We Make People Smile, That's What We Do.
Multi-Award Winning Professional Care for All Ages
OUR DENTISTS
Dr Hani
Shafik
Dr Christina
Yang
Dr Stella
Karakasi
Dr Stella Karakasi
Principal Dentist (General Dentist)
B.D.S (Uni. Syd.)
Dr Stella Karakasi is the principal dentist and founded Word of Mouth Dentistry® in 2003. Stella graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney in 1987. Upon graduation, she worked at the United Dental Hospital for a period, gaining invaluable experience in the Paediatric Department. Between 1990-1991 Stella was a Part-Time Tutor to Fourth Year Dental Students.
After an adventurous, well earned holiday overseas, Dr Stella commenced working in a private practice owned by a leading Professor of Dentistry. She gained rare and invaluable experience during her thirteen years at that practice since 1989.
On April 14, 2003, the doors at Word of Mouth Dentistry® opened and a new standard in dental client care had begun. In 2005, Word of Mouth Dentistry® won the local small business award for Best in Health Care and has been repeatedly winning awards ever since.
Over the past 36 years, Dr Stella has devoted her professional energy to establish her own unique style of patient care , has committed to comprehensive and varied professional development programs and has an authentic passion in making people smile and actually enjoy their dental visits.
Dr Stella has always considered it a priority to keep abreast of advancements in the various fields in dentistry. Since her graduation in 1987, she has diligently endeavoured to attend as many varied and relevant courses and congresses both in Australia and overseas (United States, Canada, and many places in Europe) in order to enhance her clinical abilities and broad mindedness. Professional development courses have been completed in various areas of dentistry including sleep disorders, aesthetic and restorative dentistry , implantology , myofunctional treatment and laser dentistry, to name a few .
Dr Stella places continuing education as a top priority for herself and her team.
Dr Stella was also selected to be an Oral B ambassador in 2011 and travelled around Australia as part of the Channel 7 Weekend Sunrise team with James Tobin, on each weather cross, promoting the benefits of power brushing and contributed various oral health articles online and in print media.
Dr Stella’s excellent communication skills make her patients not only confident in their understanding of their dental condition but also evoke a sense of empathy, trust, and authenticity of care.
As Dr Stella has provided dental services to her local community for over 38 years, consequently, she has impressively treated four generations of families and ‘adopted’ them into her Word of Mouth family. Being a part of their lives for so long as their dental care provider fills her with a sense of humility, and joy.
For Dr Stella, being a dentist is not only being able to provide an excellent service to her patients but to provide it with passion, authentic care and a sense of pride.
Dr Stella is an outgoing, fun loving dentist who really cares about her patients. She strives to make their dental experience as gentle and as fun as possible. Her aim is to develop a doctor-patient relationship based on trust, loyalty and satisfaction. It ultimately brings us back to Word of Mouth®.
Her professional memberships include the Australian Dental Association and the St. George Dental Association.
In her spare time, Dr Stella enjoys learning new skills including mosaic art, yoga, flower arranging, gardening and cooking .
DR STELLA'S CAREER
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Dr Hani Shafik
(General Dentist)
B.D.S (Uni. London U.K)
Dr Hani Shafik joined the team at Word of Mouth Dentistry in 2008 and brings more than 24 years of clinical experience as a general dentist. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and passion for ongoing learning, Dr Hani is committed to staying at the forefront of modern dentistry and holistic health approaches.
Dr Hani graduated in 2000 from Guy’s & St Thomas’ United Medical and Dental Schools in London, one of Europe’s most respected dental institutions. Inspired by his father, who was also a dentist, he developed a strong interest in reconstructive dentistry, focusing on both the functional and aesthetic aspects of creating healthy, beautiful smiles.
He has completed extensive postgraduate education in Australia and the United States, including advanced training at the internationally renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), where he developed expertise in Total Smile Design, neuromuscular dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation.
Dr Hani’s clinical interests include prosthodontics, cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, dental implants, orthodontics including Invisalign, TMJ and occlusal therapy, endodontics and laser dentistry. His approach combines technical precision with a creative eye for smile design, helping patients achieve natural, functional and aesthetically pleasing results.
