the norwest team

Dr. Shimanto Purkayastha is the only Australian Orthodontic Board Certified Specialist Orthodontist in the Norwest area. Achieving Board Certification is the result of his commitment to clinical excellence and ongoing education. It also allows our patients to rest assured in the knowledge they are being treated to the highest clinical standards.

To achieve Board Certification a doctor must not only already be a Registered Specialist Orthodontist but also needs to have treated cases assessed by the Australasian Orthodontic Board. The cases must be nominated before starting treatment and the end results are then independently critiqued.

Achieving Board Certification is a highly-regarded industry accreditation. In addition to his commitment to orthodontic excellence, Dr. Shimanto also willingly shares his expert insight with the wider dental community through lectures and seminars, while utilising his knowledge of the latest techniques and technologies within the Norwest Orthodontics practice.

Raised in Sydney, Dr. Shimanto Purkayastha attended the prestigious selective Sydney Grammar School and completed his dental training at the renowned University of Sydney. He was awarded the RG Schamschula medal for research in Orthodontics.

After working as a general dentist in city and rural practices, he commenced his specialist training, resulting in a Masters of Orthodontics with Distinction, Membership to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons in Edinburgh, and Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. 

Dr. Shimanto Purkayastha is a member of the Australian Dental Association, the Australian Society of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists, and the American Association of Orthodontists. He also hosts lecture and education events for local doctors and dentists to share the latest advancements and techniques in orthodontics. He has taught in postgraduate specialist training programmes and has an active interest in ongoing research.

Dr. Shimanto Purkayastha lectures internationally on all aspects of orthodontic care with a special interest in aesthetics, orthopaedic treatment, and non-extraction treatment. He has published in international orthodontic journals.

Dr. Shimanto Purkayastha enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing his interests which include travel and cricket.

Shivi is our practice manager. Shivi is a qualified CPA and joined Norwest Orthodontics after close to a decade of working in the top tier firms Deloitte and Duesburys Nexia. She enjoys keeping busy at work and has helped many businesses flourish over the course of her career. Her focus constantly remains on providing premium service with flexible interest free finance plans that fits all budgets. Shivi has benefitted from Invisalign treatment herself and that sparked her desire to work in the field of Orthodontics.

Her observation of the professionalism, attention to detail and patient orientated focus of Dr. Shimanto Purkayastha and his team drew her to Norwest Orthodontics. She played a major role in Norwest Orthodontics establishing itself as a premier provider of the latest interceptive, aesthetic and non-extraction orthodontic services.

She is a gentle soul and is cherished by our patients and staff – especially as she is known to surprise patients and staff with random gifts!

Sandra studied Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Sydney. She was an outstanding student and was recipient of the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Sandra was the Oral health therapist representative for the Faculty of Dentistry. She is experienced in treating patients of all ages and has worked at the Westmead Centre or Oral Health, Sydney Dental Hospital and Nepean Dental Hospital.

She has also worked in a rural healthcare in the Central Tablelands. She donates her time to provide oral health education at pre-schools and aged care facilities. Rural experience at Central Tablelands. Sandra was selected to join the team at Norwest Orthodontics as the outstanding candidate from a very competitive and talented pool of candidates. She has an endearing sense of humour and is a ‘gym junkie’.

She also enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family outside of work.

Danya studied Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Sydney. Throughout her time at University she excelled academically and was the recipient of all three academic prizes – the Dentsply prize for the most outstanding research project, Dental Hygienist’s Association of Australia prize for achieving highest marks in dental hygiene and was also the winner of the Faculty of Dentistry Research Day.

Danya has worked in large health care settings at Westmead Centre of Oral Health, Sydney Dental Hospital and Nepean Dental Hospital. She has also been involved in the implementation of public oral health programs as well as oral health promotion in pre-schools and aged care facilities. In her spare time Danya enjoys spending time with family & her friends, going to the movies and loves travelling.

Anastasia obtained her Bachelor of Oral Health degree with Distinction (Honors) from the Central Queensland University (CQU). She is experienced in treating patients of all ages and has worked in both the private and the public health sectors. She is a strong advocate for Oral Health Promotion and has delivered educational talks in kindergartens, primary schools and aged care facilities. Anastasia is also passionate about Indigenous health and was involved with the Tarumbal Smile Research Project at CQU in 2018.

Anastasia is originally from Far North Queensland and has only recently relocated to Sydney. She is enjoying the fast paced lifestyle that Sydney has to offer and is loving exploring the many amazing restaurants. In her spare time Anastasia likes to spend time with family and friends, keeping fit at the gym and enjoying the view of the Bay Run on weekends.

Melissa completed her Bachelor of Oral Health at The University of Melbourne. During her time at university, she not only had the opportunity to work within public and private clinics in Victoria but was also involved in the European Health Sector in Denmark. Since finishing, she has had the opportunity to develop her preventive, paediatric and orthodontic skills in private clinics around Melbourne. It was not long until she discovered her passion lies in orthodontics. She is currently a student mentor at the University of Melbourne, being involved in the education and support for current students. 

Melissa has recently relocated from Melbourne to join the team at Norwest Orthodontics. She is enjoying the beautiful weather and the amazing beaches. She is a big foodie and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends, family and enjoying the great outdoors. 

Jessica Murray is our lovely treatment coordinator. She is the friendly voice on the phone and the warm personality that greets you when you come to visit us. Jessica has worked for many years in general and specialist dental practices and we are lucky to benefit from her wealth of knowledge and experience.

