Dentists
Dr. Sam Roberts
ABN 94 016 733 939 DEN0000976327 Dr Sam Roberts graduated with Distinction in Clinical Dentistry from Newcastle Upon Tyne University, UK, in 2006. After graduation, he honed his skills under the mentorship of an experienced oral surgeon in the UK before moving to Australia to combine dentistry with his love of travel. Sam’s career has taken him to Mackay, Darwin, and Hobart, where he gained extensive experience in oral surgery, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. He has trained with renowned clinicians in Brisbane , Canada and Italy expanding his expertise in advanced dental procedures and techniques. A premier provider of All-on-4 Plus®, Sam offers this innovative treatment to replace missing teeth with implants in just 1–2 days. He is also a proud member of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry and the International Team for Implantology (ITI) study club. In July 2015, Sam and his wife, Dr Gemma Hamilton, took…
Dr. Gemma Hamilton
ABN 75 005 691 696 DEN0000976328 Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Dr Gemma Hamilton graduated in Dentistry from Newcastle Upon Tyne University in 2006. After a year working in the UK, Gemma and her husband, Dr Sam Roberts, set off to Australia in 2007 for what was meant to be a one-year adventure. Several states, Australian citizenship, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Dusty, a home, a dental practice, and two sons later – Jock and Mac – the Sunshine Coast is now very much home. Gemma enjoys caring for patients of all ages, from young children attending their very first dental visit to grandparents requiring ongoing care. She values building strong, trusting relationships with her patients and takes pride in making dental visits a comfortable and positive experience. With a special interest in treating anxious patients, Gemma focuses on creating a calm, reassuring environment. She also has a keen interest in…
Dr. Darien Koh
DEN0002218993 Hi, I’m Dr Darien Koh, a general dentist based on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. I was born in Malaysia and moved to Brisbane to complete my dental degree at the University of Queensland, graduating in 2018. Since then, I’ve made the Sunshine Coast my home. I enjoy all areas of dentistry, with a particular interest in surgical procedures like dental implants and wisdom teeth extractions. I have a deep passion for restoring smiles—not just functionally, but aesthetically—and witnessing the positive impact it has on my patients’ confidence and quality of life. What brings me the most joy in my work is helping anxious patients feel at ease—many of whom go on to become long-term regular patients. Outside the clinic, I enjoy surfing, hiking, and scuba diving—anything that lets me make the most of our amazing coastal lifestyle.
Dr. Jalina Patel
DEN000244700 Hi I’m Dr. Jalina Patel. I qualified from the University of Liverpool in 2015, moved to Australia from the UK in 2017 & been working at Hinterland dental since 2021. I enjoy helping patients to feel at ease and to overcome anxieties surrounding dental treatment. My goal is for you to leave the surgery feeling better than when you came in! I believe prevention is better than cure and place a strong focus on educating patients on maintaing good oral health. I have two young sons and we enjoy heading to the beach, swimming and spending time as a family. I also love seeing live music. You might hear some of my dodgy playlists in the surgery!
Dr. Rupen Patel
DEN0002247598 Dr. Rupen Patel is a friendly, chatty and approachable dentist, ensuring his patients feel at comfortable and at ease when visiting. Dr. Rupens interest in dentistry started when he was in school; he finds the ability to help his patients improve their health highly rewarding. He provides general dentistry treatments, but particularly enjoys restorative dentistry including bonding, adhesives, composites and crowns. Dr. Rupen also enjoys clear aligned treatment. Outside of work, Dr. Rupen enjoys spending time with his two young sons and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise – attending the gym when he can. And on the sporting side, he likes playing tennis.
