Dentico interviews their two locum dentists, Dr Zoe Moodley and Dr Tonique Arendse, who have been doing amazing work at the Kuils River surgery.
Tell us about your background?
Dr Moodley: I grew up in Kuils River and I went to both De Kuilen Primary School and De Kuilen High School, so this community is my hometown. I studied dentistry at UWC, and did my community service year in a rural area hospital near Ladysmith, KZN. I officially joined Dentico in February. The opportunity actually came to me when a fellow dentist, who also happens to be a patient at Dentico, suggested I contact Dr Hendricks. Dr Hendricks needed someone to help out for a few days. I was fortunate enough to be given that opportunity, and Dr Hendricks ended up asking me to join the team on a full-time basis.
Dr Arendse: I was born and raised in Swellendam. I studied dentistry at UWC and did my community service in Potchefstroom. I started at Dentico in June 2023. My friend referred me to Dentico as she worked there once before, so I was excited to send my CV and apply for a job.
How have you both settled in at Dentico?
Dr Moodley: I have settled in very well at Dentico. It didnt take me long at all to feel at home. Dr Hendricks and the rest of the team made me feel very at ease. The thing I enjoy the most about working at Dentico is the positive environment that Dr Hendricks and the staff have created. It’s always a good sign when you can honestly say you enjoy and feel good about going to work. Dentico is a wonderful workplace.
Dr Arendse: I’ve settled in really well. I really enjoy making a difference in the patient’s lives. Whether it is relieving them of pain or just helping them to feel more comfortable with coming to the dentist.
How are you getting along with the staff?
Dr Moodley: I thoroughly enjoy working with Dr Hendricks. She’s offered a lot of her professional expertise and advice to me. As a young dentist, it is a blessing to be working under someone who offers that type of mentorship and who shows such understanding and kindness while doing so. The Dentico staff are just as hardworking, helpful and welcoming. It’s been great working with a team that supports and motivates each other. The staff also knows how to keep everyone in high spirits, which makes the work environment fun.
Dr Arendse: It’s been nice working with Dr Hendricks. I can go to her for advice and she always encourages me to take on cases even if they are more on the complicated side. The staff is really nice and helpful. They are a big part of why it was so easy to settle in at Dentico when I first started.
How are you connecting with the Dentico patients?
Dr Moodley: I’ve had patients from all walks of life at Dentico and I’ve enjoyed treating them. I’ve had some really kind patients. I’m always appreciative of the feedback I get from them.
Dr Arendse: The patients have been very nice to us, which gives us great confidence as we strive to give the best possible treatment to our community.
What are your future career goals?
Dr Moodley: I strive to continue working hard, giving my best and building my skills as a dentist at Dentico. I’ve always loved the aesthetic aspects of dentistry and I would like to explore my options with specializing in a field that delves into that.
Dr Arendse: My goals at Dentico is to continue providing the best treatment possible for the patients. For my career, I would like to study further and perhaps have my own practice one day, just like Dr Hendricks.