Dental Solutions Tauranga

Meet Our Dentists & Dental Team in Tauranga

Experienced & Caring Dentists Committed to Your Oral Health

At Dental Solutions Tauranga, we believe that a healthy smile starts with a caring team. Our experienced dentists, hygienists, and support staff are passionate about providing top-quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether you’re here for a routine cleaning or a complete smile makeover, we’re dedicated to making every visit a positive experience.

Get to know the friendly faces behind your care!

Bernie Pollard (BDS Otago) – Dental Surgeon

Bernie Pollard (BDS Otago) - Dental Surgeon & Jack-of-all-trades

Bernie is one half of the Pollard partnership and co-founder of Dental Solutions, bringing a lifelong passion for dentistry that started back in his school days (a fact the team likes to remind him of when he needs a bit of a push!). Dentistry has always been his calling, and more than 40 years later, he still loves what he does. As he approaches retirement, Bernie has become more involved in wider dental interests. He now supports the community as a forensic dentist and is increasingly involved with the NZ Dental Council, helping to uphold and safeguard dental standards across the profession. As well as being a skilled clinician, Bernie is also our resident Mr Fixit—whether it’s dental gear or something else entirely, he’s usually the first one to tinker, repair or improve it. His motto? If he can’t fix it, it might be time to bin it. Outside of work, Bernie enjoys paddle boarding, cycling, kayaking, fishing, and generally mucking about with things. He’s also a committed coffee snob, steadily building an impressive (and slightly mysterious) collection of brewing gear. Bernie is married to Cathy, and together they’ve raised two adult children—and a number of pugs.

Trish – Dental Chairside Assistant

Trish - Dental Chairside Assistant

Trish has been part of the Dental Solutions team since 2004 and brings a calm, capable presence to everything she does. With a knack for reading the room (and minds), she always seems to know what’s needed next—often before anyone has to ask. Before committing to the dental world, Trish built up a wonderfully varied CV: glacier guide in the South Island, fish factory worker in Iceland, nanny in London, and bar manager in Canada. She’s truly done it all. These days, she’s based a little closer to home but still regularly zips over the Kaimais—and she’s always got one eye on her next overseas adventure. Around Tauranga, you’ll often find her out riding “Daisy”, her trusty bike (named after the Daisy Hardwick track she loves). Trish is a family person through and through, and we’re lucky to be counted among her extended crew.

Matt Johnson (BDS Otago) – Dental Surgeon

Matt Johnson (BDS Otago) – Dental Surgeon

Matt is a true Bay of Plenty local, having grown up on a kiwifruit orchard in the Eastern BOP and attending Tauranga Boys’ College. Matt joined Dental Solutions in 2008 and has been helping patients with their dental care ever since. Approachable and practical, Matt takes the time to explain options clearly so patients can make confident, informed decisions. At home in Otumoetai, Matt and his wife—who he met at Dental School—have two growing children, plus a rabbit and a chocolate Labrador, making for a lively household. Lately, Matt has fully embraced the role of hands-on parent, getting involved in everything from rugby and cricket to netball and art. It’s a steep learning curve—but he’s loving it. When he gets the chance, Matt also enjoys collecting vintage toys—a hobby shared with his dad and son. He’s proud to care for a loyal group of long-time patients and always welcomes new faces looking for good, honest dental care.

Superna Sandhu (BDS) – Dental Surgeon

Superna Sandhu (BDS) – Dental Surgeon

Superna brings an international flair to the Dental Solutions team, having trained in India and worked in England before settling with her family in beautiful Tauranga. Since arriving in New Zealand, she’s embraced her new home with energy, warmth, and a strong sense of community. Very family-oriented, Superna juggles life as a busy mum with her work in dentistry—and still finds time to spoil the team with authentic homemade curries (mild enough for the rest of us!). Her cultural connections and inclusive approach help her build great rapport with patients from all walks of life. She loves getting outdoors and is often found walking local tracks with her family. Her calm, positive presence puts even the most nervous patients at ease, and she finds real satisfaction in helping people improve their dental health. Superna’s cheerful energy, cultural insight, and genuine care make her a valued part of our team.

Charlotte

Charlotte - Dental Assistant and Receptionist

Charlotte brings a brilliant mix of energy, warmth, and cheeky humour to her dual role as Dental Assistant and Receptionist. She’s known for her quick wit, infectious laugh, and—let’s be honest—you’ll probably hear her before you see her! Always up for an adventure, Charlotte has a knack for turning everyday outings into epic stories (usually involving a few fresh bruises). Whether it’s a weekend mission or a spontaneous challenge, she rarely comes back unscathed—but always smiling. On top of her day-to-day roles, Charlotte is also the voice behind our social media—bringing the same energy online as she does in person. She’s even taken on the challenge of training Cathy in the ways of the digital world… a task requiring equal parts patience and humour! From the front desk to the dental chair, Charlotte’s lively spirit and love for people make her a much-loved part of the team.