Dr. Cassidy Redden
DEN0002440560 Originally from Victoria, Dr. Cassidy is a down-to-earth dentist with a good sense of humour, making every dental appointment a little more relaxed. A proud Geelong Cats AFL supporter, he’s been known to bond with fellow footy fans mid-check-up — and yes, Collingwood supporters are still welcome in his chair. Dr. Cassidy completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University in Cairns. While his fair ginger skin wasn’t made for the tropical sun, the Sunshine Coast proved the perfect fit — offering coastal living that’s a little more SPF-friendly (at least half the year). Since moving to the Coast, Dr. Cassidy has been helping locals smile with confidence. Patients often remark on his calm nature, friendly approach, and knack for putting them at ease — even if it’s because he never stops chatting. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Cassidy can be found running, swimming, cycling, or nursing a sore…
Dental Therapists
Deb Kerridge – Hygienist
Deb Kerridge graduated from the Brisbane School of Dental Therapy in 1978. In 1998 Deb enrolled in the first intake of the Dental Hygienist course offered by University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology. Deb was introduced to Hinterland Dental in the early 2000s and was very excited to be able to be involved in a team that is as passionate about prevention as she is herself. Deb is a member of the Australian Oral Health Therapy Association, the Australian Dental Hygienist Association and also the Australian Dental Therapy Association as well as participating in various study groups. Special areas of interest include: All areas of preventive dentistry, Periodontal care, childrens care and aged care. Outside of the dental field, Deb lives on the Sunshine Coast with her wonderful husband and dog. She loves to surf, eating out and going to the gym. Deb’s daughter is living and…
Claire Cahill – Oral Health Therapist
DEN0003658419 Claire enjoys treating patients of all ages and her main focus is the preventative side of dentistry. Claire is passionate in maintaining happy and healthy smiles. Claire enjoys treating patients of all ages and the challenges that each age group presents. Claire enjoys treating children and educating them on how to look after their teeth. As an oral therapist, Claire also gains pride in providing restorations for children and adults alike and ensuring that teeth are maintained to the highest standard. In her spare time, Claire enjoys time with her husband and daughter.
Christy Robinson – Dental Therapist
DEN0002068497 Christy graduated in 2013 with a dual qualification in dental hygiene and therapy. Christy worked in the UK for a couple of years prior to moving to Australia in 2015. Christy loves all aspects of her OHT role and enjoys providing a wide range of treatments such as dental examinations, regular cleans and periodontal treatments and restorative treatment for both adults and children. Christy likes to keep up with regular courses, improving and expanding knowledge which ensures patients are treated to the highest standard of care. Outside of work Christy loves to spend time with her family and dogs. Christy loves to keep fit at the gym and enjoys swimming and likes to relax with a good book!
Practice Staff
Sandy Haigh – Practice Manager
Sandy joined the Hinterland Dental team in November 2019. With a strong background in administrative management and over fifteen years of experience in the dental field, she brings invaluable skills and expertise to her role. She is dedicated to ensuring every patient feels comfortable and cared for while upholding the high standard of service the practice is known for. Sandy feels grateful to work alongside a passionate, supportive team who are equally committed to their careers. Originally from Darwin, she enjoys spending time with family and the simple comforts of home, especially with her much-loved dogs.
Sara – Treatment Co-ordinator
Sara started at Hinterland Dental in 2014! Sara started out as a dental assistant and now as a treatment co ordinator, she is a senior member of the team. As a treatment co ordinator, Sara liases between the dentist and patient and ensures that patients have a clear picture of what is to be expected from treatment and what treatment entails. Outside of work Sara loves spending time with her husband, Zack and their little dogs Bella & Harry.
Sedation Therapist
Dr Sarah Higham
Dr. Sarah Higham joined our practice in 2017 to make sedation a possibility for our patients. Sarah graduated from Guy’s Dental Hospital, London in 1993. She has over twenty years of experience in general practice dentistry in the UK and Australia. Sarah has also worked in several hospital settings as a lecturer and clinical teacher. She is also a specialist in dental sedation and is very experienced in using a wide range of techniques to treat anxious patients. Sarah welcomes all nervous patients, particularly those who haven’t seen a dentist for a long time. Away from work, Sarah keeps busy with her young family.
Practice Support
Our support staff are gentle and courteous. They love what they do and look forward to welcoming you to our work place.

Dental Assistants













