Care Dental
Meet Our Caring Team
Curtis moved to Australia in 2003 from Calgary, Canada to study dentistry at the University of Sydney. He graduated with honours in 2006 and was awarded the Rudolf Gunz Medal for outstanding clinical knowledge and proficiency. He has done additional training in orthodontics and implant dentistry.
He practices dentistry using big city knowledge applied with a small town approach. He has a relaxed manner about him that puts patients at ease.
When not at work he enjoys gardening, home improvement projects and fixing anything and everything.
Dr Kate Pilgrim completed her dental training in Queensland in 2011. She then returned to her home town of Coffs Harbour, where she worked in private practice, before moving to Newcastle.
Kate joined Care Dental in 2019, and has proven herself to be a valued and respected practitioner. She has built a reputation for providing a calm environment for her patients, and enjoys all aspects of dentistry, including restorative treatment, root canal therapy, crown and bridge work, and placing and restoring dental implants.
Kate is very passionate about the Bioclear method of restoring teeth. This philosophy is focused on delivering a restorative solution to a tooth, while removing as little natural tooth structure as possible. The Bioclear method is at the forefront of minimally invasive treatment, and Kate is dedicated to these principles in the restorative treatment that she provides.
Kate enjoys the unique challenges that dentistry can deliver, and takes pride in working with her patients to explain their options and find a treatment that is suited to each person's individual needs. Kate ensures she maintains her knowledge through active participation in continuing education, and regularly attends lectures and conferences.
When not looking in mouths, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and children, baking, skiing, playing netball and golf, and staying fit and healthy.
After growing up in far north coast N.S.W Dr David Fulton enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force. David served at RAAF Base Williamtown Full time & as a reservist over the course of 12yrs. David graduated from the University of Sydney in 2016 and has worked in both public and private practice in Canberra & Brisbane. Missing the beautiful beaches and the lifestyle, David & his wife returned to Newcastle in 2024.
Dr. David Fulton is a compassionate and dedicated dentist who takes pride in providing gentle, personalized care to each of his patients. Taking the time to listen to concerns and explain treatment options in a clear & thoughtful manner, David is committed to helping patients of all ages maintain beautiful smiles while promoting long-term dental well-being. With a focus on creating a comfortable and relaxed environment, David ensures that every visit is as stress-free as possible.
David is a proponent of continuing education staying up to date with new treatment options, regularly attending dental courses & conferences.
Outside of work David attempts to stay fit, though as a self-proclaimed movie buff this can be difficult.
Dr. Lina Brankova is a warm and dedicated dental professional specialising in minimally invasive dentistry, digital smile design, cosmetic dentistry, implant prosthetics, root canal treatments, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. She’s passionate about helping patients feel comfortable and confident, restoring smiles and oral function with advanced, compassionate care in a relaxed, judgment-free environment.
Graduating in Spain in 2009, Dr. Brankova later specialised in Endodontics, Cosmetic, and Restorative Dentistry. As an Honorary Fellow at the University Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid, she supervised students and contributed to research. Her expertise includes endodontics, aesthetic treatments, implant prosthetics, and TMJ disorders, honed through collaboration with top dental professionals.
Since moving to Newcastle in 2016, she’s continued practicing with the same passion as a member of the Australian Dental Association. Outside of work, Dr. Brankova loves reading, exploring new places, and enjoying outdoor adventures with her husband and two children.
David was born and raised in Newcastle, and attended St Francis Xavier’s College in Hamilton. After undertaking University studies in both Newcastle and Queensland, David returned to his hometown to work in private dental practice.
David loves dentistry, but he has a life away from looking in mouths. He likes playing golf, skiing and spending time together with his wife and daughters.
Through his active involvement in the Australian Dental Association, David helps coordinate the continuing education lecture program for the Newcastle region, organising speakers and lectures that provide ongoing education to dental professionals in the area. David is passionate about his work, and his love for the craft of Dentistry is obvious to his patients.
UPDATE: David sustained a serious hand injury and is currently unable to practice dentistry. His patients are being managed by Dr Curtis Kemppainen, Dr Kate Pilgrim, Dr David Fulton and Dr Lena Brankova.