Mon - Thur: 8am - 5pm; Fri: 8am - 3pm
1A/56 Walker Street, Bundaberg, QLD 4670
Principal Dentist
Dr Nicole Hughes is a local fourth generation Bundaberg Dentist. Nicole graduated from Griffith University in 2012 with a Bachelor in Dental Science (2010), a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry (2012) and a variety of academic excellence awards.
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She chose to return to Bundaberg in 2012 and has been practicing within the local community that she grew up in and loves ever since. Nicole not only completed her Masters in Healthcare Leadership and Management in 2021, but also has been an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, supervising final year dental students.
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Nicole places a special focus on listening to your needs and is excellent at alleviating any concerns or fears. She is well liked by her patients right through from the youngest to the eldest and ensures dental treatment is patient-centred, understandable and easily accessible.
Born and raised in Bundaberg, Ryley joined the team in June 2022. She first started in dental in 2014, working as a dental assistant, before taking leave from work to have her three young children. Ryley has completed her Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting and Business Administration, a Diploma of Health Science and is currently undertaking her Certificate 4 in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography). Ryley takes pride in ensuring that the practice operates smoothly and each patient receives the highest standard of care.
Outside of work, Ryley enjoys moments spent with her husband, 3 children and their 3 dogs. She enjoys reading, home decor and baking.
Practice Manager
Emilia has been a part of Hughes Family Dental since October 2022 and earned her Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting in 2024. She grew up on the Sunshine Coast before her family relocated to Roma, where she spent 7 years before moving to Bundaberg with her fiancé in 2019. Before joining the team in 2022, Emilia was a qualified hairdresser, opting for a career change after the birth of her son. Emilia is a skilled and caring dental assistant, who ensure patients feel welcome and at ease.
Emilia is a dedicated mother and is passionate about fitness in her spare time.
Clinical Coordinator
Shay joined the team July 2024 and is a highly experienced and caring dental assistant. She started working in dental in 2017 and has completed her Certificate 3 and 4 in Dental Assisting.
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Shay welcomed her daughter in early 2025 and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and providing beauty services.
Senior Dental Assistant
Natasha has been a valuable member of Hughes Family Dental since August 2023. Born in New Zealand, Natasha was raised in Melbourne before moving to Bundaberg in 2022. She is currently completing her Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting.
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Outside of work, Natasha enjoys travelling, socialising and keeping active.
Dental Assistant
Jemma joined the team in December 2024 and has become a valued and dedicated member of our team. Jemma is currently undertaking her Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting.
Calling Gin Gin home, Jemma enjoys spending time with her partner and friends. ​​​
Dental Assistant