DENTAL PRACTITIONERS Central Coast
Dr Benjamin Barrera
Associate Dentist
BSc, BOH (DentSc), GradDipDent, PostGradDip Clinical Dentistry - Oral Implants
Benjamin received his dentistry qualifications from Griffith University, Queensland, after completing a Bachelor of Science at Sydney University. Trained in all aspects of dentistry, he provides general and specialised treatment to New Leaf Dentists’ patients, including dental implants, Invisalign clear braces, dento-facial injectables (wrinkle relaxers, dermal fillers, clenching/grinding), sleep dentistry and inhalation sedation.
Benjamin's appeal to his patients is well regarded. He places an emphasis on attention to detail and looking after patients in a caring, gentle, and comprehensive manner. One of his fundamental beliefs is in taking the time and clearly explaining what you as his patient will need and should expect.
Benjamin regularly participates in study groups and continuing professional development courses, including the Australian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics.
Fun Facts
Dr. Ben has a Filipino-Spanish background, and we can reveal that his best kept beauty secret is his Asian genes. He loves learning different languages, travelling (if he can get the time off!), cooking and eating food from all cultures, and he places great importance on family and relationships. A man of many talents, he is also quite musical – he can play the piano, tenor and baritone saxophone and the guitar (You might want to watch out for him when we release the New Leaf Dentists soundtrack someday). As an adventurer, the craziest thing Ben has done so far is to allow his friends to take him skydiving in Byron Bay!
Quotable quote: “Falling is not failing; staying down is.”
Motivation: “Professionally, it is seeing what others have achieved with respect to professional excellence. It drives me to constantly assess myself clinically and keep improving to provide the best treatment and patient experience I can possibly provide. Personally, it is my partner, my family and my friends who motivate me to be the best that I can be.”
Days at New Leaf Dentists: Monday and Tuesday
Dr Tara Wallace-Hor
Associate Dentist
B. Dent, U.Syd
Tara graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dentistry. She has worked in the public and private dental health sectors in Sydney, some regional areas of NSW, and the previous 18 months in New Zealand prior to joining the New Leaf Dentists team in March 2018. She provides general and cosmetic dental and dento-facial treatments including Invisalign, ClearCorrect clear braces and dento-facial injectables.
Tara has a very warm, friendly, relaxed and calm personality which easily endear her to patients from the moment they meet. The nervous giggles from anxious patients quickly turn into genuine laughter once the ice is broken and they are seated comfortably on the dental chair. It is clearly a gift that is uniquely Tara.
Tara is interested in preventative and restorative dentistry and has completed several continuing education courses in this area.
Fun Facts
Born and raised in Sydney, Dr. Tara is half-British and half-Chinese and has two younger sisters, a husband, two adorable sons, and a beloved dog.
Tara is a self-confessed foodie who says that picking her favourite food will be like picking a favourite child. However, she does have a sweet spot for a really good cheese and cold cuts platter, and she describes her best meal as a ten-course Chinese banquet. She has a passion for travel and the outdoors, her highlights being her travels to South America, South East Asia and Europe. She has also donated her time doing overseas dental work through “Project Cambodia”. She balances this adventurous spirit with some relaxing activities like walking her dog, lying on the beach, and vegging in front of the TV watching “Stranger Things” with good food and wine.
Passions in life: Travel, food and family.
Best achievement: Having her 2 beautiful sons, Noa and Taika.
Days at New Leaf Dentists: Thursday and Friday
Dr Kevin Sin
Associate Dentist
BDS
Kevin is a graduate of the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree.
Day at New Leaf Dentists: Thursday and Friday
Dr Jacqueline Bonifacio DMD
Associate Dentist
Day at New Leaf Dentists: Thursday
Tracey Yu
Oral Health Therapist
Tracey Yu graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy with Distinction. She was awarded the Australian Dental Association (ADA) NSW Award for Professionalism in 2020.
Tracey has spent most of her career in the public sector, as she is passionate about improving oral health within the community through education and prevention. Although she sees clients of all ages, Tracey has worked closely in paediatric dentistry. She is also interested in hygiene and assisting with Invisalign.
She prides herself in her attention to detail and endeavours to treat patients in a comfortable, gentle environment.
Having grown up on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Tracey is familiar with the beach lifestyle and can’t stay away from working near the coast. Hence, it was inevitable that she joined New Leaf Dentists in October 2022.
Fun Facts
Life before joining the world of dentistry… Tracey graduated with a Bachelor of International Studies majoring in International Relations and Japanese prior to studying to be an Oral Health Therapist. She studied abroad in Japan for 6 months.
Tracey was involved in community musical theatre for 7 years and loves to sing in her car and shower.
She keeps active with gym, social badminton, and loves tending to her indoor plants.
Days at New Leaf Dentists: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