Sanri - Dental Assistant & Receptionist

Sanri joined the Dental Solutions team at the start of 2025, making a bold career change—and she’s absolutely loving it. In her dual role as Dental Assistant and Receptionist, she’s already proving to be a fantastic fit. Originally from South Africa, Sanri moved to New Zealand with her family as a teenager. Afrikaans is her first language, and it’s not unusual to hear her and Sunel chatting away in the staff room. In 2024, she proudly became a New Zealand citizen—and we’re thrilled she’s here to stay. Sanri brings a calm, thoughtful presence to the practice—with just the right dash of cheek! Beneath that quiet exterior lies a closet gamer, and she’s currently trying to help Cathy make peace with the wonders (and occasional chaos) of modern tech. Progress is… ongoing.

Ann

Ann - Dental Assistant

If you've visited us over the past decade, chances are you've seen Ann in action – calm, capable, and always one step ahead in the surgery with Superna or Bernie. Ann joined our team back in 2014, originally juggling reception and chairside duties before focusing on what she does best: supporting patients and dentists alike, with a quiet wit that’s helped more than a few new dentists find their feet (no pressure!). Originally from the Outer Hebrides – land of wild winds, strong tea, and even stronger people – Ann traded that in for Tauranga sunshine after meeting her Kiwi husband over 30 years ago. We're very glad she did. Now with her daughters grown up, she’s turning her energy to a few heartfelt causes. This year, she’s aiming to conquer Mauao 100 times to raise awareness for Neurofibromatosis and Type 1 Diabetes. She may be fully immersed in Kiwi life, but she's still Scottish at heart – don't be surprised if you hear a phrase or two of Gaelic in the clinic, or if she mysteriously disappears during All Blacks vs Scotland matches!

Nickie Macdonald (BOH) Otago – Dental Hygienist

Nickie Macdonald (BOH) – Dental Hygienist

Some of you may remember Nickie from her time with us back in 2017. After several years away—including time in Wellington and Edinburgh—she rejoined the Dental Solutions team in 2021, and we were absolutely thrilled to welcome her back. Since settling back in Tauranga, Nickie hasn’t slowed down! She’s married, bought and renovated a home, welcomed a puppy, and added a little boy to the family. Baby number two is due in July 2025, so we’ll be holding the fort while she’s on parental leave—excited for her, and already counting down to her return. Nickie is delighted to call Tauranga home again, and she’s quickly re-established herself as a familiar and much-loved part of the practice.

Sunel Van Der Merwe (BChD) Western Cape – Dental Therapist/Hygienist

Sunel van der Merwe (BChD) – Dental Hygienist

Sunel has been part of the Dental Solutions team since 2017, arriving in the Bay of Plenty after time in both South Africa and Auckland. Originally trained as a dentist in South Africa, she now focuses on Dental Hygiene, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a calm, caring approach to every appointment. Before joining us, Sunel also shared her expertise as an Oral Health lecturer at AUT. Her calm nature and quiet confidence make her a grounding presence in our otherwise energetic team. (Though don’t be fooled—it’s always the quiet ones you have to watch!) Outside the clinic, Sunel’s life is just as full. She and her family live on a lifestyle block, where she juggles home renovations, animals, and two busy children. Somehow, she manages it all—gracefully and with a smile.

Maree - Receptionist

Maree began her dental journey straight out of school, working as a Chairside Assistant in Levin for 15 years. After a break exploring other industries, we were lucky enough to lure her back to dentistry in 2005—and she’s been anchoring our front desk ever since. As the first face many patients see, Maree truly is the heart of Dental Solutions. She runs reception with confidence, kindness, and a sharp sense of humour. Her upbeat, “staunch” attitude—shaped by life’s ups and downs—means she connects easily and genuinely with everyone who walks through the door. Married to Mike (a builder), Maree has a natural eye for interior design and isn’t afraid to add a splash of colour and creativity to the practice – check out her nails! She keeps the place running smoothly—and looking great while she’s at it.

Cathy

Cathy - The Boss!

South Otago born and bred, Cathy is the other half of the Pollard partnership. She and Bernie opened Dental Solutions in November 1998 with a clear goal: to create a genuine family dental practice—without ruining a perfectly good marriage in the process! Their plan was simple: Bernie would be “just the dentist” and Cathy would take care of everything else. More than 25 years later, that formula is still going strong. Cathy leads our team with warmth, energy and a great sense of humour. She’s proud to work alongside such a positive, caring and professional group of people. The environment she’s helped shape is relaxed and welcoming—where patients and team members alike truly feel like part of the family.