Our Team | South Yarra Dental Group

Dentist

Dr. Boris Zaslavsky

Dr. Boris Zaslavsky brings over 25 years of practice ownership to South Yarra Dental Group. Following in his mother's footsteps—who gave up her dental career to bring their family to Australia—Dr. Zaslavsky honours her sacrifice through his pursuit of perfection in dentistry. Dentistry excites him because it blends science, art, and precision, and after 25 years of practice ownership he still loves the detail and the pursuit of perfection.

Philosophy

"I believe in care that is comprehensive, compassionate, and precise. My Leica microscope lets me diagnose and treat at a microscopic level, ensuring no detail is missed. I hold myself to high standards because I believe patients deserve nothing less."

Inspiration

My mother was a dentist who gave up her career to bring our family to Australia. Following in her footsteps was a way of honouring her sacrifice. Dentistry excites me because it blends science, art, and precision, and after 25 years of practice ownership I still love the detail and the pursuit of perfection.

Approach to Care

I wear many hats in dentistry: engineer, designer, craftsman. I see dentistry as both science and art. I combine advanced technology with a love of detail and a willingness to connect personally, which helps patients feel supported and confident.

Working with Patients

It's the relationships. Many of my patients and their families have been with me for decades. The trust they place in me motivates me to keep striving for perfection in every detail of their care.

Most Rewarding Work

Cosmetic and full mouth reconstruction. These areas combine artistry, engineering, and problem-solving, and they can be life-changing for patients in both function and aesthetics.

Areas of Expertise

Cosmetic DentistryFull Mouth Reconstruction

Personal Life

Photography and cycling help me recharge. Both reflect my love of detail and perspective. Most of all, time with my wife and three daughters keeps me grounded and energised. My mother and father, who gave up their career to bring our family to Australia, continue to inspire me. My wife and daughters also influence me daily, reminding me of what really matters.

Community Connection

"The trust that has built up over 25 years of practice ownership. Caring for families across generations has made me feel part of the fabric of this community."

Fun Fact

I'm equally passionate about Leica cameras as I am about my Leica microscope. Both let me focus on detail, whether that's in a patient's tooth or through a camera lens.

Patient Experience Goal

"That they've been listened to, cared for, and treated with absolute attention to detail."

Role in One Sentence

I restore and protect health and confidence through precision, artistry, and genuine care.

Book with Boris

Dentist

Dr. Anton Binshtok

When Dr. Anton Binshtok finished school, he wanted to work in healthcare. With a strong background in science and a natural love for precision, dentistry felt like the perfect fit — especially as it also allowed him to express a creative and artistic side. To this day, what excites him most about dentistry is that unique blend of science and artistry, where every patient's care is both a technical challenge and a chance to make a lasting difference.

Philosophy

"I want to help patients keep their teeth for life whenever possible. When that isn't achievable, my goal is to provide reliable, long-lasting solutions that restore confidence, comfort, and function."

Approach to Care

I'm often told that I have a particularly gentle approach as a dentist, which helps put even the most anxious patients at ease. I also find that, when appropriate, a little humour goes a long way in making dental visits more relaxed and positive.

Working with Patients

A hugely rewarding part of my career is building long-term relationships with patients. It's a privilege to care for people over many years, often seeing them through different stages of life, and even welcoming the next generation of their families into the practice.

Most Rewarding Work

Implant-based treatments. Regenerating lost tissue, restoring smiles, and replacing teeth that may have been missing for years is deeply satisfying — it's about more than teeth; it's about giving people back their confidence and quality of life.

Areas of Expertise

Implant-based TreatmentsWisdom TeethCrowns & Bridges

Personal Life

Life is all about balance. I enjoy spending time with my family, coaching my kids' basketball teams, helping them with their musical education, and keeping active at the gym. I'm also inspired every day by the important people in my life, particularly my wife and my mum, whose influence and support have been invaluable.

Fun Fact

I have a quiet ambition to one day become a sculptor — it ties in with my love of art and creativity. If I hadn't become a dentist, I could see myself pursuing a career in engineering, working on innovative solutions for waste reduction and climate change.

Patient Experience Goal

"I ensure that they feel they've not only received high-quality treatment, but that they've been genuinely cared for."

Book with Anton

Dentist

Dr. Ben Forrest

Dr. Ben's mission is simple: to help you hang on to your teeth for as long as possible — ideally forever! He believes healthy smiles go hand in hand with overall wellbeing, and while he's a self-confessed root canal enthusiast, his real passion lies in helping patients avoid them altogether. Born and raised in Melbourne, Ben studied dentistry at the University of Adelaide before spending several years practising in regional Queensland. Now back in his hometown, he loves being part of the South Yarra community, helping local patients maintain healthy, confident smiles, and building relationships that go beyond the clinic.

