Dr Monika Shah Principal Dentist
Monika completed her BDS in 2006 and moved to Australia in February 2007, where she passed the Australian Dental Council exams. Alongside a full patient list, she continues to book herself into courses.
About us
About MS Dental Cardiff for Caves Beach Patients
MS Dental Cardiff, on Newcastle Street, is about 23 km from Caves Beach. It is one of three clinics in the MS Dental family practice, and it is the clinic Caves Beach patients travel to for their dental care.
Our practice
Who we are, and why Cardiff
MS Dental is a family practice under principal dentist Dr Monika Shah, with clinics in Cardiff, Fletcher and Mayfield. Chantelle joined in 2017 as practice manager at Cardiff and now manages all three locations. Lyndal, who started in 2019 as a dental assistant and receptionist, coordinates the Cardiff front office. Of the three clinics, Cardiff has the most dentists on its roster.
Cardiff is the largest of the three clinics and the only one open every Saturday. For Caves Beach, it is also the shortest drive, at about 23 km. That is not a quick trip, so we help patients plan around it: family members can be booked back to back, records can be requested in advance, and online booking stays open outside clinic hours.
How we work
What patients travelling from Caves Beach can expect
Honest information
You are told what the dentist finds, which treatment options are available and what they cost, in writing with item numbers, before any treatment starts at Cardiff.
Making each trip count
Several family members can be booked one after another, and a first visit covers both an examination and a clean, so fewer separate trips may be needed.
"Dentistry with Care"
The group's motto shapes practical choices at Cardiff, such as a session every Saturday that can suit shift workers, school-aged children and people travelling from further afield.
The team
Our Cardiff team
Some clinicians also work at Fletcher or Mayfield. Ask reception who will be at Cardiff on the day you plan to travel.
Dr Michael Ell Dentist
Michael graduated from the University of Sydney in 1981, and his seven years at Royal Newcastle Hospital covered most areas of dentistry. He joined MS Dental in August 2017 and works at Cardiff.
Dr Arti Patel Dentist
After her BDS in Ahmedabad in 2007, Arti worked in private practice in India, then came to Australia and joined MS Dental in October 2016. She keeps up with courses and lectures.
Dr Nikhil Kapoor Dentist
A 2019 graduate of James Cook University, Nikhil saw a lot of rural and regional patients during two years of placements in Queensland and the Northern Territory. He has been with MS Dental since 2020.
Dr Nick Chen Dentist
Before joining MS Dental in 2025, Nick, who trained in Adelaide, practised in rural South Australia and on the Central Coast. He works at both Cardiff and Mayfield.
Natasha Oral Health Therapist
Natasha holds a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy from the University of Sydney, earned in 2021, after first qualifying at Nanyang Polytechnic in Singapore in 2016. She joined in May 2025 and works across all three clinics.
Questions
About MS Dental: your questions
Is MS Dental one practice or several?
One practice with three clinics. Dr Monika Shah is the principal dentist, practice manager Chantelle oversees all three locations, and several clinicians work across Cardiff, Fletcher and Mayfield during the week. Caves Beach patients are seen at Cardiff.
Who should I ask for if I feel anxious about dental visits?
Dr Nick Chen likes to get to know his patients and is aware that some people feel anxious in the chair. Tell reception when you book, and they can let you know which days he is at Cardiff.
Which health funds is the Cardiff clinic a preferred provider for?
HCF, CBHS and Westfund. Health fund claims are processed at the desk through HICAPS on the day of your appointment. Ask for a written estimate with item numbers first if you would like to check your rebate.
Send a message
Ask a question before you travel
Want to know who is working on a Saturday, or what a treatment involves? Send a message and reception will reply during clinic hours.
Cardiff reception
- (02) 4954 7722
- [email protected]
- 20 Newcastle Street, Cardiff NSW 2285
Monday to Friday9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday9:00 am to 4:00 pm
SundayClosed
Book your Cardiff appointment
Caves Beach patients are welcome at MS Dental Cardiff without a referral. Book online or phone (02) 4954 7722 to arrange your visit.