About Grow Paediatric Dentistry

Dentistry for kids can change young lives.

That’s why it’s our vocation.

Dentistry for kids can change young lives, set up positive habits, and relieve serious distress—that’s why it’s our vocation. We dedicate ourselves to paediatric dentistry—because we believe it makes a real difference. We advocate and educate because we believe knowledge empowers us all. And we work to make dentistry a really positive experience—because by the time kids need specialist dentistry, we believe the whole family’s gone through enough.

So we’re for dentistry that’s fun, caring and kind. We’re for clinics designed to be enjoyed, not feared. We’re for pricing that’s clear and flexible. We’re for supporting and sharing knowledge with our referrers. And we’re for nurturing relationships with patients and families.

We’re for meeting the dental needs of the littlest people in our community with expertise and compassion.

We’re Grow Paediatric Dentistry—We’re for kids.

Friendly
and relaxed.

Expert
specialist care.

Caring and
compassionate.

State of the art
facilities.

Free parking,
just off the M1.

Uniquely
child-centred.

Our people are
our best asset.

We’d like you to meet them.

Dr Tony Cakar

Specialist Paediatric Dentist

Dr Tony loves life, loves kids, and loves practicing paediatric dentistry to make a difference to their lives.

Dr Tony qualified with honours and worked as a general dentist for 7 years before following his passion and dream, and completing the Clinical Doctorate in Paediatric Dentistry at University of Queensland. In general practice Dr Tony witnessed first-hand the anxiety faced by most adults around their dental treatment, with roots back to childhood experiences. This inspired Dr Tony to conceive of and co-create Grow Paediatric Dentistry (Grow PD) to help kids have the positive dental experiences they deserve.

Dr Tony enjoys teaching and strongly believes in improving patient care through education. He is a visiting lecturer at University of Queensland and Griffith University. He’s published in peer reviewed journals, is a member of several professional organisations, and serves as the President of the Gold Coast Dental Study club.

Dr Alex Mogilevski

Specialist Paediatric Dentist

Dr Alex’s passion for working with children came from his experience as a general dentist in Brisbane in 2016. Alex takes great pride in helping families through their dental journey with compassion and kindness.

To pursue his specialist career, Dr Alex spent three years training at the prestigious Queen Mary University of London. After finishing his training and being elected as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Dr Alex and his partner returned to the beautiful Gold Coast.

Helping treat children with dental challenges in a holistic way is at the core of Alex’s dental philosophy. Education, prevention, and the use of modern techniques inspired Alex to complete research into silver diamine fluoride and other preventative measures, which he has presented at multiple international conferences.

Outside of the dental office you’ll probably find Alex trying his luck in the surf.

Honi

Practice Manager

Honi has been in the dental industry for 24 years. She is passionate about creating positive patient experiences and in supporting parents and referrers with her naturally warm and empathetic manner.

Honi joined Grow PD as she strongly aligns with the organisations values of improving children’s oral health and minimising barriers to specialist care.

Belinda

Receptionist

Belinda joins us with over 10 years experience in the dental industry. She found her passion for children’s dentistry after having her own two beautiful girls.

She enjoys helping the children and their families feel comfortable with her warm and relaxing nature and offering them guidance where and when she can. When she’s not at Grow, she enjoys spending time with her family at the beach and exploring in the sunshine.

Katie

Dental Nurse

Katie has joined our team with over 5 years of dental experience to follow her passion for working in paediatrics. Her warm and caring nature towards children and empathetic demeanour with parents makes her the perfect fit at Grow.

In Katie’s spare time, she enjoys surfing in the sunshine and will take up any opportunity for a camping trip.

Jorja

Dental Nurse

Jorja followed her heart into dental nursing as she has always had a passion for health and caring for others. Over the past 5 years she has been able to assist in multiple practices through Gold Coast and Northern NSW, where she has found great joy in working with children.

Being a mum of two young boys, she understands, first-hand the challenges of early dental intervention and genuinely cares for each individual child that comes through the door. When she is not busy at work, she is busy enjoying life with her family and friends with all that our beautiful Gold Coast has to offer.

Maddy

Dental Nurse

Maddy has had a wealth of experience in dentistry—working in many practices across the Gold Coast over the last 10 years. Her natural effervescent nature and relaxed communication style is a hit with kids and their parents.

We are lucky that Maddy has found her permanent home at Grow! In her spare time, Maddy enjoys being with her family and her twin iguanas, Jupiter and Doberman.

We’re building a
social
enterprise.

History & mission

Dr Tony and Shannon have both travelled and volunteered widely, and been inspired to improve the quality of life of children by providing better access to dental care and preventive measures for oral health.

Reach out to get involved.

Findings & learning

Dr Tony’s doctoral thesis explored the effects of supervised toothbrushing at disadvantaged schools in Queensland’s Logan Beaudesert region. 60% reduction in decay rates were recorded over 10 years, and the program continues.

Prevention is powerful.

Future & possibility

Shannon’s study of philanthropy has inspired Grow to shoot for the stars, and Dr Tony and Shannon are exploring the legal structures and opportunities for starting a non-profit organisation to fund and support children.

Watch this space!