Dr Priyena Winterbottom, BDS Otago, MRACDS (PDS)

For me, being a Dentist at Northside Dental Solutions is about more than just clinical treatment—it's about connecting with the person behind the smile. I believe in patient-centered care, and my genuine curiosity about people and their stories makes my work feel less like a job and more like a meaningful opportunity to connect.

My journey into healthcare was inspired by my parents—a doctor and a pharmacist—who instilled in me the value of community service from a young age. While I initially intended to follow directly in their footsteps, it was during my studies at the University of Otago that I discovered my true calling in dentistry. The profession felt like the perfect fit: a hands-on, intellectually stimulating career that allows me to help others in a tangible and personal way.

Outside of work, I’m very much a homebody. I enjoy caring for my plants, tackling home chores, or visiting my parents—mainly to cuddle their two adorable Maltese Shih Tzus. As an introvert, I cherish these quiet moments to recharge, although I also love balancing them with a lively social calendar full of time with friends and family.

One unique aspect of my background is that I’ve lived in four different countries, yet I’ve never visited the country of my ethnicity. This experience has deepened my appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, and it’s shaped my commitment to listening with empathy and understanding each person’s individual story.

A fun fact about me: I love cooking without recipes—which also explains why I’m a terrible baker! Dentistry demands precision, so cooking offers me a therapeutic space to be spontaneous and creative with flavours and ingredients.