Dr Benjamin Clothier
Principal Dentist
When I was a youngster, I enjoyed watching my dad tinkering and making things with his tools and soon developed a love for this too.
It was a great outlet and taught me to be meticulous in planning and execution of a project.
As I grew older, I knew I wanted to work with my hands and the dental field really appealed to me as it provides a combination of scientific problem solving, whilst allowing the satisfaction of seeing results of hands on work.
Having grown up in Naracoorte I had always wanted to live and work in a country town as the lifestyle and people are unbeatable.
I love that as a rural general dentist there are a vast variety of procedures to be done.
The things I like most about my job are meeting lots of interesting people, building relationships, being able to relieve tooth aches, and helping people improve maintain their smile and chewing ability for longer.
When I’m not at work, I love spending time with family and friends, doing ‘handyman’ jobs around the house and listening to music.
I also enjoy running to keep fit and it’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful area we live in.
Dr Donna Furler
Dentist
As an 18-year-old, fresh out of high school, I worked part time as a dental assistant while studying my first year of Human Movement. I was planning a career in sport or physical education however, I soon realised that I enjoyed working in dental so much that I decided to pursue this full time. I worked as a dental assistant for two years and completed a certificate in dental assisting and dental radiography. I was then accepted into a Bachelor of Oral Health at The University of Adelaide. I graduated as an Oral Health Therapist in 2005 and worked for 5 years in both the public and private sector in SA, QLD and NT and finally in a volunteer role in Timor Leste as a dental program coordinator for two years. My work in Timor Leste was definitely the impetus for further study in dentistry. I studied a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University and graduated with honours and an academic medal in 2015. Some would say that I have taken the long road!
I love working as part of the CVFD team. It is progressive and supportive; we are encouraged to continually challenge our learning and practice and always provide high quality dental care. The two things I like most about working as a dentist are the fact that it is a very hands-on career, and we work closely with people. As a dentist working in a rural area, our scope of practice is wide and therefore, varied and interesting.
Growing up in the country, I have always played a lot of sport. I play netball for Blyth Snowtown Netball Club. I am married to Matt and we have 2 children. Our family life is wonderful and very rewarding. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, travel and catching up with friends for a good chat and a wine or two.
Dr Katelyn Maynard
Dentist
I always wanted to be a dentist.
I remember visiting the dentist as a teenager and thinking they were just the coolest. The more I looked into it, the more it seemed like a great job possibility for me.
After finishing high school I worked full time as a dental assistant for my gap year which confirmed for me that the dental surgery was where I wanted to be.
I love all of the aspects and challenges of being a dentist.
There is a good mix of problem solving, creativity, science, teamwork and hands on ‘creating things’ in every day. It is also very rewarding to meet lots of different people and help them to improve their health and confidence via their oral health.
Outside of work I spend my time enjoying lots of hobbies, running for fitness and having good times with friends and family.
My creative pursuits include sewing clothes, decorating, and just generally making things!
I am also Mama to 30 odd house plants and 2 fluffy cats who keep me on my toes.
Dr Brooke Beath
Dentist
Dentistry is my vocation and I am extremely passionate about the profession. I have worked within many different roles relating to Dentistry for over 10 years and continue to thoroughly enjoy my work. From a young age I have always liked knowing how the body works and had a keen interest in working with my hands. Growing up in remote Australia I soon had a large collection of various animal teeth specimens. Some kids collected rocks…. I collected teeth! As a child living in rural and remote parts of Australia, we had limited exposure to the dentist, hence why I am passionate about rural health and love being able to provide my community with an essential service.
I am a very sociable and bubbly person. I love interacting with people and I understand that many individuals do not enjoy going to the dentist and can be quite worried and anxious. I find it very rewarding when I am able to help someone overcome these fears by providing a positive dental experience. I enjoy being able to provide dental work for young children and anxious adults under nitrous oxide sedation (Happy Gas). In addition to rural general dentistry, I have a keen interest in children’s dentistry, endodontics and aesthetic restorative dentistry. I enjoy being able to provide comprehensive, efficient and effective care in a team environment. I love living and working in the Clare Valley where I can raise my children and enjoy the benefits of a rural community lifestyle mixed with part-time general dentistry.
Outside of Dentistry I enjoy spending time with my husband (who is a rural GP) and our two young daughters. I keep active by running and you can normally find me on a Saturday morning pushing a pram at the local Clare Valley parkrun. I also enjoy snuggling up with a good book and cup of tea when I get time to myself.
Lauren Cross
Oral Health Therapist
I was only 17 when I first became interested in dentistry.
After finishing high school, I completed a dental assistant traineeship with the SA Dental Service in Port Augusta. Working alongside Dental Therapist; Dianne George, I was inspired to further my studies and complete the Bachelor of Oral Health course at the University of Adelaide in 2012.
As an Oral Health Therapist, I love being able to work with both children and adult patients to help improve their oral health, as well as make the dental clinic a positive and fun experience.
Like any job - it can have its challenges, but it can also be very rewarding!