Philosophy

"Healthy smiles go hand in hand with overall wellbeing."

Mission

"To help you hang on to your teeth for as long as possible — ideally forever!"

Approach to Care

I love helping patients avoid problems before they start — prevention is everything. I'm happy to sit, answer questions, and really get to the root of what's going on. I take pride in explaining treatment in clear, relatable terms and crafting plans tailored to each patient's needs, so check-ups and procedures feel simple, comfortable, and stress-free.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Dental Science, University of Adelaide

Areas of Expertise

Preventive DentistryRoot Canal Therapy

Personal Life

Born and raised in Melbourne, Ben studied dentistry at the University of Adelaide before spending several years practising in regional Queensland. Now back in his hometown, he loves being part of the South Yarra community, helping local patients maintain healthy, confident smiles, and building relationships that go beyond the clinic. Outside of work, Ben is equally driven and active. He can often be found chasing a runner's high around the Tan or Albert Park Lake, or spending quality time with his young family. He brings the same calm, friendly energy to his personal life as he does to his practice — approachable, reliable, and always ready for a laugh.

Community Connection

"Being part of the South Yarra community and seeing familiar faces never gets old."

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Dentist

Dr. Rachel Etzion

Dr. Rachel Etzion was inspired by her own childhood dental experience after breaking her front teeth. She experienced firsthand how a compassionate dentist can make all the difference during a traumatic moment. With a special interest in biomimetic aesthetic dentistry, she focuses on restoring teeth to their natural strength, function, and beauty while prioritising minimally invasive approaches that preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.

Philosophy

"My philosophy of patient care is to treat every person who sits in my chair with the same compassion, respect, and commitment to quality that I would give my own family."

Inspiration

I was inspired by my own dentist and the experience of breaking my front teeth as a child. Up until that point I hadn't appreciated how much impact a good dentist can have. It was such a traumatic day and the way he reassured me (and my parents!), and restored my teeth and smile was hugely impactful.

Working with Patients

I love getting to meet such a diverse cross section of people in my day to day. My favourite part is building relationships with patients over time. I look forward to hearing updates about their families, travels and just general chats exchanging recommendations for books, restaurants and films.

Most Rewarding Work

I have an interest in biomimetic aesthetic dentistry, which focuses on restoring teeth to their natural strength, function, and beauty while prioritising minimally invasive approaches that preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.

Areas of Expertise

Biomimetic Aesthetic Dentistry

About Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is common, and manageable. We understand fear, and there are many techniques to make visits more comfortable — patients should never feel embarrassed about voicing concerns.

Patient Experience Goal

"I hope my patients leave each appointment feeling cared for, respected, and confident — reassured that their health and smile are in skilled and compassionate hands."

Book with Rachel

Dentist

Dr. Jordan Kolsky

Jordan is a dentist who turned a nudge from his grandmother into a lifelong passion for oral health. What began as a gentle push into dentistry quickly became an enduring love for learning, problem solving, and the craft of clinical care. A self‑professed dental nerd, he is energised by the idea that growing his knowledge and skills is a project that will span his entire life.

Inspiration

One of Jordan’s greatest influences is his 102‑year‑old grandmother, who survived war, immigrated to Australia, and sacrificed greatly to create a peaceful life for her family. Her belief that education is the one possession no one can take from you continues to drive his commitment to learning and service. If he weren’t a dentist, he imagines he might have pursued veterinary science, psychology, or diplomacy, reflecting his long‑standing interest in animal welfare, consciousness, and international relations.

Experience

Soon after graduating, Jordan began practising in an outer suburb of Darwin, where a mentor shared advice that has stayed with him ever since: treat patients like family and hold your head high knowing you always do your best work. That simple sentence has profoundly shaped his career and remains a guiding principle in how he shows up for patients each day. Over the years he has travelled widely to learn from some of the world’s leading dentists, curating a broad skill set to best serve his patients’ needs.

Approach to Care

For Jordan, the best dentistry is no dentistry, and the second best is as little as possible. He takes a conservative approach wherever he can, carefully balancing biology, function, and aesthetics to achieve results that look good, feel comfortable, and last. His goal is always to meet each person's unique needs with the same thought and consideration he would give his own family.

Most Rewarding Work

Jordan has a special interest in managing complex tooth wear. Traditionally these cases were treated by drilling teeth down for full‑coverage crowns, but he is passionate about using additive techniques wherever possible, "gluing instead of drilling." Rebuilding worn teeth in this way can be life‑changing, helping to prevent pain, reduce long‑term costs, and improve both function and aesthetics.

