The Dental
Family for
Your Family

5 years down at Otago Universities Dental School saw Dr Keith Nelson graduate with a dental degree in 1962. It was during Dr Keith Nelsons time in Dunedin, that he cemented his rugby career and was made captain for Otago Rugby and Captain of the South Island Rugby team.

In 1962 after graduating, Keith married Aldyth (a senior dental school Orthodontic nurse and Otago Beauty Queen). After a short stint as a dentist in Balclutha, he headed back home to Auckland with his new wife.

Here Keith continued his dental career out in the wild west of Auckland, he continued to play rugby representing the New Zealand All Blacks from 1962 to 1964. Dr Keith Nelson captained Ponsonby ( his club team) Auckland and the North Island. Opening his own practice “Keith Nelson and Associates“ in 1965.

With strong family values, the practise was based around family dentistry with an emphasis on orthodontics and early care... and this continues to this day.

Vikki is the middle daughter of the 3 Nelson girls. After studying and completing a degree in economics at Otago, she then went on to complete her 5 year dental degree at Otago university and graduated in 1992.

Originally Vikki started working in West Auckland Glen Eden where Keith Nelson started the practice in 1964. Here she gained a vast amount of experience with oral surgery under general anaesthetic, and where she became extremely interested in the cosmetic side of dentistry, especially orthodontics.

In 1997 the Ponsonby Practice opened at 103 Franklin Road In an old renovated two story brick villa (cica 1903) … and this of course, is where Keith Nelson Dental is situated still today.

Having completed many orthodontic courses over 20 years and with a two year post-graduate diploma in Progressive Orthodontics, Dr Vikki Nelson has successfully treated many orthodontic patients using the latest orthodontic techniques such as removable plates, fixed braces and clear aligners.

“To see children’s confidence, grow and develop purely from creating a great smile is something immensely rewarding” – especially nowadays when the whole procedure takes a relatively short period of time with minimal discomfort.

Vikki has 3 children. Alexandra, after completing an Education Degree at Victoria University, is following in the family footsteps of health. Ali is currently studying Health Management at AUT whilst also working part time in the Freeman’s Bay family practice. Tane her second child, also followed in the health profession, but opted to be a medical doctor as opposed to being a dentist. Tane is currently studying medicine at Otago university and is based in Wellington as a 6th year medical student … (But apparently hasn’t ruled out going on to study dentistry or maxillofacial surgery in the future).

Gabi is Vikki’s youngest and is in her final years of secondary school. Gabi’s main focus is water polo, she has a couple of years left to decide which career path she wants to take, we will wait with baited breath! Gabi works part time at the family practice helping out occasionally on reception.

Vikki is married to Graham Fleury a keen sailor who has been part of many sailing teams for Americas Cup Racing syndicates. He represented New Zealand in sailing at the Barcelona Olympics and was part of the iconic round the world sailing team on Steinlager… lead by Sir Peter Blake. Graham is the calming family influence who keeps Vikki motivated to maintain an even work life balance… Graham gets the whole family out on the Waitemata harbour and beyond as often as possible on the family boat to help distress and rebalance.

Away from the daily challenges of work and family and in order to clear the mind, Vikki always endeavors to incorporate some ‘me’ time into her day. She does this by keeping fit & active by either working out at the gym, skiing, walking, running or simply by learning to play golf with friends.

At present she is a current member of the NZ Dental Association, Auckland Dental Association, NZ Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the NZ functional Orthodontic Society.
She is a founding member of the AAFDA in New Zealand This enables her to keep up with the latest advancements in dentistry and facial aesthetics.

Stela Dimitrova has considerable experience as a dentist including Bulgaria, USA and now in NZ.

She graduated at the Faculty of Stomatology in Sofia as a Stomatologist, a specialty which includes not only gums and teeth problems, their treatments and prevention of diseases, but also oral pathology and oral medicine.

After leaving her home country, she sat exams in USA and obtained a DDS. Degree in Dentistry in Los Angeles.

She has been part of the Keith Nelson team, since 2004, starting off in our Glen Eden branch. In February 2011 she joined us at the Ponsonby based Keith Nelson practice.

Her goal is prevention and early detection of dental problems, stabilisation of patient’s dentitions with minimal possible intervention and maintenance, so they can have their natural teeth for as long as possible. Stela has a very nurturing manner and will relax even the most nervous of patients.

She keeps up with the latest advances in dentistry, by attending courses and being a member of NZ Dental Association and NZ Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Stela is married and has a son.

Away from work she loves listening to classical music, walking, travelling and meeting people from different nationalities.

Dr Sophia Lee Mahendran is a caring, gentle clinician devoted to ensuring your dental visits at Keith Nelson & Associates are relaxed and as comfortable as possible. Sophia provides all facets of dental care to her patients, ranging from emergency care to full mouth restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Sophia is also accredited with the Australasian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics to provide botox (Dysport) and dermal filler treatments for both facial rejuvenation and dental therapeutic purposes.

