The Team at Munro Dental

Dr Alex Munro

Alex graduated BDS, Otago in 1995 and has gained significant experience in dentistry. During his career in New Zealand and the UK, Alex has built strong skills in general and cosmetic dentistry, and is experienced with dental implants, endodontics, CAD-CAM dentistry with Cerec and Trios, and prevention of dental diseases of the teeth and gums. Equally, his ability to make patients feel relaxed and comfortable and his excellent reputation has built his practice over the last 25 years.

In 2004, Alex and his family moved to Nelson where he bought his first practice in 2007. After 12 years, he saw an opportunity to create a space that was dedicated to the latest advances in dentistry, in an environment that was welcoming and relaxed. In 2020 Munro Dental was born.

Alex has a strong presence in New Zealand’s dental profession. He has served as Nelson Dental Association Consumer Affairs officer; was the Branch President of the local Dental Association Branch; and is a Tribunal member for the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. He has also contracted for the Dental Council of New Zealand and is a member of the New Zealand Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Alex likes to treat each patient in the context of their overall general health, not just their oral health. He ensures that every patient is aware of all factors that may be influencing their teeth and gums, before developing a long term plan to fix any current problems and minimise the risk of future problems.

Alex is currently accepting new patients at Munro Dental.

Dr Amy Langfield

Amy graduated as a dentist from the University of Liverpool (UK) in 2012, having already undertaken a four year Dental Technology Bachelor degree at the Manchester Metropolitan University. Since graduating Amy has worked in both the NHS and private practice in the UK and New Zealand.

Amy has followed her passion for treating nervous patients and has undertaken a diploma in Neuro-linguistic programming, with another in Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy. She also has a specialist certificate in anxiety. This experiences makes Amy a very calming presence in the dental surgery.

Furthermore, she is trained in IV sedation to help her patients who may be feeling nervous, cope with their treatment needs. IV sedation is a useful assistance to patients who may need treatments such as impacted wisdom tooth extractions and surgical extractions. It enables the patient to remain calm and relaxed.

She is also qualified to use neurotoxin injectables (Botox) to treat grinding and clenching and related pains, as well as for comestic enhancement.

Amy moved to New Zealand in 2016 without knowing anyone, to a place she had never visited. She loves New Zealand, and has found her home in Nelson, enjoying a relaxed lifestyle and better weather! In her free time you will find her polishing or driving her Minis, as well as beekeeping. Amy is well known for raising money for KidsCan by annually participating in the Pork Pie run from Kaitaia to Invercargill.

Dr Riley Thoroughgood

Riley graduated from the University of Otago in 2021, he has spent the past two years working as a dental house surgeon at Nelson Hospital. Throughout his time at the hospital Riley has accumulated a wealth of experience in oral surgery, general dentistry, and specialised care for patients with unique needs. Riley is excellent at managing dental pain and trauma, provision of general dental care and complex tooth removal. Riley is experienced at treating patients anxious about treatment. His patient, kind, and bubbly demeanour creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and relaxed. Riley is dedicated to fostering open communication, ensuring the development of tailored treatment plans for each individual. Riley has received specialized training in IV sedation and is actively working towards certification as a forensic odontologist. He takes great satisfaction in personalising treatment strategies and assisting patients in aligning their oral health with their overall well-being.

Rachel Tiplady

Rachel is our superstar Clinical Coordinator, responsible for managing the reception and office functions of Munro Dental. And she always does this with a smile on her face.

Rachel comes to us with significant experience in the world of dental practice management, and a focus on ensuring the practice runs efficiently, professionally, with a laugh along the way.

Her area of expertise is one that is important at Munro Dental, making every patient feel welcome, looked after, and relaxed. She values every patient and every employee, creating a calm and positive environment for all.

Mark James

Mark is a globally experienced Dental Hygienist with a focus on gentle, supportive, informative, outcome-based client care. Mark has a reputation for excellence in a long diverse career, ranging from various specialist settings, to community, in education, and the dental industry. Mark is very familiar with Nelson, having worked here as recently as 2022 and can’t wait to return to the place he calls home. He is nature centred, passionate about beekeeping, and seasonal foraging for food. Mark also loves singing and guitar. He will make your hygiene appointment, fun, full of care, and with some fascinating stories to share.

Mark joins our team in January 2025 and we couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to Nelson!

Karen McLean

With over 11 years experience providing oral health care, Karen has developed exceptional chair side skills as a Dental Assistant. She acts as support to Alex, our hygienist and other professionals in the practice providing patient-centered, culturally appropriate, and individual care to patients.

She works as Alex’s second pair of hands, eyes and ears when it comes to the collection of data, lab work and X-rays, as well as appointment scheduling and patient follow up.

Karen understands that often your appointment doesn’t end when you leave the practice, and prides herself on making patients feel that all that can be done for them, has been done. Her ability to communicate with and care for her patients is what makes Karen a very important part of the team at Munro Dental.

Melissa Munro

Melissa has a long established career in commercial and investment banking, risk management, and accounting. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Human Resources specialist having worked in both New Zealand and overseas in the UK.

Melissa shares Alex’s vision of creating a dental practice where people don’t feel intimidated or judged so as to avoid treatment. As Manager of Best Practice , she is the driving force behind ensuring every patient has the best treatment and experience possible, by removing the perceived barriers often associated with going to the dentist.

Melissa has developed a convenient online booking system and can schedule emergency appointments outside of work hours and on Saturdays. She welcomes the attendance of support people so patients feel as comfortable as possible.

Above all, her focus is on ensuring each patient is treated with the respect and quality care her team believes they deserve.

Liarna Treanor

As Munro Dental’s rising star, Liarna has joined the team as a Dental Assistant. Liarna’s particular skill set revolves around making our patients feel relaxed and comfortable from the moment they enter the practice.

Working closely with Alex and Amy, Liarna assists with all procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions. Her role requires attention to detail, the ability to follow strict protocols, critical thinking skills and good judgement, which is where Liarna excels. We love having Liarna’s positive attitude in the practice.

Phoenix Flutey-Tapata

Phoenix joined Munro Dental in 2023 looking for a new challenge after a successful career in hospitality.

Phoenix is a star at helping patients feel relaxed and at ease in the dental chair. She loves assisting our dentists and is an integral part of creating wonderful smiles. Phoenix is also expanding her skills to allow her to cover reception when needed.

We love having Phoenix as part of the team, especially the delicious baking she spoils us with.

Claire Hayes

Priding herself on customer service, dental knowledge, empathy and care for patients, Claire joins the team as Munro Dental’s Receptionist.

Having worked with Alex and Melissa before, Claire brings expert frontline management experience from her 22 years in the dental industry.

Claire is in charge of patient communication and acts as a liaison for appointments, documentation, payment, patient health details, ACC, Southern Cross, and all other inquiries.

As the first and last point of contact, Claire ensures visitors to the practice are made to feel comfortable and have all they need before and after their appointment.

She is an integral part of providing a smooth and happy patient experience at Munro Dental.

Jacqueline Clarke

Jacqueline has worked with Alex as an accomplished Dental Assistant for over seven years. She is known for her unfailing professionalism, her focus on health and safety, and her ability to make the dental environment feel safe and relaxed for all patients.

She understands that every patient is important to Munro Dental, and works to ensure that their journey is calm, carefully planned, and communicated appropriately. We appreciate her intelligent and thoughtful approach.