Meet The Team

Originally from Nepal, Dr Den Sapkota completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Tribhuvan University in Nepal in 2008 with gold medals in basic science, prosthodontics, and clinical performance. He has since joined the Thorne Dental Team and brings over 14 years of experience and knowledge to the practice.

Dr Den practiced general dentistry for three years before training as an Orthodontist in Nepal. During this time, he practiced as a dental surgeon in government and private sectors across Nepal, attended several continuing education seminars and conferences and strived to deliver the highest level of care to his patients, ensuring to put a smile on their faces during and after each appointment.

His quest to seek further knowledge led Dr Den to pursue a Master of Dental Surgery (Orthodontics) in China, graduating in 2017. His passion for dentistry and teaching led him to train and mentor dental students and dentists domestically in Nepal and internationally in countries including India, Poland and Switzerland.

He soon after made the move from Nepal to Australia where he worked in patient care within several dental surgeries in Sydney and Armidale. During this time Dr Den was also dedicated to studying for the Australian Dental Council exam so his qualification as a dentist could be recognised in Australia. In 2021 Dr Den became a registered general dentist with AHPRA in Australia.

Dr Den has a kind and caring demeanour and is fuelled by patient satisfaction. He takes a holistic approach to his work and believes that prevention is better than cure. His extensive experience combined with his clinical knowledge, allows Dr Den to offer exception dental care in all aspects of dentistry. From minor surgical procedures including wisdom teeth extractions, painless root canals, dental emergencies and managing patients with complex medical problems to improving aesthetics and restoring function with cosmetic treatments including dentures, teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, and veneers.

He has a passion for modern dentistry and believes his job as a dentist is a combination of three professions; a doctor, an engineer and an artist.

Above all, Dr Den loves getting to know each of his patients and building long lasting relationships. “I enjoy helping people by either to get them out of pain, or help them improve their smile” he says.

Outside of the practice Dr Den lives an active lifestyle with his wife and young son! They enjoy playing instruments including the guitar and piano, traveling, and watching movies together. Dr Den also enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking for his family, reading inspirational books and practicing yoga.

Originally from Fiji, Oripa graduated with an undergraduate Dental degree in 2002 and practised general dentistry for 17 years before pursuing and graduating with a Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry specialising in Oral Surgery from the University of Otago in 2019.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Dental Surgery from the Fiji School of Medicine/University of the South Pacific 
• Post graduate Diploma - Oral Surgery - Oral Surgery - Fiji National University
• Graduate Certificate Medical Education - Fiji National University
• Doctorate Clinical Dentistry - University of Otago
• AHPRA registered as a general dentist and a specialist - Oral Surgery

Oripa is dedicated dental practitioner specialising in oral surgery with a strong passion for general dentistry. With over two decades of experience in the dental field, Oripa has honed her skills in this field while maintaining an unwavering commitment to holistic patient care.

Oripa’s passion for her work is not only limited to the confines of patient clinical care as in her previous employment as an assistant professor, meant sharing of knowledge and imparting lifelong skill-sets important in this field of care to undergraduate and post graduate dental and medical students. Beyond her surgical and general dental practice, she believes in the importance of treating the whole person, not just their dental issues. Oripa advocates for a holistic approach to dentistry, integrating scientific and preventive care to promote overall health. She takes the time to educate patients about their oral health, emphasising the connection between dental wellness and overall well-being. Oripa believes that it is the holistic approach to treating a patient that brings forth satisfaction, not only to the patient but to the clinician as well.

Oripa loves helping people and putting a smile back on their face, together with the whole approach of enabling patients to be leaders in their overall health.

Outside of work Oripa enjoys hiking, interior decorating and cooking.

Dr Amna Habib is a dedicated dentist with a background in practicing within the public hospital system in New South Wales managing a wide range of acute and complex dental presentations. She completed the Australian Dental Council (ADC) Examinations in 2022 and is fully licensed to practice dentistry in Australia.

Dr Habib holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University Medical & Dental College in Faisalabad and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of New England. Her background as a Registered Nurse in a busy Emergency Department has strengthened her clinical assessment skills and shaped her calm, patient‑centred approach to care.

She has strong clinical interests in oral surgery and restorative dentistry, with extensive experience managing extractions including complex and surgical cases, as well as providing durable restorative treatment for patients with high needs. Dr Habib is currently undertaking a General Dental Residency and remains committed to ongoing professional development.

Across her practice, she prioritises clear communication, patient education, and evidence‑based care, with a focus on helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their oral health.