Our Services

Welcome to our practice!

We are small but highly experienced team with a simple goal: to provide holistic, health-centred state of the art dental care in a comfortable environment. We are an amalgam free practice and use only the latest techniques and materials.

Properly restored teeth should be comfortable, look natural, and last many years without the need for ongoing repair. With the advent of bonded ceramics, implants and the latest composite filling materials we can make profound changes to a broken down dentition, permanently replace missing teeth, and give you a smile to be proud of.

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A brief history of the practice:

Dentistry on Merivale is a long standing practice, most recently operated by Dr Michael Olmstead, an exceptionally skilled practitioner with an excellent reputation across New Zealand. Once Mike made the decision to (semi) retire he set out to find a clinician with the same practice philosophy who would be keen to carry on in this very successful practice.

In February 2010 the practice was taken over by Dr David Walsh, a dentist with whom Dr. Olsmstead had worked side by side with for 2 years when they each first arrived in NZ several years ago. With very similar training, experience and professional belief systems, the transition was seamless and Michael and David remain good friends and professional colleagues.

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The Dentistry on Merivale team today:

Clinician: Dr. David A. Walsh (BSc, DMD) is a 1987 graduate of the University of Manitoba, Canada. Since graduation he has practiced full time, with a special interest in utilizing the latest technology and techniques to provide the best possible cosmetic and comprehensive restorative dental care. He believes in amalgam free dentistry and all treatment is centered on his patients overall health and well-being.

In search of warmer climes, he immigrated to this lovely country with his young family in 2003, and absolutely loves living here. Now well established in NZ, both professionally and personally, David looks forward to many years of providing excellent treatment to those that entrust their dental care to him.

Hygienist: Ms. Shona Ferguson (DipDentHyg) arrived in NZ from Scotland 5 years ago, and worked with David in this country for most of that time. With her unparalleled energy and enthusiasm, not to mention her 12 years experience as a hygienist, she is a truly exceptional addition to the practice. Few of those that know her are willing to see anyone else for their gum care and she has quickly earned a well deserved reputation as one of the best in her profession.

Clinical manager: Ms.Tracy Tripp (CDA II) also comes equipped with a wealth of experience, having worked all over the world as a trained dental assistant and office manager for over 20 years. She is also a Canadian and has worked with David and Shona for most of her time here since her arrival in NZ from the UK 5 years ago. Her passion for excellence and knowledge of dental practice is equaled only by her compassion for her patients and willingness to truly try to understand their needs. 

Front desk coordinator: Ms. Wendy Willets is the lady with the smile that will greet you at the door as well as on the phone as she welcomes our clients to the practice every day. She too has been involved in dental practice in various roles for over 20 years and puts that knowledge to good use as she manages the practical side of our patents’ treatment needs. She has worked with David, Shona and Tracy for the last several years and is always happy to answer any questions or help in any way she can. She is a remarkable person and the team is lucky to have her in her vital role here.

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The bottom line!

We are a cohesive group of professionals who love what we do. We strive every work day to provide the best possible care for our clients as well as for each other. We will always welcome new and established patients to our practice and look forward to seeing you.

If you have any questions please give us a ring, flick us an email, or come up to the first floor and say hello next time you are in Merivale Mall.