Dr David Ward

Hi I’m Dave, a Dentist here at The Happy Tooth.

I graduated from Charles Sturt University in Orange NSW back in 2014 after 5 years of study with a Bachelor of Dental Science degree. After my course I was fortunate enough to come back home, to the Family business - The Happy Tooth!

Over the years I have worked at all of The Happy Tooth locations, but since 2015 when we opened The Happy Tooth in Kurri Kurri I have worked here. I love using the latest and best technology that the Dental industry has available which is why it is a pleasure to work here as our practice has many devices rarely seen outside specialists’ clinics.

I enjoy the practical side of dentistry, using the most modern equipment, materials and information to create the best possible results for my patients. I am very patient and make sure that your comfort is paramount when visiting our clinic.

Outside of Dentistry I also love technology and electronics playing the Playstation more than I should. When I venture outside I (try) and play tennis with my wife, go SCUBA diving and skiing/snowboarding.

I look forward to seeing you in our practice soon!

Dr Mitchell Wheeler

Hi! My name is Mitchell and I am a Dentist here at the Happy Tooth Kurri Kurri.

I grew up in Bathurst and attended Charles Sturt University close to home in Orange, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science.

The sole reason I became a Dentist is the desire to help people feel more confident and improve their self-esteem around their oral health.

Outside of work I live a very active lifestyle and I am a sport fanatic who loves a game of Basketball. Travelling is also an interest of mine. I have seen quite a lot of the world with South Africa and New York being my favourites.

I look forward to meeting you at your next Dental Appointment.

Paige Tierney (Oral Health Therapist)

Hi, I’m Paige! I am an Oral Health Therapist here at The Happy Tooth Kurri Kurri.

I have worked at The Happy Tooth since 2015, progressing from a dental assistant, practice coordinator, to now an OHT. I graduated from Charles Sturt University at the end on 2022, after studying in Wagga Wagga for 3 years.

My job is my passion. I love helping create a comfortable and judgement free environment for patients of all ages to visit, trying my best to provide the best source of care between myself and the other amazing clinicians in the practice.

Outside of work I enjoy reading, fitness, hanging out with my friends & family, and finding new places to eat /cooking new things!

I can’t wait to meet you at your next appointment!

Jon Pride (Prosthetist)

Hi! My name is Jon and I graduated from Randwick Tafe with and Associate Diploma in Dental Technology in 1999. After 2 years of gaining experience throughout a diverse range of cases in the field of dental technology, I furthered my studies as a dental technician by upgrading my qualifications to a Diploma in Dental Technology. In 2004 I pursued my passion further by undertaking an Advanced Diploma in Dental prosthesis, graduating in July 2006 as a registered Dental Prosthetist. In doing so I also received the ‘Phil Harris Award’ for the best student overall. My studies continue today constantly gaining knowledge in the field of dentures and more recently implant retained dentures. In 2009 I was involved in the education of Dental Prosthetics at Randwick Tafe as the assistant teacher for implant retained dentures.

I  have been working in Sydney throughout my career and am thoroughly enjoying escaping the city to work within the beautiful surroundings of the Hunter Valley, especially due to the abundance of golf courses, vineyards and exciting motorcycle rides at my fingertips.