Meet The Team

Originally from the UK, Dr Jilka completed his dental qualifications at the Dundee University in Scotland. Prior to moving to Australia, he worked as a lead dentist in Edinburgh where he developed a passion for designing and creating beautiful smiles.

As a friendly and cheerful dentist, Dr Jilka always strives to ensure his patients (particularly nervous ones) feel calm and confident about their dental treatment. He is committed to providing the highest, professional level of care while still remaining gentle and approachable. Dr Jilka is also a trained Invisalign provider – producing fantastic results for many of his patients.

Outside of dentistry, Dr Jilka relishes an active outdoor lifestyle, enjoying frequent travel, trekking, cycling and Latin dancing. He also loves making the most of what Brisbane has to offer and looks forward to pursuing all opportunities that lie ahead.

Dr Claire McCaughey, a seasoned dental professional, brings her love for patient interaction and preventative dentistry to Maven Dental New Farm as an Associate Dentist. After completing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Queens University Belfast in 2017, Dr Claire spent five fruitful years in general practice in Ireland. Drawn by the allure of sunshine, she made the move to Australia and has settled into her new home in Brisbane.

From the earliest days of her career, Dr Claire has demonstrated a particular interest in preventative dentistry and working with anxious patients. Her passion for helping patients overcome their dental anxieties is well-matched with her dedication to promoting good oral health habits, and she enjoys the rewards that come with seeing her patients grow in confidence and oral health.

What sets Dr Claire apart in her practice is her ability to establish strong rapport with her patients. She thrives on meeting new faces every day and cherishes the opportunity to know them better over their dental checkups. This deep understanding of her patients helps Dr Claire to better address their individual needs and concerns, making the dental experience more comfortable for all involved.

Beyond her dental practice, Dr Claire's adventurous spirit has her yearning to explore Australia on her days off. A sports enthusiast, she plays Irish Gaelic football for a local team, a sport not too different from AFL.

During her studies, Dr Pateel Garabet began her journey at Maven Dental New Farm as a receptionist, making her a familiar face for many patients. After completing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at The University of Queensland, and a Bachelor of Dental Science/Master of Dentistry at Griffith University, Dr Pateel now operates her practice from our clinic.

In the realm of dental care, Dr Garabet shines with a particular focus on restorative dentistry. She enjoys motivating individuals, especially those with dental anxieties, to foster a positive relationship with their oral health journey. This commitment to patient well-being extends to her keen interest in preserving compromised teeth through crowns, rejuvenating their function and appearance.

Outside of the clinic, Dr Garabet is often found at music shows or spending time with her parent's dog and immersing herself in the vibrant local community.

Dr Avin Mohemmed, a dedicated dentist at Maven Dental New Farm, brings a strong academic background and diverse experience to the practice. Dr Avin completed a Bachelor of Dental Health Science and a Master of Dentistry at Griffith University School of Dentistry and Medicine, where her academic prowess was recognised with the Griffith Academic Excellence Award.

Before becoming a Dentist, Dr Avin worked in retail and as a dental assistant. This background, combined with her active involvement in community service and volunteer initiatives, including ECCQ (Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland) and the Esesson Foundation, has enriched her approach to patient care. Fluent in English, Arabic and Kurdish, Dr Avin's linguistic skills enable her to connect with a diverse range of patients.

Clinically, Dr Avin is especially passionate about oral surgery and prosthodontics. She is committed to furthering her expertise in these areas and is driven by the desire to empower patients with knowledge about their oral health. Her approach is centred around involving patients in their treatment decisions and ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout their dental journey.

Dr Avin's favourite part of being a dentist is interacting and building relationships with her patients. She is passionate about making a positive impact on their lives, guiding them towards better oral health outcomes.

When not practising dentistry, Dr Avin is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Whether she's at the gym, diving in the ocean, enjoying a BBQ, or simply relaxing at the beach, Dr Avin values quality time spent with family and friends. 

Melissa Szolomajer has practiced from Maven Dental Group New Farm since 2013.

With more than 16 years' experience across the dental industry and a passion for oral hygiene, Melissa is dedicated to providing her patients with the skills and education necessary to maintain good oral health - even between visits.  Melissa’s patients frequently comment on her approachable nature and gentle technique.

Melissa is also committed to professional development and continued education, playing an active role on the Dental Hygienist Association Queensland Branch Committee and participating in a number of community projects. With a keen interest in treating and maintaining periodontal disease she enjoys learning new techniques to combat the disease.

Away from her practice Melissa loves cooking, photography, spending time with family and friends, keeping healthy and taking her boys to the beach.

Malavika Malhotra has practiced as a friendly and caring oral health therapist at Maven Dental New Farm since September 2017. Malavika graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2011, having completed her Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health. She began her career in dentistry working for the Auckland regional dental services in a government clinic.

Malavika worked for a government organisation for 3 years while working part time on the weekends at a private clinic. After three years, Malavika entered into private practice where she continued to work until relocating to Australia in September 2016. She worked in both private and public organisations in Australia before deciding to permanently continue practising in a private clinic setting.

As an oral health therapist Malavika is passionate about helping people maintain a sustainable change in their oral hygiene. She holds clinical interests in oral health education and the clenching/grinding of teeth, and regularly attends continued professional development courses to further her skills and knowledge.

Away from her practice, Malavika spends her time going for salsa dance classes, gym, hiking, swimming, reading and travelling.