
Advanced diagnostics and 3D assessment
Biocompatible implant material selection
Individualised treatment planning
Support for bone health and stability

Founder | Dentist
Dr Maria Florou is the founder and Principal Dentist of Casuarina Dental. She is passionate about integrative dentistry and helping patients achieve long-term oral and overall health through personalised, patient-focused care.
Dr Maria Florou completed her Bachelor of Dental Science in 2000 and is the founder of Casuarina Dental. Born in Greece and raised in Brazil, she chose to pursue a career in dentistry to help people achieve their health and well-being goals.
Although she initially did not start as a holistic dentist, her early experiences in traditional dentistry motivated her to seek better ways to treat patients by focusing on the individual as a whole. Dr Florou continuously searches for the latest advancements, the least invasive procedures, and the most natural resources available. She is passionate about integrated dentistry from a holistic perspective.
Dr Maria encourages all the dentists at Casuarina Dental to adopt integrated dentistry through a holistic approach to patient care. This includes considering not only oral health but also overall health. The team stays informed about the latest advancements in traditional dentistry alongside evidence-based natural health and dental practices.
Dr Maria is also the host of the YouTube podcast @mind_your_mouth, where she shares insightful oral health information, debunks common myths, and provides practical tips to help patients improve their dental well-being.

Principal Dentist, BDS
Dr Vanessa Ribas Ferreira Schneider has over 18 years of experience and is passionate about providing gentle, personalised dental care. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and is dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Dr Vanessa Ribas Ferreira Schneider was born in Brazil, where she owned and operated her own dental practice for many years before relocating to the Gold Coast with her family.
Since moving to Australia, she has worked in private practice and has also served as a supervisor and tutor at Griffith University Dental School, helping to educate and mentor future dentists.
Passionate about dentistry, Dr Vanessa has spent the past 18 years caring for her patients with dedication and compassion. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with particular interests in root canal therapy and paediatric dentistry.
Areas of Interest

Dentist, BDS, IAO
Dr Natalia Trisna graduated with honours from the University of Sydney and is passionate about providing holistic, personalised dental care. She offers a wide range of orthodontic and general dental treatments to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Dr Natalia Trisna graduated with honours from the University of Sydney. During her studies, she received numerous academic awards, including the prestigious Colgate Prize for her research in paediatric dentistry, and was invited to present her findings at international conferences.
She is a Fellow of the International Association of Orthodontics (IAO) and approaches orthodontic treatment with a holistic mindset. She offers a variety of orthodontic solutions, including removable and fixed appliance therapy, Invisalign®, and traditional braces.
Dr Natalia also provides BOTOX® treatments to assist with jaw problems, nighttime grinding, migraines, and tension headaches. She is highly trained in root canal therapy, as well as crown and bridge work, and composite restorations.
Outside the clinic, Dr Natalia is a busy mother of twin girls and is actively involved in the Northern Shores community.
Areas of Interest

Dental Hygienist
Deirdre O'Kane (Dee) is an experienced Dental Hygienist and Therapist who is passionate about preventive dentistry, the oral microbiome, and helping patients achieve lifelong oral and overall health through personalised, evidence-based care.
Deirdre O'Kane (Dee) graduated from the University of Leeds in 2006 and has almost two decades of clinical experience. Throughout her career, she has built lasting relationships with patients through her gentle, thorough, and patient-centred approach to dental care.
Dee has a particular interest in preventive dentistry, the oral microbiome, periodontal disease, and the important connection between oral health, systemic health, and longevity. She enjoys educating patients on how a healthy mouth supports overall wellbeing and long-term health.
She also has a special interest in children's growth and development, helping families establish healthy oral habits and strong foundations from an early age. By combining evidence-based dentistry with a holistic approach, Dee tailors every treatment plan to meet each patient's individual needs and goals.
Outside the practice, Dee is a proud mum of two and a passionate athlete who enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle. Her commitment to health, wellness, and balance is reflected in the care she provides to every patient.
Areas of Interest

Associate Dentist, BDS
Dr. Harpreet is a dedicated dentist committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. She believes in helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through compassionate, personalised treatment.
Dr. Harpreet is passionate about creating a positive dental experience for patients of all ages. She takes the time to listen to each patient's concerns, explain treatment options clearly, and deliver care tailored to their individual needs.
With a gentle and caring approach, Dr. Harpreet is committed to helping patients maintain excellent oral health while building lasting relationships based on trust, comfort, and confidence.


