Feel at home in our clinic.

Sophie Gray

ORTHODONTIST
BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS (Orth) | MOrthRCSEd

Sophie grew up in Christchurch and moved to Dunedin to study dentistry, following in her mother and grandfather’s footsteps. Following graduation, she lived in Auckland and Christchurch for three years working in both hospital dentistry and general practice. Sophie returned to Otago and in 2014 she completed her specialist orthodontic training (Doctor of Clinical Dentistry – Orthodontics). While studying, she developed an interest in craniofacial growth and focused her thesis research in this area.

Sophie has also completed her Membership in Orthodontics for the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and her Membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (in Orthodontics). She is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) and the New Zealand Dental Association. Sophie has previously served as a committee member on the NZAO executive.

In her spare time, Sophie loves skiing, cooking, spending time with family and going for walks with her husband, children and her labrador Belle.

Nicholas Pittar

ORTHODONTIST
BDS(Hons) | DClinDent | MRACDS (Ortho)

Nick grew up in Nelson and moved to Dunedin in 2011 to start his undergraduate dental training. After graduating as a general dentist in 2015 he worked as a Dental House Officer at Christchurch Hospital and later in private practice in Riccarton. During this time, he completed his primary examinations for the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. In 2020 he returned to Otago University to specialise in orthodontics. Since graduating as a specialist orthodontist in 2022, Nick has worked as a locum orthodontist throughout New Zealand. Nick now splits his time between OrthoSouth in Christchurch, and Paul Crowther Orthodontics in Timaru.

Nick has completed his Membership for the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in orthodontics. He is a certified member of the Australasian Board of Orthodontics (AOB), a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) and the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA).

Outside of dentistry, Nick performs as a violinist in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and enjoys running and day-walks in the Canterbury foothills with his partner Erika.

Leigh Blackadder

ORTHODONTIC AUXILIARY

Leigh is a registered Orthodontic Auxiliary and has worked in Christchurch since completing her training in Nelson in 2008. She originally qualified as a dental assistant in 1999 and worked in Christchurch until she had her son in 2007. She was then keen to pursue a career in orthodontics and hasn’t looked back since!

Leigh enjoys meeting patients and their families and encouraging them throughout their orthodontic journeys. She is friendly, gentle and enthusiastic about providing orthodontic care to children and adults alike. Her favourite part of the role is removing finished appliances and celebrating with each patient how their hard work has helped to achieve their beautiful new smile.

Leigh enjoys challenging walks, boxing gym and spending time with her son Alfie and their dog Reggie.

Kelly McLeod

ORTHODONTIC AUXILIARY

Originally from Little River, Kelly coached tennis in America and travelled for two years before returning to New Zealand to enter the dental industry. In the early 2000’s she trained to be a qualified Dental Assistant. In 2006, Kelly entered the orthodontic world and realized how much she loved working with children. In 2016, she furthered her qualifications and became a registered Orthodontic Auxiliary.

Kelly is great with children and enjoys being a part of something that can change their lives and give them confidence. Getting to know patients and their families is an important part of making patients feel at ease and Kelly says after joining the OrthoSouth team you really get that family feel. Kelly is calm, gentle and makes every patient feel comfortable in the chair. She loves adapting to new changes in technology and finds learning new ways of doing orthodontics to be both interesting and rewarding. 

Kelly is an outdoors girl. She loves nature, fishing, free-diving, and spending time with her family and friends.

Chris Threadgall

RECEPTIONIST AND CLINIC SUPPORT

Chris qualified as a Dental Surgery Assistant in 1992 with the NZDA. Since then Chris has experience as a Dental Surgery Assistant working both in the New Zealand and the UK. Chris started her career in Darfield working for a general dental clinic before relocating to Auckland where she worked for 6 years, and then traveling to the UK in 2000. During her time in the UK Chris travelled and worked as Practice Manager of two clinics managing 21 staff as well as working as a Dental Surgery Assistant.

On her return to New Zealand Chris worked as a dental assistant for a Prosthodontist in Christchurch for 10 years before taking time off to start a family. In June 2018, Chris joined OrthoSouth as our Practice Receptionist.

Chris enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her son at his cycling events, walking her beautiful dog Blue and enjoying life to the full.

Peggy Lumb

RECEPTIONIST AND CLINIC SUPPORT

Peggy started working as a Dental Assistant in the early 2000’s at the School of Dentistry in Dunedin where she completed her Dental Surgery Assisting Certificate and Sterilising Technician Certificate. After having two children she then made the move to Christchurch where she has steadily kept her hand in Dentistry over the years.

Peggy became part of the OrthoSouth team in 2023, and she is excited to learn and develop more skills in the Orthodontic field. Peggy is friendly and a great multi-tasker. She can be found in the clinic, lab and reception areas at various times.

Peggy loves the outdoors and has a passion for music, fitness and wellbeing. When she is not busy she enjoys time with family and friends often spending time baking with her daughter.

Diane Cummings

ORTHODONTIC AUXILLIARY

Diane joined the OrthoSouth team as an Orthodontic Auxiliary in February 2024 and enjoyed working in the orthodontic industry for 12 years prior to this.  She also worked as a Dental Therapist on the West Coast for many years.

Building rapport with clients and helping them feel at ease is something Diane takes pride in. She loves to see how patients evolve during their treatments as they grow in confidence. Diane feels very privileged to be part of both a patient’s clinical transformation and their happiness and satisfaction on completion of treatment.

Anna Biddick

PRACTICE MANAGER

Anna began her career as a dental assistant in 2001 after finishing a Diploma in Applied Science. After working in Christchurch and the Gold Coast she moved firstly to reception and then into a practice management role. After 10 years managing a large general dental practice she is excited to move into the Orthodontic field and is increasing her knowledge daily!

Anna enjoys spending time with her family and has a keen interest in architecture and interior design, which usually means embarking on a large renovation project.

About OrthoSouth

OrthoSouth was established in 2016 when Sophie had an opportunity to start her own patient base in Christchurch Central. The practice has been growing ever since and has a steady referral base from other dental professionals and from patients’ friends and families. OrthoSouth is happy to see anyone for an orthodontic assessment. No referrals are needed.

Our Practice

Our philosophy at OrthoSouth is that everyone is different so we tailor our treatment plans specific to your individuality. We cater to children and adults alike. We are fun, welcoming and enthusiastic. We want every patient to enjoy the personal experience our friendly team provides!

OrthoSouth is fully digitised and we keep up to date with regular continuing education opportunities. We apply evidence-based orthodontics in our day to day practice and endeavour to provide the highest standards of professional care.

We are community minded at OrthoSouth and Sophie is proud to provide treatment under the Wish For a Smile Trust. She also gives presentations to other dental professionals and has been a member of the NZAO executive committee.