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 son, 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.
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.
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.
Dr Tina Farhang
Dentist
Why did you get into dentistry?
In grade 2, when everyone drew photos of wanting to be a ballerina or a dolphin trainer when they grew up, I drew a picture of a dentist!! My parents would always regularly take me to the dentist and every time I would visit I was more and more intrigued in what they did.
Fast forward almost 20 years later and here I am! I always loved health care and taking care of people, and in dentistry I can do that everyday with the added bonus of (almost) instantly being able to improve someone’s smile and confidence! There’s no better feeling than the excited smile a patient has when they look in the mirror after an appointment!
What is the one piece of advice you’d give someone about oral health and hygiene?
How you take care of your teeth from a young age has such a huge impact on your teeth as an adult, so it’s always good to make sure kids fall into good dental habits early and get comfortable with going to the dentist!
What do you love to do in your spare time?
I grew up on the WA coastline so I love heading to the beach with a good book when I get the chance and hiking the surrounding hinterlands!
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.
Lucy
Why did you get into dentistry?
My treating orthodontist was always so kind and welcoming at every appointment, making each visit such a positive experience. This inspired my passion for working with orthodontic and paediatric patients and influences how I now care for my own patients.
What is your favourite restaurant or cafe at Camp Hill Marketplace? What’s the best thing to eat there?
My favourite cafe at Camp Hill Marketplace is Banneton Bakery. I have a deep love for pastries and croissants, and will always have a soft spot for a good brownie in moderation.
What is one piece of advice you’d give someone about oral health and hygiene?
You don’t have to floss all of your teeth, only the ones you want to keep!
What do you love to do in your spare time?
I enjoy baking with my two-year-old daughter and creating lovely floral arrangements.
If there was anywhere in the world you could go, where would it be, and why?
I would love to visit Paris one day to experience an authentic French butter croissant and a traditional French hot chocolate.
Dr Lawrence Nguyen
Dentist
Why did you get into dentistry?
Dentistry allows me to combine my passion for hands-on work with the privilege of helping others. I find it deeply rewarding to guide patients on their journey toward better oral health, pain relief, and improved quality of life. Seeing the transformation in their smiles, from the first appointment to the final result, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.
What is the one piece of advice you’d give someone about oral health and hygiene?
Improving your oral health is a journey that requires time, patience, and consistency. It all begins with taking that first step.
What is your favourite Brisbane restaurant?
My favourite spots in Brisbane include Exhibition and Motto Motto. I love dining out and am always excited to explore new restaurants.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
I enjoy soccer, bouldering, outdoor activities like hiking and camping, and DIY home projects.
Joanna Lee
Senior Dental Assistant
Can you tell us about some of your favourite hobbies?
I liked watching Korean dramas in college, and now I enjoy watching Chinese dramas. I like their music.
What is your favourite restaurant in Brisbane? Favourite dish?
I have too many on my list of favourites. I love many kinds of cuisine. Recently, I fancy a Japanese cafe called ‘Supernova’. I love their pork chops and their sando.
What is your favourite TV show & character?
I love the feeling Disney gives me, which is why I enjoy all of its movies. My favorite is ‘Tangled’, I feel like I have lots of similarities with Rapunzel!
What is the most interesting place you’ve been?
It’s definitely Girraween National Park!
The most unforgettable mountain (rock) hike I have ever had!
The most unforgettable mountain (rock) hike I have ever had!
What’s something we would never guess about you?
I’ve been dancing for 18 years, from junior high to university, my life has been all about performances. Till now I still really love singing and dancing, they make me feel relaxed! but while I seem fun and lively in a group, I’m actually a very shy person.
Cathy
Hobbies & Interests:
Travel addict (if only the lotto would cooperate ?????). Love spending time with my grown-up kidsmy daughter in Amsterdam and my son, a chef-in-training (bonus: he sometimes cooks for me!). Always reading, sometimes while cooking. Long lunches and trying new restaurants. Sampling new gins (is that a hobby?). Knitting, but only in winter! Hiking, preferably somewhere cool – Norway is perfect. Music lover, I enjoy finding new artists – current faves: Chappell Roan, Tkay Maidza, Hope Tala, Niki. My absolute fave? My daughter, Hartleylisten on Spotify, not biased at all ??. Shoppingwhich is also exercise, right?
Fave Brisbane Restaurant:
The Arsonist in Manly (my son works there, again totally unbiased ??). Incredible food, locally sourced, always amazing. Favourite dish? If its raw fish or dessert, Im ordering it.
Fave TV Shows:
The Bridge, Fisk, Starstruck, Korean dramas, and my ultimate comfort rewatchMiranda and Girls.
