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Our Team
Meet the People Behind the Scenes
Dr Duan Thirion
President
Duan completed his dental degree at the University of Stellenbosch and has been in private practice in the Winelands since 2003.
He has built up his practice, Healthsmile, to offer a wide range of dental treatments and is interested in full oral rehabilitation, aesthetic and implant dentistry. He has acquired various local and international postgraduate qualifications and presented implantology lectures.
Duan is an active member of the Boland Study Group and serves his community with an innovative approach to dental health care and wellness.
Dr Mary Dawjee
Vice President
Mary qualified with a BDS at the University of Limpopo in 2008. She subsequently obtained a Diploma in Aesthetic Dentistry and an MSc in Odontology from the University of Pretoria.
She is currently an associate dentist at The Thinc Clinic in Johannesburg, where she practises her philosophy of creating natural, confident and beautiful smiles.
Mary possesses a keen insight into the applications of digital smile design in treatment planning and follows an integrative dental treatment approach that combines empathy and concern for her patient's well-being.
Dr Corné Smith
Past President
Dr Corné Smith graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2005 and holds postgraduate diplomas in orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry. She founded and is co-owner of Smith & van Lierop, a leading restorative dentistry practice in Cape Town, focusing on minimally invasive smile design.
Passionate about education, Corné co-founded The Bridge Program in 2018 to mentor young dentists and has lectured extensively in South Africa. She is a key opinion leader for 3M and Tokuyama Dental and has served on the SAAAD Executive Committee since 2018.
Dr Andy Effting
Treasurer
Dr Andy Effting graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1981, receiving the Henry St John Randolph Award for Best All-Round Student.
In 1983, he founded Hout Bay Dental Studio, now a leading aesthetic and restorative dentistry practice.
A founding member of SAAAD, Andy has served on its Executive Committee since 2010. He has authored articles in Dentistry SA, presented numerous case studies, and appeared on radio and television discussing dental health.
His special interests include metal-free, minimally invasive dentistry and a holistic approach to patient care.
Dr Shanné Maree
Exco Member
Dr Shanné Maree is a restorative dentist and owns DENTAL HAUS™️ in Val de Vie Winelands Estate, Paarl.
She earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2017 and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics (cum laude) in 2019.
Passionate about education and innovation, Shanné serves on the SAAAD Executive Committee and has lectured for SADA, ITI, and SAAAD.
She is dedicated to a holistic approach to health, function, and facial aesthetics, ensuring exceptional patient care.
Dr Kesan Moodley
Exco Member
Dr Kesan Moodley graduated from the University of Limpopo in 1997 and holds a postgraduate diploma in implantology from the University of Pretoria. Based in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, his special interest is in minimally invasive techniques for restoring worn dentition.
A former executive committee member of SADA's KZN branch, Kesan was key in organising congresses and international conferences.
He is a Key Opinion Leader for 3M and has lectured at SADA and SAAAD events. Passionate about digital dentistry, he integrates advanced technology into his daily practice.
Dr Chris Traut
Exco Member
Dr Chris Traut graduated top of his class from the University of the Western Cape in 2016. He has been in private practice in Bryanston for six years, focusing on modern, digitally-driven dentistry.
He holds an Advanced Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry diploma and is certified in interceptive orthodontics, Damon fixed orthodontics, clear aligner therapy, and implantology. Passionate about the Align, Bleach, and Bond approach, he specialises in digitally guided resin restorations using the injection-moulding technique.
Chris is actively involved in hands-on dentist training, serves on the SAAAD Executive Committee, and is a member of the International Team for Implantology.
Dr Kaveer Ratan
Exco Member
Dr Kaveer Ratan is a restorative dentist focusing on cosmetic and implant dentistry.
He obtained his dental degree from the University of the Western Cape and a Postgraduate Diploma in Implantology from the University of Pretoria.
A Key Opinion Leader for GC, Kaveer practices at Ratan & Singh Advanced Dentistry in Cape Town.
Passionate about education, he has lectured for The Bridge Program, Nexus, and SADA, sharing his expertise with the next generation of dentists.
Dr Christiaan Victor
Exco Member
Dr Christiaan Victor obtained his BChD degree from the University of Pretoria in 2001 and started his private practice in 2002.
With over two decades in private practice, he has developed expertise in implantology and endodontology, earning multiple postgraduate qualifications, including an MSc Dent (cum laude) in 2020.
Passionate about advancing clinical excellence, he lectures on endodontics and implantology and is an active member of Study Group 1.
Dr Nadia van Wyk
Exco Member
Dr Nadia van Wyk is a visionary clinician with orthodontics, endodontics, and digital smile design expertise.
As her practice's founder and clinical director, she is dedicated to combining cutting-edge technology with patient-centred care to achieve exceptional aesthetic outcomes.
Please Note
The information on this website is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of the SAAAD dental community. It is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified dental professional. SAAAD encourages you to make your own dental care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified dental professional.
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2010 - 2025
South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry
Site creation by Alison Effting. Dev support by New Web Consulting
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