Our Team

DR PATRICK RUSSO

Patrick Russo graduated BDSc from the University of Melbourne in 1983 and in 1988 was awarded Fellowship by examination in the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS)

Patrick has conducted a private general practice in Brighton Victoria since 1985. He practices in all aspects of general dentistry with a special interest in restorative and reconstructive dentistry.

In addition to his private general practice, Patrick has been a part time clinical demonstrator at the University of Melbourne and has examined in General Dentistry for the final examination FRACDS.

Patrick has served on several boards and Committees within the profession. He was an elected Board member of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons for 10 years and was elected President of the College 2016-2018.

He has been awarded Fellowship in two international dental honour societies, The Pierre Fauchard Academy (FPFA) and The International College of Dentists (FICD). He has served as the Australasian trustee for the internation Pierre Fauchard Academy and is currently a trustee for the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Foundation.
In 2019 Patrick's service to dentistry was recognised with an Honorary Fellowship RACDS.

DR SUSAN NEEDHAM

Susan Needham graduated BDSc from the University of Queensland in 1982. In 1987 she was awarded Fellowship by examination in the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. In 1989 a Masters Degree in Orthodontics was awarded from the University of Melbourne.

Susan has worked in private practice Orthodontics since that time and as extensive experience in all aspects of Orthodontics for adults and children.
Since 1995 Susan has been a consultant orthodontist at the Royal Childrens Hospital of Melbourne dental unit.

DR CHRISTINE SHERMAN

Christine graduated dentistry at the university of Melbourne in 1988. She had previously worked as a dental therapist for the school dental service for 3 years.
Dr Sherman enjoys a variety of general dentistry including crown and bridge, endodontics, implant crown and cosmetic work including porcelain veneers. Her passion is cosmetic dentistry and improving a persons smile.

Christine is a member of the Australian Dental Association and a member of the bayside study and Implant groups.
Having worked in the same family practice for 28 years, she has really enjoyed getting to know the generations of families.

Christine is a keen golfer and plays competitive tennis on a weekly basis.

DR CARMEL BUCKLEY

Carmel is a dentist of nearly 30 years experience. She graduated from the University of Melbourne and has worked in private practice since graduating.
Carmels interests are in general restorative dentistry. Her aim is to not only restore and maintain her patient’s health but to ensure the experience is relaxed and comfortable.

Outside of dentistry Carmel enjoys running and participating in running events. She enjoys cooking and in particular making desserts.

DR TARA KING

Dr Tara King is a general dentist at Brighton Dental Group. Known for her attention to detail, gentle and caring nature, Tara strives to provide a positive experience for all of her patients. She has experience working in both public and private practice, across Australia and New Zealand.

Tara began her career working as a dental and maxillofacial house surgeon at Christchurch Hospital where she gained experience caring for emergency and medically compromised patients. As a result, she has a strong foundation in oral surgery and special needs dentistry.

Since 2020, Tara has been working in private clinics across Melbourne, where she practices all aspects of general dentistry with a keen focus on preventative, restorative and digital dentistry.

Tara graduated BDS from the University of Otago in 2017 and is a member of the Australian Dental Association and fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS). She completed the RACDS fellowship exams in 2024 and was awarded the Richard Manning King Award for the highest marks in the Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Elective.

In her spare time Tara enjoys baking, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors.

DR PETER HO

Dr Peter Ho is a compassionate, friendly and caring dentist who understands that going to the dentist can be daunting. Coupled with his calming and positive demenour, he seeks to provide an educational and empowering experience at the dentist.

Peter graduated from La Trobe University with High Distinction, where he was heavily involved with the community as the appointed President of the La Trobe Dentistry Society. He is a board member of the Continuing Professional Development Committee of the Australian Dental Association (ADAVB), and is the Vice-Chair of the Recent Graduates and Students Committee at the ADAVB.

Peter brings a passion for high quality dental care at Brighton Dental Group, and has attended numerous dental conventions to keep up to date with latest treatments. He has special interests in crowns and bridges, cosmetic dentistry and wisdom teeth extractions.
In his spare time, Peter enjoys keeping fit by running marathons and going to the gym, and also produces and writes his own music.

Revised: 1 July 2024