Dr Alex Munro
Alex graduated BDS, Otago in 1995 and has gained significant experience in dentistry. During his career in New Zealand and the UK, Alex has built strong skills in general and cosmetic dentistry, and is experienced with dental implants, endodontics, CAD-CAM dentistry with Cerec and Trios, and prevention of dental diseases of the teeth and gums. Equally, his ability to make patients feel relaxed and comfortable and his excellent reputation has built his practice over the last 30 years.
In 2004, Alex and his family moved to Nelson where he bought his first practice in 2007. After 12 years, he saw an opportunity to create a space that was dedicated to the latest advances in dentistry, in an environment that was welcoming and relaxed. In 2020 Munro Dental was born.
Alex has a strong presence in New Zealand’s dental profession. He has served as Nelson Dental Association Consumer Affairs officer; was the Branch President of the local Dental Association Branch; and is a Tribunal member for the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. He has also contracted for the Dental Council of New Zealand for the purposes of auditing the Dental School at Otago University, and is a member of the New Zealand Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Alex likes to treat each patient in the context of their overall general health, not just their oral health. He ensures that every patient is aware of all factors that may be influencing their teeth and gums, before developing a long term plan to fix any current problems and minimise the risk of future problems.
“I am always treated with genuine kindness, respect, and care. The standard of dentistry is exceptional, thanks to Alex who is not only highly skilled but also incredibly compassionate.”
Dr Amy Langfield
Amy graduated as a dentist from the University of Liverpool (UK) in 2012, having already undertaken a four year Dental Technology Bachelor degree at the Manchester Metropolitan University. Since graduating Amy has worked in both the NHS and private practice in the UK and New Zealand.
Amy has followed her passion for treating nervous patients and has undertaken a diploma in Neuro-linguistic programming, with another in Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy. She also has a specialist certificate in anxiety. This experiences makes Amy a very calming presence in the dental surgery.
Furthermore, she is trained in IV sedation to help her patients who may be feeling nervous, cope with their treatment needs. IV sedation is a useful assistance to patients who may need treatments such as impacted wisdom tooth extractions and surgical extractions. It enables the patient to remain calm and relaxed.
She is also qualified to use neurotoxin injectables (Botox) to treat grinding and clenching and related pains, as well as for cosmestic enhancement.
Amy moved to New Zealand in 2016 without knowing anyone, to a place she had never visited. She loves New Zealand, and has found her home in Nelson, enjoying a relaxed lifestyle and better weather! In her free time you will find her polishing or driving her Minis, as well as beekeeping. Amy is well known for raising money for KidsCan by annually participating in the Pork Pie run from Kaitaia to Invercargill.
"Amy is the best dentist I have ever had. I have been highly recommending her to everyone since the first time I visited her and will continue to do so!”
Dr Riley Thoroughgood
Riley graduated from the University of Otago in 2021, he has spent the past four years working as a dental house surgeon at Nelson Hospital. Throughout his time at the hospital Riley has accumulated a wealth of experience in oral surgery, general dentistry, and specialised care for patients with unique needs. Riley is excellent at managing dental pain and trauma, provision of general dental care and complex tooth removal. He is experienced at treating patients anxious about treatment. His patient, kind, and bubbly demeanour creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and relaxed. Riley is dedicated to fostering open communication, ensuring the development of tailored treatment plans for each individual.
Riley has received specialized training in IV sedation and is vital in assisting our anxious patients in this regard. He is also actively working towards certification as a forensic odontologist. He takes great satisfaction in personalising treatment strategies and assisting patients in aligning their oral health with their overall well-being.
“Riley is thorough and caring, excellent communication, very considerate and professional.”
Olive Kennedy
With years of experience, Olive is a dedicated Oral Health Therapist with a strong passion for periodontal therapy and preventive dentistry. She is committed to supporting patients through personalised, high-quality care, with a strong focus on education and individualised routines that fit each patient’s lifestyle. Olive is known for her calm approach and strives to create an anxiety-free experience where patients feel comfortable and genuinely cared for. Her philosophy is grounded in trust, communication, and taking the time to understand each person’s goals to achieve meaningful, long-term outcomes.
This approach has naturally extended into mentoring and supporting emerging clinicians within the profession. She is passionate about sharing practical clinical skills, building confidence in new graduates, and contributing to a positive and collaborative dental environment.
Luckily for us, she is also a qualified TMJ dysfunction and myofascial release practitioner, supporting patients experiencing jaw tension, clenching, grinding, headaches, neck tension, and stress-related symptoms. Her work integrates clinical oral health expertise emphasising the connection between oral function, muscular balance, and nervous system regulation.
