Our Story of Care
Founded by Morris Wong as a specialised periodontal office, Hutt Dental Specialists has expanded its services to encompass comprehensive periodontal care, surgical interventions, and dental implant placement. Angela Kumeroa, our skilled dental hygienist, plays a crucial role in supporting our patients prone to periodontal issues with personalised care. Additionally, we collaborate with visiting specialists in Oral Surgery and Orthodontics to ensure comprehensive periodontal health services.
Dental Specialists
We have three full-time dental specialists, offering periodontal and hygiene care.
Dr Morris Wong
Morris Wong was born and raised in Palmerston North, and graduated with a BSc from Massey University in 1985. Following a post-graduate Diploma, he entered the School of Dentistry at Otago University, where he completed a BDS in 1990. His first year working was as Dental House Surgeon at Napier Hospital followed by locum dental positions in Private dental practice.
In 1992 Morris travelled to Hong Kong, primarily to study language and to experience the Chinese culture. What started as a 6-month visit eventuated into a 7 year stay, where Morris worked in a private medical clinic as well as completing his Masters in Periodontology. Towards the end of this period Morris headed a dental team as part of a 10-week medical project in the North West of China.
Morris returned to New Zealand in 2000 and gained his specialist registration as a Periodontist. The next 15 years were spent working in a group practice in Wellington specialising in Periodontics and Dental Implants, and building up the Lower Hutt practice. Currently Morris is working full time in Lower Hutt, and serves as visiting Periodontist to Hutt Hospital, where he works primarily with the combined Cleft Lip and Palate team.
Morris practices all aspects of periodontics and dental implants, and is a member of the New Zealand Dental Association, New Zealand Society of Periodontology, Australia New Zealand Academy of Periodontology, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, American Academy of Periodontology, and the International Team for Implantology.
Dr Georgios (George) Papageorgakopoulos
George was born and raised in Greece and graduated with a degree in Dentistry (DDS) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2002, and went on to fulfil his military duties as a dentist form 2003 until 2004. Soon after leaving the army, he specialized in Periodontology at the University of Louisville (USA) and obtained a master’s degree in Oral Biology and specialization in Periodontology in 2007. He became Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology in 2008, after written and oral examinations.
He was offered a position from his alma mater and, after accepting, he served as an assistant Professor of Periodontology at the University of Louisville (USA), and maintained a faculty practice limited to periodontics and surgical implantology (2008-2009).
George moved to London, UK in 2009 and continued practising periodontology and surgical implantology in private practices in London, United Kingdom (lastly in the West End), and at the same time worked as a clinical instructor, first at King's College, and then as Director of continuing professional development programs in periodontology at UCL (Senior Clinical Teaching Fellow). He has been part of a specialist perio-prostho practice in his native Greece (Athens) for 10 years, before deciding to move to New Zealand.
George practices all aspects of periodontics and surgical implantology, and holds registration in Greece and New Zealand. He is a member of the Dental Association of Messinia (Greece), and the American Academy of Periodontologyl, while in his professional career he has been involved with the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, thr Academy of Osseointegration, the British Society of Periodontology, the International Team for Implantology, and the American Dental Society of London.
Angela Kumeroa
Graduating with a Diploma of Dental Hygiene from the University of Otago in 2005 paved the way a rewarding career as a Dental Hygienist. After spending 14 years practicing in the heart of Wellington CBD, Angela was fortunate to seize an opportunity to establish the Hygiene department at Hutt Dental Hub. This decision was driven by a desire to work locally and contribute to the community’s oral health.
Angela is now embarking on a new chapter in her professional journey supporting patients within our specialised periodontal clinic, working alongside Periodontist Dr Morris Wong. Angela excels in providing specialist care to our patients and she is putting her skills and experience to good use.
As expressed by Angela “I take great pride in nurturing patient relationships, making each visit to the dental hygienist a pleasant and relaxing experience. My passion lies in delivering exceptional care, particularly in diagnosing and treating periodontal conditions, and actively promoting optimal oral health.“
Beyond my clinical work, I maintain active involvement in the New Zealand Dental Hygienist’s Association (NZDHA), having previously held positions as Treasurer and Chairperson for the Wellington Branch. Staying current through various avenues of a professional development is a priority for me.”
Visiting Specialists
We are lucky to collaborate with visiting specialists in Oral Surgery and Orthodontics to ensure comprehensive periodontal health services. Bookings are to made directly via their websites.
Dr Sarah Ting
Sarah, a 2006 graduate from the University of Otago, began her dental career at Princess Margaret Hospital in Western Australia, specialising in pediatric care. Inspired by her teenage braces experience, she pursued orthodontics, earning a clinical doctorate from the University of Queensland. The first Wellington orthodontist with Invisalign Diamond Provider status, Sarah is recognised for her expertise. Recipient of the 'Young Lecturer Award' from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and accolades from the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists and University of Queensland, Sarah extends her impact beyond dentistry. She enjoys hiking, urban cycling, and contributes to the community through the Rotary Club of Mount Victoria.
Mr. David Chin-Shong
David Chin-Shong, a 1996 Medicine graduate from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and 2002 Dentistry graduate from University College Cork, completed Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training in London and Liverpool, earning Consultant qualifications in 2006. Irish with an Asian father and Irish mother, he values hard work, communication skills, and humour. Despite UK specialty training, his passion lies in ensuring positive experiences for anxious patients, prioritising understanding and control. A recipient of two UK Aesthetic Dentistry awards, David emphasises teamwork and is thrilled to contribute to Wellington Oral Surgery. Outside work, he enjoys outdoor activities and supporting his children's sports endeavours.
Our Support Team
Keeping things running smoothly at Hutt Dental Specialists are a dedicated team of assistants and admin staff.
- Shiwani Devi Periodontal Assistant
- Tammy Moran Treatment coordinator and Clinical Administrator
- Row Smith Practice Manager
FAQs
Below you will find our most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact us so our team can help answer any questions you have.
Usually. A letter from either your general dental practitioner or your dental hygienist is required before you are consulted with, however some patients have seen a periodontist in the past and so they refer themselves.
Please bring along any X-rays, letter or other documents given to you by your General Dentist or Hygienist and information about any regular medication you take. Often we already have a letter and x-rays for you as they are commonly sent to us via email. In this case just bring a list of any medications you regularly take.
If you have recently had periodontal treatment or surgery with us you should call 04 9392499 or the cell phone number we gave you at the surgical appointment and we will be able to discuss what is best to do.
If you have acute dental pain not caused by surgical treatment, you should seek an appointment with your general dental practitioner, as it is most likely that they can address this problem with your teeth.
Periodontal disease rarely causes acute pain.
If you have recently injured yourself; broken or knocked out teeth, you should contact your General Dental Practitioner in the first instance. There can be many issues to address after trauma and your General Dental Practitioner will be best suited to care for your injuries.
Yes. In most cases ACC will cover the majority of your appointment cost, however there is a charge that you will need to pay yourself. Once your case has been approved by ACC we can give you a detailed quote for your case, and in some cases the cost for your following appointments will be covered in full by ACC.
In this situation it is best to talk to your surgeon. You can self-fund your treatment/surgery, you are responsible for paying 100% of the costs towards this. We can provide you with a full quote so that you know how much your treatment would be in advance.
Morris Wong is based in the clinic 4 days per week, however he is usually with patients during this time so responses to your queries may take a little time, he will do his best to make a prompt response but this is not always possible. If it is an urgent matter, the receptionist will do their best to contact the surgeon or may be able to provide you with alternative options if required.
Morris Wong is now based in his Lower Hutt office for 4 days a week. He no-longer works in Palmerston North or Wellington City.