Meet Dr Ana-Maria Stevans, Dentist
“I love connecting with people and supporting them to look after their oral health.” For Dr Ana-Maria, dentistry is about building relationships and helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and supported at every visit. Whether it’s improving oral health, discussing options to enhance a smile, or helping someone find relief from dental discomfort, she finds it rewarding to see patients leave feeling happier than when they arrived.
Education and Training
Dr Ana-Maria studied dentistry at James Cook University, where there was a strong focus on rural, remote, and Indigenous health. During her training, she worked in the public dental system for three years across Cairns, Hobart, and Proserpine. These experiences shaped her appreciation for community-focused care and the importance of improving access to oral health services for diverse populations.
She has also contributed to dental research, publishing a systematic review on the prevalence of gingival recession among miswak users. Miswak—sometimes called “nature’s toothbrush”—comes from the Salvadora persica (Arak) tree and has been used as a natural tooth-cleaning stick in parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia for centuries.
A Passion for People and Whole-Body Health
“I’m passionate about people; listening to them, understanding their needs, and helping them feel better through good oral health and thoughtful care.”
Approachable, calm, and attentive, Dr Ana-Maria aims to help people feel at ease from the moment they walk in, taking time to listen and understand what matters most.
She’s also interested in the connection between oral health, the microbiome, and overall wellbeing, and enjoys helping patients understand how dental care can support long-term health, not just their smile. Over the years, she has come to appreciate that dentistry is both rewarding and challenging, reinforcing the value of continuous learning, adaptability, and patient-centred care.
Inspired to Become a Dentist
Dr Ana-Maria’s decision to become a dentist was shaped during work experience at Your Smile Centre, where she observed Dr Gordana (Dentist). For Dr Ana-Maria, seeing the positive impact Dr Gordana had on people each day, and the trust and relationships she built, was incredibly inspiring. “This absolutely confirmed that dentistry was the right path for me.”
Beyond the Practice
Outside the clinic, you’ll often find Dr Ana-Maria chasing sunrises or sunsets with a camera in hand. She loves hiking, running, skiing, anything water-related, and a good almond flat white.
Family has always been important to her, and she credits her close, supportive upbringing with shaping her values and the way she approaches both work and life. Dr Ana-Maria is a member of the Australian Dental Association and looks forward to continuing to serve her community with compassionate, evidence-informed care.
Book an Appointment Today
Contact Your Smile Centre today to schedule an appointment with Dr Ana-Maria!
