Meet Charli: From Trainee to Trusted Dental Assistant – Transforming Patient Experiences at GFD

At Greenbank Family Dental (GFD), we pride ourselves on fostering talent and creating opportunities for aspiring dental professionals. One shining example is Charli, whose journey from a high school trainee to an accomplished dental assistant is truly inspiring.

A Lifelong Passion for Health

Charli tells me that as a child, she always loved the dentist. She would wait with excitement for her six-monthly check-ups. Her enthusiasm for health providers also extended to the chiropractor and GP—she recalls that the smell of a clean medical facility was always exciting to her. Even as a little girl, she had a natural curiosity about the human body, often taking her anatomy book to bed, fascinated by how everything worked together. In many ways, her passion for health and helping others started back then.

"Charli, one of our senior dental assistants, bringing her energy and passion to the clinic! With two years of experience at GFD, she’s dedicated to making every patient feel comfortable and cared for. From assisting in treatments to creating a fun and welcoming environment, Charli’s journey from trainee to trusted dental professional is truly inspiring!"

A Leap into Dentistry

Charli began her journey with GFD in Year 11, initially uncertain about her career path. However, her lifelong enthusiasm for healthcare, sparked by her love for dental visits and fascination with medical environments, guided her decision to pursue a traineeship in dental assisting. “To be honest, I just needed to pass high school,” Charli admits. “I had always been interested in the medical field, so when the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Dental Assisting through a traineeship came up, I decided to go for it—without fully knowing what I was getting into. In fact, I was a little intimidated of the unknown reality of what the dental world would be like to work in.”

Once a week, Charli worked at GFD as part of her traineeship. “It was an eye-opening experience,” she recalls. “I loved how fast-paced it was, and no two days were ever the same.”

A Passion for Patient Care

Now one of our senior dental assistants with two years of experience, Charli has developed a deep passion for dentistry, particularly in building strong patient relationships. “I love dentistry now, especially the connection I build with our patients,” she says.

One moment that stands out for Charli is when a young girl came in terrified of the dentist. “I remember settling her into the chair, creating her own personal cinema with our overhead screen, her favourite movie, headphones, and a blanket. Her nervousness slowly faded, and we could physically see her becoming calmer and more comfortable. She’s still a patient of ours today and now comes in happy and excited to visit the dentist! It’s so rewarding.”

Another memorable experience involved an emergency patient who was incredibly self-conscious about his smile. “He came in with a major dental issue that affected his confidence. Watching Dr. Dan restore his teeth, bring back his smile, and ultimately boost his confidence was incredible. A healthy smile truly transforms lives, and I’ve witnessed that time and time again.”

Why GFD?

Patients also notice and appreciate the positivity at GFD. One recent Google review mentioned Charli by name:

“Today was my first visit at the Greenbank practice. I was greeted by Hannah, whom I found very polite and friendly. My visit was for a clean with the lovely and caring Dr. Timea and her bubbly and professional young assistant Charli. Many thanks, ladies—you all made the visit very pleasant.”

Creating dental TikToks at Greenbank Family Dental has been a highlight for me! Not only do they bring laughter to the team, but they also serve as an engaging way to educate patients about dental care, easing their anxieties and making visits more approachable. It’s a fun and creative way to showcase what we do while making dental care feel more approachable and enjoyable for everyone.

When asked about her favourite TikTok, Charli responded, "All of them! But especially the latest one—'The Dr. Dan One'—they just keep getting better and better!"

Check it out here: The Dr. Dan TikTok

Charli credits GFD’s friendly and supportive environment for helping her grow both professionally and personally. “We are more than just a team—we’re a community. Families come in, we meet new people every day, and the atmosphere is always positive. The friendly communication and enjoyable aspects of my job make every day fulfilling.”

Don't get me wrong, we have extremely busy days—ensuring cleanliness, sterilisation, and back-of-house tasks means there's always something to do. But we always have each other's backs and do everything we can to enhance the patient care experience. 

Charli also acknowledges how her role at GFD has helped her come out of her shell. “I’ve gained so much confidence over the years. This experience has shaped who I am today.”

"When the team’s energy is high, but the clock says otherwise! 😆 Watch Charli, Dr. Dan, and Hannah bring humor to the dental world in this hilarious TikTok moment. #DentistLife #GFDTeam #CrownPrepChallenges"

Looking Ahead

When asked what she would say to anyone considering dental assisting as a career option, Charli enthusiastically responds: "Go for it! You will love it. You will learn so much about yourself, your interpersonal skills will increase, and it's just so much fun!"

Charli has enrolled at Griffith University in 2025, commencing her Bachelor of Health Science with a pathway to becoming a dentist. She envisions herself not only excelling in her studies but also using her growing expertise to enhance patient care in meaningful ways. Her long-term goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable experience for all patients, ensuring that they feel supported and confident in their dental health journey. She is excited to take the next step in her career and is committed to growing her skills and knowledge to make an even greater impact in the field of dentistry. In addition to pursuing her Bachelor of Health Science, Charli is further strengthening her expertise by completing her Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. Her commitment to learning and professional development reflects her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the field of dentistry. “I can’t see myself being in any other industry,” she says proudly.

Charli is a valued member of the GFD family, and her journey serves as an inspiration to anyone considering a career in dental assisting. Her dedication, compassion, and enthusiasm make a lasting impact on both her colleagues and patients alike.

We’re incredibly proud of Charli and look forward to seeing her continued growth and success!