Bulk-billed children’s dentistry Dental emergency Kogarah & Haymarket (02) 9281 0007

The people who look after you

Meet The Team

Fourteen dentists, prosthetists, assistants and managers across our Kogarah and Haymarket practices — the same team, whichever rooms you visit.

Kogarah & Haymarket, Sydney
Accepting new patients
(02) 9281 0007

In short

Village Dental Clinic is staffed by fourteen people across our Kogarah and Haymarket practices: seven dentists led by Principal Dentist Dr. Anju Prajapati Maharjan, a dental prosthetist, a senior dental technician, three senior dental assistants, a senior team leader and a practice manager. The same team works at both locations.

Experts in their fields — and in listening

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to understanding your unique concerns, desires, and needs, all while upholding our integrity.

At our practice, our dentists and staff members have undergone extensive training to become experts in their respective fields, specializing in the latest treatments and technologies. However, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to understanding your unique concerns, desires, and needs, all while upholding our integrity. We believe in empowering you to choose the type of dental healthcare that best suits you.

Unlike many other dental offices, we offer an array of advanced treatment options that go beyond the norm. Our primary goal is to ensure that you feel your absolute best and can fully enjoy life through excellent dental health. With the remarkable advancements in dentistry today, there are numerous choices available to help you embrace life with confidence and a radiant smile. Our dedicated staff will work diligently to find solutions that seamlessly align with your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Principal Dentist

Dr. Anju Prajapati Maharjan

Principal Dentist | Haymarket, Kogarah

Anju, the lead dentist at Village Dental Clinic, is a highly skilled professional. She obtained her qualification from Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu and relocated to Sydney in 2008. In 2010, she successfully completed her accreditation from the ADC. Anju is dedicated to delivering vital dental care services to the local community. When she’s not attending to patients, she finds joy in spending time with her daughters. Anju also enjoys activities like cycling and cooking.

Dr. Maharjan opened the practice’s first rooms in 2011 and still sees patients at both locations. The standards she set for sterilisation, infection control and continuing education are set out on our about page, and you can reach her team through our contact page.

Book with our team

Dr. Anju Prajapati Maharjan, Principal Dentist at Village Dental Clinic

Our dentists

Between them our dentists cover general and family dentistry, surgery, prosthodontics, implants and cosmetic work — and two of them speak a second language at the chair.

Dr. Nael Malik

Dentist | Kogarah

Introducing Dr. Malik, our esteemed senior dentist who contributes to our practice on a part-time basis. With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years in clinical dentistry, he brings a wealth of experience to our team. Dr. Malik completed his education at Adelaide University, establishing a solid foundation for his professional journey.

Dr. Malik possesses a special interest in the fields of surgery, prosthodontics, and implant dentistry. His expertise in these areas is highly regarded, allowing him to provide exceptional care to our patients.

We are privileged to have Dr. Malik as part of our team, as his extensive experience and specialized knowledge greatly enhance the range of services we offer.

Dr. Sarita Adhikari

Dentist | Kogarah

Dr. Sarita Adhikari, a dedicated dentist who earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree in 2004. Driven by a passion for creating a welcoming environment, Sarita strives to ensure that everyone who enters the practice feels comfortable and at ease. She strongly believes in the power of education as a preventive measure for dental issues, and thus takes the time to actively listen to her patients and provide them with valuable information.

Dr. Sarita Adhikari finds joy in practicing all aspects of general dentistry, catering to a wide range of dental needs. She is committed to continuous professional development, eagerly pursuing opportunities to expand her knowledge and refine her skills in order to stay up to date with the latest advancements in dental care.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Sarita finds solace in spending quality time with her family and embarking on memorable journeys through her love for travel. As a testament to her commitment to excellence, she proudly holds membership in the Australian Dental Association.

Dr. Sarita Adhikari’s unwavering dedication to patient care, combined with her ongoing pursuit of knowledge and her warm and friendly demeanor, make her a valued member of our dental team.

Dr. Joshua Zheng

Dentist | Kogarah

Dr Joshua Zheng is a Sydney native and a graduate of the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Driven by genuine enthusiasm, he takes great pleasure in building connections with his patients and ensuring their dental visits are as enjoyable for them as they are for him. Whether he is reconstructing smiles with veneers, rebuilding bites with implants, or teaching children how to brush their teeth, he wants everyone to be confident to smile and to eat. You can view his most memorable cases on Instagram at @jz_smiles

As well as being a dentist, Joshua is also a pianist, a touch footballer, and a budding Christian apologist. He now lives interstate, but visits Sydney regularly to attend courses in dentistry, and still works at Village Dental Kogarah as a locum dentist for some of his most beloved patients.

Dr. George Chen

Dentist | Kogarah

Dr. George Chen, a highly motivated dentist who obtained his degree from the University of Adelaide, concurrently achieving Honours. Fluent in both English and Chinese (Mandarin), George takes immense pleasure in bringing smiles to his patients’ faces.

Beyond the realm of dentistry, George finds joy in traveling, exploring new destinations and cultures. He also enjoys participating in basketball competitions, showcasing his athletic side. Additionally, George possesses a musical talent, playing both the piano and the cello, which provide him with a creative outlet.

Dr. George Chen’s dedication to dentistry, combined with his diverse range of interests and linguistic skills, make him a valuable asset to our practice. His commitment to creating positive patient experiences and his multifaceted approach to life contribute to fostering an environment of excellence and care.

Dr. James Frank Sternhell

Dentist | Haymarket, Kogarah

Dr. James Frank Sternhell is a highly experienced dentist with over 30 years of practice in general dentistry. A proud graduate of the University of Sydney, he has dedicated his career to providing exceptional care and building lasting relationships with his patients.

