chontelle has a lovely way of putting everyone at ease. No matter how busy the day gets, you can always count on the same cheerful Chontelle! She loves her job so much that she insists she's never leaving us!

Outside of work, Chontelle loves camping, fishing and spending time outdoors. Most importantly, she's a proud mum to her five-year-old daughter, Laurie.

Rose is a valued member of the Sisam Dental team, known for her big heart and kind, caring nature. As a highly skilled and qualified Dental Assistant, she works seamlessly alongside our dentists, helping patients feel comfortable and well cared for. Always eager to learn something new, Rose loves expanding her skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care for our patients.

Born in Whakatāne, Rose grew up spending much of her time in Te Kaha with her grandparents, giving her a strong connection to the Eastern Bay of Plenty and its community.

Outside of work, Rose enjoys playing competitive regional volleyball and has a talent for baking delicious Biscoff and Caramilk cookies, which she generously makes for the team. Needless to say, she's very popular in the staffroom!

Whai is a much-loved member of the Sisam Dental team, bringing her beautiful, warm and caring nature whenever she joins us. A proud Tūhoe wahine and busy mum of four, Whai helps us out when she can, and we're hoping to see more of her as her children grow older!

Whai is an absolute ray of sunshine, and no matter how long it's been since her last shift, it's always as though she's never been away. We've also been incredibly fortunate to have her support a recent kaumātua oral health initiative we've been involved in, where her caring nature has been invaluable.

Her friendship with Scott and Melissa goes back many years, and their bond is so special that Whai even gave her fourth child Scott's name as a middle name!

We're incredibly lucky to have Whai as part of our Sisam Dental whānau.

Justin is a visiting orthodontist from Bay Orthodontics in Tauranga. Originally from Ireland, he completed his dental training at University College Cork, graduating with honours. He went on to undertake advanced training in the UK, including a Master’s degree from King’s College London and a Doctorate in Orthodontics from the University of Liverpool.

Justin is now proud to call Tauranga home. Outside of work, he enjoys running and spending time with his Kiwi wife, Kimberley, and their three daughters.

To book an appointment, please contact Bay Orthodontics on 07 577 0916.

Jess is a qualified Orthodontic Auxiliary and Dental Assistant who has been working in the dental industry for many years. She thoroughly enjoys working closely with patients to achieve excellent results.

Jess and Justin make a magnificent team. They are both warm and caring, ensuring every patient feels like they are the only one.

She travels with Justin most Fridays from Bay Orthodontics to Sisam Dental, where they provide orthodontic services in Whakatāne, helping to reduce the need for patients to travel.