Goulburn Valley Dental Group

Over 60 years of creating smiles

About Us

Established in 1965, Goulburn Valley Dental Group has become the most trusted dental practice in the heart of the Goulburn Valley for generations, proudly building long-lasting relationships with patients, families and the local community. With a strong focus on personalised care and continuity, we continue to provide high-quality, patient-centred dental care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Compassionate, Patient-Friendly Care
Comprehensive Dental Care
Experienced Dental Professionals
Advanced Technology & Modern Dentistry

Learn More About Us

Meet the Team

Dr. Sath Saranathan

BDSc (Melb)

Read Bio

Dr. Raathika Raj

BDS (UK)

Read Bio

Dr. Tom Mackey

DDS (Melb)

Read Bio

Dr. Michael Huynh

BDS (Latrobe)

Read Bio

Dr. Karen Luu

BDent (Latrobe)

View Full Bio

Dr. Rutuja Nirale

BDS, MDS

Read Bio

Dr. Natalie Dassanayake

BDHS (Griffith)

Read Bio

Dr. Gabrielle Sargant

BDS (Latrobe)

Read Bio

Dr. Cong Sun

DDS (Melb)

Read Bio

Dr. Tiger Yin

DDS(Melb)

Read Bio

Dr. Gabrielle Sargant - BDS (Bendigo)

Dr Gabrielle Sargant is a Shepparton local who is passionate about providing high-quality dental care to regional communities.

She attended Wanganui Park Secondary College before completing her Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) at La Trobe University in Bendigo.

Gabrielle enjoys all aspects of dentistry and has a particular interest in children’s dentistry and family dental care, helping young patients develop positive dental experiences and healthy habits from an early age.

Known for her friendly and approachable nature, Gabrielle enjoys building strong relationships with patients and helping them feel comfortable during their visits.

Outside of dentistry, Gabrielle enjoys cooking, dining out with friends, and playing violin in the Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra.

Dr Tiger Yin - DDS (University of Melbourne)

Tiger grew up in Sydney and made the move down to Melbourne for his university studies. He graduated from the University of Melbourne with the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and has been servicing Victoria's North East regional area for a number of years before moving to Shepparton. Tiger has a keen eye for detail and enjoys working together with patients to tailor treatment plans to suit their needs. Tiger is passionate about oral health education and equipping patients with the knowledge to manage and prevent dental disease. Outside of the dental clinic Tiger enjoys following the Formula 1 and loves to chat about cars

Dr Cong Sun - DDS (Melb)

Dr. Rutuja Nirale

Dr Rutuja Nirale completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2005 and later went on to complete her Master of Dental Surgery in Prosthodontics in 2011, graduating with a Gold Medal in her specialty.

She has worked across both private and public dental sectors in India and Australia and has been part of the Shepparton community since 2014.

Rutuja enjoys all areas of general dentistry and has developed a particular interest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, helping patients improve both the function and appearance of their smiles.

Known for her gentle and compassionate nature, Rutuja takes the time to listen carefully to her patients and ensure they feel comfortable and confident in their treatment decisions.

Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and cooking a variety of cuisines.

Dr. Natalie Dassanayake - BDHS (Griffith)

Dr Natalie Dassanayake completed her Bachelor of Dental Health Science and Master of Dentistry at Griffith University.

Natalie enjoys providing high-quality dental care to patients across the Goulburn Valley community and takes pride in helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their dental care.

She is passionate about delivering patient-focused dentistry and helping people achieve and maintain healthy smiles.

Natalie currently treats patients at our Numurkah practice on Mondays, where she enjoys building strong relationships with patients in the local community.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time with family, cooking, going to the gym, and is an avid reader.

Dr. Michael Huynh - BDS (Bendigo)

Dr Michael Huynh grew up in Springvale, Melbourne and attended Haileybury College before completing his Master of Dentistry at La Trobe University.

He began his career in Traralgon and later worked at Goulburn Valley Health, gaining valuable experience across both regional and metropolitan dentistry.

Michael currently treats patients at our Numurkah practice and also works in Shepparton on Monday afternoons.

He is known for his gentle chairside manner and attention to detail, helping patients feel comfortable while delivering comprehensive dental care.

Michael is also involved in lecturing and mentoring dental students at GV Health Dental.

Outside of dentistry, Michael is an enthusiastic food lover, enjoys discovering new restaurants, and stays active playing badminton, table tennis, and volleyball.

Dr. Karen Luu - BDent (La Trobe)

Dr Karen Luu grew up in Melbourne and completed her dental degree at La Trobe University.

Before becoming a dentist, Karen worked as a dental assistant for four years, giving her valuable insight into private dental practice and patient care. This experience helped shape her calm and supportive approach to treating patients.

Karen is highly driven academically and was awarded the Golden Key Award, as well as being recognised as one of the top five dental students in her year.

She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and prides herself on providing gentle, attentive care while helping patients feel comfortable and confident during their appointments.

Karen is multilingual, speaking Mandarin and Cantonese. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys cooking and going to the gym.

