Meet Our Team - Islington Dental

Jeremy Moran

2000 Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Honours), University of Sydney

Born and raised in Newcastle and the Hunter, I moved to Sydney to study Dentistry at the University of Sydney.

After graduating I spent a number of years working in Practice in Sydney and teaching dental students at Sydney University. I have maintained my teaching commitments at the university and still teach Cosmetic dentistry to third year students every year.

I started at Islington Dental in 2004 and have been a partner since 2007. Since becoming the senior partner in 2015. I have assembled a highly skilled and compassionate team of dentists, hygienists and support staff, and updated the practice equipment and facilities without compromising the long standing philosophy of taking care of people.

I regularly attend conferences and continuing education and have been actively involved in the Australian Dental Association for a number of years.

What little spare time I have is spent with my sons and I thoroughly enjoy supporting and assisting their various sporting endeavours

I have been in the dental field for over 25 years
I completed my Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Honours), University of Sydney in 2000
I have been an elected ADA NSW Council member for a number of years and have taught cosmetic dentistry at Sydney University for over 21 years.
I enjoy spending time with my family including my two sons and I love a wide range of music and follow Formula 1 car racing and a number of other sports.

Neil Frizzo

2007 Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Sydney
2004 Bachelor of Science, University of Western Sydney
Awarded the Haddon Kemp Medal for Oral Surgery

I grew up in Badgerys Creek, south-west of Sydney, and enjoyed the rural lifestyle and being involved with the NSW rural fire service. I joined the team at Islington Dental in 2008. In 2012 I married a Canadian from Nova Scotia and briefly lived there, but was driven out by the cold weather. Upon returning to Australia I realised I really missed Newcastle’s great outdoor lifestyle.

I returned to Islington Dental in 2014 and have been a partner since 2016. I am committed to lifelong learning and attend conferences and courses to upgrade my skills and better understand the challenges my profession is facing going forward. I earned a position as a clinical teacher in 2010 for the University of Sydney and have taught general and cosmetic dentistry ever since.

I am passionate about improving my patient’s oral health.

I have been in the dental industry for over 18 years
I completed a Bachelor of Science from University of Western Sydney in 2004 and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Sydney in 2007
I am still a bit of a science nerd and love playing the guitar. I love mountain bike riding on my days off and when visiting Canada I enjoy ocean sailing and skating on frozen lakes
I hold Australian, Italian and Canadian citizenship

Martin Davies

1983 Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Sydney

I grew up in Sydney and moved to Newcastle seeking a sea change. Islington Dental has been my home since 1989.

I have had the pleasure of looking after generations of families throughout the Hunter region and beyond and it has been a privilege to be entrusted with the oral health of so many.

When I'm not working, I enjoy exploring this beautiful city and it picturesque beaches and spending time with my family.

I have been in the dental industry for over 42 years.
I completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Sydney in 1983.
I like relaxing with a good book and enjoy stand-up comedy. I also enjoy dining out across Newcastle's vast array of restaurants and cafes.

Thea Meneses

2004 Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Sydney

I started my working career as a registered nurse working in various hospitals in Sydney, mainly Prince of Wales in Randwick and St Vincent’s hospital in Darlinghurst. After years of back breaking work, I decided to have a change in career, but wanted to continue working within the health industry. I chose Dentistry as I am passionate about it, love looking after people and also like working with my hands.

After graduating in 2004, I moved to Newcastle where I worked in various practices in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

I truly enjoy my job, providing patients with solutions to their dental problems. Patient education is very important to me and aim to engage the patient in their care.

I am privileged to work in Islington, one of Newcastle longest established practices. I also enjoy working with its highly skilled team, where I can continue to provide a compassionate and professional dental service to the local people of Newcastle and the Hunter.

I have been in the dental industry for over 21 years.
I originally completed a Bachelor of Nursing and then a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney in 2004.
I enjoy spending time with my family and catching up with friends, dining in and around Newcastle.
Sport is an important part of my life. I love keeping fit and active, going to the gym often and walking the coastal paths around the beaches.

Andy Milburn

2010 Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Newcastle University UK
2024 PG Dip Clin Dent (Oral Implants)

Originally from Newcastle Upon Tyne in England, I studied dentistry at the University there and qualified in 2010. I spent a few years working in the NHS in the UK before relocating to Australia in 2014. I have worked in private practice in Newcastle and the Hunter since 2014. I have been a member of the Islington Dental team since early 2024 and it has been a pleasure to be part of such a highly skilled and friendly team.

In 2024 I gained my Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants). Dental implants are an amazing option for replacing missing teeth and we are pleased to be able to offer both the placement and restoration of implants to our patients at Islington. I have a keen interest in digital dentistry and the way it is shaping the future of our everyday practice as well as how it is continually improving the dental experience for our patients.

Outside of work I am a huge soccer (football!) fan, following my boyhood club Newcastle United and playing locally for Cooks Hill United. My young family and I love living in Newcastle and are very lucky to live so close to such beautiful beaches, with the Hunter Valley on our doorstep and the bright lights of Sydney a short drive away.

Angie Bell

2019 Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy, University of Newcastle

I fell into a dental assisting job in 2015, without realising how much I would enjoy working in the dental field. Assisting the dentists and therapists inspired me to further my education, so I completed my Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy with full adult scope.

Initially I joined Islington Dental in January 2017 as a Dental Assistant after moving from Mackay QLD. After graduating from Newcastle University in 2019, I was pleased to remain part of the great team at Islington Dental.

I love taking care of my patients and having the ability to keep their oral hygiene up to date as well as complete their restorative work such as fillings. I love to see children and their parents, and find it so rewarding to a see positive change in their oral health through dental education.