Dr. Sternhell approaches dental care with a unique perspective, always considering the broader context of each patient’s individual life circumstances. He believes that the most effective treatments often begin with understanding the full picture of a patient’s health and lifestyle. This holistic approach allows him to offer personalized care that suits each patient’s needs and goals.

A firm believer in simplicity, Dr. Sternhell always looks for the least invasive and most straightforward treatment options available, ensuring that his patients receive the best care without unnecessary procedures. His passion for dentistry is matched by his commitment to ensuring every patient feels comfortable, understood, and well-cared for during their visits.

With decades of experience and a patient-centered philosophy, Dr. Sternhell is proud to be a trusted part of the Village Dental team, helping patients achieve and maintain their healthiest smiles.

Dr. Nermeen Khazan

Dentist | Haymarket, Kogarah

A written biography for Dr. Khazan has not been supplied yet. Call the practice on (02) 9281 0007 and our team will be glad to tell you more.

Prosthetics & laboratory

Dentures, mouthguards, splints and prostheses are made and fitted by our own prosthetist and technician — not sent away to a stranger.

Mr Anish Maharjan

Dental Prosthetist | Haymarket, Kogarah

Anish Maharjan was born in Nepal and has been passionate about dentistry since arriving in Australia in 2007, where he began his career as a dental technician. Over time, his interest grew particularly in the field of dentures, leading him to complete an Advanced Diploma in Dental Prosthetics in 2016 at Sydney Hospital (Randwick, TAFE).

With experience across many areas of dentistry, Anish has extensive knowledge of dental appliances, including orthodontic devices, mouthguards, splints, fixed prostheses, and removable prostheses.

Anish is known for his positive attitude and ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for colleagues, patients, and everyone around him. He is approachable, determined, and dedicated to his craft, combining skill, focus, and genuine care in his work.

Outside of work, Anish enjoys spending quality time with his family and going camping.

Mrs. Durga Malla Gurung

Senior Dental Technician

Durga Malla Gurung is a skilled Dental Technician who completed her training at TAFE in Sydney. With a diverse background in the health sector, including experience as a nurse, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her current role. Durga immigrated to Australia in 2008 and has since been dedicated to her work as a Dental Technician.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Durga has a passion for dance and finds joy in expressing herself through movement. She also possesses a love for travel, embracing opportunities to explore new destinations and immerse herself in different cultures.

Durga Malla Gurung’s commitment to dental technology, combined with her creative outlets and wanderlust, make her a valued member of our team. Her dedication to providing high-quality dental solutions, coupled with her diverse range of interests, contributes to her well-rounded approach to life and work.

Our practice team

The people who answer the phone, prepare the room, run the sterilisation protocols and keep both practices moving — usually before you have taken your coat off.

Practice Manager

Mr. Amar Maharjan

Amar, Anju’s husband, takes on the role of Practice Manager. He holds a degree in IT from Charles Sturt University, which he completed in 2007. Amar initially worked in Sydney for four years in the IT field. However, when Anju completed her qualifications from ADC and established their first dental clinic in 2011, Amar made a career change to support her venture as the Practice Manager.

Starting part-time, Amar soon transitioned to full-time involvement in managing their dental clinic. Alongside his professional duties, he finds joy in spending quality time with their daughters, Arisa and Amy. Additionally, Amar nurtures his passion for photography, capturing moments that bring beauty and inspiration to his life. Cycling is another activity he enjoys during his spare time, embracing the outdoors and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Amar’s dedication to managing the practice and his commitment to family, hobbies, and personal well-being demonstrate his multifaceted nature. His support and expertise contribute to the success and smooth operation of the dental clinic, ensuring patients receive the highest level of care and service.

Mrs. Manju Shah

Senior Team Leader

Manju Shah is the Senior Dental Team Leader, bringing extensive experience and a passion for supporting patients and staff alike. She ensures smooth clinic operations while maintaining a welcoming, friendly environment for every patient.

Known for her professionalism and care, Manju is dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their dental visits.

Mrs. Abha Shrestha

Senior Dental Assistant

Abha, originally a dentist from Nepal, embarked on a new chapter in her career when she arrived in Australia in 2016. With a vision for a long-term commitment to the dental field, she brings her expertise and passion to our practice. Abha’s warm and welcoming nature ensures that all patients feel at ease and comfortable under her care.

In addition to her dedication to patient well-being, Abha places a strong emphasis on maintaining high infection control standards, particularly in sterilization protocols. This commitment ensures the safety and health of our patients.

During her leisure time, Abha finds solace in activities that connect her with nature and her loved ones. She enjoys gardening, nurturing plants and creating beauty in her surroundings. Exploring the great outdoors through hiking is another passion that rejuvenates her spirit. Above all, spending quality time with her loved ones brings her immense joy and fulfillment.

Abha’s commitment to delivering exceptional dental care, along with her nurturing hobbies and cherished relationships, make her an invaluable member of our team. Her dedication to creating a welcoming environment and prioritizing patient safety aligns perfectly with our practice’s values.

Ms. Parvaneh Razav

Senior Dental Assistant

Parvaneh Razav is a Senior Dental Assistant with extensive experience in supporting dental procedures and ensuring patient comfort. She is passionate about creating a calm, welcoming environment and assisting the dental team with precision and care.

Parvaneh is committed to helping patients feel at ease during every visit while contributing to the smooth, efficient operation of the clinic.

Ms. Tolou Gholami

Senior Dental Assistant

Tolou Gholami is a Senior Dental Assistant with extensive experience in supporting dental procedures and ensuring patient comfort. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming and calm environment while assisting the dental team with precision and care.

Tolou takes pride in helping patients feel at ease and confident during every visit.

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