Photo by Joe Hockley
One of the team at The Tooth Company on Customs St, Shraddha wants to help you love visiting the dentist as much as she does.
Are you from Auckland? If not, where are you from and how did you end up in Auckland?
I was born in Fiji, and moved to New Zealand when I was about 14 years old. I went to high school in Auckland then went down to the University of Otago to study dentistry. I worked for a couple of years in Auckland after graduating, then decided to move to Australia and worked there for about seven years. And now I’m back home.
What do you do here?
I am one of the associate dentists working at The Tooth Company at Britomart.
How did you get into it?
I have always loved going to the dentist since I was a child. And the field of dentistry has always fascinated me, with its gadgets, your ability to work with your hands and being in a position to help people improve their health.
What was your first job?
My first job was working at Greenlane, Middlemore and Auckland City Hospital as a Dental House officer. It was an amazing job where I learned a lot and gained invaluable experience.
What’s your idea of fun?
Spending time with friends and family, travelling, visiting vineyards and eating out.
If you could do any job in the world, what would it be?
I have got to say I truly enjoy dentistry as a career especially when I am able to alleviate dental fear and anxiety for a patient. But if I had to choose anything else, I would love to be an artist.
What’s your favourite thing to spend money on?
I love travelling the world. This year is of course very different due to COVID-19 but I am looking forward to exploring more of our beautiful country.
Where’s your favourite place to eat around here?
Amano.
Where’s the best place for a beverage?
Love Caretaker, it’s such a moody bar. Talulah is great for after-work drinks and Hi- SO is an amazing spot in summer.
What’s something not many people know about you?
I don’t like horror movies at all. I remember watching The Ring and when I saw that creepy little girl crawl out of the TV set, my horror movie-watching days were a wrap from that point forward.
What’s the best thing about working around here?
The people. We have friendly patients and a wonderful tight-knit team.
Do you have a hidden superpower, party trick or Mastermind topic?
Hmmmm… if I told you would it still be a hidden superpower?
Have you read, watched or listened to anything great lately?
I just finished reading “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and now starting the sequel “Cilka’s Journey”. A great read; it reminds us of the endurance of humanity even in the darkest of times.
What’s your favourite season of the year?
Summer.
