About Us
Ambience Dental is a practice that has been over 40 years in the making. A union of three talented and professional dentists, the practice prides itself on
providing high-quality dental care in a warm and supportive environment.
Here is the story of our 40-year journey and how we have grown from a small surgery to the full- service dental practice you’ll find today:
Our experienced team of dentists, hygienists and nurses are fully qualified and equipped to perform General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Implants, Full-mouth rehabilitation, Veneers, Teeth Whitening, and Crown & Bridge.
Philippines Missions
At Ambience Dental, our commitment to caring for others extends far beyond the walls of our practice. We believe that everyone—no matter where they live or what their circumstances—deserves access to quality dental care and the dignity that comes with good health. That belief has inspired Dr. Pearman, Dr. Saad, and our dedicated team to take action where it’s needed most.
For years, we have been honoured to serve communities in the Philippines through mission trips with Rotary Australia World Community Services. In many of these regions, basic dental care is simply out of reach. This means that countless people live with preventable pain, infection, and serious health issues—conditions that could easily be treated or avoided with the right care.
Knowing this, we felt compelled to step in. What began as a mission to provide free, high-quality dental care has grown into something much deeper. We’ve built lasting relationships within these communities, returning time and again—not only to treat urgent dental needs but to offer education, support, and hope for a healthier future.
Each visit is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It’s about more than dentistry; it’s about compassion, connection, and the belief that small acts of kindness can create lasting change.
At Ambience Dental, this mission is close to our hearts. And as long as there are communities in need, we’ll continue to show up, serve, and make a difference—one smile at a time.
Our Team
John Pearman
John Pearman moved to Wollongong in 1979 and established the Figtree Dental Practice. John was joined by Dr John Saad in 1985 and they began a 40-year association that has provided “state of the art “quality dental care in the Illawarra. John has post graduate diplomas in Occlusion Crown and Bridgework and Implants. John has had a long association with the NSW Dental Council being Chair of the Dental Care Assessment Committee and as a Practitioner Member of the NSW Dental Council for 9 years. John established a Rotary Dental mission to the Philippine Island of Negros where much needed dental treatment was provided to the “poorest of the poor “in this…..the sugar capitol of the world. Dr Pearman received a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International in 2018. John is a Fellow of the Pierra Fauchard Academy, the International College of Dentists and the Academy of Dentistry International. Outside of his dental interests John enjoys fishing, travelling with his wife Marian and spending time with children and grandchildren. Like his close colleague John Saad, John Pearman is proud of the role Ambience Dental has played in providing quality dental care to the Illawarra Community for over 40 years.
John Saad
Dr Saad graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1985 and then joined his close colleague Dr John Pearman in private Practice . Dr Saad was also appointed as as clinical Instructor at Sydney University from 1986 to 1991. In 1987 Dr Saad travelled to London and completed his advanced Diploma in clinical sedation and anaesthesia at the college for advancement of anaesthesia and sedation in Dentistry.
Dr Saad is passionate about providing a pain free and atraumatic setting for his patients and in 2016 he implemented and directed the 1st IV sedation unit in the Illawarra. Today, Dr Saad has overseen the clinic perform some 1500 IV sedation procedures along with his esteemed colleagues Drs Negus and Grundy, both of whom are very senior and experienced specialist anaesthetists in the Illawarra.In the event that patients require a General Anaesthetic Dr Saad has operating rights at Wollongong Private Hospital, Wollongong Day Surgery and Shellharbour Private Hospital Dr Saad has a special interest in Dental Implant rehabilitation having completed numerous courses in this discipline nationally and internationally.
Dr Saad has trained under world renowned surgeon Dr Steven Chen and is a member of the international team of implantology. Full arch implants sometimes referred to as All on 4 are undertaken by Dr Saad at Ambience Dental and the results of this treatment is life changing for our patients. Dr Saad has served the profession in the capacity of President and Treasurer of the South Coast ADA and is active in supporting charitable organisations that provide essential dental services to the needy. The Phillipines Rotary mission founded and directed by Dr Pearman is a favoured charity at Ambience Dental and supported by Dr Saad .In recognition of his contribution to
Dentistry, Dr Saad has been awarded Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International. Outside of Dentistry, Dr Saad enjoys cycling, skiing and most other sports. Reading, writing and photography occupy much of his spare time but it is family that will always remain as Dr Saad’s priority. Dr Saad is proud to be a Principal Dentist at the experienced and trusted Ambience Dental Team.
