We understand how important your teeth are to your health, your appearance and your self-confidence.
In our practice there are no one-size-fits-all solutions; our team of dental professionals spend time with each patient finding out what matters to you and customizing treatments to meet your individual needs.
Our team genuinely love dentistry, interacting with our patients, and making a difference to the way you look and feel.
We are dedicated to providing healthy, aesthetic smiles and we focus on improving the quality, function, and appearance of your teeth that last a lifetime.
We aim to meet every patient's needs by offering a variety of general and advanced dental treatments.
We are a warm and friendly team and we ensure that you are comfortable, pain-free and safe.
Treatment plans and options are individually customised for you.
A Glimpse Inside
Staff
Who We Are
Dr Willem Pienaar
BChD, PDD, MBA
Born and raised in the Goldfields of South Africa, Willem enjoyed growing up on a farm and attended a rural school before he attended the University of Pretoria. He obtained a BSc degree in agriculture after which he completed his Dental Degree at the same University.
After 6 years in private practice in South Africa, Willem immigrated to New Zealand in 2004 with his wife Colette, and two sons and has since had a daughter of whom they are now all teenagers.
Motueka suited Willem and his family particularly well as they value the rural lifestyle and sense of community that is core to our town.
Outside dentistry Willem is involved in Church of Christ and Life Investments Ltd, a charitable company for the community. He enjoys swimming, kayaking and is a keen rugby follower.
Dr Ben Mar
BDS (Hons)
Dr Ben graduated from the University of Otago with First Class (Honours) with the NZ Dental Research Foundation Scholarship and Otago Medical Research Foundation Scholarship, after moving to New Zealand from Singapore.
Dr Ben focuses on a preventative approach to dental care and practices minimal intervention and believes in educating patients on how to take care of themselves by focusing on prevention as part of the cure.
Dr Ben has completed numerous courses in endodontics, composite resin artistry, digital dentistry, implantology, oral surgery and facial cosmetics. He is an active member of RipeGlobal Dental Education and the New Zealand Dental Association.
Outside of work Ben enjoys golf, fishing and spending time with friends and family.
Dr Clarence Sutardja
BDS, BDT
Born in Indonesia, Clarence moved to "scarfie" central Dunedin, NZ at 2014. He graduated from the University of Otago with both the Bachelors of Dental Technology at 2017, and the Bachelors of Dental Surgery.
Clarence is passionate on all aspects of dentistry with a special interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. He is friendly, approachable and enjoys making positive connections with his patients, while providing quality patient centric care. Clarence thrives to pursue excellence in the care he provides by giving the best patient experience possible with the state-of-the-art facilities we have at Pienaar Health Dental.
Having been in New Zealand for the later half of the decade, the natural scenery of the South Island has developed some new hobbies such as tramping, snowboarding and surfing as well as golf.
Day to day, Clarence enjoys to exercise and participate in social sports such as basketball and football. He has special interests in modern history and hold a high appreciation in creative writing. Clarence looks forward to calling Nelson/Richmond his home and exploring natural splendor of the Tasman region.
Dr Jacob Linn
BDS
Kia ora! It's great to be back home in the beautiful Tasman region. Having grown up here - educated at Mapua Primary and Motueka High School - it was an easy decision to make the move to come back and settle down.
Jacob graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2018. Since then he has spent time working in New Plymouth and the Nelson Bays region.
Jacob has experience working in private practice and also the public sector with time spent at Nelson Hospital Dental Department in 2021. He joined Richmond Dental Centre and Pienaar Health Dental at the start of 2022 and loves working with the team.
Jacob's approach to dentistry is patient centered with a focus on clear and honest communication. He has a special interest in digital dentistry and Oral Surgery. He practices with a conservative mindset and places an emphasis on prevention.
Outside of work you'll find Jacob out training for a triathlon, lounging on the beach, or catching up with family and friends for coffee.
Dr Shaun du Preez
BChD, PDD, MFOR
Shaun has joined our team in 2022. More to come about Shaun soon....!
Dr Jenifer Kong
BDS
Jenifer has joined our team in 2024. More to come about Jenifer soon....!
Lesley McKenzie
Dental Assistant
Lesley has been chairside assisting with Willem Pienaar for over 13 years. She has seen the changes of the practice over this period and she is excited with all the new aspects of what they have been doing and what the future will bring, especially being involved with implants.
The highlight of her career was travelling to Papua New Guinea on a voluntary Medical Ship (YWAM) with a Dental Team as part of a worldwide Medical Team in May 2019.
Leanne Smits
Dental Assistant
Leanne has been in the dental industry for 25 years, mainly assisting in the surgery, but occasionally relieving at reception. She was Willem’s first assistant when he moved to New Zealand from South Africa.
Born in Motueka, Leanne is a true local. She loves working in a close-knit team and enjoys meeting and developing new connections.
Family, friends, great food and keeping active are just a few of her life’s enjoyments.
Penny Sandberg
Dental Assistant
Penny (Pernilla) was born and raised in Sweden but New Zealand has been her home for the past 30 years.
She has 12 years experience as a Dental Assistant and is certainly passionate about her role in helping to see that the best possible care is provided to our patients and enjoys being part of a great team.
When she is not in the dental scene she is helping her family to run a Hop Farm, enjoys walking, keeping fit and values time with her family and friends.
Chrissy Guo
Dental Assistant Meet Chrissy Guo, our new compassionate and approachable dental assistant at Pinaar Health Dental. Originally from China, Chrissy brings a rich cultural perspective and a passion for serving others. Since arriving in Motueka in June 2023, she has quickly embraced the charm of our little town and become an integral part of our community. With over a month of training and learning as well as a background in teaching and phlebotomy, Chrissy offers a unique blend of skills and empathy to our patients. She is dedicated to ensuring every patient feels comfortable and valued here at PHD.
Jess Fauchelle
Dental Administration Manager
Jess looks after the administration for Pienaar Health Dental and their sister company, Richmond Dental Centre (parent company, Emmaus Dental Limited).
She is also a trained Dental Assistant, but her skillset and character have had her gravitate towards Dental Reception / Administration, with a dash of IT on the side.
Cynthia Pearce
Dental Receptionist
Cynthia has joined our team in 2023. More to come about Cynthia soon....!
Jude Ahearn
Dental Receptionist
Jude has joined our team in 2024. More to come about Jude soon....!
