Our Staff

• Practice Principal: Dr Barry Bennett BDSc (Hons)

Dr Barry Bennett is a well-known local in the Gordonvale and Cairns communities, with a long-standing commitment to providing high-quality dental care.

Barry graduated with Honours from the University of Queensland and brings years of experience and expertise to BB Dental. Outside the clinic, he enjoys local sports, boating, fishing, and staying connected to the region’s sugar industry.

His friendly, down-to-earth approach makes patients of all ages feel comfortable and cared for.

• Associate Dentist: Dr Shelby Harris BDS
  

Dr Shelby Harris has been part of the BB Dental team for over 10 years, bringing her gentle approach and dedication to patient care every day.

A proud Cairns local, Shelby enjoys exploring the world, hiking, dancing, and playing tennis. Her commitment to excellence has been recognised with the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award of Merit—a prestigious honour for outstanding academic and clinical achievement. She was also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Shelby is passionate about giving back and has volunteered both locally and overseas, most recently providing dental care to underprivileged communities in Cambodia & Vietnam.

• Associate Dentist: Dr Sarah Griessel BDS

Dr Sarah Griessel has recently joined BB Dental after returning to Cairns—where she first trained in dentistry—to settle down with her family and continue her work in a community she loves. She brings a broad experience from the Army, as well as public and private practice, and has a strong focus on preventative and holistic dentistry.

Warm, honest, and deeply patient-focused, Sarah is known for her gentle, reassuring approach. As a mum of two, she is especially skilled with children, patients with special needs, and those with dental anxiety, creating a calm environment where everyone feels supported. Outside the clinic, Sarah enjoys getting out into nature with her family.

• Dental Hygienist: Rachel Goodman RDH

Rachel first joined our practice back in 2009 as a dental assistant before heading to Melbourne to complete her qualifications as a dental hygienist. We were delighted to welcome her back in 2017, this time in her role as a hygienist. Rachel is known for her gentle approach, her beautiful smile, and the genuine care she shows to every patient. Outside of dentistry, she has been a dedicated volunteer surf lifesaver in Far North Queensland since the age of 12, and is now kept busy with her husband and their two young children.

• Dental Hygienist: Thuy Vu RDH

Thuy was born in Vietnam and grew up in Canada from the age of two. She graduated with a Diploma in Dental Hygiene (with Distinction) from the University of Alberta in 1999 and has called Cairns home for almost 20 years, recently celebrating becoming an Australian citizen! Over the years, Thuy has gained extensive experience in a range of specialist practices, and now brings her expertise and caring approach to our BB Dental team. When she’s not helping patients feel at ease and supporting them on their journey to a healthier smile, Thuy enjoys spending time with her husband and children, travelling, and staying active with a variety of outdoor activities—particularly volleyball.