Chantelle Chapman
Chantelle has maintained the role of senior dental hygienist at our practice since Sept 2016 & has a wealth of experience in both general and specialist dental settings. Chantelle has worked in practices in both Sydney and the Illawarra regions and brings to Ambience Dental a passion and experience that is highly regarded. Beginning her career in the dental industry as a dental assistant during 1997 she went on to achieve her Diploma of Dental Hygiene in 2004. Chantelle has several years of experience as a clinical educator with the University of Sydney, working in Westmead’s special care unit, educating students and caring for patients with special needs. Chantelle is down to earth and very approachable, hosting appointments that are both light hearted and informative. Being a highly skilled dental hygienist, she has plenty of tricks up her sleeve to keep you comfortable in the dental setting & to keep you motivated with home care. Chantelle enjoys keeping up with the changing face of dentistry. Her specialties are the management of gum and periodontal disease, preventive dentistry and caring for phobic and special needs patients. Outside of her clinical hours Chantelle is a doting mother of two. She enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, kayaking, & sharing a laugh with family and friends.
Amna Khattak
Dr Amna is a General Dentist who can speak Pashto ,Hindi, Urdu as well as English.
She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2009 from Pakistan and has worked as a general dentist in public and private sector.
Amna entered fellowship training in Maxillofacial surgery in 2011 and gained valuable experience in wisdom teeth extractions and surgical procedures.
Dr Amna has special interests in Endodontics, paediatric and restorative dentistry. She has finished her diploma recently in Endodontics.
Amna is in the process of completing her Membership with Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons.
Dr Alexander Hegi
Dr Joseph Hanna
Graduated from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Ohio in 1993. In 1994 graduated from the United States Military’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. I was an officer in the Air Force. Moved to Sydney in 1997. Opened a private practice in Sydney’s South-West in Nov ’99. Later sold in August ’19 and now I work as an associate at various dental clinics. My focus is patient care and educating patients on the importance of dental health.
I offer a wide range of services including dental implants and wisdom teeth removal. I have clinical privileges at Westmead Private, Wollongong Private, and Sydney Private Hospitals. General anaesthesia and/or IV sedation is available for the more nervous patients. Special needs patients who are, for example, autistic, globally delayed, or suffer from any degree of physical or mental disability are especially welcomed!
I am a recreational pilot volunteering my time to Angel Flight transporting medically compromised patients to metropolitan hospitals.
Dr John Capp
John Capp is Wollongong born and bred having attended the then selective Wollongong High School. He studied dentistry at Sydney University finishing in the top of his year being awarded the coveted Dental Operative Prize for Clinical Restorative Dentistry on graduation.
In his latter years at University, he received a Direct Entry Officer Scholarship and joined the Australian Defence Force. He practiced as a dentist with the Army for five years at Puckapunyal and Townsville attaining the rank of Captain. In 1988 he set up two dental practices, at Wollongong University and Dapto.
He is a member of the Australian Dental Association, the St. George Area Dental Study Group and the Dental Ed Study Group. He has a passion for surfing and a love of the outdoors.
With unfortunate restructuring at Wollongong University over the Covid period, John’s practice was forced to close and he has since relocated to Ambience Dental in Fairy Meadow. This is where John now solely practices, combined with our larger talented team.
Phoenix Bliesner
Phoenix grew up in Brisbane and graduated from the Central Queensland University with a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy. She started her dental career as a Dental Assistant and then became an Oral Health Therapist. Phoenix is passionate about helping patients experiencing dental anxiety. Her other interests include treating all ages in restorative dentistry, paediatrics and aesthetics. Phoenix has a wealth of experience from working in both general and orthodontic practices. Phoenix is a kind and approachable therapist, who aims to make her patients’ dental visits as comfortable as possible.
On a personal note, Phoenix moved to the local area in 2018 with her husband and daughters and has fallen in love with the area. In her spare time Phoenix enjoys going to the beach, reading, traveling, swimming, gardening and spending time with her daughters and husband.
Jillian Surjak
Jillian Surjak is an endorsed enrolled nurse with 18 years of experience, specialising in sedation for the past 10 years. She studied and worked at St George Hospital and Wollongong Day Surgery and has spent the last 5 years working full-time for IMAT. Having raised three adult children, Jillian is efficient and organised, balancing a demanding career with a rich personal life. She arranges short weekend trips with her husband and family that include relaxing beach holidays, cultural excursions, and holidays abroad. She also enjoys spending time with friends and loves living on the Illawarra Coast.
