Receptionist/Dental Assistant
Hannah brings a strong background in dental assisting to her role as our dental receptionist. With experience both chairside and at the front desk, she understands the patient journey from start to finish and ensures every visit runs smoothly. Her warm communication style and strong coordination skills help create a welcoming environment while keeping the day efficient and organised.
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys reading and exploring new walking tracks. With a keen interest in health and wellness, she loves spending her weekends outdoors or discovering local cafés.
Dental Assistant
With five years of experience as a dental assistant, Johna is passionate about creating a welcoming environment and helping patients feel at ease throughout their dental visits. Known for her caring nature and attention to detail, she takes pride in supporting both patients and the dental team.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending her weekends with her two children and her partner, often finding fun adventures and making special family memories together.
She is proud to be part of the team and is dedicated to ensuring every patient feels comfortable and cared for.
Dental Assistant
With three years of experience as a dental assistant, Michelle takes pride in helping patients feel comfortable during their visits. Before transitioning to dentistry, she spent nine years as a pediatric NICU nurse, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to caring for others.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys an active family life in New Zealand with her husband and their 11-year-old son. Together, they love exploring the country in their campervan—with their son often picking the best snack stops along the way!
Michelle is thrilled to be part of the team and looks forward to welcoming you with a warm smile.
Front Office Coordinator
As the first point of contact at Huapai Dental, Sonja brings warmth, professionalism, and genuine care to every patient she welcomes. With a background in patient experience and administration, she is highly skilled at creating a smooth and supportive environment for both patients and the clinical team.
Originally from South Africa, Sonja moved to New Zealand to build a life surrounded by safety and growth. She has a passion for writing and creative expression, and in her spare time enjoys poetry, art, and spending time with her three daughters. Her understanding and approachable nature ensures that every patient feels comfortable and valued from the moment they arrive.
Dentist
BDS (India), NZDREX
Dr. Simran is a caring and dedicated dentist with many years of experience in general and family dentistry. She completed her dental degree in India in 2011 and, after moving to New Zealand, successfully passed her licensing exams in 2020.
Passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles, she provides a full range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments. Known for her gentle approach and attention to detail, she strives to make every visit a positive experience for patients of all ages.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Simran enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.
Dentist
BDS (Otago), DDS (UCSF), FRACDS (GDP)
Growing up in Auckland, Antonia pursued her passion for dentistry at the University of Otago, graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1999. She began her career working in Auckland both at the hospital and in private practice, before embarking on an international journey that took her to Vietnam, Cambodia, the USA, and beyond.
Her years of living and working in diverse cultures broadened her perspective on dental care and reinforced her commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all. In 2016, she earned her DDS from the University of California, San Francisco, and went on to practice in the United States until her return home to Auckland in June 2024.
With her unique blend of international experience and Pacific heritage, Antonia is dedicated to providing exceptional care to her patients. She has a particular interest in periodontal care, emphasising the importance of gum health as the foundation of overall oral wellbeing. Antonia strongly believes in preventative care and patient education, and she is passionate about helping her patients achieve and maintain healthy, confident smiles.
Principal Dentist/Director
BDS (Otago), BSc (Auckland)
Dr Rusin received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago and also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Auckland. He was the recipient of the NZ Dental Research Foundation Prize in his graduating cohort, and has published several research articles in internationally esteemed journals that have been cited hundreds of times.
Born and raised in West Auckland, Rusin is a proud Westie and thrilled to return to his local community to provide patient centred, high-quality dental care. With a strong foundation in research, he stays up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry through regularly attending international courses and conferences to ensure his patients receive the most modern and effective treatments available.
Known for his gentle approach and attentive listening, Rusin involves his patients closely in the treatment planning process to develop personalised solutions that meet their individual unique needs. He is passionate about building lasting, trusting relationships with every patient he sees.
Rusin practices all areas of general dentistry and has a particular interest in dental implants, oral surgery and restorative dentistry. He is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
Outside the clinic, Rusin enjoys international travel, photography and spending quality time with his family of ragdoll cats.
