Dental Hygienist/Paediatric Therapist

Tessa received her double degree in dental therapy and dental hygiene from the University of Adelaide, where her studies focussed on children's dentistry and child psychology. 

Since joining Smile Dental in 2011, Tessa has worked with Townsville families to help create a lifelong healthy attitude to dental health. Her enthusiasm for education and her passion for prevention can be seen in her monthly articles for PakMag, a local parenting magazine.

Tessa's own childhood was filled with healthy food, sport and a strict bedtime routine of "Teeth, toilet, bed!" – an approach to life that has remained with her to this day. During her studies, she supported herself as a qualified swimming teacher. Despite her strong work ethic, Tessa believes in balance – going fishing, playing with her dogs and dreaming of Paris.

Tessa has no fillings, but still has fissure sealants - a preventative treatment placed in her teeth by a Pediatric Therapist just like the one she grew up to be!