



Founder | Dentist
Dr Maria Florou is the founder and Principal Dentist of Casuarina Dental. She is passionate about integrative dentistry and helping patients achieve long-term oral and overall health through personalised, patient-focused care.
Dr Maria Florou completed her Bachelor of Dental Science in 2000 and is the founder of Casuarina Dental. Born in Greece and raised in Brazil, she chose to pursue a career in dentistry to help people achieve their health and well-being goals.
Although she initially did not start as a holistic dentist, her early experiences in traditional dentistry motivated her to seek better ways to treat patients by focusing on the individual as a whole. Dr Florou continuously searches for the latest advancements, the least invasive procedures, and the most natural resources available. She is passionate about integrated dentistry from a holistic perspective.
Dr Maria encourages all the dentists at Casuarina Dental to adopt integrated dentistry through a holistic approach to patient care. This includes considering not only oral health but also overall health. The team stays informed about the latest advancements in traditional dentistry alongside evidence-based natural health and dental practices.
Dr Maria is also the host of the YouTube podcast @mind_your_mouth, where she shares insightful oral health information, debunks common myths, and provides practical tips to help patients improve their dental well-being.

Principal Dentist, BDS
Dr Vanessa Ribas Ferreira Schneider has over 18 years of experience and is passionate about providing gentle, personalised dental care. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and is dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Dr Vanessa Ribas Ferreira Schneider was born in Brazil, where she owned and operated her own dental practice for many years before relocating to the Gold Coast with her family.
Since moving to Australia, she has worked in private practice and has also served as a supervisor and tutor at Griffith University Dental School, helping to educate and mentor future dentists.
Passionate about dentistry, Dr Vanessa has spent the past 18 years caring for her patients with dedication and compassion. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with particular interests in root canal therapy and paediatric dentistry.
Areas of Interest

Dentist, BDS, IAO
Dr Natalia Trisna graduated with honours from the University of Sydney and is passionate about providing holistic, personalised dental care. She offers a wide range of orthodontic and general dental treatments to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Dr Natalia Trisna graduated with honours from the University of Sydney. During her studies, she received numerous academic awards, including the prestigious Colgate Prize for her research in paediatric dentistry, and was invited to present her findings at international conferences.
She is a Fellow of the International Association of Orthodontics (IAO) and approaches orthodontic treatment with a holistic mindset. She offers a variety of orthodontic solutions, including removable and fixed appliance therapy, Invisalign®, and traditional braces.
Dr Natalia also provides BOTOX® treatments to assist with jaw problems, nighttime grinding, migraines, and tension headaches. She is highly trained in root canal therapy, as well as crown and bridge work, and composite restorations.
Outside the clinic, Dr Natalia is a busy mother of twin girls and is actively involved in the Northern Shores community.
Areas of Interest

Dental Hygienist
Deirdre O'Kane (Dee) is an experienced Dental Hygienist and Therapist who is passionate about preventive dentistry, the oral microbiome, and helping patients achieve lifelong oral and overall health through personalised, evidence-based care.
Deirdre O'Kane (Dee) graduated from the University of Leeds in 2006 and has almost two decades of clinical experience. Throughout her career, she has built lasting relationships with patients through her gentle, thorough, and patient-centred approach to dental care.
Dee has a particular interest in preventive dentistry, the oral microbiome, periodontal disease, and the important connection between oral health, systemic health, and longevity. She enjoys educating patients on how a healthy mouth supports overall wellbeing and long-term health.
She also has a special interest in children's growth and development, helping families establish healthy oral habits and strong foundations from an early age. By combining evidence-based dentistry with a holistic approach, Dee tailors every treatment plan to meet each patient's individual needs and goals.
Outside the practice, Dee is a proud mum of two and a passionate athlete who enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle. Her commitment to health, wellness, and balance is reflected in the care she provides to every patient.
Areas of Interest

Associate Dentist, BDS
Dr. Harpreet is a dedicated dentist committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. She believes in helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through compassionate, personalised treatment.
Dr. Harpreet is passionate about creating a positive dental experience for patients of all ages. She takes the time to listen to each patient's concerns, explain treatment options clearly, and deliver care tailored to their individual needs.
With a gentle and caring approach, Dr. Harpreet is committed to helping patients maintain excellent oral health while building lasting relationships based on trust, comfort, and confidence.
The right pathway depends on age, growth stage, oral health, alignment goals, and clinical assessment.
These options are discussed in a personalised consultation.

A series of clear, removable aligners can help gradually guide teeth into improved alignment for suitable teen and adult cases.
For some patients, braces or appliances may be recommended to address crowding, spacing, bite irregularities, or complex alignment needs.
Gentle child-friendly care helps families understand dental development, oral habits, preventive care, and whether orthodontic monitoring is needed.
Your consultation is designed to help you understand what is happening with your teeth, bite, jaw development, and oral habits. We take time to assess your goals, explain suitable treatment options, and outline a personalised plan where orthodontic care is clinically appropriate.
Many families choose an orthodontic assessment when adult teeth begin to appear or if they notice crowding, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, tongue posture concerns, or bite changes. The right timing depends on the child, so an early assessment can help clarify whether treatment, monitoring, or habit support may be useful.
Invisalign® may be suitable for many mild to moderate alignment concerns, but not every case is best managed with clear aligners. Suitability depends on your bite, tooth movement needs, oral health, and treatment goals.
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the case, the type of appliance used, and patient compliance. A personalised estimate can only be provided after assessment.
Yes. Adults may be suitable for Invisalign®, braces, or other orthodontic options depending on their oral health, gum condition, bite, and alignment goals.
Some tenderness or pressure can occur when teeth begin moving or when appliances are adjusted. This is usually temporary, and the dental team will explain how to manage comfort during treatment.
Breathing, posture, tongue position, and oral muscle habits can influence oral function and development. Considering these factors supports a more complete assessment, especially for growing children.
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