Dr Richard Lee is a registered Dental Surgeon in Sydney, Australia. Dr Richard Lee grew up in Sydney and graduated from the University of Queensland. Richard has gained a wealth of experience by looking after the dental needs of the local community in Tamworth and Newcastle, as well as volunteering his time to help disadvantaged communities in Cambodia and Vietnam. In line with the core values of Pinnacle Dental, Richard believes very strongly in the delivery of pain-free, high quality dental treatment. He has special interests in prosthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and implants.
Dr Lee holds an Honorary Clinical Educator position with the University of Sydney, and has attained the esteemed Membership to the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. He is an active member of the Australian Dental Association.
Dr. Richard Lee
Principal Dental Surgeon
Clinical Educator University of Sydney
BDSc Hons (Qld), MRACDS (GDP)
Catherine studied dentistry at the University of Sydney and commenced private general practice in 2004 after spending her early career in the Australian Army. As a dental officer in the Army she deployed on operations to East Timor and Bougainville and participated in the Army's indigenous assistance program. Catherine was awarded Fellowship by examination in the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in 2007 and has served in various College roles, including Registrar of the Membership Program and as an examiner for the Fellowship Program, both in General Dental Practice. She was appointed to the Board of the RACDS Foundation in 2023 and was awarded Fellowship in the International College of Dentists in 2014.
Dr. Catherine Prineas
Dental Surgeon
BDS(Hons1), GradDipClinDent(Sedation), FRACDS(GDP), FICD
Dr. Gisele Barreto
Dental Surgeon
BDS
Dr Gisele Barreto is a compassionate and highly experienced general dentist with over 15 years of clinical experience in general dentistry, implantology, cosmetic procedures, and complex dental rehabilitations. She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a postgraduate specialisation in dental implants from Brazil, along with advanced training in third molar surgery and restorative dentistry. Her dedication to clinical excellence is supported by ongoing professional development across surgical, prosthetic, and restorative care.
Dentistry has always been close to Dr Gisele’s heart. Raised in a family of dentists and inspired by her father’s passion for helping others, she has built her career on values of integrity, kindness, and exceptional care.
With a warm and gentle approach, Dr Gisele is passionate about helping patients feel at ease while working together to achieve healthy, confident smiles. She believes strongly in prevention and empowers her patients with the knowledge and support to maintain lifelong oral health. When treatment is needed, she focuses on restoring both function and aesthetics with precision and care.
Dr Gisele is known for her calm, reassuring nature and ability to make even the most nervous patients feel comfortable. She values trust, open communication, and is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalised care that truly puts patients first.
Dr. Wen Chao Liu
Dental Surgeon
DMD (USYD), BPHARM (USYD)
Dr Wen Chao Liu is a Sydney-based general dentist with a warm, honest approach to patient care. Originally trained and practising as a pharmacist, he went on to complete his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Sydney. Over the past decade, Dr Wen has served communities along the South Coast of NSW, providing comprehensive dental care with a particular interest in orthodontics and children’s dentistry.
He is committed to open communication and delivering treatment in the most comfortable and approachable way possible. Dr Wen speaks both English and Mandarin, helping him connect with a diverse range of patients.
Outside of dentistry, Wen is a proud father of three daughters and a seasoned competitor in family card games. His lesser-known talents include balloon animal artistry and serving as a human playground and snack disposal unit. An enthusiastic amateur photographer, he balances high-end camera gear with famously questionable results.
Dr. Nancy S. Chen
Dental Sedationist
Clinical Senior Lecturer University of Sydney
B.Med.Sci (USYD), B.DENT (USYD), Grad Dip Clin Dent (Conscious Sedation and Pain Control) (USYD), MSc Med (Pain Management) (USYD)
Dr Nancy S. Chen offers high level, dental sedation services, as our visiting Dental Sedationist. Dr Chen has extensive experience in all forms of dental treatment under sedation.
Dr Chen is a Senior Dental Sedationist at Westmead Centre for Oral Health and holds an Honorary Clinical Appointment as a Dental Conscious Sedation Practitioner, Department of Anaesthetics, Westmead Hospital. Dr Chen is a Clinical Senior Lecturer with the School of Dentistry, University of Sydney for the Graduate Diploma of Clinical Dentistry in Conscious Sedation & Pain Control and Doctor of Dental Medicine programmes. She is actively involved in training future dental sedationists. Furthermore, she serves on the Executive Council of the Australian Society of Dental Anaesthesiology (ASDA) and on the Future Leaders group of the International Federation of Dental Anaesthesiology (IFDAS).
Dr Chen is warm and caring with a gentle touch. She is passionate about her work and strives to be at the forefront of the dental sedation field with the ultimate goal of helping you get the dental treatment you deserve in a safe, warm and comfortable environment – at our dental surgery.
Belinda Smith
Practice Manager
Bel joined Pinnacle Dental Group in 2012. She believes the best part of her job is to chat to our clinic's patients and helping calm them prior to, and during treatment no matter their age or ability – hand holding is her specialty. She also looks forward to cuddling any babies that come in with their parents! When Bel is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband of over 20 years and their two children.
Bel is deeply dedicated to providing compassionate care for individuals with special needs. Her personal experience, as a parent of a child with special needs, has equipped her with profound understanding and a wealth of knowledge in delivering exceptional care. She has actively pursued her commitment by completing courses and additional education, including the attainment of a Certificate IV in disability and mental health first aid. Bel also volunteers as a facilitator of a social group for children on the autism spectrum.
Ash joined Pinnacle Dental in 2008 as a casual job after school. Since then she has completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Wollongong University and achieved a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting and Radiography through Foundation Education. Ash is responsible for keeping Pinnacle Dental group running, assisting our dentists and welcoming patients to the practice.
Ash’s favourite thing about dentistry is seeing people's new and improved smiles after completing treatment at Pinnacle Dental Group. She finds immense joy in observing the increased confidence people gain in their smiles. Ash is an avid traveller, when she is not thinking about work, she is daydreaming about her next overseas destination. On weekends, she enjoys spending time with her partner and dabbling in many hobbies.
Ash King
Clinical Lead Dental Assistant
BCom
Cian is a dedicated dental assistant with many years of experience in the field. She brings a compassionate approach to assisting and has a passion for providing care to those with special needs. Known for her friendly demeanor, Cian creates a comfortable and welcoming environment for all patients.
Cian enjoys engaging with patients and colleagues alike and has a particular enthusiasm for chatting with patients, making them feel at ease during their dental visits. Cian is also a dog lover and is always eager to chat about her four furry companions!
Cian Smith
Dental Assistant
Eri boasts an impressive tenure of over five years as a dedicated dental assistant, embodying excellence in her role. Whether she's diligently aiding our dentists in a wide array of procedures or extending a warm welcome from the front desk, Eri's commitment to patient care shines through. She loves to chat with our patients and is a calming presence for those who are nervous at the dentist.
In her spare time Eri keeps active, from bushwalking to beekeeping! When she’s not doing this you’ll find her eating her heart out on her many food adventures!
Eri Atkinson
Dental Assistant
Dr. John Walsh
Dental Surgeon (Retired)
Dr John Walsh graduated with Honours from Sydney University in 1977. John has retired from active dental services in 2014, but has continued to be closely associated with the surgery.