About Us

Kane Zhao

BDS OTAGO

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

I was born in Beijing and lived in several countries before committing to the good old kiwi life style and moved to “sunny” Dunedin to study. I then graduated as a dentist in 2014. I went on to work in a very busy private practice for 2 years in the heart of New Plymouth. I moved to the Bay in 2017 and started working at TBK Dental now known Tauranga Dental House. Other than work I absolutely love the outdoors, I enjoy tramping, camping, kayak fishing, hunting, scuba diving, fly fishing and the list goes on.

I am fluent in English as well as Mandarin Chinese.

Dentistry is one of my greatest passions. I take pride in the work I do, and at the end of the day patient’s satisfaction is really what drives me to keep improving my skills. I regularly attend national dental conferences and hands on workshops to learn the latest scientifically proven treatment procedures to provide the best treatment for our patients.

I take my time to discuss the treatment options with my patient to make sure we formulate the most suitable, cost effective treatment plan for them. During the dental treatment, I often explain exactly what the next step is to the patient beforehand to avoid any surprises. And at the end of the treatment I often take intraoral pictures to show the finished product and make sure patients are happy with what they have received.

I believe that I have the best job in the world, because I am able to make a positive contribution to patients’ oral health, appearance and often confidence in their smile after just a few visits.

I look forward to meeting you in the near future.

Lauren Spyker

BDS OTAGO

Born and raised in Christchurch, I ‘left the nest’ to travel the world in 2014 before embarking on my studies at the University of Otago. I completed my dental degree in 2019, graduating with distinction. I have spent the last two years working as a Dental House Surgeon at Hutt Valley DHB, where I have gained invaluable skills in oral surgery, urgent dental care and developed a special interest in Paediatric Dentistry.

I was drawn to the sunny Bay of Plenty to live my outdoorsy dream, enjoying the sand, sun and surf on the daily! If I’m not out in the surf, you’ll catch me running trails in the hills or hitting the slopes at Mt Ruapehu or Wanaka, on my snowboard.

I endeavour to provide fully-informed, patient-centred and ethical dental care for all my patients, whether that be to children who are unfamiliar in the dental setting, or to adults who haven’t been to the dentist for many years. I hope to change anyone’s mind who “doesn’t like going to the dentist” and instead have a positive and empowering experience. With a huge focus on prevention and dental education, I strive to ensure my patients have the best oral health outcomes.

My friendly, empathetic nature and compassion has allowed me to build strong relationships with my patients in my career thus far, which I hope to continue in Tauranga. I look forward to meeting you.

Micah Church

BDS OTAGO

Hello, my name is Micah, and I am one of the dentists at Tauranga Dental House. I was born and raised in Tauranga, completing all my schooling here. I then headed down to Dunedin to complete my Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Otago, graduating with distinction. Following this I worked as a Dental House Surgeon in Dunedin Hospital before shifting to work in a dental clinic in Gisborne. These varied positions have given me experience in restorative, paediatrics, surgical and community dentistry, which I am now excited to be able to offer to the Tauranga community.

Outside of work you will find me dragging my family and friends out surfing, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking and running. I love the wide range of outdoor activities available in the Bay of Plenty and am glad to be back!

I thoroughly enjoy my work finding great satisfaction in helping people achieve and maintain a smile they are proud of. I am passionate about disease prevention, early disease management and minimally invasive dentistry. As part of this I strive to educate my patients about ways to improve their oral health
at home and discuss the best treatment options for them. I endeavour to provide an approachable and friendly dental experience with your preferences as my priority. I am a member of the New Zealand Dental Association and regularly take part in opportunities for furthering my dental education. This helps to keep me up to date with the latest practices so I can offer the best services to my patients.
I look forward to working with you!

Jeremy Bywater

BDS OTAGO

Jeremy is originally from Christchurch and graduated from the Otago University Dental School in 2000. Prior to moving to Tauranga in 2021, Jeremy had lived and worked in Auckland NZ, and Oxford & London England.

Jeremy has studied with the Dawson Academy in London, world renowned for helping dentists create great looking, long-lasting smiles. He is experienced in all aspects of dental care, including adult orthodontics with clear aligners, I.V sedation, anti-clenching, and anti-wrinkle treatments.