Sophia grew up in Torbay on Auckland’s North Shore. She returned home to Auckland after completing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Credit at the University of Otago. Sophia’s constant drive for clinical excellence sees her attending continuing professional education courses both in New Zealand and abroad

She has a keen interest in providing charity dental treatment, and has led dental teams in remote parts of Cambodia and the Philippines providing pro bono restorative and surgical dental services to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Sophia is a member of the New Zealand Dental Association, Auckland Dental Association and the New Zealand Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Outside dentistry, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, and keeping active in the gym.

Kathy is a fully qualified hygienist. She has been working at Keith Nelsons since 1996. Kathy will clean and polish your teeth, and keep your gums and supporting structures in top condition. She will educate you about the home maintenance and care that will prevent gum disease and decay. Kathy also performs our in-house whitening procedures. She loves giving patients a brighter healthier smile that they can be proud of.

Kathy is a member of the NZ Dental Hygienists Association and attends regular courses to keep up to date in the latest dental hygiene techniques and treatments.

Nisha is a fully qualified Oral Health Therapist and Dental Therapist. She has international experience in the dental industry and has been working at Keith Nelsons since 1994. She will clean and polish your teeth to an exceptional standard and give thorough instructions for at-home care. Nisha is passionate about children and adolescents oral care, She has a big input in caring for the young people at our family practice. She keeps abreast of all the latest techniques and dental materials used in paediatric dentistry and hygiene.

Nisha is a member of the NZ Dental Hygienists Association and the NZ Dental Therapists Association.

Elena is an experienced hygienist with a kind, gentle touch, the perfect oral hygienist for those who are nervous or anxious in the dental surgery.

Originally from Europe, Elena moved to New Zealand many years ago, before she had children. She is passionate about her family who are now all grown up but who still manage to keep her busy, fit, and healthy. As do her 2 beautiful Border Collies whom she cherishes. We are so lucky to have Elena with all of her experience and passion to help educate patients on oral health. She is a pivotal part of our dental family.

Claire Vaevae is an Oral Health Therapist, who has a passion for oral health education. Her philosophy is if she can teach one person a day something new about oral health then that day is a success. Claire aims to make the dental chair an inviting place for everyone with her gentle approach to dental hygiene cleans. She hopes to have all her patients leaving with a grin from ear to ear.

Eden has worked at Keith Nelson since she left school in 2016. In that time she has developed into a competent, first class Dental Assistant and gained her full Dental Assistant qualification. Eden has a menagerie of animals (goats, dog, bunnies etc) which she adores. She brings that love of animals and softness into the clinic putting all of our lovely patients at ease. Eden is Dr Vikki Nelsons full time assistant and is always on hand to ensure our patients are fully looked after.

Always smiling, Gia is Dr Sophia Mahendrans long term dental assistant (and at the same time a wife and the mum to a special little girl). Gia has been with us for quite a few years now. She came from India as a fully qualified Dentist with a lot of experience and is currently sitting exams to be registered as a qualified New Zealand dentist. Gia is quiet, kind, always organised and keen to help out.

Briana is Dr Sophia Mahendrans dental assistant. Quiet sweet and capable and kind. Briana loves animals a keen horse rider in her younger years and is passionate about helping people.

Ali is Dr Keith Nelson's granddaughter, (Dr Vikki Nelson's eldest), and thus has been brought up in and around the dental clinic all her life. Ali has a degree from Victoria University in Education and is currently doing a Masters degree in Health Management & Leadership at AUT. When she's not studying, going to the gym, playing netball or reading, Ali is helping out with management on reception or dental assisting at Keith Nelson. Ali is passionate about her dog, Louie and loves spending time with him. She also prides herself on creating a good culture amongst staff and ensuring the wellbeing of all our patients.

Bubbly positive and enthusiastic, Anna will welcome you into our clinic with a smile and help you with any queries you may have. Anna was originally born in China, moved to and raised in Australia until moving to New Zealand. She then attended Auckland University where she completed her marketing degree.

Sophie is currently studying Health Science at Auckland University. When she is not studying or working she enjoys spending time in the outdoors, watching and playing tennis and being around her friends and family.

Efficient organised with a calm disposition our front office slice of Whangamata, “The home of Beach Hop and surfing”. Jess has had a lot of customer service experience over her short few adult years. A beach and outdoors person Jess joined our team at the beginning of 2022 to run our front office.

Our canine mascot. The model in a lot of our facebook and insta posts
Louie loves food … but not so keen on tooth brushing.
Not particularly well behaved …but still part of the Dental family
Louie only attends the clinic on weekends when gardening and outside tidy ups need to be done ….Or when there is a photo shoot!!