Thorndon Orthodontics
We are a specialist orthodontic practice conveniently located in the Thorndon precinct of Wellington City. The handy location means less time missed from school and work to attend appointments! Our state of the art and custom-built practice with beautiful harbour views is warm and welcoming.
At Thorndon Orthodontics, we take our work seriously but have a lot of fun doing it. You can be sure that you or your loved one will be cared for by a team that takes pride in their attention to detail, excellent communication and patient experience.
Divya Ramanan
BDS, DClinDent
Specialist Orthodontist
Divya grew up in Wellington and moved to Dunedin to study for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She graduated from Otago in 2011 and worked as a dentist for four years, initially as a House Surgeon in Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals, before moving to Auckland, where she practised in community and private settings. Divya returned to Dunedin to complete three years of specialist orthodontic training (Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry โ Orthodontics), graduating in 2018.
A member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) and the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), Divya enjoys all aspects of orthodontic treatment for kids, teenagers, and adults. In addition to her private specialist practice, she has worked at Hutt Hospital since 2019 as part of a multidisciplinary team managing various craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip and palate.
Divya loves getting to know her patients before and during treatment, explaining her findings and treatment needs in a way that the whole family can understand. She celebrates the confidence that a beautiful smile can bring, seeing the transformation both inside and out. Outside of work, Divya enjoys spending time with her young family, especially doing arts and crafts and baking with her little ones.
Esther Cheong
BDS, DClinDent
Specialist Orthodontist
Esther grew up in Lower Hutt and obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago. After graduating, she worked as a Dental House Surgeon at Hutt Hospital before practicing in private dental settings in Lower Hutt. Esther then returned to Dunedin to complete her Doctorate in Orthodontics on a competitive scholarship.
A member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) and the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), Esther enjoys all aspects of orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. In addition to her private practice, she is part of the Craniofacial Team at Hutt Hospital, where she helps manage complex cases.
Esther takes pride in making her patients feel comfortable at every appointment, from their first visit to treatment completion. She appreciates that every patient and treatment plan is unique and loves creating beautiful smiles tailored to each individual. Esther also enjoys bringing patients out of their shells and witnessing the positive changes a confident smile can inspire.
Outside of work, Esther has played various sports throughout her life and has recently discovered a passion for pickleball. She also enjoys running and hiking in her free time.
Belinda
Treatment Coordinator
With a background in teaching and as a mum of three teenagers who have all had braces, Belinda brings a lot of knowledge, fun and care to her role as Treatment Coordinator. Belinda has over 20 years of experience working in orthodontics, and her favourite part of the job is connecting with patients and parents, ensuring that they feel well-informed and have a positive experience throughout their treatment journey.
Belindaโs weekends are spent with family and friends, and she loves watching her children play sports.
Jenna
Receptionist
Jenna is usually the first voice you hear on the phone and the first smile you see when you come through the door of our practice. She has worked in the dental industry for over 14 years, the last 9 of which were in specialist practice. Jenna recently moved from Melbourne to Wellington and joined the friendly team at Thorndon Orthodontics.
Jenna enjoys exploring local markets, finding great local coffee spots, and going on day hikes in her spare time. She is also a passionate animal lover and spends weekends with her family.
Jamie
Orthodontic Auxiliary
With over a decade of experience in the dental industry, Jamie transitioned to the role of Orthodontic Auxiliary in 2021. Jamie has strong clinical skills and a gentle touch, making her especially adept at working with anxious patients. As a mum of three young children, Jamie understands the importance of a comforting approach. She finds fulfilment in contributing to the creation of beautiful smiles that enhance patient confidence, while putting patients at ease throughout that process.
In her spare time, Jamie enjoys running, unwinding with a good book, and cherishing moments spent with her friends and family.
Gabby
Orthodontic Auxiliary
Gabby is an Orthodontic Auxiliary at Thorndon Orthodontics, having been in the orthodontics field since 2019. She thrives in the dynamic atmosphere of our practice, where her primary focus is ensuring that patients feel more comfortable and at ease through their appointments. Known in our team for her meticulous nature and great sense of humour, Gabby is committed to helping create confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Outside work, you can find Gabby surfing or swimming in the ocean, busting a move at a music festival, staying active at the gym or unwinding in the sauna.
Janelle
Orthodontic Auxiliary
Janelle is an Orthodontic Auxiliary with a passion for orthodontics and the smile transformations we achieve. Like the rest of our team, Janelle believes that orthodontics is about more than just teeth; itโs about building relationships with our patients and their families during their regular appointments. She takes great joy in witnessing not only the changes in our patientsโ smiles but also the boost in their confidence. Janelle loves being part of this life-changing process and ensuring that patients feel heard and cared for throughout their treatment journey.
When sheโs not working, Janelle enjoys watching her kids play sports, heading to the beach and tramping in New Zealandโs beautiful wilderness.
Lucy
Orthodontic Assistant
Lucy is an orthodontic assistant passionate about helping people and has a keen eye for detail. Lucy works hard behind the scenes to ensure that our clinic runs smoothly, contributing to an efficient and welcoming environment. With firsthand experience as an orthodontic patient, she understands the orthodontic treatment journey and strives to make every visit comfortable and enjoyable for our patients.
When sheโs out of the clinic, Lucy can be found on the netball court, gym, or spending quality time with family and friends. Lucy believes in balancing work and play to create a fulfilling life.
Kelly
Orthodontic Assistant
Kelly is an Orthodontic Assistant who has returned to the dental industry after a few years away. She was drawn back to orthodontics by the long-lasting connections built with patients and the impact that straight teeth and a beautiful smile can have on an individualโs confidence. As a mother of two, Kelly understands the importance of creating a welcoming environment for families. With a friendly and warm approach, she excels at ensuring that every orthodontic appointment is comfortable and positive.
Dedicated to supporting patients through their treatment journeys, Kelly is committed to making each visit a pleasant experience. When sheโs not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and rediscovering Wellington.
