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.

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.

Born in the Philippines, John immigrated to New Zealand and then to Australia to pursue better opportunities in higher education. Initially working towards a career in academia and research, he graduated with academic excellence with a Bachelor of Science with Honours at the University of Queensland in 2011. After that, he pursued a career in dentistry, completing his Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science and Graduate Diploma of Dentistry at Griffith University in 2017.

John has worked in both public and private practice in the Northern and inner city suburbs of Brisbane and is excited to practice at Maven Dental New Farm.

Education has always been important to John, as he has continued to pursue knowledge within the dental field, undertaking postgraduate courses in dental implants, sedation (nitrous oxide) and clear aligners (Invisalign Go). He also has a special interest in root canal therapy and enjoys the challenges that emergency dentistry bring.

Aside from the evolutionary dental sphere, Dr John is a self-proclaimed foodie, and you will often see him eating at the local eateries or cooking recipes he has just learnt online. He is also passionate about keeping himself in tip-top shape through regular exercise, if only to burn off the calories from eating out so much! When given the chance, he will be attending pilates, yoga and cycling classes.

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.