Meet the Team | Personalised Orthodontic Care in Queensland

Dr. Ashley Smith

Orthodontist - BDSc (Hons), MDSc (Qld)

Dr. Ashley Smith completed his general dental training at The University of Queensland in 1980 with honours. In 1981 he was Australia`s `Top Dentist` at the hospital on Thursday Island. Between 1982 and 1983 Ashley worked as a general dentist in England, during which time he decided to train as an orthodontist. Ashley completed his specialist orthodontic training at The University of Queensland and was the first orthodontist in Australia to complete a three-year master's degree in orthodontics.

After graduating, Ashley commenced practice in association with Dr Reg Wenck at our current location. Ashley is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the Australian Society of Orthodontists, the International Federation of Orthodontists and the Australian Damon Study Group. He is a registered orthodontist with AHPRA. Ashley is passionate about keeping up to date with the art and science of orthodontic care. He regularly attends local, national and international conferences, to ensure the latest developments in orthodontics are provided to his patients. Ashley lectures locally, Australia wide and internationally.

Ashley enjoys family time with his wife and two children. When not at the practice Ashley is often found training on his mountain bike. Despite moving to Toowoomba in 1987, Ashley continued his love of competitive sailing, having represented Australia in several world championships.

Dr. Christopher (Chris) Turnock

Orthodontist - BDSc (Hons), DCD (Melb), MRACDS (Orth), MOrth RCS ED

Dr. Chris Turnock completed his general dental training at The University of Queensland in 2002 with first class honours. In 2003, Chris commenced private practise in Ipswich. During Chris’s time as a general dentist, he successfully completed the primary examinations for the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, and decided to train as an orthodontist. Chris completed his three-year specialist training at the University of Melbourne, gaining a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. He also holds the British specialist orthodontic qualification. Chris is a certified member of the Australasian Orthodontic Board (AOB) and a registered Specialist Orthodontist with AHPRA.
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Since becoming a specialist, Chris has worked in Hawthorn East and Malvern in Melbourne’s Southeast. In April 2010, he joined Ashley at Toowoomba Orthodontists. Chris enjoys teaching and has spent several years teaching future dentists and orthodontists at the University of Queensland. In addition, he presents lectures locally, Australia-wide and internationally. Chris also strongly believes in maintaining the standards of the dental and orthodontic profession. He is a past president of the Australian Dental Association Toowoomba Sub-branch, and the immediate past president of the Australian Society of Orthodontists Queensland branch (ASOQ).

In his free time, Chris regularly attends professional conferences to ensure he continues to get the best possible results for his patients. Chris, his wife Catherine, and son Will enjoy being part of the Toowoomba community, as well as travelling within Australia and overseas. Chris likes playing a social game of golf, watching competitive rugby and dining out at any new restaurant he can find.

Dr. Emily Close

Orthodontist - BDS, MFGDP (UK), DCLINDENT (Orth), MRACDS (Orth), MORTH RCS ED

Dr. Emily Close was awarded a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Dundee (Scotland) in 2004. After graduation, she was commissioned into the Royal Army Dental Corps and spent several years treating soldiers and their families. Emily worked throughout Europe and overseas, including an exchange posting to the Australian Army. She completed postgraduate exams and was awarded a diploma from the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK).

In 2010, Emily immigrated to Australia, working first at The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, before beginning her orthodontic training at the University of Queensland where she obtained a Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry. Additionally, she completed the Membership in Orthodontics, a specialist orthodontic examination directed by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Emily is a registered specialist with the AHPRA. She is also a member of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, the Australian Orthodontic Board and the Australian Dental Association.

Keeping up to date with advances in the profession and interacting with her colleagues is important to Emily. She regularly attends local and international conferences and belongs to several dental study groups. She enjoys the opportunity to pass her knowledge on to those beginning their careers through her involvement in the teaching programme at the University of Queensland.

Emily loves outdoor sports, so when she isn’t at work, she is usually outside enjoying Toowoomba’s beautiful parks and surroundings with her husband Gareth and their dog.

Carmen

Oral health therapist

Carmen started working with us in 2016. She enjoys seeing patients commence treatment with the excitement of knowing the perfect smile is to come. Spending time with her husband and two children fills her free time.

Bianca

Oral health therapist

Bianca joined the Toowoomba Orthodontists team in 2017. She has always been interested in orthodontics and moved back to her hometown to join us. When she's not at work, she's traveling through Western Queensland or visiting her nieces and nephews.

Sam

Oral health therapist

Sam is our most recent therapist to join our team. Sam has recently returned home to Toowoomba after living in Emerald for 4 years. She spends her spare time travelling and competing on her horses in polocrosse, often representing her state.

Elizabeth

Treatment Coordinator

Elizabeth has been a part of the Toowoomba Orthodontists team since 2011 and is dedicated to providing excellent patient care. Not only is she a highly trained clinical nurse, but also our Treatment Coordinator. Her willingness to help, as well as her caring and cheerful attitude, is an asset to our team. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys travelling and going on holidays with her husband Ben, watching documentaries and having picnics at the park with their pet dogs Pepe and Winnie.

Laura

Clinic Coordinator

Laura joined the Toowoomba Orthodontists team in 2017 as a clinical nurse and is now our highly trained Clinic Coordinator. She has completed her Certificate III in Dental Assisting and Certificate IV in Dental Radiography. Laura is a dedicated member of the practice and loves experiencing the Orthodontic journey with each patient. Away from work, Laura enjoys spending time with her partner and their 2 dachshunds.

Kaylah, Ava, Erica, Emma, Amy, Anna and Larmeika

Clinic Staff

Our clinic staff are here to look after you during each appointment you have with us. Please feel free to ask them any questions you may have during your treatment.

Sharyn

Administration Manager

Sharyn was appointed Administration Manager for Toowoomba Orthodontists in 2012, combining her many years of experience in customer service with her excellent managerial skills and caring nature. She enjoys working closely with our patients and staff. Sharyn is employed full time, so you can expect to see her friendly smile when you visit our practice. Sharyn's family members are currently in treatment at Toowoomba Orthodontists.
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In her spare time, Sharyn enjoys various sports, movies and spending time with family and friends.

Alysha, Madi, Serena and Kimberley

Administration Staff

Our receptionists are always the first to greet you with a warm and friendly smile. Whether it is at the front desk, or on the phone, Alysha, Madi, Kimberley & Serena will be more than happy to assist you. If you have any enquiries in regards to your appointment scheduling, financing or treatment, or if you are a new patient with or without existing treatment, please don't hesitate to call us. You are in exceptionally capable hands with these lovely ladies.

Gabrielle (Gabby)

Dental technician

Gabby is our skilled Dental Technician who has been working in the Orthodontic industry since 2008. She began her career with us in 2013 after graduating from The Southbank Institute of Technology with her Diploma in Dental Technology. Gabby pursued her interest in orthodontic technology while working as an orthodontic assistant for six years prior to her studies. Gabby attends courses on a regular basis to keep updated with the latest technologies as this is considered important to her and the rest of our staff at Toowoomba Orthodontists.

Gabby has a keen eye for detail and loves to create all of our patients’ Orthodontic appliances. Gabby has also shared her wealth of knowledge and love of Orthodontics by teaching the Dental Technology students at TAFE Brisbane for the past 4 years. In her spare time, Gabby likes to continue being creative in woodworking. She also loves to dine out at all the new restaurants with her Husband, Tom.

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