Meet Our Practitioners
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Dr Rachael Kelly
BHsc MDent (LTb)
Dr Rachael Kelly completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences (Dentistry) and Master of Dentistry at La Trobe University in 2016.
She began her career with Barwon Health in 2017, providing dental care across community clinics and outreach programs. This early experience helped her develop strong clinical skills and a genuine commitment to community-focused dentistry.
In 2019, Dr Rachael moved into private practice, working alongside Dr Chris van Ryswyk. Her dedication to accessible oral health then led her to spend two years with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, delivering outreach dental care to rural communities, schools, and aged-care facilities—further strengthening her passion for improving oral health outcomes in underserved regions.
Dr Rachael has since continued her professional journey at Dental Affect, once again working with Dr Chris van Ryswyk. She is passionate about empowering patients with the knowledge and care they need to achieve and maintain lifelong oral health.
Her clinical interests include general dentistry for the whole family, preventive dentistry, minimally invasive treatments, and personalised patient education.
Outside of dentistry, Rachael enjoys spending time outdoors, especially walking her dog through local parks and along the Barwon River. She brings a calm, thoughtful, and patient-centred approach to every aspect of her clinical practice.
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Dr Chris van Ryswyk
BHcD
Dr Chris Van Ryswyk began his dental education at the University of Stellenbosch, completing his degree in 2007.
After graduating, he spent a year working within the rural public health system in South Africa—an experience that strengthened his commitment to accessible care and broadened his clinical outlook.
In 2008, Chris and his wife relocated to Torquay, where he quickly became part of the growing local dental community. In 2013, he founded Surfside Dental (Torquay), one of the Surf Coast’s pioneering modern private dental clinics.
Under his guidance, the practice developed a strong reputation for high-quality, patient-centred dentistry. Following more than a decade of growth and success, Chris sold Surfside Dental in 2024.
Dedicated to ongoing professional development, Chris completed a Professional Certificate in Orofacial Pain Science through the University of Sydney in 2025, extending his expertise in complex pain conditions and comprehensive, whole-patient care.
In mid-2025, Chris relocated to Geelong and established
Dental Affect, bringing together his extensive clinical experience, thoughtful approach, and commitment to delivering personalised, evidence-based dental care to the community.