Treatment Style

Dentistry gives Jordan the privilege of caring for patients and their families over many years, sometimes across generations. He loves getting to know people as individuals and building relationships that deepen over time. In the chair, he focuses on clear communication and empathy so you feel informed, involved, and at ease, and ideally, a little excited about your next visit.

Passion for Oral Health

Dentistry is woven into almost every part of Jordan’s life. From lectures, online learning, and local professional development to international courses, teaching students, study clubs, volunteer work, and dental missions abroad, he is constantly refining his craft. Even many of his closest friends are dentists, which keeps him surrounded by people who share his enthusiasm for the profession.

Areas of Expertise

Complex Tooth WearAdditive Dental Techniques

Personal Life

Outside the clinic, Jordan stays grounded through time with his wife Tali, travel, meditation, guitar, painting, philosophy, and a long list of passion projects. Patients are often surprised to discover the breadth of his adventures: from once sporting an afro and living more than 30 years as a vegetarian, to climbing near Everest, motorbiking across Asia, diving 42 metres in Belize, volunteering at a jaguar rescue centre in Costa Rica, and spending months in silent Vipassana meditation retreats around the world.

Community Connection

"Having travelled widely and lived around rural Australia, Jordan feels a deep appreciation for his home city. Born in Melbourne, he finds real joy in bumping into childhood friends and relatives while out and about. For him, that sense of familiarity and connection is what makes this community feel like home."

Patient Experience Goal

"Jordan hopes patients leave their appointments feeling informed, empowered, and comfortable, never rushed or confused. He wants people to understand that prevention is the best medicine: while we cannot turn back the clock on dental wear and disease, we can slow it significantly with the right habits and timely care."

Book with Jordan

Oral Health Therapist

Ms Susan La Rochelle

Susan La Rochelle brings a unique international perspective to South Yarra Dental Group. Born in Fargo, North Dakota and raised in Minnesota USA, she has been an integral part of our team since 2001.

Passion for Oral Health

Her love and passion for Dental Hygiene fuels her desire to provide this important service to our patients. She is an extremely talented patient educator and very passionate about helping patients understand why complete oral health is so beneficial to their overall health.

Qualifications

Science Degree in Dental Nursing (1984)
BA in Elementary Education (1992) - Deans List
BSc in Dental Hygiene (1994) - Graduated with Honors
Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Member

Areas of Expertise

Dental HygienePatient Education

Personal Life

Whilst living in Minnesota Susan trained as a professional downhill ski instructor and downhill ski patrol. She became a member of PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America). She also created a children's ski school, where she served as Director for 8 years. Her other hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, travelling, movies, yoga and she enjoys as much of the outdoor lifestyle as she can possibly do.

Oral Health Therapist

Mr Andrew Nguyen

If there's one thing you'll notice about Andrew, it's his easy going warmth and fun energy. He has a knack for turning what could be a routine appointment into something patients genuinely look forward to. With over 13 years of experience as an Oral Health Therapist, Andrew brings skill, care, and a good dose of personality to every visit — complete with fun socks and an even more colourful sense of humour.

Philosophy

"Make it easy for them to do, and they'll most likely do it. Dentistry doesn't have to feel clinical — it can feel comfortable, personal, and even fun."

Approach to Care

Andrew was drawn to dentistry straight out of school, fascinated by the mix of science, precision, and people. What still excites him today is seeing his patients' confidence grow — whether that's from a healthier smile, a smoother clean, or a bit of friendly encouragement along the way. Andrew believes dental health should fit naturally into everyday life — no lectures, just practical advice and personalised care. Patients often comment on how comfortable their cleans are and how clearly he explains everything, tailoring his advice to each person's needs.

Most Rewarding Work

Cosmetic and orthodontic work — helping patients smile with confidence never gets old.

Areas of Expertise

Cosmetic TreatmentsOrthodontic Support

Languages

EnglishVietnamese

Personal Life

Outside the clinic, Andrew is all about balance. You'll find him keeping active with gym sessions and long walks, catching up with friends, or planning his next adventure. He loves to travel and never misses his annual snowboarding trip, where he can unwind, reset, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. His fun style and relaxed approach make him someone people instantly connect with — more like a friend you look forward to seeing than your typical clinician.

Fun Fact

A good clean, a good chat, and maybe a few sock compliments — that's a great day.

Patient Experience Goal

"That was the best and most comfortable clean I've ever had."

Oral Health Therapist

Ms Merlinda Sefa

Merlinda Sefa is an oral health therapist at South Yarra Dental Group, with a warm, patient‑centred approach to care. She first entered dentistry as a dental assistant at 18 and quickly realised she wanted to give back to patients in a more hands‑on way. Today, working alongside clinicians who share her passion for health, she finds it deeply rewarding to see the positive transformations and improvements in the patients she treats.

