Zohra Rashidzada - Director

Zohra is the director of Balanced Smiles servicing dental patients in the Southeast of Melbourne, Australia. She is an Oral Health Therapist graduate from the University of Melbourne, and an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist trained at the Australian Academy for Orofacial Myology.

With over 12 years' experience in the dental field, Zohra is passionate about delivering exceptional, patient-focused dental care.  Always keen to learn, Zohra has furthered her education to incorporate adjunctive therapies into her dental practice. These include:

• Jaw, head and neck pain assessment and treatment
• Orthodontics
• Orofacial Muscular Dysfunctions
• Tongue ties in breastfeeding infants
• Airway-focused Dentistry

Zohra is passionate about looking at more than just teeth when it comes to her patients, allowing her to excel at delivering holistic oral health care for the whole family.

When she's not in the clinic, Zohra loves heading to the beach to fish or snorkel and loves to travel. She often tries her hand at creative projects honing her artistic talents - which come in handy when working on creating beautiful smiles!

Dr. Dylan Kurtz - General Dentist

Dr. Dylan is a general dentist with a passion for restorative and cosmetic dentistry, combining years of experience with a commitment to continuous learning. Since graduating from JCU, Dylan has furthered his training by participating in programs such as:

• Restorative fellowship with Ripe Global
• Digital orthodontics with Boss Ortho
• Implants with the Australian Implant Association
• and, OSA training with the 3D Sleep Institute and Respiratory Dental Institute.

Dylan's been part of Spear Education since 2016 and the Protrusive Dental Group since 2023. Currently, he is under the mentorship of Simon Wong, focusing on early interceptive treatment and orthotropics.

Since starting his career in 2010, Dylan's worked across public and private settings, including rural and semi-rural areas. He's passionate about sharing knowledge and aspire to one day take on a teaching or mentorship role, possibly developing a patient education program.

Outside of dentistry, you’ll find him in the garden practicing permaculture, experimenting in the kitchen, or exploring the outdoors through hiking, camping, and fishing. He's a devoted bookworm, a storyteller at heart, and an avid fan of NRL and cricket. He's also learning to play the guitar—one chord at a time!

Mehrin Kazimi - Dental Assistant

Mehrin is a dedicated dental assistant with over three years of hands-on experience in clinical settings. Currently pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science at Deakin University, she combines her passion for healthcare with a strong academic foundation in science.

Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Mehrin has an inspiring background as a former Olympian, proudly representing Afghanistan in kickboxing. Her love for sports, along with a deep appreciation for reading, continues to fuel her drive and discipline in all areas of life.

Mehrin brings a unique blend of precision, resilience, and compassion to everything she does—whether in the clinic, the classroom, or the ring.

Emma Martin - Dental Assistant

Meet Emma – a dedicated and dynamic dental assistant and patient coordinator with over 15 years of experience in the dental industry. Emma is known for her compassionate approach, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to patient care. Whether she’s assisting chair-side or managing the front desk, Emma thrives in creating a smooth, welcoming experience for every patient.

Outside of work, she’s a devoted family woman who treasures time spent with her loved ones—especially her daughter, who is her constant adventure partner. Together, they’re always on the lookout for new experiences and hidden gems throughout Melbourne. A self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur and sweet tooth, Emma is on an ongoing quest to discover the city’s finest coffee spots and most indulgent desserts, where every outing is a chance to connect, unwind, and savour something new.

Emma’s life is a joyful blend of professional dedication and personal passion. She brings the same warmth and enthusiasm to her work as she does to her everyday adventures. Emma is all about heart, connection, and making people smile.

Vlora Emini - Dental Receptionist

With her kind smile and calm, friendly nature, Vlora is often the first warm welcome patients receive at Balanced Smiles. A proud mum of three, she’s no stranger to multitasking and brings that same energy, patience, and care to her role on our front desk team.

Balancing her busy family life with her part-time work at the clinic, Vlora is passionate about helping people feel at ease. Whether she’s booking appointments, answering questions, or simply greeting you with genuine warmth, she’s committed to making every visit smooth and stress-free. Her attention to detail and gentle presence help keep our days running seamlessly—and our patients feeling supported every step of the way.