Your journey toward restoring your smile begins with a comprehensive consultation at Casuarina Dental. This first visit is designed to understand not just your dental needs, but your overall health and long-term goals.
A Personalised, Whole-Health Assessment
We take a holistic approach—looking beyond the missing tooth to understand your oral health, bone support, lifestyle, and medical history. This allows us to recommend options that are suitable for you as an individual.
Advanced Imaging & Planning
Your consultation may include modern imaging and diagnostics to assess bone structure and determine implant suitability. This helps ensure precise planning and predictable outcomes.
Exploring Your Implant Options
We’ll guide you through available options, including titanium and ceramic implants, explaining the benefits of each based on your needs and preferences.
Clear, Honest Guidance
Our goal is to provide clear information so you can make an informed decision. We’ll explain the process, timelines, and what to expect—without pressure.
Complimentary Consultation
At Casuarina Dental, implant consultations are complimentary, giving you the opportunity to explore your options with confidence.
Choosing the right dental implant is an important decision. At Casuarina Dental, we offer both titanium and zirconia implants, each with unique benefits.
Titanium Implants
Titanium implants have been used in dentistry for decades and are well-researched.
-Strong and durable
-Well-documented long-term success
-Suitable for most patients, including complex cases
Zirconia Implants
Zirconia implants are a ceramic option designed with aesthetics and biocompatibility in mind.
-Naturally white for a seamless appearance
-Biocompatible material
-Preferred by patients seeking a holistic option
Which One Is Right for You?
The best option depends on your individual health, preferences, and clinical suitability. During your consultation, we assess your needs and guide you toward the most appropriate choice.
Healing is an important part of the dental implant process. At Casuarina Dental, we may incorporate PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy to support recovery in suitable cases.
What is PRP?
PRP uses your body’s own natural growth factors, derived from a small sample of your blood, to support healing.
How It Supports Recovery
PRP may help to:
-Support tissue healing
-Reduce inflammation
-Promote a more comfortable recovery
A Natural, Supportive Approach
As part of our integrative approach, PRP aligns with our focus on supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
Is PRP Right for You?
PRP is not required for all patients. We will assess your case and discuss whether it may be beneficial for your treatment.
Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution, but proper care is essential to maintain their function and appearance.
Daily Care Matters
Looking after your implants is similar to caring for natural teeth:
-Brush twice daily
-Floss or use recommended cleaning tools
-Maintain good oral hygiene habits
Regular Check-Ups
Routine dental visits allow us to monitor your implants and overall oral health, helping to address any concerns early.
Supporting Long-Term Health
Healthy gums and good oral hygiene are key to maintaining implant success over time.
A Whole-Health Perspective
At Casuarina Dental, we consider your overall wellbeing as part of long-term care—supporting not just your smile, but your health as a whole.
Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts (made from titanium or zirconia) that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone, they provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. They are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Most adults with good general health can be considered for dental implants. During your complimentary consultation at Casuarina Dental, we will assess your oral health, bone density, and overall suitability using advanced 3D imaging. Factors such as gum health, bone support, and medical history will be discussed to determine the best approach for you.
Titanium implants are the most commonly used and have decades of clinical research supporting their effectiveness. They are strong, durable, and integrate well with bone. Zirconia implants are a metal-free, ceramic alternative that is naturally white and may be preferred by patients seeking a holistic or non-metal option. Both materials are biocompatible, and our team will help you determine which is most suitable for your situation.
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental implants can last many years — often decades. The longevity of your implant depends on factors including oral hygiene, overall health, and lifestyle habits. Our team will provide you with a personalised care plan to help support the long-term success of your implant.
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the placement. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or swelling in the days following the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Our team prioritises gentle care and will ensure you are comfortable throughout the process.
The timeline varies depending on your individual case. After the implant is placed, a healing period of several weeks to months is typically needed for the implant to integrate with the bone (osseointegration). Once healed, the final crown or restoration is attached. During your consultation, we will provide a personalised timeline based on your specific needs.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your body's own natural growth factors, concentrated from a small blood sample, to support healing. For suitable cases, we may incorporate PRP therapy following implant placement to help reduce inflammation, support tissue regeneration, and promote optimal recovery.
We understand that dental implant treatment is an investment in your health. Please contact our friendly team to discuss available payment options and find a solution that works for your budget. We are happy to help you explore the best path forward.
During your complimentary implant consultation, we will assess your oral health, bone support, and suitability for implants. We will discuss titanium vs ceramic implant options, explain the process clearly, answer your questions, and provide a personalised treatment plan — all at no cost to you.
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