Lumino the Dentists, Frankton, Queenstown and Kawarau Dental

27/10/2025

Spring snow, really?☃️
We're all rugged up and all clinics open as usual, so if your braving the chill we will see you soon.❄️

10/10/2025

✨ Professional Development in Action ✨

Today Dr Holly, Dr Angela and Dr Eleanor attended Skulpting Skool 101: Posterior Composite Masterclass at Sudima Queenstown, led by the brilliant Dr Clarence Tam.

This hands-on course was all about perfecting the artistry of posterior composites... combining science, skill and creativity to deliver beautiful and long-lasting results for our patients. 🦷🎨

What makes Dr Clarence Tam’s teaching so inspiring is the way she combines her impressive scientific and biomaterials knowledge with clinical expertise, making complex concepts highly engaging and directly relevant to everyday practice.

Her presentation style is like a TED Talk in dental science and art.

Her clinical dentistry is BEAUTIFUL and aspirational.

A big thank you to Dr Clarence Tam for sharing her expertise, to GC for sponsoring, and to Sudima for hosting such an inspiring learning experience!

02/10/2025

✨ Big news at Kawarau Park! ✨

We’re so excited to welcome Associate Professor Dr Tino Mercado to our team! 🎉

Dr Tino is a highly experienced Periodontist & Dental Implant Specialist, with over 30 years of expertise in helping patients keep their gums healthy and smiles strong. He’s joined us from Sydney and Dunedin, and brings world-class skills alongside a kind, patient-focused approach.

On top of his clinical work, Dr Tino is also a passionate educator and researcher. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Otago, works with the University of Sydney, and currently serves as President of the Australia and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists. His award-winning research focuses on gum recession, peri-implantitis, and bone preservation, and his leadership in these areas has earned him recognition both nationally and internationally — achievements he is incredibly proud to bring to his practice here in Queenstown. 📚🏆

The best part? You don’t need to change your regular dentist to see him! 🦷 If your dentist (inside or outside Lumino) feels you’d benefit from specialist care, you can be referred straight to Dr Tino here at Kawarau Park. Even better — he’ll be available on alternate Saturdays, making it easier to fit specialist care into your busy schedule.

Outside of dentistry, Dr Tino is a keen bonsai grower 🌱 and modern art collector 🎨 — proof he has an eye for detail in and out of the dental chair!

Drop a comment below to help us give Dr Tino a warm Queenstown welcome 🙌💙

02/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19dwRdAT8Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Measles is here in Queenstown.

If you are symptomatic and have not been vaccinated for measles, please do not come into the practice. Please call us first 03 441 0500, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

There is more info in the link below about measles symptoms, measles vaccinations and locations of interest.

https://www.qmc.co.nz/post/measles-2025

30/09/2025

Our favourite dental duo is back — refreshed, recharged, and ready to smile with you! 😁

🌟 Welcome Back Ross & Polly! 🌟

We’re thrilled to have Ross and Polly back at Kawarau Park after their first proper holiday in years — well deserved and long overdue! We can’t wait to hear their stories from the boat. 🛥️🌴☀️

Who says you can’t mix work and marriage? Dr Ross and Polly (his wife and dental assistant) are proof that teamwork makes the dream work 👩‍⚕️🦷

Ross brings over 25 years of experience in oral surgery, IV sedation, and implantology, but he enjoys all aspects of dentistry. Outside of work, he loves sailing, biking, skiing, and spending time with Polly and their daughters, Gabby and Kelby.

🗓️ You’ll find Ross and Polly in our Kawarau park practice Tuesday–Friday. Be sure to say hi next time you’re in!

24/09/2025

✨ Specialist Spotlight ✨

Recently we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Julia Smith, Specialist Orthodontist based in Wanaka, to visit our practices! 😃

While we offer Invisalign treatment in-house, it’s essential to also have local specialist orthodontists we can refer to when needed. We’re so fortunate to work with Julia – the feedback we hear about her care and results is always outstanding.

We’re also excited to soon be working with her new colleague, Dr. Luci, and continuing to provide our patients with access to world-class orthodontic care.

A huge thank you to Julia for taking the time to visit us today – we love building these strong connections with the specialists who help us look after our patients’ smiles. 🦷💙

👉 If you’d like to explore orthodontic care with Julia and her team, you can either come and see us first for a referral, or – if you and your child are up to date with your examinations and hygiene – you can also self-refer directly. Learn more here: https://lakesortho.co.nz.

22/09/2025

Collaboration highlight!!

✨ Ever wondered who’s behind many of the beautiful dentures our patients receive? Meet Gareth McMurdo, one of our trusted local Clinical Dental Technicians.

👨‍🔬 With over 20 years of experience in New Zealand and Australia, Gareth is known for his skill, artistry, and dedication to quality. Since opening The Denture Centre Queenstown in 2015, he has built a strong reputation across Central Otago for creating dentures that look and feel natural.

We’re so lucky to have Gareth working alongside us – his denture work is second to none. In fact, he recently made a denture for one of our dentist’s fathers, and it was simply beautiful!

👉 Thinking about dentures?

Book an examination with us, and we can provide you with an oral health certificate to see Gareth at The Denture Centre. Contact any of our Lumino practices in Queenstown, Frankton, or Kawarau Park to get started.

20/09/2025

Specialist Spotlight ✨

Meet Dr. Kieran O’Neill, our long-time Queenstown orthodontic specialist! 😃

Kieran has been visiting our Frankton Lumino practice for over 30 years, helping local families achieve healthy, confident smiles. Based in Invercargill with a Queenstown branch, he practiced in Hamilton and Melbourne before completing his Masters in Orthodontics at Otago University.

He's active in professional circles, being Past President of NZAO, and currently President of the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society, and is also a member of several other international Orthodontic societies.

Outside the clinic, Kieran is all about family life, multisport, social cycling, and kayaking – with just a hint of competitive spirit! 🚴‍♂️🏄‍♂️

🦷 Want to see Kieran? Contact any of our Lumino practices – Queenstown, Frankton, or Kawarau Park – for a referral!

15/09/2025

We’ve been freshening up our website pics to get ready for all the extra visitors we hope will be dropping by after our radio ads hit the airwaves 🎶✨

The big debate: do we look better all polished and professional… or when we let the silly side shine through? 😜📸

One thing’s certain—our Queenstown crew is redoing theirs 😆

Next time it’ll be something a bit more exciting than a wall in the background… promise! 😂 Watch this space!

31/08/2025

❄️ Bluebird Days & Chilly Smiles! ❄️

How good is this fresh snow on The Remarkables?! Perfect for carving up the mountain… but not so fun if your teeth are feeling the chill. 🥶

If icy winds or a sip of something cold make your teeth twinge, it could be a sign of dentinal sensitivity – or even a cavity. Both are worth checking out before they become something bigger.

Our team can help you enjoy the slopes and your hot chocolate without that zing of pain.

📞 Book your appointment today and let’s get those smiles slope-ready!

26/08/2025

All our three practices are participating Dental Providers 🙌

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BBzj5PtmM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

20/08/2025

✨ This week Dr Garnett, Dr Angela, Dr Holly and Dr Judy are heading to the NZDA Conference! ✨

We’re looking forward to an incredible few days of learning, inspiration and connecting with colleagues from across the country. A big thank you to the rest of our amazing team for holding the fort while we’re away – we couldn’t do it without you! 🙌

We can’t wait to bring back fresh ideas, knowledge and insights to share with our team and continue delivering the very best care for our patients. 💙

Promotional video for NZDA Conference & Expo to be held at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre from 21 – 23 August 2025.