Support Staff

Chelsea Armitt – Front Office Coordinator

Career History

After a brief time of studying Health Science at Adelaide University, I didn’t really feel this was for me. I worked full time for a period while I reflected on where I wanted my career to go. I was still interested in the Health Sector and I applied for a role at Lidums Dental as a Front Office Coordinator in August 2018. I really wanted to utilise my existing (unused skills) and develop new skills. I succeeded in getting the role and it has been a learning curve ever since! I love how we take the time to get to know our patients and build relationships with them and also we are like a second family to one another.

The skills I have learned keep my role interesting and challenging. I love the opportunities to teach other team members aspects of the role and love the opportunities I have had to develop brand new skills like payroll, reporting, rosters, training to name a few. I especially enjoy getting to know the patients and watching their journey through the practice from anxiety filled nervous patients to confident and smiling people. It’s a privilege to watch them develop their confidence not only in overcoming their dental phobias but also watching their journey from a painful or dysfunctional dental situation to be able to eat, laugh and smile again.

Hobbies and Interests

I have danced since I was 3 years old and still love dancing! I have performed in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Hip-Hop. One of my favourite things would be finding beautiful places to watch the sunset. In fact, I often take time to drive and find really beautiful places and take photos of the changing light against the hills. There are many beautiful places to see and I love capturing them.

Jamesina Davies – Dental Assistant

Career History

I started Dental assisting in 2015 and commenced my Certificate III in Dental Assisting in 2017. I applied for the role at Lidums for the opportunity to work with dental implants. I was grateful to have commenced the course as Lidums Dental were looking for a Dental Assistant with the minimum qualification of Cert III. On my first day, I was encouraged to watch the surgery of a patient having the signature treatment the “All -on-4 Teeth-in-a-Day” under general anaesthesia. I found this both exhilarating and confronting. I knew this was the path I wanted to take and within 6 months, was working confidently and competently next to Arnis during these surgical sessions. I have since trained dental assistants in the many areas of dental implant surgery including preparation for surgical days, setting up, assisting in sterile fields, scouting, to name a few.

My role at Lidums Dental has grown so much and I have been significantly involved in updating and improving of processes, recruitment, training and patient care. My career has taken a new turn and I was accepted to study Radiography at Adelaide University in January 2019. I have returned to Lidums Dental in a casual capacity to continue the life changing work that we do. I love working here because what we achieve is truly life changing. I love seeing people become more confident in themselves. Working at Lidums Dental is a great learning experience not only professionally but personally for me too.

Hobbies and Interests

I am a proud vegan and have a huge love for animals and animal welfare. I have 2 ‘fur children – Joffrey the Sphinx and Atticus the Burmese. I now have my license to dive to xx depth after having gained my qualifications at port Noarlunga jetty – what an experience! I also and really enjoying watching my ever growing indoor plant family.

Tien Hua – Lab Technician

Career History

My background is in accounting (bachelor of Accounting in 2010) and Beauty Therapy. I was originally introduced to the career path of a Dental Technician by the TAFE SA Staff. They must have thought it would be a good fit for me and it is! I can apply my creative and aesthetic skills in an ethical environment creating beautiful replacement teeth for people who have lost their teeth. I love matching the new teeth to our patients personalities and facial features, it is rewarding and I am grateful for the freedom I have in developing beautiful smiles and teeth for people. I think my personality thrives on the beauty and technical nature of what I do.

I have been with Lidums Dental now since April 2018. Since then, my skills have developed through the mentoring from Arnis and Andrew. Their knowledge and experience provides me with so much that I can apply and I love working with them. Yes, Arnis can be very particular about the aesthetics and margins and all the technical aspects, but I am grateful that he is as it helps to improve my mastery in what I do for patients. Providing beautiful, functional and long-lasting results for our patients is so important for me.

Hobbies and Interests

When I am not at work, I spend valued time with my family and we love going to the beach and enjoying the sunshine!

Lydia Lidums – Manager

Career History

I gained my Certificate III & IV in Dental Assisting in 1988/89. I have seen many changes in the dental industry and can share many interesting stories of how things have changed. I worked overseas, in Wales, as a Dental Practice Manager. I started working for Arnis back when he was practicing on North Terrace in 1997 as a part time dental assistant. Since then, I have seen much growth. We have developed a great Team and created a beautiful space to work in. I really do love coming to work and looking after our patients and Team. I feel like my role is to assist those around me reach their potential. Whether its helping a patient regain their confidence with a new smile or coaching a team member in a particular aspect of communication or clinical skills, I love seeing their growth as individuals. It gives me a lot of joy. It has been a wonderful journey with Arnis, developing the Team and the practice to a standard we can be proud of.

Hobbies and Interests

My first passion is horse riding, but I also love the beach, hiking in the hills, camping and snow and water skiing. For fitness, I’m outdoors with our pet miniature schnauzer, Pele. I absolutely love listening to all kinds of podcasts and reading personal growth books. If ever you see with with ear buds in, I’m usually listening to someone inspiring. For me it’s important that I stay am always learning and getting inspiration and education from outside of myself so I can look after our family as well as our ‘work family’.

Ramziah Tonkin – Treatment Coordinator

Career History

I fell into customer service management by default working for the ANZ Bank. I loved taking part in their leadership & management courses. I have worked in the Banking, Health, Retail and Insurance industries. What I love about being at Lidums Dental is the ability to look after people in a way that allows me to use my skills to help people reach their goals of new smiles. I get to meet our patients very early on, and developing the relationship is such an enjoyable part of my role. Explaining the treatment options to help them understand better, supporting them through their decision making process. It is so rewarding seeing the amazing results they get. I especially love it when I know someone has been particularly anxious or worried and come out feeling like they can continue on their dental journey due to their interaction with me.

Hobbies and Interests

Going to the gym is very important part of my life. Being fit and healthy means I can accomplish a whole lot more in my day. Catching up with friends and family means a lot and I ensure to spend quality time with those I love.

Rose Hooker – Dental Assistant

Career History

Biology has always been one of my favourite subjects. I studied  Biology at University but found that pursuing a career in Research was not suited to me. I love people, and so I tried hospitality.  I applied at Lidums Dental for a Dental Assisting position  because I felt my love for science and people could come together, and they have! I love to love work and so I get to learn as well as interact with wonderful people all day long. Lidums Dental are all about growth and leadership. So I after gaining my Certificate III in Dental Assisting last year, I decided to also do a Leadership Management Degree. I’m so thrilled with how my career is progressing and the opportunities I have at Lidums Dental.

Hobbies and Interests

I am an outdoors person, often walking or bike riding along Henley Beach and the River Torrens or walking and hiking up through the hills with my dog. Baking and cooking are great fun too. I love discovering new recipes to try out.