meet our dentist
our team
principal dentist
Dr Allan Riches B.D.Sc
Our principal dentist became a qualified practitioner after graduating from Queensland University in 1983, opening his first practice in 1985.
Allan receives great satisfaction from seeing his patients leaving the practice smiling with pristine oral health.
Away from the practice Dr Allan Riches enjoys travelling, skiing, computers and spending time with his family; two beautiful Daughters, Son and Grandchildren.
Dr Manas Malkan
Dr Manas Malkan received his Bachelor of Dental Science degree from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. Following this he commenced working in Scotland before making the move to sunny Cairns where he joined our team in 2012.
Passionate about his role as a dentist, Manas takes great pride in his patient focused approach to dental care. He takes the time to explain the individual needs and concerns of his patients. Manas provides all aspects of general dental treatment. He has shown keen interest in restoring implants, crowns and bridges. He excels in providing his patients with the best in restorative and cosmetic dental treatment including CEREC same-day crowns, bridges and veneers.
Outside of the surgery Manas likes to keep fit by going to the gym along with enjoying do the numerous hikes available around the Cairns region, and when the weather is too hot for hiking Manas makes the most of our stunning waterways kayaking.
Dr Alex Badaru
Alex joined us in early 2016. Alex studied dentistry in Nigeria where he recieved his degree, and from there relocated to the UK and worked in various hospitals and private clinics.
Alex became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, England in 2004. After 10 years in the cold and cloudy weather, Alex moved to sunny Cairns where he worked for 4 years, prior to joining our team. Alex has a keen interest in all aspects of dentistry and believes education in good oral health is vital for everyone.
In his spare time, Alex loves spending time with his adorable dogs, and exploring the regions beautiful waterfalls.
Dr Norli Mokhtar
Dr Norli Mokhtar completed her degree in New Zealand where she graduated in 2000.
Later travelling to Far North Queensland which was when Norli became a valued member of our team. It was in 2013, shortly after the birth of her child that Norli decided it was time to change things up, taking a position at another local clinic where she then spent several years working. Needless to say when Norli called us late 2019 interested in returning, we could not contain our excitement and we are sure many of her previous patient who use to see Norli will be surprised and also very pleased that she has now returned.
Dr Mokhtar is a conscientious and caring dentist, with years of experience in all aspects of general dentistry.
Dr Manpreet Kaur Atwal
Dr Atwal completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2014 in India, before moving to Cairns in 2016. Mani has been a part of the Cairns Family and Cosmetic Dental Group team since 2019 as a Dental Assistant prior to her commencing as a Dentist.
Mani has a keen interest in all aspects of Dentistry, and she finds nothing more satisfying than putting smiles on her patients faces. Mani relishes in educating her patients in Oral Health and treatment options, whilst providing the most comfortable experience. Mani prefers to practice preventative denstistry as she believes prevention is better than cure.
In Mani’s spare time she enjoys spending time with family in this beautiful picturesque part of far north queensland. She also enjoys painting and considers herself to be a foodie, enjoying vegetarian cuisine.
Dr Amy Samuela
Dr Samuela joined our team in November 2022.
Amy completed her degree at James Cook University in 2021 and has been working locally since.
Dr Amy enjoys living in beautiful Far North Queensland and we are excited to have her join our team.
Dr Noureen Dhamani
Dr Noureen Dhamani has been working for over 10 years as a Dentist across multiple practices in Australia. After completing her dental degree with distinction and gold medal, Dr Dhamani went on to complete a masters degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2007 and received several accolades for academic excellence.
Dr Dhamani has extensive clinical experience and enjoys all facets of general dentistry across all age group patients. To ensure she delivers best quality dental care, she regularly updates her knowledge and skills. Her gentle and calm nature supplemented by her profound clinical skills and expertise makes her patients feel at ease and relaxed.
Outside of work, Dr Noureen enjoys spending time with her family and also loves travelling and exploring nature.
Dr Joel Pavy
Dr Joel Pavy is dedicated to listening to his patients carefully so he can thoughtfully customised treatment to each person’s goals, values and budget. He also has a strong focus on delivering comprehensive care that extends beyond just fixing teeth. Joel is interested in improving your general well-being and explaining how your dental health may be impeding this process.
Joel is an experienced dentist having graduated from Griffith University in 2015. Having an interest in orthodontics (Braces/Invisalign), oral surgery and dental implantology, Joel is experienced in all facets of dentistry. He also has a keen interest in providing cosmetically-oriented dentistry and doing so in a manner that allows the patient to be most comfortable.
Joel joined our team not long after moving from Townsville in December 2023, locating to Cairns as his fiance is studying Medicine here at JCU. When he is not in the Dental Surgery you will find him spending time with his beautiful fiance Yasmin, their son Ben and two puppy dogs. They love bush walking, watching tv series and catching up with friends and family.
Dr Alyssa Clarke
A lot of patients refer to Dr Alyssa as the singing dentist! Whilst she wishes she could sing-she does like to hum whilst she works.
Alyssa’s gentle nature and years of experience put patients at ease, whilst completing very high quality dental care. She has a particular interest in cosmetic treatment, crowns, root canal treatment and extractions
Dr Clarke graduated from JCU in 2014 and loves working in her hometown.
Dr Tay Niua
Dr Tay Niua joined our team in January 2024
Dr Edwina Wells
Dr Edwina Wells is a graduate of Otago University in New Zealand. After living and working predominantly in Regional Australia as a dentist for 17 years, she now calls Cairns home. Edwina joined our team in July 2024.
Known for her gentle and compassionate approach, Edwina creates a welcoming atmosphere where patients feel comfortable and relaxed enough that some have been known to fall asleep.
Her commitment to patient comfort and well-being is at the core of her practice, blending professional excellence with a friendly, approachable demeanor. Dr Edwina strives to make dental visits stress-free and even enjoyable wherever she can.
Outside of work, Edwina loves relaxing in the great outdoors and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Dr Sarah Bosnic