Meet The Team

Joining the practice in February 2013, Dr. Celso Cardona is the skilled and passionate Lead Dentist at Maven Dental Avalon Beach. Originally from Brazil, Dr. Cardona graduated from UFRGS (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul) in 2006 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and later, in 2008, obtained his Master's in Pain and Palliative Medicine. In 2023, he completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Implants (ACDP).

Dr. Cardona discovered his love for dentistry at a young age, inspired by both his father and brother who are also dentists. After receiving his qualifications, he spent time working alongside them in Brazil until 2008 before moving to Australia the following year. He worked as a clinical educator at Sydney University in 2009 and then went on to work at two other dental surgeries before joining Maven Dental Group.

In his role, Dr. Cardona is passionate about helping his patients achieve a better understanding of dental health and providing them with exceptional dental care. With over 18 years of experience, he has gained extensive knowledge in all aspects of general dentistry, with a keen interest in root canals, full mouth reconstruction, implant surgery, and teeth alignment. Due to his expertise with complex dental cases, he also receives referrals from other dentists.

Dedicated to his professional growth, Dr. Cardona is one of only ten dentists in Australia to have completed the prestigious Kois Center curriculum in Seattle. Furthermore, he is the sole dentist in the country to have completed both the Kois Center curriculum and the curriculum at the esteemed Pankey Institute in Miami.

Away from the practice, Dr. Cardona enjoys meditating, rock climbing, playing video games, surfing, flying small planes, and traveling. He also has a love for yoga, practices daily, and is a qualified yoga teacher.

AHPRA Registered

Suzanne (Suzie) Zerafa was welcomed to the Maven Dental Inner West Sydney practice as an experienced Dental Hygienist and Oral Health Therapist. Suzie holds a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy, Diploma of Dental Therapy and Diploma of Reflexology having attended Westmead Dental in 2004 and Melbourne University in 2005.

Beginning her dental career at the age of 16, Suzie worked as a dental nurse for a number of years. At 21 she left Australia to travel and gain experience working in London, where she discovered her love for dental hygiene. Upon her return to Sydney, she studied dental therapy at the Westmead Hospital and after graduating completed her dental hygienist studies at Melbourne University. She now offers 30 years' experience in the dental industry, 15 of which have been as a dental hygienist/therapist.

Within the practice, Suzie is passionate about developing strong relationships with her patients and loves being able to have a positive impact on their lives in regards to great oral health. While enjoying all aspects of her role, she holds clinical interests in treating periodontal disease, peri-implantitis, diet and nutrition issues of the mouth, sleep disorders and growth guidance issues in children.

Suzie is a member of the Dental Hygienist Association Australia and Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapist Association.

Away from the practice, Suzie loves spending quality time with family and friends and is often kept busy getting her daughter everywhere she needs to be. She also enjoys baking, entertaining, getting outdoors and riding motorbikes (currently doing offroad and motocross). When she finds the time, Suzie also loves taking part in Bikram yoga.