Dentistry that doesn't feel like a dentist

Southside Dental was built in Kearneys Spring with one goal: make the trip to the dentist something Toowoomba locals don't dread. No lectures, no judgement — just straightforward care from a team that actually listens.

What makes a visit here different

  • Judgement-free, alwaysWhatever's going on with your teeth, we'll help you fix it without a lecture.
  • Built for dental anxietyWe take the time to explain every step, so nothing feels like a surprise. Read more about our judgement-free approach.
  • Care that fits your budgetPayment plans from $20 a week, so cost is never the reason care gets put off.
  • Genuinely localRight in Kearneys Spring — we're part of this community, not just working in it.

Meet the team

Dr Immanuel Puvanendiran, dentist at Southside Dental Toowoomba

Dr Immanuel Puvanendiran

Dentist

Dad of three, old man at heart — strong opinions about social media and modern society, no willpower against ice cream.

Adelaide, 1985Born
20+ yrsIn dentistry
2013Joined Southside Dental Toowoomba
5,000+Patients treated

Availability

  • Wednesday – Friday7:30am – 4pm

Immanuel works alongside Amber, our oral health therapist.

  • Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental ScienceGriffith University, QLD, 2006
  • Graduate Diploma in DentistryGriffith University, QLD, 2008
  • 20+ years in dentistryincluding regional practice in Ballarat, Lismore, Hope Island QLD and Brisbane, before joining Southside Dental Toowoomba in 2013
  • AHPRA registeredDEN0001316655

Areas of interest

Implants Wisdom teeth surgery General dentistry Dental anxiety Full mouth rehabilitation Holistic, whole-patient care

Treatment philosophy

“I look at a patient’s mouth as a whole, not just the tooth in front of me, and try to understand the real, practical reasons behind what’s going on. My approach is pragmatic and logical — I lay out honest options and work with you, without judgement, to find what genuinely suits your situation.”

Outside the practice

Meditation Gym Family time Rescue dog adoption Ice cream

Book with Dr Immanuel

Dr Cecilia Chen, dentist at Southside Dental Toowoomba

Dr Cecilia Chen

Dentist

Loves travelling and exploring new places — and when she’s not planning the next adventure, she’s in the kitchen baking something sweet, matcha in hand.

Buenos AiresBorn
IpswichGrew up
6 yrsIn dentistry
2021Joined Southside Dental Toowoomba

Availability

  • Monday9am – 5pm
  • Tuesday8am – 7pm
  • Wednesday & Thursday12pm – 7pm
  • Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)The University of Queensland, 2020
  • Six years in dentistryjoining the Southside Dental Toowoomba team in 2021
  • AHPRA registeredDEN0002440480
  • Now a Toowoomba localborn in Buenos Aires and raised in Ipswich, she’s proud to call Toowoomba home

Areas of interest

Clear aligners Cosmetic dentistry General dentistry

Outside the practice

Travelling Baking Matcha Exercise Health & wellness

Book with Dr Cecilia

Amber Van Dijk, oral health therapist at Southside Dental Toowoomba

Ambiah Van Dijk

Oral Health Therapist

Happiest hiking, crafting or baking — you’ll often find her at Spotlight picking out her next project.

29Age
10+ yrsIn dentistry
2018Joined Southside Dental Toowoomba
Jan 2025Returned as oral health therapist

Availability

  • Tuesday8am – 6pm
  • Wednesday & Thursday8am – 12pm
  • Friday8am – 5pm
  • Oral Health TherapyCQUniversity Australia
  • 10+ years in dentistryjoined Southside Dental as a dental assistant in 2018, then pursued further study and returned as our oral health therapist in January 2025
  • AHPRA registeredoral health therapist, Dental Board of Australia
  • Special interestpreventative care for paediatric patients

Areas of interest

Preventative care Children’s dentistry Minimally invasive dentistry Oral hygiene coaching

Treatment philosophy

“My treatment philosophy is centred around building trust and creating a comfortable, positive experience for every patient. I strongly believe in the importance of preventive care and a minimally invasive approach wherever possible — my goal is to identify and manage dental concerns early, and preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. I also believe that good dentistry extends beyond the dental chair. I provide patients with practical, personalised advice, including demonstrations and at-home tools to help improve their oral hygiene routine. By working together, I aim to empower patients to take an active role in maintaining their oral health and achieving a healthy, confident smile.”

Outside the practice

Hiking Crafting Baking

To book an appointment with Amber, call 07 4635 1444.