Outside of work, I enjoy socialising with friends and family, playing netball for North Clare and travelling.
Sinead Wright
Oral Health Therapist
I developed my passion in the field of dentistry, working as a dental assistant for 6 years in Mildura, Victoria.
In this role, I was able to understand the importance of oral health — and its connection to overall health; this both motivated and excited me to pursue further studies. I felt that I wanted to be able to provide this service and care to patients of my own. I then ventured to South Australia to study a Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Adelaide.
I have recently relocated to the Clare Valley to join the team at CVFD. As an Oral Health Therapist, I enjoy the fact that I am able to provide a range of dental care in a variety of settings to children, adolescents and adults. I enjoy both the theoretical and practical side dentistry provides as a career; not to mention, how rewarding it is to meet new patients and support them on their journey to achieve their oral health goals.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy travelling, art and all things food and wine.
Christy Clothier
Practice Manager
Since a young age I knew that I wanted to ‘help people’ when I grew up. So cliched! After high school, I studied to become an Occupational Therapist and absolutely loved this work. I got to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, and this opened my eyes to so much more of the world and our communities. Dentistry has been a part of my life for a long time, spending a lot of time at the dental school with Dr Clothier during his studies (even attending a lecture or two!). When we opened Clare Valley Family Dental in 2013, I took on the role of Practice Manager on the one day a fortnight I wasn’t working as an OT. As the business expanded, so did my role and I made the choice to focus on our wonderful dental clinic full time.
I love working with our dynamic and passionate team and interacting with our patients! There is always something interesting going on and problems that need solving. What I enjoy most is the way my training as an Occupational Therapist comes in amazingly useful in my current role. Having worked in a clinical setting outside of the dental field provides me unique opportunities to assess things from a different perspective from others. I also really like being able to slip into other roles around the clinic when needed.
Ben and I have 3 young boys to keep us busy when we’re not at work! I love baking sweet treats and to help counteract this, I have developed a keen interest in running. I like to be involved in the community and have a few regular volunteer roles. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world and I really love getting out and enjoying the food and wine of the Clare Valley and anywhere else we travel to. I am also quite passionate about reducing waste in our environment and spend time finding new ways for us to do our bit a bit better!
Hayley Reid
Practice Coordinator
As a child undergoing orthodontic treatment, I was always interested in what the dental nurse was doing and thought this would be something I could enjoy. After finishing high school, I was lucky enough to get work in a dental clinic and then starting learning and growing. Since 2010, I have worked in various roles in administration and dentistry.
I love working in a busy environment, caring for our patients, and seeing how their oral health improves over time. On a day, you could see me at the front desk, assisting one of our amazing providers, sterilising instruments, managing our stock and other administrative tasks.
I like to keep myself busy by spending time in the garden, home improvements, trying out new recipes in the kitchen or sampling the beautiful CV local produce! Playing netball for the North Clare Roosters keeps me busy in the winter months. Escaping to the farm North of Carrieton to spend time with family and camp in the creek is a treasured childhood activity.
Holly Salter
Dental Assistant/Receptionist
I have been working in the dental industry for the past 6 years as a dental assistant.
In this time, I have completed a certificate three and four, bought a house, become married and have had two children.
I have worked alongside many talented staff members who have inspired me to investigate further studies, which I plan to do in the future.
My favourite part of my job is communicating with patients, working as a team and assisting with all dental treatments.
I love being at work knowing that every day I will be learning something new and supporting patients in our local community.
When I’m away from work, I like to enjoy an uninterrupted coffee if I get a chance!
Marcia Dixon
Dental Assistant
I became interested and dedicated to the dental field whilst completing my Dental Assisting traineeship many years ago in a busy, modern Adelaide city practice.
I enjoy interacting with patients and being hands on clinically.
In the dental field, no two days are the same as no two mouths are the same!
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family, gardening and horse riding.
Alex Butterick
Dental Assistant/Receptionist
When I was at High School I wanted to join the army and had never considered a career in the dental field.
Once I started a Dental Assisting traineeship with the SA Dental Service I found a true love and passion for the job!
The thing I like most about my job is being able to help people smile. The satisfaction you get from helping someone is so underestimated 🙂
I love being around my family, especially my daughter, nieces and nephew. I enjoy being outside in the garden, cooking and DIY projects.
Margie Starling
Receptionist
I first became involved with CVFD as a patient who was very apprehensive about coming to the dentist. When a job opportunity arose here which meant I could move closer to my family, I hoped to be able to help others overcome their fears.
I love that in my job I am able to interact with lots of different people every day. I also enjoy being able to help people.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Renee Fahey
Dental Assistant/Receptionist
I grew up in Jamestown and knew I always wanted to be a mum so I started a family in my early 20’s and now have three little girls.
It wasn’t until my youngest fell and had some facial trauma and needed dental surgery that I started to take an interest in being a dental assistant.
From then I started my certificate three in dental assisting and working at Clare Valley Family Dental.
I have had to put my studies on hold for a short time but intend on completing them soon.
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