The team behind all the smiles.
At Smile Studio NQ, we are here to help you feel confident, cared for, and completely at ease every time you step through our doors.
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A trusted team with generations of experience.
Over 100 years of family history in dentistry
Smile Studio NQ brings together trusted experience, modern treatments, and a warm approach to care. From routine check-ups to complete smile makeovers, our team is here to make every visit comfortable and stress-free. We offer a full range of services—general, cosmetic, children’s, and restorative dentistry—along with gentle options like sedation for anxious patients. At Smile Studio NQ, your health, confidence, and comfort always come first.
Locally Owned
Proudly serving Townsville families with personalised, community-focused care.
Trusted Experience
Generations of trusted dentistry, built on expertise and consistency.
All-In-One Care
From routine check-ups to cosmetic treatments, everything you need under one roof.
Meet Our Dental Team
Dr Girish Basavaraj
BDS, Post Graduate Cert – Implant Dentistry
Principal Dentist
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Dr Girish Basavaraj is a third-generation dentist with a Master’s in Paediatric Dentistry and nearly 20 years of experience, practicing in Australia since 2007. He has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, implants, clear aligners, and laser dentistry, backed by memberships in several leading dental organisations. Known for his commitment to long-term patient care, he takes pride in helping families smile with confidence.
Dr Tarun
Kumar
BDS, MDS, Lead Dentist Surgeon
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Dr Aleena Thomachan
BDS, Associate Dentist
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Dr Ponni Marimuthu
BDS, Associate Dentist
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Dr Girish Basavaraj
BDS, Post Graduate Cert – Implant Dentistry
Principal Dentist
With dentistry in his blood, third generation dentist Dr Girish Basavaraj graduated from the world-renowned dental school, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, India in 2001. He then went on to graduate with a Masters in Pediatric Dentistry (Children’s Dentistry) in 2005. Working as a senior lecturer at a private dental school in India, Dr Basavaraj successfully obtained his licensure as a General Dentist in Australia by qualifying in the Australian Dental Council Exams (ADC) in 2006 – 2007.
With over 50 years of Dental experience from his family mentors and himself having nearly 20 years of dental experience, he has always strived to excel and expanded his repertoire of professional skills through ongoing continued dental education programs in the areas of cosmetic dentistry, Implant dentistry, Clear Aligners, and private practice management programs.
Dr Basavaraj has successfully completed a hands-on Implant certification program with Brenner Implant Institute, Sydney under the highly experienced trainer and clinician, Dr. Dan Brener in 2011. He is also certified in laser dentistry and an Accredited practitioner for clear aligner orthodontic treatment. Dr Basavaraj is member of Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID), The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and The Implant Prosthetic Section of the (ICOI). Currently is studying PG Cert for Dental Implantology under Cambridge Academy of Dental Implantology (London).
Dr Basavaraj believes in building a long-term relationship with his patients and their families. He takes great pride in his work, and he loves being able to help patients smile with confidence.
- When floodwaters turned North Queensland into an obstacle course, Dr. Girish Basavaraj and Dr. Tarun Kumar didn’t take a rain check on patient care – they took to the skies.
- Dr Girish has been featured in QLD’s 36 most powerful and influential Indian Australians.
Dr Girish’ feature in Bite Magazine’s November 2023 Issue
Dr Tarun Kumar
BDS, MDS – Lead Dentist Surgeon
Dr. Tarun Kumar earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1998 and his Master’s in Dental Surgery (Periodontics) in 2002 from the esteemed Bapuji Dental College in India. He is currently enhancing his expertise with a Master of Surgery in Implant Dentistry at UniCamillus — International Medical University in Rome. With over 22 years of distinguished experience, he has been a Professor at Bapuji Implant Centre.
Dr. Tarun Kumar is recognized for his refined, patient-focused approach and remarkable skills in full-arch implant rehabilitation and aesthetic zone management. His presence in our dental practice and community will undoubtedly enhance our ability to provide high-quality dental care.
Dr Aleena Thomachan
BDS – Associate Dentist
Dr Aleena Thomachan is a local dentist dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centred care in a calm and welcoming environment. She is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their treatment decisions.
Dr Aleena completed her schooling in Townsville before graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from James Cook University. She is pleased to be joining the team at Smile Studio NQ, caring for a community she is proud to be part of. She takes a conservative, minimally invasive approach to dentistry, with a strong focus on preserving natural teeth. Her clinical experience includes paediatric, restorative, preventive, and endodontic dentistry, as well as dentures, and she enjoys treating patients of all ages and medical backgrounds.
Outside of work, Dr Aleena enjoys dancing and exploring Townsville’s local café scene – staying connected to the local community and supporting small businesses.
Dr Ponni Marimuthu
BDS – Associate Dentist
Dr Ponni Marimuthu is a dedicated general dentist known for her warm approach and commitment to exceptional patient care. After graduating in India in 2007, she moved to Australia in 2010 and later retrained in dentistry, graduating with distinction from James Cook University in Cairns.
Dr Ponni has a strong passion for minimally invasive dentistry, with special interests in endodontics, crown and bridge work, restorative, cosmetic dentistry, children’s dentistry, and caring for anxious patients. She is focused on creating a calm, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and confident in their oral health decisions.
Outside the clinic, Dr Ponni enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Max. She has been a valued member of the Dentists at Health Link team since 2024.
Dr Rukshi Wickramasuriya
BOralH, GDipDent – Associate Dentist
Rukshi grew up in Victoria and moved to Queensland for university. She completed Dentistry at Griffith University on the Gold Coast with academic excellence. Previously, Rukshi has worked in both public and private dental practice in Toowoomba and has worked in a multidisciplinary implant and full mouth rehabilitation clinic in Brisbane.
Rukshi enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and has a special interest in restorative and fixed prosthodontics. Rukshi likes to provide dental care to her patients as if she were treating her own family. She has a gentle and a caring manner and prides herself in providing a comfortable, positive dental experience for all her patients. In order to provide the most up to date treatment to patients, Rukshi attends frequent continuing professional development courses. In her spare time, Rukshi enjoys reading, hiking and travelling.
Dr Nirjyot Gill
BDS (James Cook University) – Associate Dentist
Nirjyot grew up on her family’s banana farm in Cardwell with her Mum, Dad and two sisters, before moving to Cairns to study a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University.
Nirjyot is passionate about providing a high standard of care and treatment in all aspects of dentistry. She strongly believes in the importance of making every patient’s dental experience as comfortable as possible, and achieves this through her gentle and caring approach. Nirjyot has a special interest in minimally invasive, preventative and paediatric dentistry. She spends her free time travelling, staying active and socialising with her sisters.