She is always willing to go out of her way and above and beyond to help our patients and her work colleagues. We love her exceptional work ethic and dedication. As a result, she is a friend and confidant to many of our patients.

Jess enjoys a busy personal and social life with family and friends. A true foodie, she is also a fabulous cook as our team and patients can attest too! Apart from cooking she likes to spoil her pet dog Rex.

Nicole has worked with Dr. Shimanto Purkayastha for several years and is a pillar of our reception team. She is loved by our patients and enjoys getting to know each and every one of them.

One of the most organised people, she is one of the reasons for the smooth running of our patients appointments. Before working with Dr Shimanto Purkayastha, Nicole spent many years in both administration and clinical care. This has allowed her to understand all aspects of our patients experience from making appointments to actual procedures.

Outside of her work which she is passionate about, Nicole is a social butterfly and loves fitness – on the weekends she can often be found at the beach!

Amber has worked with Dr Shimanto for several years in both administrative roles and as his personal assistant. She attended the University of Western Sydney where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science. She is responsible for managing Dr. Shimanto’s professional, research and teaching commitments.

In addition to being highly organised, Amber is one of the funniest and friendliest people you can meet. She is often responsible for all the laughs and smiles that we hear and see every day.

Amber loves animals and in her spare time she loves swimming at the beach.

Gail joins our admin team with over 30 years’ experience working in the dental industry. Originally from Northern Ireland, she was the practice manager of a busy dental clinic for 6 years before moving to Australia and joining us here at Norwest Orthodontics. Gail is our accounts manager and enjoys helping our patients find payment plans to best suit their needs. In her spare time, Gail enjoys visiting her son who lives in London and travelling with her husband!

Isobel has joined the administration team with over 4 years of dental nursing and reception experience. During her time in general dentistry, Isobel took a particular interest in seeing the way that patients smile can transform after having orthodontic treatment and decided to pursue a career in the orthodontic field to be a part of this transformation process.

Originally from Tamworth, she has recently moved to Sydney and is enjoying the pace of life here!

In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music and spend time with friends as well as playing field hockey.

Gina joined our team with years of experience in customer service. After passionately enjoying the journey of her own orthodontic treatment, Gina decided to be a part of Dr Shimanto’s team. Friendly in nature, Gina loves making our patients feel comfortable as she will go the extra mile to make sure that all patients are well taken care of.  If you can’t find her at work, she’s either at home with her pet groodle or on a road trip! 

Abigal is the newest member of the dental team. She has 9 years of dental assisting experience and has been enjoying being able to make people smile daily. Now she is looking to expand her skills in orthodontics. On the weekends she spends her time with her family and friends and also spends her time being involved in her local church. Some of the other things she likes to do is hang out with her two dogs and her cat and go on food adventures with her partner at the latest restaurants as they both have a passion for culinary experiences.

Megan is absolutely amazing at co-ordinating our clinic and is able to multi-task to an extraordinary extent. Her high energy and dynamism blend extremely well with the fun atmosphere that she has helped create in our clinics. Megan has years of experience working in specialist practices.

Megan believes that orthodontic treatment has lifelong benefits for our patients and helps us make sure that the time they spend in our practice is a memorable, fun and enjoyable one.

Recently married to her husband Luke, Megan enjoys spending time with family and friends and going to the movies!

Hendy joined Dr Shimanto’s practice after spending many years working in oral health care settings. She is particularly adept with putting at ease fearful children and patients due to her extensive experience in special needs healthcare. Hendy is naturally friendly and sociable and is a favourite of many of our patients – several of whom stay in contact with her long after they have finished treatment.

Outside of the clinic she is an avid sportsperson and loves playing netball and hockey. One of her favourite pastimes is dancing.

Jazmine is the newest team member to join Norwest Orthodontics!  After having orthodontic treatment of her own, she decided to embark on studying to be a dental nurse herself and her kind and pleasant nature make her a wonderful addition to our team.  She makes all of our patients feel at ease and loves chatting and getting to know every single one of them!  In her spare time Jazmine enjoys trying new restaurants and exploring Sydney!

After becoming interested in orthodontic treatment and how it could improve the lives and confidence of patients, Monika joined our team with a background in general dental. She enjoys nursing and assisting chairside as well as in our sterilization room, assisting Norwest Orthodontics in maintaining our strict sterilization protocols. When she’s not at work, Monika enjoys spending time with friends and her partner!

Kat moved to Australia with her family when she was only 16 years old.  She was originally from Texas and still possesses a delightful American accent.  Kat choose to join the Norwest Orthodontics team after seeing the results achieved by Dr Shimanto’s patients.  She has a bubbly and friendly personality making her an invaluable member of our team.  Outside of work she loves to play sports, go to the movies and spend time with her family and friends.

Gwendy is known for her naturally soft, pleasant and friendly nature. She has many years’ experience in dental nursing and chose to focus on orthodontics after seeing firsthand the transformation that Dr Shimanto’s patients have and the positive effects it has on their overall wellbeing, health and happiness.

Gwendy is a fitness buff and enjoys spending time with her family and Fiancé when she’s not at work.

Martinica is our newest dental assistant! Her love for working with people made her the perfect addition to our team and seeing the confidence that straight teeth can bring patients is her favourite part of the job. Martinicia lived in South Africa for 12 years and having a big Portuguese family means she is fluent in Portuguese. She is also a professional makeup artist, so in her spare time she loves making over her friends & clients!

Varsha comes from a dental background and is very fascinated with orthodontics. Outside of work she likes playing with her beautiful daughter and spending some quality time with her family. Shopping is her stress buster. She loves travelling to new places to learn about their cultural heritage.