Our team

Dr. Julie Savage

Dentist

Melbourne born and bred, Julie graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1990. After stints working in Bendigo, Wodonga and London, she returned to Melbourne where she worked in a prominent cosmetic-focused dental practice in South Yarra before moving into a more family-orientated practice in Ringwood. In 2004 Julie established Wondersmiles Dental in North Carlton.

She is a member of the International Team for Implantology, a committee member of the Australian Central Association of Dentists and a member of the Australian Dental Association. Julie mentors final year dental students at the University of Melbourne and is a member of the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch Continuing professional Development Committee. She has a keen interest in continuing education to ensure her patients are receiving the best, and most up to date evidence-based dental care.

She has a broad focus on all aspects of preventative, restorative and aesthetic dentistry with a special interest in restoring teeth to their natural appearance.

Julie has two teenage girls and has interests in food – growing, cooking and eating, cricket, running and generally adventuring in the outdoors.

Jo Calder

Practice Manager

Jo was toying with the idea of being either a dental nurse or, because of her love of animals, a veterinary nurse.

After getting an opportunity to start as a junior dental nurse in East Doncaster in 1986 she knew after her first day that teeth were her thing and caring for people was something that came very easily to her.

Jo threw herself into her studies. This consisted of working in the surgery during the day and attending lectures at the pharmacy collage in Parkville in the evenings.  She loved it and made friends during that year that she still has to this day.

Dentistry has provided Jo with fabulous opportunities to travel the world – working in the Middle East for 3.5 years where she gained great experience of working with a team of people from all cultural backgrounds and serving the people of The U.A.E. Again, she made lifelong friends. 

After 17 years of nursing Jo ended up being pursued by a large dental company and she took the opportunity to go into a sales role – She took it and ran with it and was very successful.

Ultimately, she missed her calling which she believes is caring for patients. She has been known to drop in to people’s homes to help out with battery changes in electric toothbrushes, drop off football mouthguards and Tooth Mousse into letter boxes.

There is never a day that Jo does not have a smile, a kind word or even a hug when it’s needed for our patients or our team.

Daniela Atanasovski

Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist

Daniela has worked with Dr. Julie Savage since 2008 as a duly qualified dental hygienist and dental therapist (Oral Health Therapist). She works closely and collectively with Julie to provide the optimum treatment for every individual. During this period she has developed strong and lasting relationship with patients. She has a warm and caring nature which helps put ease to patients of all ages. She takes time to understand each patient’s needs and preferences.

Her clinical interests are children’s dentistry and adult gum health. She is passionate about educating and giving patients healthy and happier smiles. Her love for dentistry began when she was a part time dental assistant during high school and from that time on she couldn’t see herself doing anything else.

Daniela completed her dental therapist qualification at Melbourne University, she practiced in a private practice and at the local community centre. After a few years, she wanted to further her career by becoming a dental hygienist. The course was not on offer at Melbourne University, so Daniela made a huge sacrifice and moved to the west of the country, Perth, WA to achieve her goal. On return to Melbourne, her new qualification provided Daniela with the wonderful opportunity of joining Julie at her dental practice.

Daniela married her husband Danny in 2009, together they have 3 boys which keep them on their toes. She enjoys going on shopping trips with her girlfriends, however they are becoming far and few in between the busy life with 3 boys!