Course speakers
Nitish Surathu
Course Coordinator
Nitish is a former Associate Professor of Periodontics and is currently a general practitioner in Gisborne, New Zealand. After a long career in academics and private practice overseas, he moved to New Zealand in 2009 for a lifestyle change. Nitish has lectured on several platforms around the world, having presented in North America, Europe, Australasia and Africa. He is by examination, a credentialed Fellow and Diplomate of the ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists) and an Associate Fellow of the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry).
Nick Knight
Prosthodontist, Dunedin, NZ
Nick is a specialist prosthodontist, who graduated from the University of Otago in 2005 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and has worked in both private and public sectors in New Zealand and Australia. Nick completed a Doctorate in Clinical Prosthodontics in 2014, being awarded a grant of $20,000 from the Ministry of Health Oral Research Fund for his research project, Colonisation of acrylic denture-fitting surface by Candida species. The thesis has resulted in several peer-reviewed journal article publications.
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He is actively involved in the dental community, including being the past president of the NZ Association of Prosthodontists and Restorative Dentists and the NZ Dental Association (Dunedin branch). He is engaged in providing education, including various speaking engagements, as well as continued involvement with the Faculty of Dentistry.
Nigel Tan
Oral Surgeon, Invercargill, NZ
Nigel completed his dental degree in 2015, and worked in junior positions in Dunedin and Invercargill. His postgraduate training commenced with a post-graduate diploma in oral surgery. Mr Peter Christmas, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, supervised his clinical training during this period. This was furthered with a clinical doctorate in oral surgery, culminating with vocational registration as an oral surgeon in 2022. He is a visiting specialist at Southland Hospital in Invercargill and splits his remaining time between private practice and various educational roles.
Steven Valentine
Leadership and Communication Coach, Australia and New Zealand
Steven is a professional Business Coach and Trainer specialising in leadership and team communication strategies. He has successfully worked across the spectrum with multiple dentists and practices in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and North America, training and coaching individuals and teams to lead and communicate more effectively, producing high performing and self-managed teams.
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Steven draws on a myriad of evidenced-based tools and models from the latest research in positive psychology, contemporary neuroscience, adult learning, change management theory and emotional intelligence. He has personal experience managing large and diverse teams over a range of different industries and this, together with his strong ability to facilitate discussion using powerful questioning, improves thinking and ignites passion in individuals, promoting positive change that produces results.
Ellie Knight
Periodontist, Dunedin, NZ
Ellie graduated from the University of Otago in 2005 with a BDS and began her career in Gympie, Australia. Returning to New Zealand, she worked briefly in the private and public domains in Auckland before considering specialisation in Periodontics, a passion since 2009. Ellie completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Periodontology with Distinction in 2010 and a Doctorate in Clinical Periodontology in 2013. She currently works with a specialist practice in Dunedin with her prosthodontist husband and also teaches at her alma mater as a Colgate Senior Lecturer with the Department of Oral Sciences in the Faculty of Dentistry. She is a widely regarded speaker in Australia and New Zealand..
Anton Martin
Dental Technician, Auckland, NZ
Anton is an experienced dental technician who graduated from the University of Natal in South Africa..
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He has a wealth of knowledge about digital dentistry and was involved with Ivoclar Vivadent for a couple of years before becoming actively involved with Dentsply Sirona for seven years. During his involvement with Dentsply Sirona, he was actively involved with Cerec and many aspects of digital CAD CAM technology.
Anton has trained hundreds of dentists to utilise effective digital workflows in their practices and continues to work with dentists who seek his expertise in training their teams. He also works with many practitioners and provides digital design services for their cases. Several dentists partner with him to digitally manage complex implant cases or full mouth rehabilitations.
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