One Friendly Team
All our staff and Dentists work in house together as one cooperative team.
One Comfortable Location
From consultation, to the planning and preparation of your procedure, treatment day, and follow up maintenance, you only ever have to visit one location with the same friendly faces in a relaxed and tranquil environment.
The Lakes Care Dental Difference
What makes Lakes Care Dental different is that we strive to be and offer the best. Over time technology and systems change and we at Lakes Care Dental make it our goal to keep up to date with those changes. Our Dentists are constantly seeking opportunity to learn and broaden their knowledge for their passion in dentistry from products, to equipment, to the art of technique and more. Our most recent additions in training and equipment have been such services as same day Crowns/Veneers/Bridges with the latest technology and equipment called CEREC. Implants/All on 4 ™/Implant supported bridge made possible with our 3D CBCT Scan which assists us in our planning. Afraid of Dentists? We now offer Conscious Sedation to patients who are anxious about Dentistry. See our Services page to find our more on what Lakes Care Dental have to offer at the footsteps of Rotorua’s Community and surrounding area’s.
Commitment to the Customer Service
We aim to not only meet but excel your expectations. Therefore, your comfort throughout the treatment is our number one priority. We operate with full transparency on all our procedures, and provide personalized treatment plans to suit your schedule or special requirements.
Quality Guarantee
Ask us about our state-of-the-art dental materials, advanced procedures, techniques, and we’re happy to share with you. We always encourage our patients to do market research – but remind you to always compare apples to apples! Our dentists and technicians are all highly qualified, with our materials and procedures trusted and recommended on a global scale.
About Us
Dr Ankush Bajaj - Practice owner & Dentist
Ankush graduated with a Bachelors of Dental Surgery from India in 2005 & moved to NZ in 2010. He has worked at Hospitals & private practices in NZ & overseas before owning his own practice in Matamata. Being a second-generation dentist he has a purpose in every smile he creates and every case he oversees.
Ankush has been working on complex cosmetic and implant dentistry cases over the years & has placed thousands of Implants & crowns for his patients. Ankush continues to learn, grow and stay at the absolute forefront of innovation and technology. He is trained in Sedation & attends multiple conferences in country & abroad to upskill himself. He & his dentist wife Swati have brought many new technologies to the practices they own including All-on-4 & digital dentistry.
He is deeply connected to his profession & has been a Registered Mentor to many young dentists in NZ. He believes in actively participates in imparting dental education to the young dentists. Being a clinical consultant at his other practices he makes sure a top-quality dental treatment is given to all. His welcoming personality and an ability to patiently listen provides a comforting care to all of patients.
Away from work Ankush sponsors & is involved with the St. John ambulance. He is also a part of local sports clubs (Matamata Rugby Club, Matamata Squash Club, Matamata Peddlers Club, Karate club). He loves to play squash in his spare time & is a tri-athlete with recently finished Taupo Ironman 70.3.
Dr Swati Bajaj - Practice Owner & Dentist
Swati graduated in Bachelors of Dental Surgery from India in 2005 & moved to New Zealand in 2010. She along with her husband Ankush owns multiple practices & works mainly in Applecross House Dentists in Matamata & as a consultant dentist at her other Practices. She is very passionate about giving good smiles to her patients & has over the years focused on complex cosmetic & Implant dentistry. Her welcoming personality & ability to connect to her patients provides an added level of personal care to all her patients. She has earned a reputation of being a “ gentle dentist “ which helps people overcome the fear of dentistry & feel relaxed in the dental chair.
Away from work Swati loves to travel & Tramp the Great Walks of NZ. She loves to run when she can & loves to make nice salads to complement her runs.
Dr Ben Sorensen - Dentist
Kia ora, I’m Dr Ben Sorensen.
I was born and raised in Palmerston North but moving to Rotorua feels just like coming home thanks to all my whānau I have here.
I absolutely love my job and my number 1 goal is to have every patient of mine feel comfortable coming to see me for help with their teeth and to leave with a smile on their face.
Dr Yue Tan - Lead Dentist
Kia Ora, I am Tan. I am originally from Malaysia. I moved to NZ to study and graduated from University of Otago in 2021. Love this country deeply which is why I decided to stay and start my career here.
I love my job. I enjoy all aspects of dentistry but mostly also because of being able to help those people who are suffering from dental problems. Patient’s oral health, wellbeing and quality of life all those matter more to me than anything else.
I love reading, I spend most of the time on books while I’m not at work. I also go outdoor jogging when the weather is nice and sunny.
Dr Vennessa Ling
Born in Malaysia and raised in Brunei, I moved to New Zealand to pursue my studies and have since made it my home. Dentistry is more than just a career for me—it’s my passion. I love helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles while ensuring they feel comfortable and informed throughout their dental journey.
I thrive on challenges, both in my profession and personal life. As a regular marathoner and fitness enthusiast, I understand the value of discipline, perseverance, and overall well-being. Just like in fitness, I believe in a proactive approach to dental health—prevention, education, and personalized care are at the heart of what I do.
Whether it’s routine check-ups, restorative treatments, or complex cases, I’m committed to delivering high-quality care with a gentle and patient-focused approach. I look forward to welcoming you to our clinic and working together to achieve your best smile!
Our Team
Deana Garmonsway
Senior Dental Assistant
Hi, my name is Deana I’m the senior dental assistant at Lakes Care Dental. I have three children who keep me on my toes and make sure life is never dull. When I’m not at work I enjoy gardening, crafting, especially embroidery and family time. I’ve been a dental assistant for 26 years and I try to ensure all my patients have a positive and friendly experience.
Alenka Bohunkova
Practice Manager
My name is Alenka and I originally come from the Czech Republic. I moved to New Zealand 9 years ago and started a family in this beautiful country. I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with my little daughter and our dog. I speak 5 languages and I have years of experience working as an admin and receptionist and love to take care of our patients.
Debbie Du Toit
Dental assistant
Kia Ora, my name is Debbie, and I am one of the dental assistants here at Lakes Care Dental. It’s quite ironic, as I was petrified of going to the dentist when I was younger. I must say, being part of how a dentist works has made me feel a lot more at ease. I am now confident that with our team we can make anyone feel the same way about dentists!
Denaine Roux
Dental assistant
Hi, I am Denaine. We immigrated to NZ from South Africa in 2019. I have a background in medical admin but now get to have a more hands on approach as a dental assistant. I am so lucky to be part of the Lakes Care dental family. In my spare time I like to do arts and crafts and pot around the house with my husband and my two fur babies.
Take a look at our Practice!
Enterance
Reception
Reception Wait Area
Surgery
Our Equipment
MyRay CBCT scan And OPG
Trios 5 Wireless Intraoral Scanner
Sirona Cerec Crown Milling Machine
Closer look at the Cerec Milling Machine
Sirona Cerec Milling a crown
Sirona-CEREC-AC-with-Omnicam1
Want more information?
If you have any further questions or queries, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Address
Lakes Care Dental
1172 Arawa Street
Rotorua
New Zealand
We are open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.
Ample free parking
Wheelchair/scooter friendly access
We are members of the NZDA. New Zealand Dental Association, the professional association for New Zealand dentists.
As well as providing services for its members,, the NZDA is the one body able to speak on behalf of NZ dentistry as a whole.
We are very proud supporters of St John New Zealand, who provide an amazing service to our community.