Jeremy places a big emphasis on prevention and will tailor any treatment to your own personal wants and needs in a relaxed atmosphere. He says that “Dentistry has changed so much over the past decade. There is so much we can do to prevent dental diseases and preserve natural tooth structure rather than just dealing with problems once they arise”. The part of his job that Jeremy enjoys most is helping patients achieve great looking teeth that are comfortable with and can be maintained for years to come.

A previous member of the Executive Committee of the Auckland Dental Association, Jeremy has lectured on Restorative Dentistry within Auckland.

Outside of work Jeremy loves outdoor sports, particularly on the water or snow, and travelling to some of the amazing spots around the country with his wife and three young children. Previously a musician Jeremy still keeps his hand in on the drums and is always keen to hear about any good books or films you might have come across.

Danah Toubat (on parental leave)

BDS OTAGO

I graduated from the University of Otago in 2019 and gained valuable experience working mainly in a private practice in Central Otago since. Having spent my entire life in the South Island, I recently made the move to the stunning Bay of Plenty where the warmer weather has been a welcome change!

I enjoy all aspects of dentistry and have a special interest in oral surgery. I aim to continuously develop my knowledge and skills in this field, as well as keep up with the latest dental developments. My primary goal is to deliver high-quality treatments while ensuring that each patient has a positive dental experience and receives the necessary knowledge to maintain optimal oral health.

In my spare time I like spending time at the beach, canyoning, and trying different cuisines.

Imran Cassim

BDS Witwatersrand, PDD (ENDODONTICS), MSC

Dr. Imran Cassim is a highly qualified associate dentist with a passion for endodontics, implantology and an unwavering commitment to patient care. He earned his Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) degree from the University of Witwatersrand in 1999, where he distinguished himself by winning a medal for Anaesthetics and receiving distinctions in Physiology and Pharmacology. Imran continued to excel, completing his Post Graduate Diploma in Endodontics with Distinction from the University of Pretoria in 2009.

His expertise in endodontics was recognized when he secured second place for his case presentation at the Dentsply European Endodontic Forum held in Switzerland. In 2014, he further advanced his qualifications by completing his Master of Science (MSc) at the University of Pretoria. A dedicated practitioner and educator, Imran has published and co-authored several articles on endodontics and restorative dentistry, contributing innovative techniques that enhance patient outcomes.

Patient comfort and care are at the heart of Imran’s practice philosophy. He understands that many individuals experience apprehension when visiting the dentist, and he actively works to create a welcoming and reassuring environment. Imran strives to ensure that every patient feels comfortable, supported, and understood throughout their dental journey. His ultimate goal is to have patients leave his office saying, “that was better than I expected.” Helping patients overcome dental fear and gain self-confidence is a key focus of his practice, as he believes that a positive experience is crucial for establishing trust and encouraging regular dental visits.

Imran’s comprehensive skills encompass all facets of general dentistry, including endodontics, implantology, periodontics,orthodontics, aesthetics and minor oral surgery. His extensive lecturing experience from leading hands-on training courses internationally to being an invited speaker at prestigious events such as the International Endodontic Masters Conference and The ROOTS Summit Conference, allows him to share his knowledge and improve practices in patient care.

In 2017, Imran relocated with his family to the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand. He remains committed to lifelong learning, regularly attending conferences to stay abreast of the latest dental trends while also mentoring colleagues worldwide. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the breathtaking sights of New Zealand with his family, creating lasting memories in their new home.

Simone Davie

BOH OTAGO

Kia Ora, my name is Simone, I’m a compassionate Oral Health Therapist committed to providing high-quality, pain-free care while making every visit an enjoyable experience. As a graduate of the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Oral Health, I bring hands-on experience from both clinical and community settings.

Born and bred in Levin, I am excited to use both of my scopes of practice – Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy – at Tauranga Dental House. This unique degree combines the skills of a Hygienist and Therapist, allowing me to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a holistic approach to oral health.

I am passionate about preventive care and believe in empowering my patients through education, helping them maintain healthy smiles and feel confident in their oral care. My gentle and friendly approach ensures that patients of all ages feel comfortable and
well cared for.

Oral Health affects everyone everyday—and normally most people don’t think about it. Good oral health allows you to speak, smile, kiss, smell, taste and chew with self-assurance.

Outside the practice, you’ll find me going for sunrise walks, running, or at the gym. With a background that includes dental volunteer work in Peru and clinical placements across New Zealand, I’m dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of my patients and supporting them on their journey to optimal oral health, one appointment at a time.