Experience

Working in community dental was a defining moment in Merlinda's career. It highlighted that not every clinician shares the same views on how people should be cared for and respected, and it strengthened her conviction that everyone, regardless of background, deserves the same respect, kindness, and high‑quality dental care. That experience continues to shape how she practises today and how she advocates for patients and their families. Merlinda stays inspired by attending professional development courses, keeping up with advances in dentistry, and learning from colleagues at all stages of their careers. Hearing where others started and how far they have come motivates her to keep growing and refining the care she provides.

Approach to Care

Respect and kindness are at the heart of Merlinda's approach. She takes time to listen, build rapport, and form long‑lasting professional relationships so patients feel genuinely known and understood. Her philosophy is minimally invasive, preventative, and conservative wherever appropriate, always tailored around each person's needs, health goals, and lifestyle.

Treatment Style

During hygiene appointments, Merlinda focuses on creating a safe, inviting, and open space where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns without judgement or fear of being misheard. She explains things clearly and practically so patients feel informed, involved, and excited about taking care of their oral health, even when she is helping with just one part of a bigger wellbeing picture. She enjoys all areas of dentistry and the variety it brings, finding it especially rewarding when small, consistent changes lead to meaningful improvements over time.

Personal Life

Outside of work, Merlinda loves going to festivals, spending time at the gym, practising Pilates, listening to music, meditating, walking, and exploring new food as a self‑confessed big foodie. Patients are often surprised to learn she is a certified Pilates instructor and one of seven siblings. Her greatest influence outside dentistry is her mother, who once worked three jobs to support Merlinda and her six siblings as a single parent, an example of resilience and commitment that continues to inspire her to pursue her goals wholeheartedly. Merlinda feels most at home in the South Yarra community thanks to the professional and personal support she has received, the advice, mentoring, and "nobody gets left behind" team attitude. If she weren't a dental practitioner, she could see herself as a psychologist, channelling her love of listening and offering kind, open, and honest guidance to help people in another way.

Patient Experience Goal

"Merlinda hopes her patients leave each appointment feeling safe, comfortable, heard, well cared for, and inspired to look after their oral health. She wants people to know that being consistent and making small changes over time really does make a difference, and that oral health and overall health are closely linked. If she had to sum up her role in one sentence, she would call herself a dedicated defender of teeth and gums, creating positive space in her patients' lives to support healthier, happier smiles."

Oral Health Therapist

Ms Mackenzie King

Mackenzie is a dedicated oral health therapist whose journey into dentistry began while working in a Navy dental clinic, where she saw firsthand how oral health can transform overall wellbeing and confidence. She brings a strong focus on preventative care, education, and building long-term relationships with patients, helping each person feel informed, relaxed, and genuinely cared for at every visit.

Experience

Experience across Navy and community dental settings, including early work in a military dental clinic that sparked her passion for dentistry. Ongoing commitment to professional development through continuing education and mentorship, ensuring her skills and knowledge remain current for the benefit of her patients.

Approach to Care

Keeping things gentle, honest, and preventative is at the heart of Mackenzie's approach, with a strong emphasis on simple, sustainable habits that fit easily into everyday life. She tailors care to each individual and family, drawing on experience in multiple roles within dentistry to support patients with a practical and understanding mindset.

Treatment Style

During appointments, Mackenzie combines empathy, clear communication, and attention to detail to help patients feel at ease, especially those who may be anxious about seeing the dentist. She takes time to listen, explain each step, and provide straightforward guidance so patients leave feeling confident about their oral health and the next steps in their care.

Areas of Expertise

Preventative Dentistry and Dental HygieneSupporting Anxious PatientsPatient Education and Early Intervention

Personal Life

Outside the clinic, Mackenzie stays balanced by going to the gym and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Rhubarb. Her life outside of work has shaped her values of discipline, teamwork, and caring for others, and after working at the practice since 2019, she feels deeply connected to the community she serves.

Oral Health Therapist

Ms Bao Tran

Bao has been a registered dental practitioner with AHPRA since 2016, after graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Oral Health. She brings nearly a decade of experience in hygiene-focused roles, with additional work in orthodontics, community dental care, and locum positions across Melbourne. Bao's approach to dental care is all about keeping things simple, effective, and tailored to your lifestyle—so you can spend more time doing what you love.

Approach to Care

Keeping things simple, effective, and tailored to your lifestyle—so you can spend more time doing what you love.

Treatment Style

During your hygiene appointment, she works with precision and care to help you feel confident about your oral health. And yes, she'll happily show you the easiest way to clean between your teeth—no judgment, just practical tips that actually fit into your routine.