meet our dentist

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

Sarah graduated from James Cook University in 2013. Sarah is a local to Cairns, having grown up and done all her studies in Cairns.

Upon graduation, she has worked consistently in private practice. She has recently joined our team in 2024.

Sarah has an interest in general restorative, pediatrics, periodontal health and cosmetic dentistry. She likes to communicate well to her patients and to put them at ease.

Dr. Jose Frias graduated from James Cook University in 2013, gaining diverse clinical experience through placements in Norway, Darwin, Oenpelli, and Cairns. After a decade of working in Emerald, Dr Frias returned to Cairns in 2023 with his growing family. Jose has joined our team in 2025

Jose’s experience in rural dentistry has allowed him to develop skills in all areas of general practice, including oral rehabilitation, oral surgery, dental implants, and digital dentistry. Known for his relaxed and friendly nature, Dr. Frias values building strong relationships with his patients to create a comfortable and positive dental experience.

Outside of work, he enjoys photography, traveling, and spending quality time with his wife and young children.

Dr Chrystal Scholl grew up in British Columbia, Canada. She completed a Science degree, with honours, at the University of British Columbia before moving to Australia and completing her dental degree at James Cook University in 2020. Dr Chrystal is board certified in both countries but calls beautiful tropical far north Queensland home where she has been practicing for several years, joining us in 2025

Chrystal enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with a special interest in oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and paediatrics. She tends to have a gentle approach with her patients and has a natural knack for putting anxious patients at ease. Chrystal is passionate about maintaining healthy, long-lasting smiles for all her patients!

When outside of the surgery, you can find Chrystal staying active, whether that’s at the gym or out in nature, travelling, and spending quality time with friends and family.