Our Team

Dr. Curtis Kemppainen

Dr. Curtis Kemppainen Dental Surgeon

Curtis moved to Australia in 2003 from Calgary, Canada to study dentistry at the University of Sydney. He graduated with honours in 2006 and was awarded the Rudolf Gunz Medal for outstanding clinical knowledge and proficiency. He has a relaxed manner about him that puts patients at ease. When not at work he enjoys gardening, home improvement projects and volunteer work.

Dr. David Pilgrim

Dr. David Pilgrim Dental Surgeon

David was born and raised in Newcastle, and attended St Francis Xavier’s College in Hamilton. After undertaking University studies in both Newcastle and Queensland, David returned to his hometown and worked in private practice. David was then invited to join the team at Care Dental Centre in 2016, and continues the tradition of providing local dental care to families and the wider Newcastle community.

David enjoys playing golf, skiing and simply spending time together with his wife and daughter. He has a keen interest in continuing education, and strives to maintain his knowledge and skills, ensuring that his patients are treated using the best methods available. Through his active involvement in the Australian Dental Association, David coordinates the continuing education lecture program for the Newcastle region, organising speakers and lectures that provide ongoing education to dental professionals in the area. David is passionate about his work, and his love for the craft of Dentistry comes through in each and every appointment. He also loves to have a chat.

Dr. Kate Pilgrim

Dr. Kate Pilgrim Dental Surgeon

Kate completed her dental training in Queensland, and worked in private practice in her hometown of Coffs Harbour, before moving to Newcastle in 2012. She has built a strong reputation for providing a calm environment for her patients, and enjoys all aspects of dentistry. 

Kate's combines her gentle nature with her proficiency in delivering quality dental care. Kate enjoys the unique challenges that dentistry can deliver. She takes pride in working with her patients to explain their options, and delivers treatment that is suited to each person's individual needs. Kate ensures she maintains her knowledge through active participation in continuing education, and regularly attends lectures and conferences.

Kate enjoys being a mother, baking, skiing, playing netball and golf, and staying fit and healthy.

Lisa Worrall

Lisa Worrall Practice Manager

Lisa is another proud Novocastrian and has been a valued member of Care Dental Centre since 1984. Lisa first started as a dental nurse, then as a receptionist, and in 2007, Lisa became our practice manager. During her time at Care Dental Centre, Lisa has developed strong bonds with many of our patients, and provides a familiar and friendly face to those attending their appointments.

When not steering the Care Dental ship, Lisa enjoys camping, swimming at the beach and spending time with her husband and 3 children.

Martine Graham

Martine Graham Dental Hygienist

Martine was born and raised in Lake Macquarie. After having two children, Martine completed a Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Newcastle, graduating in 2011 with a Dean’s Merit Award and the Colgate Prize for the Most Outstanding Final Year Student. She has been a member of the Care Dental Team since 2012, where she is dedicated to the provision of preventative dental care and oral health education.

Alison Ringland

Alison Ringland Dental Hygienist

Aly completed her Bachelor of Oral Health in 2008 through The University of Newcastle. She has since had experience working in periodontics, orthodontics and general dentistry practices. Aly has a passion for what she does and prides herself on working well with anxious patients.

Originally from Sydney, Aly moved to Newcastle in 2016 and joined the Care Dental Centre team. In her free time she enjoys exploring Newcastle and its surrounds and making new friends in this wonderful city.

Renee Gale

Renee Gale Dental Hygienist

Renee graduated from University of Newcastle during which time she was awarded the Golden Scaler Award for the student with the highest clinical assessments. Renee was selected to attend overseas clinical placement in remote areas of Indonesia, providing dental care to the disadvantaged.

Renee has worked in the dental field for over 16yrs, both as a dental assistant and a qualified dental hygienist, and is dedicated to working with patients to achieve good oral health outcomes.

In her spare time Renee enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 sons going camping, wakeboarding and snowboarding.

Micarla Runchel

Micarla Runchel Dental Hygienist

Micarla is the proud mother of three beautiful children and resides in the Hunter Valley. Micarla started working in the dental industry in 2003. With a strong passion for dental she went on to study a Bachelor of Oral Health followed by Post Graduate studies in Dental Therapy in which she obtained the awards "NSW Dental and Oral Health Therapist award for Clinical Excellence" and the NSW Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association "Professionalism Award". Micarla loves all aspects of being an Oral Health Therapist, and has dedicated herslf to Care Dental Centre in 2012. Micarla enjoys working within the innovative and prestigious caring team, and is here to keep you motivated by providing oral health education and preventative dental care.