Dr Philip Chou
Owner, Dentist, BDSc (Qld)
We heard you hated the dentist as a child. What changed that?
When I moved to Australia at 5 years old, I had a mishap that required urgent dental care. Thankfully, my mum found an amazing dentist who helped me with my phobia and I soon grew to enjoy going to dental appointments and became inspired by my dentist (who I consider a mentor and still keep in touch with to this day!)
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Getting to know my patients and hearing about their lives! I love being part of our local community. I also love seeing how great oral health can make such a positive difference to your overall wellbeing. Oh, and when patients say, “I don’t know why I was so worried! That didn’t hurt at all!”
How do you recharge after a busy week?
Not sure you would call it a “recharge”😂 but I love spending time with my two daughters and taking them on adventures! I also love motorsports and regularly go go-karting on weekends.
If you weren’t a dentist, what would you be doing instead? An F1 racer! Or a full-time traveller, the world is an amazing place.
Allana McCabe
Oral Health Therapist, BOralHlth (CQU)
Hi, My name is Allana McCabe and I’m an Oral Health Therapist!
You will see me if you are interested in having a comprehensive examination, a professional clean, fillings, orthodontic adjustments or whitening.
When I was younger, I needed a lot of help with my teeth and I was lucky enough to receive that from caring people. They made me interested in working in the field of dentistry.
Our oral health impacts the whole body health in many ways. I enjoy educating patients on how to achieve high quality oral care to prevent disease. I love working with children as it is especially important to build positive oral care habits at a young age.
Proper brushing, flossing and dietary habits can make a significant impact on our oral health and we would love to discuss this with you at your visit. The way we breathe and how we rest and use our jaw also has an impact on our whole body health which will be screened.
When I’m not at work, I live the simple things like spend long time with family and friends. I love learning new cooking techniques. I enjoy a good snow holiday and learning about engines and motorsports.
Jenna Gibson
Practice Manager
Jenna, you’ve been in the dental industry a LONG time. Tell us about it!
Phil and I have actually worked together since I was a baby practice manager (nearly 20 years ago….gulp!). In that time, I’ve gone from receptionist, to dental assistant, to clinical co-ordinator to practice manager!
Most people either loved going to the dentist as a kid—or absolutely hated it. Where did you fall? How come?
I absolutely loved going to the dentist as a child! I had really wanted braces as a kid but lucked out with straight teeth. I went as far as straightening out a paperclip and wrapping it around my teeth so it looked like I had braces 😂
What’s your greatest dental-related achievement?
Honestly, I love helping my patients everyday achieve their oral health goals, but I was super excited to win the Australian Dental Association’s Award of Excellence for my paper on infection control, which was published in the Australian Dental Association magazine.
And what’s your greatest non-dental achievement?
My two children, whom I utterly adore. I love family time with them and my husband, and we regularly go camping and 4×4 driving together on Straddie and Moreton Islands.
Elisa Worth
Clinical Co-Ordinator and Dental Nurse
Client services and patient care is something you’re really passionate about. Can you tell us why?
I’ve literally had decades of experience in customer service – I started in fashion, managing boutiques, before working my way up in the cosmetics world, then back to managing a major fashion label.
What made you decide to switch to dentistry?
As a child, I was scared of the dentist! The school dental van experience was definitely not fun for me😂but I was keen for a change from working in fashion but wanted to stay in customer service so I thought dental assisting would provide the perfect challenge and help me conquer my fear so I could help others get through their fear too!
What’s something that really, really, really makes you smile? Like, really?
My husband has a very unique belly laugh…. and its rare if someone can make him laugh like that, but I love love love it when he does.
Jackie Lewis
Oral Health Therapist, BOralHlth (CQU)
Why did you get into dentistry?
I’ve always had a fascination with teeth since I was 11 if you can believe. It’s all thanks to a good experience I had with a dental therapist in school dental when I needed an over-retained baby tooth out and at the time, I had a few friends getting braces. This continued my interest through high school which lead me to getting a job as a dental assistant. I’d always wanted more so through persistent learning through in various roles and study at university I became an Oral Health Therapist.
What is your favourite restaurant at Camp Hill Marketplace?
There’s so many I haven’t tried. But you can never go wrong with Hatori Karage Japanese.
What is the one piece of advice you’d give someone about oral health and hygiene?
Your mouth is the window to your overall health and wellbeing. You only get one body and one set of permanent teeth so look after them.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
Spending time with my fiancé and our dog named Nox (like the Wand extinguishing charm in Harry Potter). Visiting new cafes & restaurants around Brisbane with friends. Immersing myself into Asian culture and my main hobby outside of work is dancing of various styles.
If there was anywhere in the world you could go, where would it be, and why?
Japan or South Korea during Spring time to see the Cherry Blossoms, explore by immersing myself into their culture and of course to eat the delicious food.
If you’re looking for a Camp Hill family dentist that’s open early or on Saturdays, contact Vital Dental Care today. On the day emergency services are available!