Throughout his career, Dr Hani has received several academic awards in recognition of his clinical excellence and research, including the Harry Radin Prize for Special Needs Dentistry and the Malleson Prize for Clinical Dentistry Research.
Outside of dentistry, Dr Hani enjoys spending time with family and friends, outdoor activities such as beach outings and jet skiing, and playing sports including snooker, badminton and swimming.
Dr Christina Yang
(General Dentist & Medical Practitioner)
B.D.Sc. (Uni. W.A.) M.B.B.S (Uni. Notre Dame Syd.) M.S. (Syd.Uni.)
AMEB Assoc. Music Aus. Dip. (Flute & Pianoforte)
Dr Christina Yang is a highly experienced dental surgeon with over 18 years of clinical experience across both dentistry and medicine. In addition to her dental career, she has more than eight years of experience working as a medical practitioner, including serving as an accredited Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Registrar and gaining valuable surgical experience in areas such as ENT, plastic surgery (paediatric and adult) and head and neck surgical oncology.
Dr Christina completed her Bachelor of Dental Science at The University of Western Australia in 2005 before further expanding her medical training. She went on to complete her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, in 2011, followed by a Master of Surgery at the University of Sydney in 2017.
Prior to joining Word of Mouth Dentistry, Dr Christina worked as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Registrar in Perth. While she enjoys all aspects of dentistry, she has particular interests in oral surgery, emergency dentistry and aesthetic dentistry.
Dr Christina is passionate about continuing education and regularly attends advanced courses, conferences and professional training both in Australia and internationally to remain at the forefront of dental and medical advancements.
Originally from Perth, Dr Christina now calls Sydney home. She is fluent in both English and Mandarin and believes clear communication is an essential part of building trust and delivering exceptional patient care.
Outside of dentistry, Dr Christina enjoys reading, travelling, staying active and music. She has been a member of the Western Australia Youth Orchestra and founded Music for Medicine, a not-for-profit chamber group where doctors perform music in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices. She is also a member of the Australian Doctors Orchestra and a registered music teacher with the Australian Music Examinations Board, teaching both flute and piano.
Dr Biljana Taleski
(General Dentist)
B.Dent. (Skopje) ADC (Syd.)
Dr Biljana Taleski grew up in Macedonia and graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje in 2013. After relocating to Australia, she joined the team at Word of Mouth Dentistry in 2014 as a senior member of the clinical support team while completing the additional studies and training required to practise dentistry in Australia. During this time, she gained valuable experience assisting with a wide range of complex dental procedures and developed a strong foundation in comprehensive patient care.
After graduating with honours from her Australian program, Dr Biljana began practising as a dentist at Word of Mouth Dentistry in early 2022. Dr Biljana provides general, preventive and restorative dentistry with a strong focus on patient comfort and long-term oral health.
Known for her gentle and compassionate approach, Dr Biljana is dedicated to creating a calm and positive dental experience for every patient. She particularly enjoys working with children and supporting patients who experience dental anxiety, helping them feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment.
Dr Biljana is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly undertakes continuing education to stay up to date with modern dental techniques and technology. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family.
Dr Simon Briggs
(General Dentist) - Providing expertise in Dental Surgery,
IV Sedation and Implant Surgery
B.D.S (Syd. Uni) F.D.S R.C.S ( Eng) Dip Clin. Dent (IV sedation)
Dental surgeon providing expertise in Dental Surgery, IV Sedation and Implant Surgery
Dr Simon Briggs has been part of our Word of Mouth Dentistry® team since 2004 and plays an integral role in providing first class dental outcomes and care.
Dr Simon started a mobile practice in 2000 on returning from two years studying and working in the UK.
After graduating with his BDS in 1997, Dr Briggs worked in the Maxillofacial department of three prominent hospitals in London and Wales. He returned to Sydney with his Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons (FDS RCS) London, and began teaching and working at Westmead Hospital, Sydney.
Dr Simon obtained his Diploma of Clinical Dentistry in Intravenous Sedation and Pain Control in 2000. He has expertise in wisdom teeth, IV sedation, dental implants and bone regenerative procedures. Dr Briggs normally has a registered medical nurse assisting him when performing treatment.
Now with over 26 years experience in the field, Simon services over 35 practices in and around Sydney.
