RECEPTION / DENTAL ASSISTANT
MS. CELESTE MARAIS
Celeste began her career as a dental assistant in 1999 and completed a correspondence course in Dental Reception Office Management in 2001.
In 2017, she successfully passed the Dental Assistant Board exam.
Over the course of her 27-year career, Celeste has gained extensive experience across a wide range of dental disciplines and procedures,
including orthodontics, prosthodontics, implantology and digital smile design.
This diverse background provided her with the opportunity to work as a Dental Treatment Coordinator for more than three years, from 2019 to 2022.
At The Dental Practice at the Waterfront, Celeste oversees the administrative operations of the practice while also assisting Dr de Nysschen with dental procedures.
Outside of work, Celeste enjoys spending quality time with her family and their two dogs. She also has a passion for creating beaded jewelry and decorative beaded ornaments.
ORAL HYGIENIST
NAZEELA BERDIEN
Dip. Oral Hygiene (UWC)
Cert Extended Functions (UWC)
Independent practice (UWC)
Nazeela qualified as an Oral Hygienist from the University of the Western Cape in 1984.
She spent 12 years working in a Prosthodontics practice, where she developed extensive experience in crown and bridge procedures, implant cases, and their ongoing oral hygiene maintenance.
In 1996, she completed studies in Business Management through INTEC College.
She further advanced her qualifications in 2002 by obtaining the Expanded Functions Diploma in Oral Hygiene from the University of the Western Cape.
In 2016, she completed additional studies at the same institution, specialising in teeth whitening, Class IV restorations, and the administration of local anaesthetic.
With 29 years of professional experience, Nazeela is a highly valued member of the team.
She has been part of The Dental Practice at the Waterfront for the past 16 years,
during which she also served for three consecutive terms as Secretary of the Oral Hygienists' Association of South Africa both nationally and within the Western Cape.
In recognition of her contributions to the profession, she was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2013.
Nazeela is deeply passionate about oral hygiene education and has dedicated time to delivering voluntary educational talks at schools, libraries, and senior living communities.
Outside of her professional life, she is married and enjoys hiking, running, cooking, and embracing adventure.