Outside of the clinic, Olive embodies a wellness-focused lifestyle, with a love for travel, outdoor adventures, and being creative. She values balance and conscious living, bringing a calm, considered, and restorative energy into both her professional and personal life.
“Olive was 10 out of 10 and I will definitely be back. Absolute best hygienist I’ve been to. Top of the game.”
Sheyda Pirkaman
Our wonderful new hygienist Sheyda graduated from the University of Otago in 2025, and joined us early 2026. Sheyda has very quickly become a valued member of our team. Our patients enjoy her calm nature, caring attitude and gentle skills. This is exactly what you need from your Oral Health Therapist.
Sheyda joined us with strong recommendations and references from the Dental School at Otago, and we are benefitting as a practice from her contemporary education.
Sheyda has a focus on working towards personalised care, and best oral health outcomes working as a team with you the patient. When she is not providing excellent oral health care, Sheyda enjoys an outdoor focused lifestyle, with a particular love of exploring new places near and far. Nelson Tasman therefore suits her perfectly!
“Sheyda was very professional and thoughtful. Excellent hygienist treatment with attention to detail.”
Melissa Munro
Melissa has a long established career in commercial and investment banking, risk management, and accounting. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Human Resources specialist having worked in both New Zealand and overseas in the UK.
Melissa shares Alex’s vision of creating a dental practice where people don’t feel intimidated or judged so as to avoid treatment. As Manager of Best Practice , she is the driving force behind ensuring every patient has the best treatment and experience possible, by removing the perceived barriers often associated with going to the dentist.
Melissa has developed a convenient online booking system and can schedule emergency appointments. She welcomes the attendance of support people so patients feel as comfortable as possible.
Above all, her focus is on ensuring each patient is treated with the respect and quality care her team believes they deserve.
“This is a truly client centred clinic where you feel listened to and supported every step of the way."“
Rachel Tiplady
Rachel is our superstar Clinical Coordinator, responsible for managing the reception and office functions of Munro Dental. And she always does this with a smile on her face.
Rachel comes to us with significant experience in the world of dental practice management, and a focus on ensuring the practice runs efficiently, professionally, with a laugh along the way.
Her area of expertise is one that is important at Munro Dental, making every patient feel welcome, looked after, and relaxed. She values every patient and every employee, creating a calm and positive environment for all.
“I would not hesitate to recommend Munro Dental to anyone looking for a positive and reassuring dental experience.”
Karen McLean
With over 23 years experience providing oral health care, Karen has developed exceptional chair side skills as a Dental Assistant and is a super star receptionist and administrator to boot. She acts as valuable support to the dental professionals in the practice providing patient-centered, culturally appropriate, and individual care to patients. You never know where she is going to pop up next!
Karen understands that often your appointment doesn’t end when you leave the practice, and prides herself on making patients feel that all that can be done for them, has been done both as a Dental Assistant and as part of our reception team. Her ability to communicate with and care for her patients is what makes Karen a very important part of the team at Munro Dental.
“Lovely respectful atmosphere with the right level of personal care.”
Jade Kenning
The lovely Jade has joined the team as a Dental Assistant. Jade is from the region and excited to be on the learning journey after spending time travelling overseas. Jade’s skills include making our patients feel relaxed and comfortable from the moment they enter the practice.
Working closely with all three dentists, Jade assists with all procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions. Her role requires attention to detail, the ability to follow strict protocols, critical thinking skills and good judgement. We love having Jade’s calm attitude in the practice.
“The team at Munro Dental are amazing, I will most definitely be going back for my regular check ups.”
Phoenix Flutey-Tapata
Phoenix joined Munro Dental in 2023 looking for a new challenge after a successful career in hospitality. And she has excelled!
Phoenix is a star at helping patients feel relaxed and at ease in the dental chair. She loves assisting our dental professionals and is an integral part of creating wonderful smiles. Phoenix is also expanding her skills by using her wonderful manner to work on reception.
We love having Phoenix as part of the team, especially the delicious baking she spoils us with, and her fantastically positive attitude towards teamwork. She is also a trained assistant in IV Sedation, making her indispensable.
“Awesome staff. Went way and above to help me out. Very attentive and genuinely caring. Thank you.”
Jacqueline Clarke
Jacqueline has worked with Alex as an accomplished Dental Assistant for over ten years. She is known for her unfailing professionalism, her focus on health and safety, and her ability to make the dental environment feel safe and relaxed for all patients.
She understands that every patient is important to Munro Dental, and works to ensure that their journey is calm, carefully planned, and communicated appropriately. We appreciate her intelligent and thoughtful approach.
“Very positive experience, with great advice and a lovely gentle assistant.”
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