About Us

Dr Bernard Colantoni - BDS (Syd) - Practice Principal

Bernard graduated from the University of Sydney in 1975 and practiced in London before returning to Sydney in 1977. Until 2002 he continued to work in London and Sydney as well as becoming a founding committee member of the Australian Society of Dental Aesthetics New South Wales (ASDA). With a strong cosmetic influence in both his dentistry and his dental practices, the Colantoni family chose an “Island change” and headed to Hobart, Tasmania, where Denticheck was established. Starting with a small practice on Davey Street they soon grew and moved to their current location at 150 Collins St, central Hobart, in February of 2003.

Bernard has a keen interest in Cosmetic Dentistry and Implantology. He is very experienced in Endodontics (root canal therapy) and general dentistry and was one of the first dentists to place Porcelain Veneers. He believes in “Preventistry” from the very start of your dental journey and nothing makes him happier than a six monthly check up and clean (with our wonderful hygienist Andrea Shoobridge) and nothing more to do!!

When he isn’t working away improving people’s smiles, he enjoys nothing more than kayaking on the river Derwent or sitting around with family and friends for a great meal and music.

Dr Gavan Gordon - BDS (Adel)

Gavan attended the University of Adelaide, graduating in 1996 with his Bachelor of Dentistry. His first private practice position was in Whyalla (aka Windy-Alla) where the mercury could peak at 48 degrees in summer!! After four years the family decided a sea change was in order and they headed to Hobart where he joined Bernard as his second dentist at Denticheck on Davey St. He has continued to be an outstanding member of our dental team as the practice has grown and changed.

Gavin enjoys all aspects of modern dentistry including Cosmetic Dentistry and Implantology. He also has a keen interest in Endodontics.

He is a keen photographer when at home and loves taking pictures of his three gorgeous children who feature in his dental surgery every day.

Dr Bob Lavis - BDS (Adel)

Bob was born and grew up in Adelaide, going on to complete a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in the same city. He came to Hobart in 1976 to join a Macquarie Street Private Dental Practice and then travelled and worked overseas from 1978 -1980.

Realising Hobart was a great place to live, Bob set up his own practice in Sandy Bay for many years before joining the Denticheck team in 2003. He enjoys all aspects of restorative dentistry and the results that can be achieved.

Bob takes off each year to India where he works in the Himalayas with other dentists and nurses from around Australia on the Himalaya Spiti Dental Program. He does amazing work for the people and tirelessly raises money all year to go to the communities. One highlight for him was meeting the Dalai Lama a few years ago.

Dr Tennent Emerson – BDS (Adel), BSc(Hons) (Melb),
BBiomedSc (Melb)

Tennent is originally from Melbourne and completed Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Science (Degree with 1st Class Honours) degrees at The University of Melbourne. He then relocated to Adelaide where he completed the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree at The University of Adelaide. Since 2007 Tennent has been treating patients of the South Australian Dental Service in the Adelaide Dental Hospital and the cities surrounding dental clinics.

In late 2009 while in Hobart, Tennent was fortunate enough to visit our modern Collins street practice. He was immediately impressed with the quality of the dental treatment provided and the lovely team atmosphere at Denticheck. Tennent officially joined the Denticheck team at the start of 2010 and in such a short time has already built an excellent rapport with many of his patients. Always willing to spend time discussing all treatment options with patients, repeatedly if need be, he has become know for this patient approach and caring nature.

Tennent enjoys practicing all aspects of modern dentistry however has particular interests in fixed (crown and bridge) and removable (dentures) prosthodontics, modern aesthetic dentistry, and endodontics (root canal).

When not at work Tennent can be found on one of Tasmania’s fantastic golf courses or fishing in one of the pristine waterways.

Andrea Shoobridge - Dip. Dental Hygiene (Adel)

Born and bred in Tasmania, Andrea left school and went into Dental Assisting, obtaining her Dental Assisting Certificate in 1985. She went on to join the RAF as a Signals Operator for six years. She entered back into the dental community by dental assisting in Adelaide for three years and obtaining her Oral Health Education Certificate and Radiography Certificate. In 1995 she moved back to Hobart and continued dental assisting studying her Dental Hygiene Diploma in Adelaide from 2002 to 2004.

January 2004 Andrea joined our team at Denticheck in Collins Street and instantly became a highly valued and liked member of staff. She is extremely professional and thorough as well as being a delight to meet.