Meet the Team at Maven Dental Newcastle

Dr. Jiao has over a decade of experience across the full spectrum of general dentistry, including Invisalign. Her special interest is dental sleep medicine and the treatment of snoring as well as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

After completing her BDS at the University of Adelaide, she worked on the Mid North Coast before returning to Newcastle to run her practice from Maven Dental Newcastle. She has also completed her Primary Dental Examinations, granting her membership in the Royal College of Dental Surgeons, and is a member of the Australasian Sleep Association. Jiao is currently one of only four dentists in NSW, and the only one locally, to be granted the Fellowship of Dental Sleep Medicine. She collaborates with local sleep physicians, GPs, and other medical specialists to provide mandibular advancement devices in the treatment of snoring and OSA. She regularly provides education in this area to other healthcare professionals.

Jiao is a firm believer in preventative dentistry and is dedicated to equipping her patients with the knowledge to maintain their oral health for life. Known for her gentle and patient approach, she strives to create a calm environment for everyone she treats.

Outside of work, Jiao enjoys walking her dog, Momo, hiking, and spending time in nature. You may also find her at a local playground, beach or cafe keeping her two young children entertained, fed and largely out of trouble. 

Please note that Dr. Jiao is not currently accepting new patients.

Dr Agnes Zhao completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago in New Zealand with distinction in 2011. Drawn to the coastal lifestyle and the vibrant food scene, she made her way here in Newcastle, where she has been a valued dentist practising from Maven Dental Newcastle since 2014.

Dr Agnes is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care, tailoring her treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient. She places great emphasis on patient comfort and oral health, ensuring that even the most nervous patients feel at ease and confident about their dental care.

With a gentle approach and a focus on preventative care, Dr Agnes helps her patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. She finds great satisfaction in seeing her patients return with renewed confidence for ongoing dental needs.

In her downtime, Dr Agnes enjoys going for long runs and loves taking part in local, interstate and overseas running festivals.

Dr Sophie Youkheang is a compassionate associate dentist who brings a calm, empathetic approach to every patient she meets. After completing her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Montreal in 2024 and an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at NYU Langone Health, she began her career serving underserved communities in Hilo, Hawaii.

Inspired by the impact accessible dental care can have, Sophie has since brought her skills to Australia, working as a locum dentist across regional areas. She enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and has a particular interest in endodontics, valuing the precision and problem‑solving involved in preserving natural teeth.

Sophie loves seeing patients regain comfort, confidence, and trust in their oral health. Outside the clinic, she’s an avid traveller and a Pilates instructor, embracing balance and wellbeing in both life and practice.

Dr Alison Lau is a compassionate dentist dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centred care. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (with Distinction) from the University of Melbourne. Throughout her career, Alison has worked across metropolitan Victoria and regional New South Wales, caring for patients from a wide range of backgrounds and communities.

Known for her gentle, honest approach, Alison is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout their dental journey. Having spent ten years growing up in Malaysia, she developed an appreciation for the importance of accessible dental care and is particularly committed to creating a supportive environment for anxious patients.

Alison enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, with particular interests in clear aligner treatment, oral surgery, root canal therapy, and cosmetic dentistry. She takes pride in tailoring treatment plans to each patient's individual needs, helping them achieve healthy, confident smiles.

Outside of dentistry, Alison loves travelling and spending time outdoors. Whether she's running, surfing, fishing, or working towards her goal of completing 10 pull-ups at the gym, she enjoys staying active and embracing new challenges.