Welcome to Paediatric Dental Home, where your child's smile is in the care of experienced professionals! We are a children’s dentist located in the Melbourne suburb of Hoppers Crossing and Geelong. We provide dental care for children through to the needs of adolescents. We are highly qualified and experienced in the specific dental needs of children, including those with medical, behavioural, physical and developmental disabilities.
At Paediatric Dental Home, we see children’s dental care as a journey, at the end of which your children become adults who have a positive attitude towards visiting the dentist and can look forward to a lifetime of excellent dental health.
Our team of dedicated professionals combines extensive expertise, a gentle approach and a genuine passion for children's dental health. Each member brings unique qualifications and experience to create a warm, supportive environment where young patients feel comfortable and parents feel confident. We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with families and delivering personalised care tailored to your child's specific needs. Get to know the friendly faces behind our practice below.
Dr Anuj Batra
Dr Anuj Batra initially qualified as a general dentist before undertaking specialist training in paediatric dentistry in New Zealand. He made Melbourne his home in 2012 and has since established himself as a respected specialist in both private practice and public healthcare settings.
With a passion for education, Dr Anuj has previously served as a full-time university lecturer. He continues to share his expertise through part-time teaching positions at Melbourne University and La Trobe University, alongside his specialist role at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
Dr Anuj completed his doctoral research on molar incisor hypomineralisation, commonly known as "chalky teeth". While he provides comprehensive paediatric dental care, he has developed particular expertise in managing hypomineralised teeth, caring for children with special needs, treating dental trauma and performing oral surgery.
As a committed professional, Dr Anuj maintains active memberships with the Australian Dental Association (ADA), Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD) and Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD). He regularly participates in local dental meetings and attends national and international conferences to ensure his practice reflects the latest evidence-based approaches and clinical guidelines.
Dr Anuj is genuinely passionate about paediatric dentistry and finds great fulfilment in working with children. At Paediatric Dental Home, his priority is creating dental experiences that are positive and comfortable for young patients.
In his limited spare time, Dr Anuj treasures moments with his family and enjoys exploring through travel or visiting the beautiful beaches in and around Melbourne.
Dr Anuj looks forward to welcoming you and your child to Paediatric Dental Home.
Dr Alyssa Brooks
Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Alyssa Brooks completed her undergraduate dental training at the University of Melbourne. Following graduation, she relocated to the Victorian country town of Shepparton to serve in the public dental service, where she began developing her expertise in paediatric care.
Dr Alyssa's interest in managing pre-cooperative and behaviourally challenging children flourished during her subsequent work in suburban and semi-rural private practices. This growing passion inspired her to return to the University of Melbourne to undertake postgraduate specialist training in paediatric dentistry.
Dr Alyssa finds great fulfilment in the challenge of creating positive dental experiences for all her young patients. She brings enthusiasm to every aspect of paediatric dentistry and has developed particular expertise in supporting anxious children and those with special needs. Her professional experience includes valuable time working within multidisciplinary teams at the Royal Children's Hospital and the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
Committed to providing the highest standard of care, Dr Alyssa regularly participates in professional development courses and conferences to stay at the forefront of paediatric dental advances. She maintains active memberships with the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD), Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and Australian Dental Association (ADA).
Away from the practice, Dr Alyssa enjoys spending time outdoors in nature, doting on her beloved dogs and indulging her passion for baking (followed by thorough teeth brushing, of course!).
Dr Lucy Yu
Dr Lucy Yu graduated with her dental degree from the University of Queensland before pursuing specialist training in paediatric dentistry at the University of Sydney. Her extensive professional journey includes valuable experience both internationally and within Australia. She has contributed her expertise to the Children's Oral Health Services in Queensland, Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Children's Hospital Westmead and Liverpool University Dental Hospital in the UK prior to practising in Melbourne.
Dr Lucy has demonstrated her commitment to dental education through teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Queensland, the University of Sydney and the University of Liverpool.
At the core of Dr Lucy's practice philosophy is creating enjoyable dental experiences for children. Having encountered numerous adults with dental anxiety rooted in childhood experiences, she is passionate about working collaboratively with families to establish positive associations with dental care from an early age. Dr Lucy firmly believes that education, preventive strategies and evidence-based dental treatments are fundamental to promoting excellent oral health and maintaining beautiful smiles.
Her professional standing is reflected in her memberships with numerous distinguished organisations, including the Australian Dental Association (ADA), Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD), Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD), International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) and International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). Dr Lucy currently serves as a standing research committee member for the IADT and has contributed to the field through publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Dr Lucy treasures time spent with family and friends, enjoys hiking adventures and expresses herself through various creative pursuits.
Samantha Dawsey
With over 20 years of experience in the dental industry, I've built expertise across general and specialist dentistry. My passion and motivation for the field remain as strong as ever, especially now that I'm working in paediatric dentistry. I love helping children feel comfortable and confident during their visits and supporting parents through the process, too.
Working with children with additional needs is especially close to my heart, as I have a daughter with additional needs myself. It's incredibly rewarding to make a genuine difference in our patients' experience at the practice.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my daughter, family and friends, going to the movies and taking long walks on the beach with our dogs.
Tracee Parslow
Tracee has been a dental nurse since 1996. She completed her Certificate III in dental nursing at RMIT University and has over twenty-one years' experience in the dental industry.
Her calm and friendly manner helps to create a very relaxed environment for parents and children in the dental surgery.
Outside of the dental clinic, Tracee enjoys spending time with her partner and their two children. Going to the movies, taking the family dog for long walks or just catching up with friends are just some of the things Tracee likes to do in her spare time.
Katie Martens
Katie has been heavily focused on her varied roles in the dental industry since 1999. She has completed her Certificate III in dental nursing and is very experienced in chairside assisting both in the dental surgery and the hospital.
Katie has two children and understands the importance of children having a positive experience when visiting the dentist and when treatment is needed. She will prioritise ensuring children feel as safe and comfortable as possible during their visits.
In her free time, Katie enjoys exploring the outdoors with her partner and children. They often spend one day of the weekend out in the fresh air, discovering new places. She also likes spending time in the kitchen baking when time allows it.
Kathleen Macabenta
My name is Kathleen, and I'm a dental assistant with over 20 years of experience in both general and specialist dentistry. Originally from New Zealand and Malaysia, I have three wonderful children.
I am passionate about my work and truly enjoy connecting with children and adults. Outside of the office, I love exploring new restaurants with my family and cherish our time together.