Dr Simon has completed multiple courses internationally and domestically in bone grafting, oral Implantology, Advanced Life Support and Intravenous Sedation.
Dental Philosophy
Driven by passion for treating patients to the highest level, Dr Briggs' personal approach to his vocation has ensured that patients are given professional care in a familiar and safe environment.
Benefits of using Dr Briggs' services
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Oral Surgery, IV Sedation and dental Implantology performed conveniently at Word of Mouth Dentistry®
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You are seen in a familiar environment and do not need to travel elsewhere.
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Dental phobic patients can have general dentistry done under IV Sedation Sleep Dentistry.
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Highly experienced and efficient surgeon minimising discomfort and post operative healing time.
In his spare time, Dr Simon enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, collecting wine and playing soccer and tennis.
Dr Rita Kadi
(General Dentist)
B.D.S. (Syd. Uni.)
Dr Rita Kadi is an experienced dentist with more than 38 years in the profession and a strong commitment to preventive dentistry and patient-centred care. She is passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve and maintain healthy smiles through high-quality treatment, education and long-term oral health guidance.
Dr Rita graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney in 1987. Over the course of her career, she has developed extensive experience across all areas of general dentistry, with particular expertise in preventive care and aesthetic restorative treatments, including dental implants. She also has a special interest in children’s dentistry and enjoys helping young patients develop positive dental habits from an early age.
Known for her gentle and caring approach, Dr Rita focuses on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment where patients feel relaxed and confident in their care.
Dr Rita is an active member of the Australian Dental Association and has contributed to the profession by chairing both the Recent Graduates and Marketing Committees. She remains committed to ongoing professional development and regularly undertakes continuing education to stay up to date with the latest advances in dental techniques and technology.
Outside of dentistry, Dr Rita enjoys exploring new cuisines, spending time outdoors and sharing quality time with her family.
Dr Catrina Carroll
(General Dentist)
B.Ch.D. (Hons) Leeds Uni. M.F.D.S. R.C.S.Ed.
Dr Catrina Carroll is a gentle and compassionate dentist with 15 years experience. Dr Catrina is committed to helping her patients achieve their best oral health possible by delivering treatment in a comfortable, empathetic and relaxed manner.
Dr Catrina grew up in England and graduated with honours from the University of Leeds in 2010. She showed a considerable talent for dentistry right from the outset, achieving numerous outstanding achievement awards and medals throughout her studies. After graduating Dr Catrina focused on general dentistry in a large mixed NHS/private practice and went on to complete The Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MFDS RCSEd). Dr Catrina then developed her interest in surgery by practising maxillofacial surgery in hospital where she had specialist training in surgical extractions, particularly wisdom teeth.
Dr Carroll enjoys and excels in all aspects of dentistry, particularly restorative, oral surgery and complex full mouth rehabilitation, including implants. She uses contemporary materials and latest techniques to produce dental work that blends seamlessly with natural teeth. Dr Catrina is committed to enhancing her knowledge and skills for the benefit of her patients, and therefore keenly attends numerous post graduate courses to keep up to date with the current advances in dental procedures and technology. She is currently completely her post graduate diploma in Implant Dentistry.
Her work ethic is gentle, friendly and reassuring and she is particularly good with nervous patients and children. Dr Catrina has excellent communication skills and always makes sure that her patients fully understand all of their treatment options.
Dr Monica Farrelly
(General Dentist)
BDSc (Hons) (UQ), Grad Dip (Ortho)
Dr Monica Farrelly is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred dental care. Inspired by early experiences in family dentistry, she is dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles in a supportive and comfortable environment.
Dr Monica has particular interests in orthodontics, cosmetic restorative dentistry and paediatric dentistry. She enjoys working closely with patients of all ages and believes that education plays a key role in long-term oral health, empowering patients with the knowledge and guidance needed to maintain their smiles.
Known for her gentle and attentive approach, Dr Monica combines clinical precision with genuine care, ensuring every patient feels relaxed and confident throughout their treatment.
She holds a Graduate Diploma in Digital Orthodontics and is an accredited Invisalign provider. Committed to clinical excellence, Dr Monica regularly undertakes advanced professional development to stay at the forefront of modern dental techniques and digital dentistry, allowing her to deliver personalised treatment tailored to each patient’s individual needs.