The NZIDT Executive consists of a President and a National Executive Committee of between six and eight members. Our Executive represents long-term expertise and experience in the full range of dental technologies. Best contact through the Secretariat using this email address admin@nzidt.org.nz
President: Gareth McMurdo
It has been a privilege to serve on the NZIDT Executive Committee, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made as an institute over the past term. My involvement on the mediation team has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of our members and reinforced my commitment to representing and supporting our profession at a national level.
I continue to operate a denture clinic and dental laboratory in Queenstown, proudly serving the Southland and Otago region where I grew up. With over 25 years of clinical and laboratory experience across New Zealand and Australia, I’m passionate about giving back to the industry that has shaped my career.
One of the most exciting recent developments is the announcement of our upcoming joint conference with the NZDA and NZOHA. This collaboration reflects a new era of connection between dental professionals and presents a valuable opportunity to showcase the role of dental technicians within the broader oral health landscape. I’m enthusiastic about the possibilities this creates for knowledge sharing, advocacy, and elevating our professional profile.
As we continue to navigate rapid advances in digital technology, I’m also focused on how innovation can strengthen our industry—both by improving patient outcomes and by attracting the next generation of dental technicians. I see a future where our profession is not only adapting but thriving.
I am looking forward to taking on the role of President because I care deeply about the future of our industry. I’m committed to continued collaboration, transparency, and progress, and would be honoured to help guide the NZIDT through this exciting chapter.
Immediate Past President: Akruti Tataria
My passion and vision for our industry motivated me to take on the role of an NZIDT Member. I am aware of the continuous developments taking place in dental technology and the way this affects our practice and our patients. By being on the executive I hope to bring a fresh, contemporary perspective on the issues that surround our field and to work to make the industry the best it can be. I am a very approachable. outspoken individual who sees this as an opportunity to take the industry forward and make valuable contributions to dental technology in New Zealand.
Vice President: Mustafa Alsaffar
I am an Otago graduate, class of 2009. In 2010 I completed my Post grad graduate diploma specialising in Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Implantology. I worked in private practise serving my south Auckland community before joining the Waikato DHB team in 2012. In 2014, I commenced my training and post graduate diploma in Clinical Dental Technology (part time) which was completed in 2016.
During my tenure at Waikato Hospital, I have dealt with a variety of complex cases and learnt to liaise with other members of the Dental and Medical disciplines. This has helped me increase my knowledge base in applying different strategies and methods enabling me to provide the best outcome possible for my patients.
I am very passionate and motivated about all aspects of the industry especially maxillofacial prosthetics and 3D printing technology, which offers tremendous benefits such as time management and aids in predicting & improving the final outcome to our patients via virtual surgical planning tools.
Outside of work I keep a busy lifestyle; I am married, and my wife and I have two young boys who keep us on our toes. We enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, walking, both indoor and outdoor swimming, watching movies. I also enjoy going to the gym, which is part of my daily routine.
I am excited to be on the NZIDT executive team.
Executive member: John Aarts
John Aarts is currently the Bachelor of Dental Technology Convenor and Head of Discipline for the Clinical Dental Technology programme at the University of Otago. John primarily teaches Postgraduate Clinical Dental Technology students, but he is also involved in other programmes as a supervisor for research projects. He started his career working in the industry as a dental technician and then was recruited to teach crown and bridge at the Central Institute of Technology, Wellington. During that time he studied part-time to complete a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Health Sciences. In 2001 he moved to Dunedin to teach in the Bachelor of Dental Technology programme at the University of Otago.
His focus changed at that point to complete dentures and clinical dental technology. He completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology (2005) and a Master of Health Sciences (2006) which was focused on different occlusions for complete denture patients.
John has an extensive research publication list, with over 30 peer-reviewed journal publications spanning numerous topics. John has recently completed a 9-year term on the Dental Council and prior to that, he had served as an executive member of the NZIDT for 7 years rejoining in 2023. In John’s academic role, he was a member of the Australian Joint Accreditation Committee and still assists the Australian Dental Council with the accreditation of Clinical Dental Technology programmes in Australia.
Executive member: Khaled Bibi
Khaled Bibi is a Clinical Dental Technician, running his private denture clinic and laboratory in his hometown Palmerston North, associate of a long standing boutique dental surgery.
Khaled is very passionate towards all aspects of DT and CDT. He prides himself on work quality, boutique service, personalised patient care and natural customised dentures, along with working very closely with prosthodontists and other dental specialists in full arch rehabilitations using implants.
As a member of the NZIDT executive my aim is to help the progress of our scopes and quality of removable prosthodontics in NZ, along with wanting to keep laboratory work local in NZ.
Recently honoured to be nominated for two new positions with the Otago University Faculty of Dentistry as a member of the Postgraduate CDT advisory group and the Undergraduate DT advisory group representing our NZIDT members and hoping to strengthen the link between the University and our commercial sector.
Contact: Ph 021 031 8476
Executive member: Tanya Chaimala
I’m a clinical dental technician in Dunedin! I graduated DTEC in 2016 and worked as a technician for a couple of years before I began my journey in clinical dental technology. I hope to bring a fresh perspective into the NZIDT executive while learning from those who are currently on executive to see where I best fit in. I would like to help the team and learn all there is to know about how this organisation functions and continues help our colleagues where they need it most. Through learning while being on executive, I hope to do my part and give back to our little dental technology profession.
Executive Member: Khushwant Singh
I want to help the NZIDT be around for future Dental Technicians. I have had my own practice for over 10 years now and have seen all of the changes in Dental Technology in New Zealand. I have adapted to and embraced change. I have a brilliant rapport with some of the more senior members of our industry, a strong and closely knit class group from my university days and I also have a good relationship with the younger Dental Technicians; including the undergraduate students. I believe that my skill range is of use to the committee and I am determined to work hard to help the NZIDT into the future.
Executive Member: Rafik Hanna
Executive Member: Bara’a Toubat
Graduated my bachelor in 2009, and clinical course in 2011. Worked in Southland for 4 years and then came back to Christchurch, my home city, and setup my business. I now operate out of a large dental clinic in here. Very much enjoy what I do, and looking forward to giving back and contributing to our community in any little way I can.