MEET THE
Team Behind Your
healthy smile
Warm, experienced, and committed to caring for you and your family.
DEDICATED TO
CARING FOR YOUR SMILE
At Ashburton Family Dental, our team is dedicated to making every visit feel comfortable, welcoming, and full of care. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by warm, friendly faces who are here to listen, guide, and support you.
We believe in building genuine connections, ensuring that every patient feels seen, heard, and cared for—because at Ashburton Family Dental, you’re not just a patient; you’re part of our dental family.
What Awaits You at Every Visit
Dr Robert Ong
PRINCIPAL DENTIST
Hi, I’m Dr. Rob.
People often ask me why I became a dentist, and it takes me back to the day my braces came off. The confidence I felt inspired me to help others experience the same joy.
What I love most about dentistry is the relationships it builds. It’s an honour to care for entire families, watching children grow up and bring their own kids to our practice. For me, dentistry is about more than teeth—it’s about trust, connection, and making a real difference.
Whether it’s your child’s first visit or you’re seeking a trusted family dentist, we’d love to welcome you and work together to create a smile that brings confidence every day.
"At Ashburton Family Dental, we aim to create a warm, supportive space where every patient feels valued"
Dr. Rob.
Dr. Rob brings over 20 years of dental experience to Ashburton Family Dental. After graduating from the University of Otago in 2004, he began his career as a house surgeon at Auckland Hospital, where he developed strong foundations in complex and emergency dental care.
Inspired by his keen interest in implant dentistry, Dr. Rob completed a Graduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry at the University of Melbourne in 2021. He is also one of a handful of Digital Smile Design (DSD) Masters in Australia—an advanced certification that allows him to blend artistry with precision, giving patients the unique ability to preview and co-design their new smiles with confidence before treatment begins.
With a passion for cosmetic dentistry and biomimetic dentistry, Dr. Rob focuses on restoring teeth to their natural strength, function, and beauty while prioritising minimally invasive care. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he continually attends advanced training courses both domestically and internationally, ensuring his patients benefit from the latest techniques and innovations in dentistry.
Dr. Rob’s philosophy is simple: treat every patient as though they are family. This commitment to precision, quality, and genuine care is what sets him - and the team at Ashburton Family Dental - apart.
Explore More About Ashburton Family Dental
Dr Madeleine Di Francesco
DENTIST
Hi everyone, I’m Dr. Maddy.
"What I love most about dentistry is building long-lasting relationships with people centred on trust, support and genuine care."
I love seeing families grow, meeting loved ones and being part of your community. I understand that the dentist can be overwhelming so I am here to listen, support and work at a pace that ensures you feel comfortable and cared for.
Outside of the clinic, I enjoy cooking, pilates, traveling to experience new cultures, and spending time with loved ones. As a music lover, you might catch me singing along to tunes during your appointment.
I can't wait to welcome you to Ashburton Family Dental and help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Dr. Madeleine.
Dr. Maddy is a dedicated and compassionate dentist known for caring deeply for her patients and dedicating her time to broaden her knowledge and establish skills and techniques.
After graduating with Honours from the University of Western Australia, Dr. Maddy has had a career spanning diverse settings - from rural Western Australia all the way to central Sydney and now finding her home in Ashburton Family Dental.
She has completed her post-graduate qualification in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry, broadening her scope of practice to smile makeovers and complex rehabilitations. Her philosophy is to remain conservative, preserving maximum healthy tooth structure while effectively restoring aesthetics and function.
She blends her dental expertise with her personal warmth to offer exceptional care to every patient. Whether it's preventive or complex care, Dr. Maddy's patient-first approach ensures every visit is as comfortable and positive as possible.
Dr Stephen Weller
DENTIST
I’m Dr. Stephen, and it’s a pleasure to care for your smile.
What I love most about dentistry is getting to know my patients—their needs, their goals, and their families.
"It’s a privilege to care for multiple generations and see the trust they place in me over the years."
I know how important it is to feel comfortable in the dental chair, so I take the time to listen and understand each patient’s concerns, ensuring every visit is as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
Outside of the clinic, you’ll often find me on the golf course—sometimes frustrated, but always enjoying the challenge. I also love traveling and the new experiences it brings, and I’m a lifelong supporter of Collingwood AFL (don’t hold that against me!).
It’s an honor to be part of the Ashburton Family Dental team, and I look forward to helping you and your family achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Dr. Stephen.
Dr. Stephen has been caring for smiles for over 40 years, bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-focused care.
After completing his Bachelor of Dental Science at the University of Melbourne, Stephen has continued to expand his knowledge through ongoing studies in general dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and implant dentistry. This dedication allows him to offer patients a wide range of treatments and help them make informed decisions about their oral health.
Stephen believes in empowering his patients through clear communication, gentle care, and tailored treatment options. By taking the time to understand each patient’s needs, he ensures they feel comfortable and supported throughout their dental journey.
Dr Belinda Hsu
DENTIST
It’s lovely to meet you—I’m Dr. Belinda.
Growing up, I didn’t always have the happiest relationship with my teeth, so I’m passionate about helping others enjoy healthy, confident smiles. I take the time to understand each patient’s needs, tailoring every visit to make it as comfortable as possible.
"Nothing brings me more joy than seeing families take care of their teeth together - sometimes it’s even the kids who inspire their parents to floss!"
Outside of work, I’m a foodie through and through. Whether I’m cooking, baking, or exploring Melbourne’s incredible food scene, I love anything that involves good company and great flavours.
