Meet our Dentists
Dr Melanie Patney
BDS (Adel.) FPFA FICD
Dr. Melanie Patney is a dedicated professional who brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for enhancing your dental health and overall well-being.
Melanie holds a B.D.S. degree from Adelaide and is a respected Fellow of both the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. This recognition is a testament to her exceptional professionalism and leadership in the field of dentistry.
Raised in Sydney and an alumnus of James Ruse Agricultural High School, Melanie has always stood out as a versatile all-rounder. Her journey in dentistry began in Adelaide and, after graduation, she practiced on the Central Coast for seven years. In 2014, we were fortunate to have her join the talented team here at Duneba Dental.
Melanie is a strong advocate of preventative dentistry, emphasising the vital role of patient education. She excels in all areas of general dentistry, with a particular affinity for cosmetic procedures and restoring dental implants. Her kind and gentle approach ensures that patients of all ages feel comfortable and at ease whilst receiving the highest standard of dental care. She has a special knack for connecting with children, making their dental visits a positive and enjoyable experience.
Her commitment to the field extends beyond the clinic. Melanie has been honoured by the Australian Dental Association with an honorary service award for her significant contributions to a dental mentoring program, reflecting her dedication to giving back to the community.
Outside the dental surgery, Melanie enjoys training at local parks and cherishes the time spent with her three young boys, family, and friends.
Dr Mary (Molly) Clayton
BSc(Pharm) BDentalScience(Distinction) FRACDS FPFA
Dr Molly Clayton was born and raised in Bowral in the Southern Highlands. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Dental Science from Charles Sturt University where she graduated top of her class in 2015.
Molly also completed her elective Primary Dental Sciences examinations with the Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons in 2016 where she received a Highly Commendable Performance. She then went on to complete a prestigious Fellowship In General Dentistry with the Royal College in 2019. Molly felt she wanted to further her education and be able to give her patients the best possible options and evidence-based treatment. Molly is also a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Molly has practiced in both Bowral and Sydney since graduating and joined Duneba Dental in 2021 after meeting Rohan and Melanie through committees at the Australian Dental Association.
Molly is a confident and talkative clinician and loves to educate her patients to help them achieve their best possible oral and general health whilst trying to keep it light and entertaining. She has a background in nutrition and pharmacology as well as a medical family and uses this to help gain a thorough insight into a patient’s history and potential treatment. Her most passionate areas include preventative dentistry and conservative cosmetic treatments such as Invisalign, whitening and restoring wear and perfect shape without damaging the natural teeth. Molly also takes a strong interest in paediatric dentistry and orthodontics and has a lot of fun seeing kids and tricking them into having a good time at the dentist.
When she isn’t making bad dental jokes Molly is running around after her two young daughters Olivia and Alice, usually at the beach in Manly, or visiting her family in Bowral.
Dr Rohan Krishnan
B.Med Sci. B.Dent(Hons) (Syd) M.Sc. Medicine (Orofacial Pain Management)
Honorary Clinical Associate Lecturer (University Of Sydney)
Rohan Krishnan was born in Wahroonga and raised on the North Shore in Sydney. He has practiced on the North Shore for the last decade and affirms that serving the community that he grew up in, makes the work he does even more meaningful for him. Prior to working in West Pymble (aka Gordon West) Rohan worked in Central Coast and Northern Beaches. He believes that his wonderful team is what he loves the most about being the practice principle Duneba Dental.
Rohan is an honours graduate from the University of Sydney. After completing his Bachelors in Medical Science and Dentistry, he went on to complete his Masters of Science in Medicine (Orofacial Pain Management). Rohan has since lectured at The Faculty of Medicine and Health at The University of Sydney and for The University of Newcastle. He has a special interest in managing jaw and facial pain and works with specialists and physiotherapists to concurrently help people in pain and need of multidisciplinary and holistic care for their jaw and dental problems. Rohan takes pride in person centred care; managing patients with dental anxiety, chronic pain, stress and complex medical history and in helping them feel safe and comfortable being looked after in the dental surgery.
Rohan has held numerous appointments including President of the Australian Dental Association (NSW) in 2022-23, chairing this board and the board of Filling the Gap charity in 2021-22. He is also on the board of directors for the Australian Dental Council and was most recently appointed to a NSW Government Board by the Attorney General of NSW and the Premier.
Dr Andrew Watkins
Visiting Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
BOH B.Dent(Hons) MMBS FRACDS(OMS)Adjunt Senior Lecturer Charles Sturt University
Dr Andrew Watkins is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon operating at various hospitals including the SAN Hornsby Day Surgery and John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.
Andrew originally hails from Orange and learnt about the importance of ethical and patient centred care through his Dentist father, Dr Dave Watkins, who built a family dental practice in Orange based on trust, goodwill and caring for his patients, which is a trait that Andrew still carries through despite being a surgeon ! Andrew went through Dental School with Rohan and the two have always wanted to work together and are stoked that now can.
Andrew is dual trained, having done Dentistry and Medicine/ Surgery at The University of Sydney before then going on to complete his specialist surgical training at hospitals in NSW and ACT.
Andrew loves to give back and to that end continues to go back to his hometown of Orange to teach at Charles Sturt University. His clinical interests extend beyond removal of wisdom teeth, to temporomandibular joint surgery, orthognathic corrective jaw surgery, surgical fixation of mandibular fractures and implant surgery.
Andrew has a young family, enjoying swimming, golf, fishing and playing the guitar.
Our support team
Tracy Sandell
Clinical Coordinator
Tracy has been a dental assistant for the past 27 years, and a key member of the Duneba Dentral team since it first opened in 2002. From her considerable time at the practice, she brings a wealth of experience, and offers a familiar face and a comforting smile to our patients. Tracy has a background in dental laboratory work and is passionate about supporting our dentists to provide the best dental care and comfort.
In her spare time Tracy loves camping, fishing, renovating homes and spending time with family and friends.
Katja Stasch
Dental Assistant
We’re ready to look after you and your family’s dental needs. We accept all health funds and welcome new patients into our practice.
To make an appointment, please call, email or visit our friendly team.