Originally from the North Coast of NSW, I love living in Newcastle, where I get to enjoy its beautiful beaches and surrounding attractions.

I have been in the dental industry for over 10 years.
I completed my Bachelor of Dental Hygiene and Therapy at Newcastle University in 2019.
I live a social lifestyle and enjoy live music, food and getting out riding or skateboarding to the beach.
In my chill time I love finishing a tricky jigsaw puzzle or doing a bit of pottery.

Tash Fitzsummons

2011 Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy, Otago University

I spent my early childhood years growing up in Africa, before migrating to New Zealand when I was 7, to a small east coast town on the North Island. I studied a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy at Otago University in Dunedin and graduated in 2011.

A need for warmer weather and a love of the tv series ‘Mcleods Daughters’ landed me in Tamworth NSW. Working between Tamworth and Gunnedah gave me a real appreciation for the work that rural practitioners do, with the limited resources available. I worked mostly in private practice, with a year at a specialist orthodontic practice.

I made the move to the public sector in 2014, where I was exposed to a great spectrum of dental issues. My work in public dental brought me to Newcastle, and I had the pleasure of supervising Oral Health Therapy students from the University of Newcastle and also working with Orthodontists to help treat some of the most severe cases of dental mallocclusion you can come across.

In 2020 I took a management role within Hunter New England Oral Health, which was very challenging through the COVID pandemic. I realised my passion is with hands on dentistry, which brought me to Islington Dental in 2022. I enjoy treating children and the challenges this sometimes brings. Working with Dentists and Orthodontists to help treat malocclusion and pick up issues early continues to be a highlight for me.

I have been in the dental industry for over 14 years
I completed my Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy at the University of Otago in 2011, and in 2018 attained my adult scope qualification at the University of Newcastle (allowing me to do check-ups, x-rays, cleans and simple restorative treatment on adults
In my spare time I love to hike with my dogs, ride my bike and plan holidays and am always happy for any recommendations for my next trip from patients.

Jenna Aldridge

2011 Bachelor of Oral Health, University of Sydney

Working as a dental hygienist is a great fit for me professionally as it involves being practical and hands on, with a significant degree of attention to detail. My focus is helping patients to achieve a healthy mouth so that they feel confident. I have a thorough, gentle and caring approach to preventative oral care.

I have been a part of the Islington Dental team since early 2017. Previously I worked in South West Sydney as a Hygienist and Therapist for 2 years before moving to London for 3 years. London provided the opportunity to combine working and living in a huge city with great travel opportunities with Europe on my doorstep. Some of my favourite places visited are Croatia, Iceland, Spain, Slovenia, Turkey and Ireland.

I really enjoy living in Newcastle. I like that it creates a happy medium between my quieter home town of Picton and the businesses and craziness of London. I love the beach and feel very lucky that I get to live by the coast.

I have been in the dental industry for 14 years.
I studied Dental Hygiene and Therapy at The University of Sydney and graduated with a Bachelor of Oral Health in 2011.
I enjoy activities and time outdoors, as well travelling, reading and dining out.

Tabitha Acret

2008 Bachelor of Oral Health, University of Newcastle

I started my dental career as a dental nurse to help pay for my law degree, and quickly realised I didn’t like law and loved dental. I went on to study a Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Newcastle and have since gone back to complete a graduate certificate in public health and I am currently studying a clinical masters at the Eastman Institute in London.

I love everything about dental and regularly volunteer in both outreach ventures and professionally with our association, holding positions of state chair and national vice-president.

I also have a passion for education, and outside of the dental surgery I work as a part-time academic at the University of Sydney.

I am passionate about empowering patients to improve their oral health.

I have been in the dental industry for 20 years
I completed a Bachelor of Oral Health 2008, Graduate Certificate Public Health 2020 and hopefully Masters Dental Hygiene 2025!
I love travelling and when I’m not busy at work, I am jumping on a plane to explore the world and see John Mayer in concert
I am currently training to run the New York Marathon

Elise Smith

2016 Bachelor of Oral Health, University of Newcastle

Working in health has always been an interest of mine, and I feel privileged to be able to work in an industry where we can provide tailored long-term support to help maintain a confident smile.

I enjoy getting to know my patients and encouraging them to take charge of their oral health in a positive and relaxed manner.

After being in Brisbane and Sydney for the past few years I moved back to Newcastle, fell in love with this beautiful coastal city, and was so lucky to find work with the passionate and talented team here at Islington.

I’ve been working in the dental industry for 10years.
I graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Oral Health in 2016, and have since completed a Masters of Public Health in 2022.
I enjoy spending my time outside, at the beach, running and bouldering

Shelly Wiltshire

2015 Bachelor of Oral Health, University of Newcastle

I have spent my whole life in the beautiful Lake Macquarie area, nestled between the stunning beaches and lake. I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2015 with a Bachelor of Oral Health. I've been lucky enough to work between multiple practices in Newcastle and feel so blessed to have joined the team at Islington Dental in 2024.

As a dedicated and compassionate dental hygienist, I specialise in preventive care, including cleanings, periodontal treatment, and patient education. I believe that a positive patient experience begins with trust, and I work to make every visit comfortable and informative.

I am passionate about educating patients on the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being. My goal is to empower individuals to take control of their dental health with personalised advice and technique. I continuously seek to expand my knowledge in the field through ongoing education, ensuring I provide the most up to date treatments and advice.

In my role, I value building long-term relationships with patients and creating an environment where they feel heard, supported, and confident in their care. Every smile is unique, and I am here to help you achieve yours!

When I'm not in the clinic, I'm enjoying family time with my husband and little boy.

I have been in the dental industry for over 10 years
I completed a Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Newcastle in 2015
I love spending time with my family, renovating our house, or planning our next trip away in our van