Most Interesting Places Ive Been:
Nepal (Himalayan treks), Norway (Northern Lights), but Paris is my all-time faveI never get tired of it.
Something Youd Never Guess:
I trained as a classical pianist but loved too many other things to commit!
Bobbie Ford
Senior Dental Nurse
Meet Bobbie – Our Amazing Senior Dental Nurse!
Say hello to Bobbie, our superstar Senior Dental Nurse who keeps our clinic running smoothly and our patients smiling bright! When Bobbie’s not ensuring everything’s picture-perfect at the practice, she’s indulging in her love for delicious food. Her favourite? The Chicken Cashew Nut Sauce at Thai Antique Restaurant.
A self-confessed TV addict, Bobbie is obsessed with all 20 seasons of The Block and never misses an episode. And yes, she’s a big fan of the one and only Scott Cam!
Bobbie’s adventures have taken her to Egypt, where the pyramids and ancient wonders left her awestruck.
And here’s something you’d never guess: Bobbie has a creative streak! She loves to upcycle furniture, turning old pieces into fabulous new treasures.
We’re so lucky to have Bobbie on our team—her warmth, skill, and passion make her an absolute gem. Say hi to her at your next visit!
Nicole
Can you tell us about some of your favourite hobbies?
Developed a new found love for Pilates, in particular Pilates place (which is also in our market place)
What is your favourite restaurant in Brisbane? Favourite dish?
I love food! And eat most things, My favourite thing about Brisbane is all the different food options! I love trying new foods from different cultures and have been lucky enough to work along side others who help me embrace the foods of their country!
What is your favourite TV show & character?
I enjoy watching reality tv shows and everything comedy!
What is the most interesting place youve been?
Chiang mai Thailand
But my list for places to travel is ever growing thanks to all the advice from our patients on a daily basis!
I cannot wait to see more of Australia!
Whats something we would never guess about you?
I would say that Im Irish? ?? but I get told that my accent gives that away.
Dr Tim Wu
Why did you get into dentistry?
I’ve always enjoyed healthcare and working with people, but what really drew me to dentistry was the blend of science, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving. I enjoy being able to improve not only oral health, but also confidence and quality of life through cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dentistry also lets me combine my interest in digital technology with clinical care, especially through digital workflows and endodontics, where preserving natural teeth can make a long-term difference. It’s very rewarding to help patients feel comfortable, pain-free, and confident with their smile again.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy building genuine relationships with patients and seeing their confidence improve over time. I also really enjoy the hands-on process of rebuilding and restoring, whether that’s repairing a tooth, restoring a smile, or saving a tooth through endodontic treatment. On top of that, I like how dentistry keeps evolving with technology. Working with digital scanning, workflows, and modern tools makes the work more precise and keeps things interesting every day.
What is the one piece of advice you’d give someone about oral health and hygiene?
Small habits make a huge difference in the long run. Brushing well, flossing, and regular check-ups help prevent most major dental problems. The earlier issues are addressed, the simpler and more comfortable the treatment usually is.
What is your favourite Brisbane restaurant?
My favourite spots in Brisbane include Exhibition and Motto Motto. I love dining out and am always excited to explore new restaurants.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
Outside of dentistry, I enjoy exploring technology, especially 3D printing, digital scanning, and learning about digital workflows. I like understanding how things work and building things from the ground up it ties in closely with how I approach dentistry as well.
Ongoing Professional Development
Dr Nguyen is very committed to his continuing professional development to produce the best possible outcome for his patients. His continuing education and memberships include:
- Australian Dental Association
- CADMUS Society Study Club
- 2023 FDI Congress
Joanna
Senior Dental Nurse
Meet Joanna (aka Jojo) – Our Multi-Talented Dental Star!
Jojo is more than just one of our amazing team members—she’s a bundle of energy, creativity, and a touch of Disney magic! When she’s not lighting up our practice, you’ll find Jojo indulging in her love for dramas—first Korean, now Chinese. Add their catchy soundtracks to the mix, and she’s hooked!
Jojo is a foodie at heart, with too many favourite restaurants to pick just one! Lately, she’s been loving the Japanese café Supernova for their delicious pork chops and sando.
Her love for all things Disney shines through in her favorite movie, Tangled. She swears she shares a lot in common with Rapunzel—except maybe the magic hair.
The most unforgettable adventure she’s had? Exploring Girraween National Park, in our very own Queensland backyard!
But here’s the real surprise—Jojo has been dancing for an incredible 18 years, from junior high to university!
Jojo’s lively spirit, creative soul, and big heart make her a truly special part of our team. Be sure to say hi to her next time you visit—she might even hum a Disney tune for you!
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!