I can also speak Mandarin Chinese and a little conversational Japanese—so feel free to say hello in any of those languages!
I look forward to welcoming you to Ashburton Family Dental and helping you on your journey to a healthier, happier smile.
Dr. Belinda.
Dr. Belinda is a caring dentist with a passion for helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through gentle, conservative care.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Distinction from the University of Otago, she gained valuable experience in hospital-based dentistry as a Dental House Officer for Auckland’s District Health Boards.
She has since worked in both rural and metropolitan practices, focusing on biomimetic dentistry, which preserves natural tooth structure with minimally invasive techniques. Belinda enjoys equipping patients with knowledge to make informed decisions about their oral health, treating everyone with the same care she would offer her own family.
Her background also includes teaching as a Professional Practice Fellow and contributing to professional development as a former board member of the New Zealand Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (NZACD).
Dr Anthony Nguyen
DENTIST
It’s great to meet you—I’m Dr. Anthony.
"I love being part of a family-focused practice where I get to build connections across generations."
Whether it’s a child’s first dental visit or helping a parent achieve their health goals, I believe in taking the time to listen and make every appointment a positive experience.
Growing up in nearby Balwyn, it’s great to care for smiles in a community that feels like home. Outside the clinic, I’m an avid soccer fan (a lifelong Manchester United supporter), and I still play indoor soccer regularly. I’m also a big foodie—always keen to explore Melbourne’s new cafes and restaurants.
I look forward to meeting you and your family at Ashburton Family Dental and working together to achieve healthy, happy smiles for life.
Dr. Anthony.
Dr. Anthony is a caring and patient-focused dentist who believes in building long-lasting relationships through clear communication and trust.
After graduating from Griffith University, he worked in several dental practices across Melbourne, where he gained valuable experience in general and preventive dentistry.
Anthony’s approach is centered on conservative care—he uses the latest techniques and materials to preserve healthy teeth while achieving lasting results.
Whether treating a young family or helping a patient regain confidence in their smile, he takes the time to educate and guide patients to make well-informed decisions about their oral health.
Our Approach to Patient Care
Dr Sheena Hall
DENTIST
Hello! I’m Dr. Sheena.
I’ve always believed dentistry is about more than teeth—it’s about building trust and relationships that last a lifetime. It’s been a privilege to care for families across generations, watching children grow up, and seeing them bring their own little ones into the practice. These connections are what make my work so rewarding.
"I know that visiting the dentist can sometimes feel daunting, which is why I take the time to listen and understand any concerns, ensuring every patient feels comfortable, valued, and confident in their care."
Outside of the clinic, I love cycling—whether it’s exploring Melbourne’s beautiful trails or experiencing new places overseas on two wheels. I’m also passionate about sailing, water sports, and discovering Melbourne’s incredible food scene.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Ashburton Family Dental and working together to care for your smile at every step.
Dr. Sheena.
Dr. Sheena brings over 30 years of experience to Ashburton Family Dental, where she has cared for smiles across generations since 1996.
After completing her dental degree at the University of Melbourne, Sheena earned her Fellowship (FRACDS), demonstrating her dedication to advancing her skills early in her career. She then worked as the resident dentist at Prince Henry’s Hospital, gaining invaluable experience treating trauma cases and medically compromised patients. Sheena further expanded her expertise working in the UK and various practices across Melbourne.
With a strong focus on biomimetic dentistry and minimal intervention, Sheena believes in preserving natural tooth structure and helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles for life. Her patient-first philosophy centres on building trust, understanding individual needs, and providing treatment that is both functional and conservative.
Dr James Dawson-Smith
DENTIST
Hello, I’m Dr. James.
Growing up in nearby East Malvern, I’ve always felt connected to this area. I love getting to know families, watching kids grow up, and sharing in the stories of their lives over the years. Whether it’s helping a child during their first dental visit or guiding a parent through treatment, I believe in taking the time to listen, reassure, and ensure every visit is positive and supportive.
“It’s a privilege to care for smiles across generations and be part of this wonderful community.”
Outside of dentistry, I’m a huge music and theatre fan, a coffee enthusiast, and an Essendon Bombers supporter (through all the highs and lows!). I also love travelling, playing tennis, and discovering great food—particularly Japanese cuisine.
I look forward to welcoming you to Ashburton Family Dental and being part of your family’s dental journey.
Dr. James.
Dr. James is a caring and experienced dentist with a passion for helping families achieve strong, healthy smiles.
After graduating from Charles Sturt University, he honed his skills in general dentistry and developed a strong foundation in biomimetic dentistry, focusing on minimally invasive care to preserve natural teeth.
With additional qualifications, including a Graduate Diploma in Digital Orthodontics, Dr. James combines modern techniques with a thoughtful, patient-first approach.
Whether guiding patients through orthodontic treatments or restoring their smiles, he takes pride in delivering solutions that are functional, conservative, and built to last.
For Dr. James, dentistry is about building trust and relationships across generations—caring for patients at every stage of life and helping families feel confident about their oral health.
Our team shares a simple philosophy:
We treat every patient with the same gentle, attentive care we would give our own families.
We believe in dentistry that looks ahead, helping you achieve strong, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
From your child’s first visit to advanced care, we create positive experiences to make every appointment stress-free, comfortable, and reassuring.
With over 60 years of experience caring for smiles across generations, we’re proud to be your trusted team for lifelong oral health.