Meet the Team

Dr Steven Smith is a specialist orthodontist who has practised as a specialist since 1999, more than 25 years. He works with patients towards their treatment goals. Steven grew up in Maryborough in country Queensland and studied dentistry at the University of Queensland, completing a Bachelor of Dental Science with First Class Honours in 1991. He began as a school dental officer in Charleville in south-west Queensland, then worked as a general dentist in a Brisbane group practice. After completing his Master of Dental Science in Orthodontics at the University of Queensland in 1998, he moved to Victoria and worked in a specialist orthodontic practice in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

Steven has been a Certified Member of the Australasian Orthodontic Board since 2008. He is a member of the Australian Society of Orthodontists, the Australian Dental Association and the World Federation of Orthodontists, and an international member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Outside orthodontics, Steven enjoys paddle boarding, cycling, music and good coffee. He is supported by his wife and their two sons.

Dr Ruth Fairhurst joins The OSO's orthodontic team alongside Dr Steven Smith. Ruth trained in dentistry at the University of Sheffield (Bachelor of Dental Surgery, 1997–2002) and completed her specialist orthodontic training there, gaining a Master of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics (2009–2012) while training as a Specialist Registrar in Orthodontics at Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield, and Royal Derby Hospital. She has practised in hospital and private settings in the UK and Australia, including as a staff specialist at Westmead.

Ruth treats children, teens and adults with braces and clear aligners, and has a particular interest in complex care, including patients with missing teeth (hypodontia) and those needing combined orthodontic and jaw surgery treatment. She enjoys working as part of a team with orthodontic therapists and oral surgeons.

Ruth brings a calm, kind and empathetic manner to her patients’ care. Outside orthodontics, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, yoga and travel.

A familiar face to many in Wagga, Annabel is an experienced Oral Health Therapist known for her gentle, down-to-earth approach and her ability to make patients feel comfortable in the dental chair.

She is dedicated to helping patients achieve lifelong oral health, with a strong focus on education and preventive care as part of everyday life. Annabel loves seeing the confidence that comes from great oral health and has a natural way of helping young children feel at ease, building their dental confidence from an early age.

Jae has been with the practice looking after our Orthodontic patients for the past 3 years. He enjoys working in the team to bring the best possible outcomes for patients.

Paul looks after the behind-the-scenes side of the practice, crunching the numbers and making sure things run as smoothly as a summer lake at dawn. He likes to think of himself as the glue that holds the team together, and with a team this calm and relaxed, someone has to be the butt of the jokes. He wears that hat well. Outside work Paul plays local water polo and basketball and is a keen wakeboarder.

Our dedicated practice manager works hard to make sure every patient's visit runs smoothly. Jenny has worked in the dental industry for more than 25 years and enjoys every part of working within the team.

Rachael has worked in dentistry for more than 15 years in a range of assisting roles. She plays a key part in infection control and stock management, and her work helped the practice gain accreditation with QIP (Quality Innovation Performance). Rachael also works alongside Jenny on office administration.

Ann Maree has more than 13 years in the dental industry, including 5 years with The OSO. She is skilled across both the oral surgery and orthodontic rooms.

Katrina brings a caring, compassionate nature to our orthodontic team, where she has played a major role for 15 years. She assists our orthodontists chairside and makes sure every orthodontic patient's visit runs smoothly.

Mel has recently joined the OSO team and brings 32 years of dental experience, having worked with general dental surgeons, orthodontists and other dental specialists. Mel is a dedicated dental assistant who looks after every patient with care.

Amber's happy personality is the first thing many patients meet. She greets everyone who comes through the door and helps with any queries with professionalism and warmth. Amber brings 13 years of dental assisting and 5 years of pharmacy assisting experience, and plays a vital role on reception.

Priyah joined The OSO three years ago in sterilisation and has since progressed into dental assisting for our orthodontist and oral health therapist. She is currently studying a Certificate III in Dental Assisting, and she makes sure our sterilisation meets accreditation requirements.