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Alexander Abedian RawhaniDr Alexander Abedian-Rawháni, popularly known as Dr Smile®, is a general dentist focusing on biomimetic cosmetic and digital dentistry.

Dr Rawháni graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Sciences from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in 2010, with top subject awards in Paediatric and Restorative Dentistry, Prosthodontic Dentistry, and Public Oral Health. After completing his community service year in the Military in 2011, he entered part-time private practice. He spent the rest of his week running a mobile dental unit, educating and treating children in schools and communities in greater Johannesburg. In 2013, he accepted an invitation to join the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) as a part-time lecturer and clinical supervisor in the Department of Restorative and Prosthodontic Dentistry. He later pursued postgraduate studies, receiving a Master of Science in Prosthodontics from the same university in 2016. Now in his 12th year, he continues with a special focus on pre-clinical restorative techniques and development.

Upon graduation, he founded and currently heads Project Smile SA, a social impact dentistry initiative in which he provides free smile makeovers to victims of rape, domestic violence, and traumatic injuries.

Now in his 13th year of part-time Academic Teaching and Private Practice Dentistry, and recently having relocated to Cape Town, Alex has joined the University of the Western Cape, where he continues teaching with a special focus on helping Dental students develop to their best potential, from the grass roots level helping the new dental students in their pre-clinical restorative techniques and development, all the way to supervision and teaching of final year students with their patients in the government clinics.

He currently practices cosmetic dentistry at Enamel Clinic alongside Dr Mark Bowes, as well as in his new collaborative practice, Smile Bar Cosmetic Dentistry, in Camps Bay. Before that, he practised alongside Dr Sam Thandar at The Thinc Clinic in Johannesburg and started his journey in private practice in 2012 under the guidance of Dr Emile and Norman Cahi.

Alex has a few other interests and careers in addition to dentistry. He is also a rapper and musician known as LEXLEO. He also pioneered diamond and gold grillz in South Africa and designed and created many unique custom jewellery pieces for many of our national celebrities.

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Dr Andy Effting Profile

Dr Andy Effting

Treasurer

Dr Andy Effting graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1981, receiving the Henry St John Randolph Award for Best All-Round Student.

In 1983, he founded Hout Bay Dental Studio, now a leading aesthetic and restorative dentistry practice.

A founding member of SAAAD, Andy has served on its Executive Committee since 2010. He has authored articles in Dentistry SA, presented numerous case studies, and appeared on radio and television discussing dental health.

His special interests include metal-free, minimally invasive dentistry and a holistic approach to patient care.

2024 dr shanne maree

Dr Shanné Maree

Exco Member

Dr Shanné Maree is a restorative dentist and owns DENTAL HAUS™️ in Val de Vie Winelands Estate, Paarl.

She earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2017 and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics (cum laude) in 2019.

Passionate about education and innovation, Shanné serves on the SAAAD Executive Committee and has lectured for SADA, ITI, and SAAAD.

She is dedicated to a holistic approach to health, function, and facial aesthetics, ensuring exceptional patient care.

2024 dr chris traut

Dr Chris Traut

Exco Member

Dr Chris Traut graduated top of his class from the University of the Western Cape in 2016. He has been in private practice in Bryanston for six years, focusing on modern, digitally-driven dentistry.

He holds an Advanced Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry diploma and is certified in interceptive orthodontics, Damon fixed orthodontics, clear aligner therapy, and implantology. Passionate about the Align, Bleach, and Bond approach, he specialises in digitally guided resin restorations using the injection-moulding technique.

Chris is actively involved in hands-on dentist training, serves on the SAAAD Executive Committee, and is a member of the International Team for Implantology.

2024 dr kaveer ratan

Dr Kaveer Ratan

Exco Member

Dr Kaveer Ratan is a restorative dentist focusing on cosmetic and implant dentistry.

He obtained his dental degree from the University of the Western Cape and a Postgraduate Diploma in Implantology from the University of Pretoria.

A Key Opinion Leader for GC, Kaveer practices at Ratan & Singh Advanced Dentistry in Cape Town.

Passionate about education, he has lectured for The Bridge Program, Nexus, and SADA, sharing his expertise with the next generation of dentists.

2025 dr christiaan victor

Dr Christiaan Victor

Exco Member

Dr Christiaan Victor obtained his BChD degree from the University of Pretoria in 2001 and started his private practice in 2002.

With over two decades in private practice, he has developed expertise in implantology and endodontology, earning multiple postgraduate qualifications, including an MSc Dent (cum laude) in 2020.

Passionate about advancing clinical excellence, he lectures on endodontics and implantology and is an active member of Study Group 1.

2025 dr nadia van wyk

Dr Nadia van Wyk

Exco Member

Dr Nadia van Wyk is a visionary clinician with expertise in orthodontics, endodontics, and digital smile design.

As her practice's founder and clinical director, she is dedicated to combining cutting-edge technology with patient-centred care to achieve exceptional aesthetic outcomes.