After spending nearly 10 years as a dentist in Australia, Soo-Wee decided that a change in tools was in order. He returned to New Zealand to re-train in the field he is truly passionate about, and started Origin Oral Surgeons once he finished.

Returning to New Zealand made him re-visit his love for skiing, strategically managing to instill this love to his wife and kids. To keep himself strong, Soo-Wee trains in Olympic Weightlifting and competes as a masters lifter.

Follow his progress on the Origin Surgeons instagram page!

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, 2004
• Post-graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry in Oral Surgery (Distinction), 2014
• Doctor in Clinical Dentistry in Oral Surgery, 2017

Originally from Korea, Jessica completed her dental training in Dunedin and began her career as a Dental/Maxillofacial house surgeon at the University of Otago and Dunedin Public Hospital.

She subsequently worked in private practice in Oamaru and Auckland before returning to Dunedin to train in Oral Surgery. Jessica joined the Origin team in 2021.

Outside of work, Jessica is a keen swimmer and spends a good amount of time in the pool. She also enjoys reading and visiting local cafes for a good cup of coffee.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Distinction), 2013
• Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Oral Surgery), 2020

Since graduating in Dunedin, Olivia has worked in different fields of nursing, gathering experience locally in rehab, cardiothoracics and respiratory as well as in rural Australia.  For the past few years Olivia has been a part of the passionate team at Origin Surgeons.

In her spare time, Olivia is busy being a dog-mum to an extremely cute pup. She is also passionate about a good vintage of wine, cooking culinary masterpieces and, most importantly, good coffee.

Chanelle moved to Dunedin’s beachside from the slopes of Wanaka.

Passionate about constantly learning and improving her skills, Chanelle began her career as a dental assistant and is now our front office representative at Origin.

In her spare time, Chanelle loves spending time in her gorgeous garden or adventuring around the coast on camping and surfing trips with her partner and friends. Waking up to a different ocean view on the weekends is one of her favourite things to do.

Born in Dunedin and having been in the dentistry game for over 13 years, Carly has gone from being a dental assistant to joining the Origin team to become our sterilisation nurse.

You will find Carly and her bubbly personality in the Steri room, making sure all things surgical are cleaned, packaged and sterilised properly to ensure patients are in a safe, clean and sterile environment.

You could say she's a pretty good juggler with balancing work life and motherhood. When she's not at work you will most likely find Carly, her partner, their two preschool aged boys, and two rescue dogs at the beach or a park kicking a ball around! She also enjoys going out for brunch and catching up with family and friends.

Nicole is one of our surgical assistants. She’s currently studying part-time at UoO, majoring in pharmacology.

In her spare time, you’ll either find her lost in a good book, geeking over dinosaurs or levelling up in her favourite video game.

Kate grew up in Dunedin and has been part of the Origin team for the past year. Graduating in 2007, over the years she has worked in cardiothoracics, respiratory, hematology and surgical dermatology.

When not at Origin caring for patients you will find Kate in her flower garden, baking sweet treats to share with family and friends, spending time with her husband and doting their beloved cat Belle.

After travelling the world with her family, they decided to settle in Fern's hometown Dunedin.

Fern is a compassionate, patient person who always has a smile on her face. Working with and caring for people has always come second nature to her.

Fern has a passion for fashion, food and travelling and is always dreaming of where they will visit next!

In her spare time you will find her exploring the outdoors with her partner and cheeky little toddler or cooking up a storm for her friends and family.

After graduating in 2012, Alice spent time in community nursing in Christchurch before heading overseas for seven years, living in Scotland, Italy and Japan.

After returning to NZ, she re-entered the workforce in rural emergency before heading down to Dunedin with her young family.

When she’s not at work she enjoys one too many coffees, getting into the garden and racing around for after school activities.