Dr. Tom Mackey - DDS (Melb)

Dr Tom Mackey grew up in Melbourne and attended Xavier College before completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Melbourne in 2019.

Tom began his career working as a graduate dentist at the GV Health Dental Department, gaining valuable experience treating patients in the public health system.

In 2021, he joined Goulburn Valley Dental Group, where he has become a valued member of the team, known for his thorough approach to treatment and his ability to help patients feel comfortable and at ease during their appointments.

In 2025, Tom became a partner at Goulburn Valley Dental Group, reflecting his commitment to the practice and the local community.

Tom has a strong interest in implant placement, as well as oral surgery and endodontics, and enjoys helping patients restore both function and confidence in their smiles.

Outside of dentistry, Tom enjoys camping, hiking, travelling, and playing tennis.

He is also a passionate Essendon AFL supporter and enjoys watching the Wallabies in Rugby Union.

Dr. Raathika Raj – BDS (UK)

Dr Raathika Raj grew up in the United Kingdom and graduated in 2005 from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ in London.

She moved to Australia in 2006 and joined Goulburn Valley Dental Group in 2007, where she has built long-standing relationships with many patients in the local community.

Raathika is known for her calm and compassionate approach to patient care, helping many patients feel comfortable and at ease during their dental visits.

She has developed a particular interest in endodontics (root canal treatment) and teeth whitening, and enjoys helping patients maintain healthy, confident smiles.

Outside the clinic, Raathika enjoys baking and decorating cookies, keeping fit, and spending time with her family.

She is also actively involved in a number of local community groups and committees across the region.

Dr. Sath Saranathan BDSc (Melb)

Dr Sath Saranathan graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2002 with a Bachelor of Dental Science. In 2003, he moved to Shepparton to work alongside Dr Herb Barlow before purchasing the practice in 2006.

Sath has built strong relationships with patients across the Goulburn Valley through his relaxed approach, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality dentistry.

He has developed a particular interest in crown and restorative dental work, as well as clear aligner orthodontic treatment, helping patients improve both the function and appearance of their smiles.

Outside of the practice, Sath enjoys spending time on the family farm and staying active by playing tennis.

He is also passionate about supporting the local community and has been involved in a number of community groups and committees across the Goulburn Valley.

Sath is a proud father of three and enjoys watching Collingwood in the AFL whenever he gets the chance.

Hayley Emmi

Oral Health Therapist

Read Bio

Hawrah Al-Bendar

Oral Health Therapist

Read Bio

Renee Church

Oral Health Therapist

Read Bio

Aimee Brond

Dental Therapist

Read Bio

Ms Aimee Brond - Dental Therapist

Aimee has a long background in Dentistry, completing Dental Assisting after high school and then going on to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science (Dental Therapy) through Melbourne University in 1996.

Having worked for many years in the School Dental Service and Goulburn Valley Health, Aimee has enjoyed over 27 years in Dentistry.

Over this time, Aimee has developed strong communication and behavioural management skills in paediatric patients, using age-appropriate vocabulary, empathy, and a highly skilled, gentle approach to dental care that is greatly accepted by children and those with special needs.

Aimee’s expertise includes infant oral health exams, including risk assessment for caries in both mother and child, preventive dental care treatments, and nutrition and diet recommendations for children and families.

She also provides habit counselling (such as dummy and thumb sucking, diet, and smoking), early assessment and referral for orthodontics and other specialty dental areas, and care for dental injuries (including fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth).

In 2014, Aimee completed the Advanced Clinical Practice Postgraduate Certificate, allowing her to extend her passion for Dentistry to patients of all ages.

She looks forward to meeting you at your next appointment!

Ms Hayley Emmi - Oral Health Therapist

Hayley is a Goulburn Valley local who grew up on a farm near Kyabram.

She graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Oral Health Science and has over 14 years of dental experience, with a special interest in early childhood dental intervention.

Hayley is married with three children and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, especially camping and fishing.

When she’s not doing that, she works as a Thermomix Consultant and loves creating delicious treats for her family and colleagues.

Ms Hawrah Al-Bendar- Oral Health Therapist

Hawrah was born and raised in Shepparton, where she completed her secondary education locally. She recently graduated from La Trobe University in Bendigo with a Bachelor of Oral Health.

She is excited to begin her career at Goulburn Valley Dental Group and enjoys both the hygiene and therapy aspects of her role.

Outside of work, Hawrah enjoys travelling both locally and overseas, and loves spending time with friends exploring new places.

Ms Renee Church - Oral Health Therapist

Renee's passion for dentistry began in secondary school when she completed work experience as a dental assistant. After finishing her education, she pursued a career as a dental assistant in Shepparton, where she worked for six years.

In 2009, Renee completed a Bachelor of Oral Health Science at La Trobe University in Bendigo.

She then returned to Shepparton and worked in private practice for several years, and is currently also working part-time at Goulburn Valley Orthodontics.

Renee and her husband, Brad, are raising their three daughters—Lola, Ruby, and Violet—on a dairy farm in the Goulburn Valley.

In her spare time, Renee enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as camping, water skiing, and reading.