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.

Shannon Cakar

Practice Development

Shannon loves to help people, and make positive changes in the community.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Oral Health in 2005, Shannon has worked all over Queensland in general dentistry and orthodontics with children and adults.

Shannon’s passion for helping people drove her to a post-graduate course in Business for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organisations—Shannon now works to combine her dental and community passions to help make Grow’s preventative work available to as many kids as possible.

You might see Shannon around reception, inspiring Tony and helping out with patient care.

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.

Bec

Clinical Coordinator

Bec has over 20 years experience in the dental industry and has been working closely with Dr Tony for the last 5 years.

Bec has extensive expertise in clinical and surgical assisting, and her attention to detail and dedication to optimum patient care is second to none. Bec’s friendly and calm nature puts children and parents instantly at ease.

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!