Team

Dr Woodward, the founder and principal of VC Dental, has been practising on the Central Coast for over thirty years.

His experience includes over twenty years of extensive postgraduate training in Orthodontics, Orthopaedics, Implant Surgery and Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction.

Dr Woodward has been a member of the Australian Dental Association for over thirty-nine years and is also a member of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry.

Elizabeth Kerr graduated from the University of Sydney in 1987 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery.

Although living on the Central Coast since 1985, Elizabeth initially practised in Gladesville, Sydney. She then spent eight years practising in Castle Hill with Dr Alain Middleton.
In 1994 she moved to Kariong, to be closer to her three growing daughters, and began working on the Coast part-time. She has been exclusively working on the Central Coast since 1997.

Since graduation, Elizabeth has attended many Continuing Education Courses, including a long course in Orthodontics (2005 – 2006). In 2011 she completed a Graduate Diploma of Clinical Dentistry in Implants at the University of Sydney.

Although Elizabeth is a general practitioner who practises all aspects of dentistry, her interests lie in Paediatrics, Orthodontics, Endodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Dr Vikas Sharma’s professional career is a tribute to his long-held passion for furthering his dental knowledge. Graduating as a dentist in 1999, Dr Sharma has since undergone extensive post- graduate training in the fields of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics (root canal therapy) and Implant Dentistry.

In 2002, he achieved a Masters degree in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. He conducted research in Endodontics and wrote a thesis on “The correlation of immediate and delayed restoration of endodontically treated teeth with a post space preparation”.

In 2005, he obtained his post-graduate qualification from the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners, Royal College of Surgeons, England (MFGDP, UK) and the Faculty of Dental Surgeons, Royal College of Surgeons Glasgow (MFDS RCS). In addition, he earned a Fellowship from The Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS) via examination, which testifies his commitment to practising dentistry to the highest standard.

Passionate about his profession, Dr Sharma has continued to develop his knowledge, earning a post graduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons, England (Dip.Impl.Dent RCS England) an extensive two year graduate diploma which enabled him to practice implant dentistry to perfection. Following this, in 2016 Dr. Sharma earned his Masters of Science degree in the field Implant Dentistry from the University of Leeds – UK. He has conducted research on “Risk factors affecting – Early Dental Implant Failure” and has written a thesis on this research.

He has also been accredited by and has earned the Fellowship of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry.

Dr Sharma has been awarded a Masters Degree (MSc) in Orthodontics from Warwick Medical School – University of Warwick – UK, and has completed a research project in Orthodontics on the topic of “Comparative assessment of the dimensional change of the Oropharyngeal airway in orthodontic patients, when treated with Mandibular Advancement Appliances versus treatment with bicuspid extractions and incisor retraction”.

He has a special interest in Orthodontics and is a member of the British Orthodontic Society. Dr Sharma accepts referrals for children and adults and is able to treat complex cases e.g. impacted canines, functional appliances and cases requiring additional restorative treatment and/ or implants.

Dr Sharma’s kind and caring nature and professional ethics ensures a high standard of patient care.

Dr. Mario Cheong (Dr. Gin Leung Mario Cheong) is a general dentist who graduated from the University of Sydney, where he also holds a degree in Engineering and Medical Science. Mario is passionate about helping people achieve their own beautiful smile as well as promoting good oral health.

With experience from both the public and private sector, Mario aims to provide the best of care to his patients and his warm and friendly approach helps place even the most anxious patients at ease. He welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds.

Mario enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with a strong interest in aesthetic dentistry. His interest in science and engineering motivates him to be up to date with the latest dental technology and treatment modalities. In this way, he can make well informed decisions and provide quality dental treatment tailored to every patient’s needs.

Dr. Joshal Mehta (Dr. Josh) is a general dentist who graduated from La Trobe University. Josh has experience working as a senior dentist in public health, and as a university educator at both La Trobe University and the University of Sydney.

Josh is passionate about preventative dentistry, oral health education, and delivering high quality care. He takes the time to explain treatment options and empower patients with the tools to achieve healthy smiles for the long term. Josh has a friendly and calm personality, and he builds trust and rapport with his patients to help them feel relaxed. He is also experienced in providing care to patients with special needs, dental phobia/anxiety, and complex medical conditions.

Josh enjoys all aspects of dentistry with a special interest in endodontics and is a firm believer in providing a pleasant and gentle dental experience for all patients.

Outside of dentistry, Josh enjoys spending time with family and loves all things outdoor – being an avid explorer of bushlands and mountains.

Dr Erna Linsao-Mendoza graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Medical Science with First Class Honours and a Doctor of Dental Medicine. Dr Erna has been dedicated to crafting healthy, radiant smiles on the Central Coast since 2019.

Dr Erna delivers personalised care with a compassionate and gentle approach. She has a wealth of experience with a special interest in preventative dentistry, root canal therapy and aesthetic dentistry. Dr Erna provides personalised treatment tailored to each patient’s needs, prioritising precision and comfort in every procedure. Utilising advanced dental technologies, Dr Erna focuses on both the health and aesthetics of her patients’ smiles.

Dr Erna also has a passion for patient education, empowering her patients to take control of their oral health, ensuring they leave her chair with not only a healthier smile but also the knowledge to maintain it for life.

Beyond the dental clinic, Dr Erna enjoys exploring nature and spending time with her husband and their two beautiful children. She is also actively involved in community outreach, volunteering her time to provide dental care to underserved populations.

Dr Swapna Sharma provides IV (intravenous) sedation for our Sleep Dentistry service. She is very experienced and understanding, making dental procedures possible for even our most nervous patients.

Dr Sharma graduated from Medicine in 2000 and underwent extensive post-graduation training in Anaesthetics internationally.

In 2009 she obtained her Fellowship from the Royal College of Anaesthetics of Ireland, and in 2012 she completed The European Diploma in Regional Anaesthesia and Acute Pain Management. In 2015, Dr Sharma earned her Fellowship from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.

Her special interests include dental sedation, day surgery anaesthesia, simulation and regional anaesthesia.

Dr Sharma is dedicated to continually provide exemplary quality intravenous (IV) sedation to anxious patients. She endeavours to make the experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible, and eliminate any fears, by contacting her patients a few days prior to their appointment to explain the procedure and answer all their questions.

In her personal life, Dr Sharma is passionate about good food and loves to cook for her family and friends. She also loves art and travelling the countryside to soak up fresh air.

Christine has worked in the dental industry for over 25 years.

As part of her commitment to provide the finest care for her patients, Christine has taken numerous continuing education courses throughout her long career, and continues to keep herself updated.

Christine is a gentle, compassionate, caring professional practitioner and is a valued addition to our team.

Lisa commenced her career in the dental industry in the UK, seventeen years ago. She immigrated to Australia with her husband and four children in 2008. She and her family have since obtained citizenship.

Lisa is a fully certified Clinical Assistant, with a Certificate IV in Radiology, and has recently obtained her Certificate in Oral Health.

Lisa joined the VC Dental team in 2008, where her exceptional knowledge of dental assisting has seen her progress to Senior Clinical Assistant and Practice Manager. She is a well-respected and valuable member of the VC Dental team.

After graduating from Gosford Selective High School in 2011, Yianna spent 6 months in retail management before joining VC Dental mid-2012.

She looks after the marketing for the practice.