Meet the Team at The Smile Factory
We Look Forward to Meeting You Soon!
Jen Aston, Dental Hygienist
Originally from Sydney, Jen now calls Newcastle home and is proud to be part of the The Smile Factory team. She received her Bachelor of Oral Health from the University of Newcastle in 2012 and is registered with the Dental Board. She is also a member of the Dental Hygiene Association.
Before becoming a dental hygienist, Jen began dental assisting in 2001 and completed Certificates III and IV in Dental Assisting. She has also completed a Medical Terminology Certificate and additional training in comprehensive oral health examinations.
Jen was drawn to dental hygiene because she wanted a hands-on, people-focused career that allowed her to stay active and connected with others. She enjoys helping patients better understand their oral health, with a strong focus on gum health, prevention, and practical home care routines that suit each person’s needs.
Vitor Diogo, Dental Hygienist
Vitor was born and raised in Portugal, where he earned his Diploma in Oral Hygiene from the University of Lisbon. His studies later took him to the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. It was there that his interest in community oral health and supporting patients with special needs and dental anxiety continued to grow.
He later completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours Class I) at the University of Newcastle.
Vitor’s career has extended beyond the clinic. He has held academic and clinical educator roles at the University of Sydney, the University of Newcastle, James Cook University, and the University of Lisbon, where he has lectured, mentored students, contributed to curriculum development, and supervised clinical training
He has also served as Vice President of the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (NSW Branch) and presented professional development workshops.
Kacie Dragojlovic, Oral health Therapist
Originally from Los Angeles, Kacie found her home in Newcastle, where she completed her Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy in 2020. Patients often notice her accent first, then her warm, down-to-earth way of explaining things.
Her interest in dentistry began after having root canal therapy herself. What she expected to be a dreadful experience was different from the stories she had heard growing up. That moment helped shape her approach, especially for patients who feel uneasy about dental visits.
Kacie enjoys the variety that comes with oral health therapy. No two appointments are exactly the same. One day may involve gum health education, another may include restoring a tooth, and another may focus on helping a child feel more settled in the chair.
She also values how much dentistry depends on communication. For her, oral health is not just about teeth. It’s about listening, explaining options clearly, and helping patients feel included in decisions about their smile and wellbeing.
Our Special Offer Awaits You!
Take advantage of our New Patient Offer, a no-gap payment offer. Get an examination and scale and clean including full mouth X-rays and fluoride treatment. Contact us today!
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