About Us
The Dental Centre
The Dental Centre is a family dental practice that has been providing patient-centred dental care in Broken Hill since 1984. Operating from modern, state-of-the-art premises with a highly trained team of multi-skilled staff, our practice is able to perform the full scope of preventive, cosmetic, surgical and restorative dentistry, providing the highest possible quality and care. Our goal is to perform world class dentistry in Broken Hill and are proud to offer our services to the community.
Principal Dentist:
Tom studied a bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Adelaide and was subsequently accepted into the post graduate Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Sydney. During his studies, Tom’s dedication to excellence was recognised through numerous awards, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy award for Academic Excellence and Leadership, and the Peter Kalwaski Prize for Proficiency in both Endodontics and Prosthodontics. Upon graduation, Tom also received the honour of being awarded the “Australian Dental Graduate of the Year”.
As a dentist, Tom’s easy-going nature, patience, and dedication to his work provides his patients with a painless and often enjoyable dental experience. Tom strives to work at the cutting edge of dentistry, and has undergone extensive training in Dental Implants, Digital Orthodontics, and cosmetic rehabilitations. He believes that location should be no barrier to exceptional care and his goal is to provide world class dentistry here in Broken Hill. Tom is currently part of Course 29 of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s Flagship Program and hopes to be a driving force in improving the health of rural communities.
Associate Dentist:
Dr Lily Horniblow
Lily studied a Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) at Melbourne University, and then completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine studies at the University of Sydney, where she was the recipient of several scholarships rewarding her academic excellence. During her studies at Sydney University, Lily travelled to Broken Hill as a student on her rural placement, and immediately fell in love with Broken Hill, its people, and unique landscape. After this experience and seeing the standard of dentistry offered at the Dental Centre, Lily decided to move to the bush to join the team and has never looked back.
Since joining the Dental centre in 2021, Lily has made a name for herself amongst our most nervous patients with her kind and gentle approach to dental care, relieving dental anxiety for all patients. Lily also has helped out our community through the RFDS, and is a visiting dentist for several rural clinics.
Outside the clinic, you will see Lily walking her beautiful but mischievous Border Collie puppy, Rory.
Oral Health Therapist
Hannah Pryor
Hannah was once a patient at The Dental Centre, and returned to work with us after completing a bachelor of oral health at Charles Sturt university, in Wagga Wagga in 2018.
Whilst studying, Hannah worked as a dental assistant and was trained in Zoom whitening, and since joining The Dental Centre has expanded her clinical skill set greatly, undergoing training in 3D cone beam radiography, pediatric dental treatment, and orthodontic treatment. As an Oral Health Therapist, Hannah works closely with Dr Tom and Dr Lily to care for our pediatric patients, provide high quality hygiene and cosmetic services, and is integral in providing Invisalign to our patients.
Hanna’s passion is in helping people improve their dental hygiene and creating confident smiles.
Dental Hygienists:
Corinne Wilkins
Corinne Commenced work at The Dental Centre in 2002. While working at The Dental Centre she has obtained her certificate III and IV as a Dental Assistant and completed Radiography training. She then continued her education and completed an Advanced Diploma of Dental Hygiene in 2006. Corinne has continued to remain up to date with Continuing Education programs in Dental Hygiene, and along with Hannah plays a very close role in managing our Invisalign patients. She is a recent mother to a beautiful daughter, Ivy, and works Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday.
Practice Manager
Ann Garrick
Ann commenced work in the dental industry in 1977.
She has successfully completed her Certificate lll and IV in Dental Assisting and Radiography. Since joining The Dental Centre in 2002, Ann has since gained certificates in OPG Radiograph, 3D Cone Beam Radiography and Cerec fabrication of porcelain work including staining and glazing.
Ann has a wealth of dental knowledge in all facets from reception, to surgery work and equipment maintenance. This makes Ann the go to person for The Dental Centre. We would be lost without her.
Outside of the surgery, Ann is a family orientated person and loves keeping fit. All of these qualities along with an amazing work ethic make Ann the perfect Practice Manager.
Front Office Co-ordinator
Erin Davis
Erin joined our team in January 2020, and since joining our practice she has taken us from strength to strength. Her role as Front Office Co-ordinator is essential in ensuring our practice is in ship shape condition, and our patient’s needs are met in a timely fashion. When walking through the door you will be greeted by her friendly smile, and Erin will go out of her way to make sure your experience at The Dental Centre is as smooth as possible, by answering any of your questions or concerns with detailed answers.
Front Office Staff
Erin Hastwell
Our ‘other’ Erin has had extensive experience in customer relations throughout her career and brings this expertise into her role as one of our Front Office Staff. Erin is eager to help our patients and works hard with our team to ensure patients scheduling needs are met, and to ensure everyone achieves their ideal outcome with their smile. She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty either, and you will often see Erin floating in and out of the surgery to help with clinical Dental Assisting.
Dental Assistants
Orana Reynolds
Orana was one of our orthodontic patients, and after commencing her treatment decided to join our team! Since then, she has completed Certificate III in Dental Assisting and is commencing her Certificate IV in Radiography.
Orana is a driven and enthusiastic member of our team and has been a great mentor to our trainee dental assistants. Her bubbly personality and friendly smile helps to put our most anxious patients at ease.
Christelle Van Der Merwe
Christelle is a new member to the Dental Centre team in 2022. Since joining and undertaking her Certificate III in Dental Assisting, she has developed a keen interest in Oral Surgery, and loves assisting Dr Tom and Dr Lily when placing dental implants and performing other surgical procedures. Christelle is also a sporting all-rounder, and you will see her playing every sport Broken Hill has to offer!
Keith Canala (KC)
KC joined the Dental Centre team in 2022, and since then has become an integral member of our team. She is currently completing her Certificate III in Dental Assisting and is an essential member of the Dental Centre Team, working closely with both Dr Tom and Dr Lily. We have quickly come to appreciate her close attention to detail, with KC always ensuring the surgery is running efficiently and our patients are well looked after. Her calm and re-assuring manner is appreciated by all our staff and patients.
Molly Binstead
Molly is the newest member of our team, having recently moved from the Central Coast to Broken Hill. We have been so fortunate to have her join the team, as she has taken to her role amazingly well, quickly mastering the art of dental assisting. She is completing her formal qualification with a Certificate III in Dental Assisting and we look forward to what her future holds with The Dental Centre.