Meet The Team Behind Your Care

Our dedicated team of professionals are proud to be a part of the local Mid North Community.

Staff photo of Dr Ben Clothier standing in front of stone wall in the clinic.
Dr Ben Clothier working on patient in the dental chair. being assisted by a dental hygienist.
Dr Ben Clothier smiling at camera in the clinic.

Dr Ben Clothier

Principal Dentist

As a rural general dentist, I love that there are a vast variety of procedures to be done.

The things I like most about my job are meeting lots of interesting people, building relationships, being able to relieve toothaches, and helping people improve and maintain their smile and chewing ability for longer.

When I’m not at work, I love spending time with family and friends, doing ‘handyman’ jobs around the house and listening to music.

I also enjoy running to keep fit and it’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful area we live in.

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Staff photo of Christy Clothier standing in front of stone wall in the clinic.

Christy Clothier

Practice Manager

I love working with our dynamic and passionate team and interacting with our patients! There is always something interesting going on and problems that need solving.

When we opened Clare Valley Family Dental in 2013, I took on the role of Practice Manager one day a fortnight. As the business expanded, so did my role, and I made the choice to focus on our wonderful dental clinic full time.

I like to be involved in the community and have a few regular volunteer roles. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world and I really love getting out and enjoying the food and wine of the Clare Valley and anywhere else we travel to. I am also quite passionate about reducing waste in our environment and spend time finding new ways for us to do our bit a bit better!

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Staff photo of Dr Donna Furler standing in front of stone wall in the clinic.
Dr Donna Furler administering "happy gas" to a young patient in the clinic.
Dr Donna Furler smiling at camera in the clinic with a medical face mask on.

Dr Donna Furler

Dentist

I love working as part of the CVFD team. It is progressive and supportive; we are encouraged to continually challenge our learning and practice and always provide high quality dental care.

As a dentist working in a rural area, our scope of practice is wide and therefore, varied and interesting. I enjoy a wide range of clinical procedures including full mouth rehabilitation for patients with severely worn teeth, recreating function and aesthetics. I enjoy the surgical aspects of dentistry including extracting difficult teeth & removing soft tissue lesions where appropriate.

  • Wednesday, Friday

Staff image of Dr Katelyn Maynard standing in front of stonewall in the clinic.
Dr Katelyn Maynard viewing a patient in the dentist's chair.
Dr Katelyn Maynard smiling in the clinic.

Dr Katelyn Maynard

Dentist

I remember visiting the dentist as a teenager and thinking they were just the coolest. The more I looked into it, the more it seemed like a great job possibility for me.

I enjoy all aspects and challenges of being a rural dentist. There is a healthy mix of problem solving, scientific thinking, creativity, teamwork and hands on ‘creating things’ every day. It is very rewarding to meet lots of different people and help them to improve their health and confidence via their oral health.

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Sama Aghili

Oral Health Therapist

As an Oral Health Therapist, I’m passionate about providing preventive, empathetic, and personalised care. I’ve gained valuable experience working across metro and country clinics in South Australia, and I’m excited to return to a regional setting with Clare Valley Family Dental. I enjoy helping patients feel confident and informed about their oral health journey.

Outside of work, I sing with the all-male Acappella group The Festival Statesmen Chorus in Adelaide, run a car upgrade business called Handy AutoCare, and enjoy creating YouTube videos that often showcase my latest automotive projects.

  • Monday - Friday

Staff photo of Lauren Cross standing in front of stone wall in the clinic
Oral Health Therapist Lauren Cross in surgery room
Oral Health Therapist Lauren Cross in surgery room

Lauren Cross

Oral Health Therapist

My passion for dentistry began with a dental assisting traineeship after high school, which inspired me to complete a Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Adelaide in 2012. Since then, I’ve worked across public and private clinics, including Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. In 2023, I completed further training at the University of Sydney to expand my scope and now provide restorative care to patients of all ages.

I enjoy working with both children and adults, aiming to make every visit a positive and comfortable experience. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

  • Monday & Tuesday

  • Staff photo of Margie Sterling standing in front of stone wall in the clinic.

    Margie Starling

    Reception

    I first became involved with CVFD as a patient who was very apprehensive about coming to the dentist. I hoped to be able to help others overcome their fears.

    I love that in my job I am able to interact with lots of different people every day. I also enjoy being able to help people.

  • Staff photo of Holly Smith standing in front of stone wall in the clinic.

    Holly Smith

    Dental Assistant

    I started work as a dental assistant after finishing a school based traineeship whilst at High School.

    I have worked alongside many talented staff members who have inspired me to investigate further studies, which I hope to do in the future.

    I love being at work, knowing that I will learn something new every day and support patients in our local community.

  • Staff photo of Marcia Dixon standing in front of stone wall in the clinic.

    Marcia Dixon

    Dental Assistant

    I became interested and dedicated to the dental field whilst completing my Dental Assisting traineeship many years ago in a busy, modern Adelaide city practice.

    I enjoy interacting with patients and being hands on clinically.

    In the dental field, no two days are the same as no two mouths are the same!

  • Staff photo of Alex Butterick standing in front of stone wall in the clinic.

    Alex Butterick

    Dental Assistant

    I started a Dental Assisting traineeship with the SA Dental Service, and found a true love and passion for the job!

    The thing I like most about my job is being able to help people smile. The satisfaction you get from helping someone is so underestimated.

  • Staff photo of Sarah Cremer standing in front of stone wall in the clinic.

    Sarah Cremer

    Dental Assistant

    I started with CVFD straight out of school and over the years, I’ve expanded my skills, earning a Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting and certificate in intraoral and extraoral radiography.

    I specialise in working with children, supporting anxious patients, and crafting custom mouthguards. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey as they develop a renewed love for their smile.

  • Staff photo of Frances Lawrie standing in front of stone wall in the clinic.

    Frances Lawrie

    Dental Assistant

    I first discovered my passion for dental assisting during high school when I had the opportunity to complete work experience with the practice. That experience solidified my decision to pursue this career, and in 2021, I completed a school-based traineeship in Dental Assisting.

    I’ve continued to develop my skills since then, earning my certificate in intraoral and extraoral radiography

Meet Our Friendly Team of Professionals