Dentist Sabrina Escuza - Studio Smiles Dental Highett

Dr. Daniel Maryanovsky

Founder and Principal Dentist

General dentistry

Invisalign

Porcelain veneers

Dental implants

Wisdom teeth

Graduating from La Trobe University (Victoria) with a Masters in Dentistry, Dr. Daniel went on to complete advanced training in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. Determined to foster a sense of community, Dr. Daniel is now a faculty member at La Trobe University and co-founded ‘General Dental Residency’, the largest provider of education for early career dentists in Australia.

Dr. Daniel’s greatest passion is the interplay between the artistry, science, and engineering of a smile. Seeing these elements come together daily, whether it be through a simple filling or a complex transformation, is what motivated Dr. Daniel to found Studio Smiles. As a people person himself, Dr. Daniel believes in a relationship driven approach to dental care and likes to take the time to get to know his patients. It is this personal approach and attention to detail which builds trust and gives Dr. Daniel’s patients the confidence to have their smile taken care of.

Outside of Studio Smiles, you’ll find Daniel ballroom dancing, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen or having a hit of tennis on the court.

Dr. Daniel is a leading member of the following organisations:

Australian Dental Association (ADA)
Australian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics (AADFA)
Australian Aesthetics Orthodontics and Restorative Training Academy (AOARTA)
La Trobe University Faculty of Dental and Oral Health Science
Restorative Implant Practice Excellence (RIPE Global)
General Dental Residency
The OrthoEd Institute

Dr Poli Gunaridis

Associate Dentist

Dr Poli is one of the most experienced dental surgeons in Melbourne, working exclusively in the field of dental implants.

Since graduating from the University of Queensland, Dr Poli Gunaridis has pursued advanced training in dental implant and reconstructive surgery. After many years in the field, Dr Poli has become a leading expert in surgical extractions, dental implants, bone grafting, and all-on-4.

With an abundance of knowledge to share, Dr Poli has given both local and international lectures to other aspiring dentists on the topics of implants and graft procedures. This is something he is truly passionate about.

When he’s not practicing, Poli loves making his way around all the newest restaurants in Melbourne to see what they have to offer.

Dr Barry Creighton

With a Bachelor in Dental Surgery and a specialisation in Conscious Sedation & Pain Control from The University of Sydney, Dr Barry Creighton has over 20 years experience in the field.

Dr Barry provides dental sedation services to our patients at Studio Smiles, which means patients can have their ‘sleep’ dentistry done in-house.

Barry’s truly passionate about creating a comfortable space for those who tend to feel anxious when visiting the dentist. In 2014 he was awarded the Dentistry Achievement Award by the Australian Dental Association for recognition of his efforts in the dental world.

In his spare time, you’ll find Barry completing volunteer work as a Paramedic and participating as an active member of the Australian Society of Dental Anaesthesiology.

Dr. Sabrina Escuza

Dentist

Dr. Sabrina Escuza takes great pride in providing a calm environment where patients feel safe to express their needs, and comfortable to ask questions. Empowering you to take control of your oral health journey is her number one priority. She will thoroughly explain your conditions, how they came to be, and what treatment options are available to meet your health or aesthetic goals. Each patient is unique, and she will strategically tie all the aspects of dentistry into an individual journey that will work best for you. It doesn’t matter if it’s a check up, or a complete change that you’re seeking – she will look after you.

Expertise:

General Dentistry – Bring your kids too!
Root Canal Treatment
Veneers and Crowns
Dental implants
Dentures
Whitening Treatment
Treatment in Spanish

Florida, USA is where home is for Dr. Sabrina. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Florida (Go Gators!), and her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Melbourne, where she graduated with honours and an achievement award from the prestigious Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity. Eight years of uni has made her addicted to education – she is fluent in Spanish, has studied philosophy and French, and now spends her free time learning about the most modern dental treatment modalities through continued professional development courses.

Dr. Sabrina finds great joy in the intersections of dentistry – healthcare and artistry, function/aesthetics and mental health, communication and comfort. She is meticulous with the design of a smile, considering everything from the physics of your bite to the color of the porcelain. One of her favorite areas is where surgery meets prosthetics – sometimes losing a very broken down tooth means creating a healthy space for a beautiful replacement that will get you eating without pain and smiling without shame.

Apart from dentistry, Sabrina (not so) secretly thinks she is a master chef, and can be found trying to feed her friends the excessive amount of food she cooks. She loves music, a good picnic in the sun, and her dog, Nile.

Natalie

Dental Nurse & Social Media Coordinator

Currently completing her studies in Dentistry at La Trobe University, Natalie has always been passionate about pursuing a career in the dental world.

To her, it’s a profession where the pinnacle of satisfaction comes from helping patients restore function, relieve pain, and help create beautiful and healthy smiles.

Her passion for student voice and advocacy has allowed her to work in publications, promotions, and executive roles for the Australian Dental Students Association (ADSA), La Trobe Rural Health Association (LARHC), and Bendigo Oral Health & Dentistry Society (BOHDS).

When she’s not studying or undertaking placement, Natalie loves to express her creative side through the art of makeup, fashion and digital content creation. You might even find her cooking up a 5-course meal or checking out the newest cafe in town.

Joelynn (Jo)

Dental Nurse

Joelynn (Jo) is currently completing her dentistry studies at La Trobe University. Her love for the art and science behind dentistry, as well as the ability to help others, is what has drawn her to this industry.

Her role here at Studio Smiles involves assisting with a range of general and cosmetic dental procedures and her caring nature allows her to provide a quality visit for every patient.

When she’s not studying or at the clinic, you’ll find Joelynn having a hit on the golf course, baking her favourite sweet treats, and spending time with her family and friends.

Isabel

Dental Nurse

As a dental nurse her focus is on ensuring patients have the best experience possible during their time in the treatment room with us.

Isabel completed her studies in Paramedicine at Monash University. Wanting to get out of her comfort zone and try something new within the healthcare industry, Isabel found her way into the world of dentistry. She believes that smiles are an important part of who we are and wants to be a part of the journey for those wishing to achieve the smile of their dreams.

When she’s not taking care of her patients, Isabel enjoys spending her free time surfing, and at the beach. A traveller at heart and a self-confessed foodie, you’ll find Isabel trying out different restaurants across Melbourne.

Katie

Patient Coordinator, Reception

Katie is the face of the practice, helping meet and take care of patients from the moment they first get in touch.

With an extensive history in the dental industry, Katie has the skills and experience to help patients get the dentistry they need in a way that fits in with their lifestyle and budget. As patient coordinator she has a wealth of knowledge on topics such as general dental treatment, fillings, root canals, Invisalign, porcelain veneers, and dental implants.

In her spare time Katie is passionate about healthy living and loves finding new places to walk her dogs.

Dr. Jeffrey Tho

Dentist

Dr Jeffrey Tho is a very experienced dentist and has a passion for helping his patients achieve optimal oral health. Dr Jeff thoroughly enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, including crown and bridge, endodontics, extractions and dental sleep medicine.

He graduated from the University of Melbourne with Honours in 2013. Since then he has owned a dental practice in Ballarat until 2019. Since then has worked in Melbourne over the last four years priding himself on providing comprehensive dental care, personalised to each unique patient.

Dr Jeff has also worked as a pre-clinical demonstrator at the University of Melbourne since 2016 and has supervised dental student research in the area of orthodontics.

Outside of dentistry, Jeff was a former number 1 badminton player in Oceania and has represented Australia at two Commonwealth Games as an athlete and once as the Australian National Coach.