Dr Gurinder Matharu
(Dr Shelly)
Principal Dentist | Endodontic Specialist | Compassionate Leader at Appin Dental Surgery
Dr Gurinder “Shelly” Matharu is the Principal Dentist at Appin Dental Surgery and a trusted name in patient-focused dentistry across South West Sydney. With over 17 years of clinical experience and advanced expertise in endodontics (root canal therapy), she brings a high level of skill, care, and calm confidence to every appointment.
Since co-founding Appin Dental Surgery in 2022, Dr Shelly has helped shape the practice into a growing hub of excellence, known for its ethical approach, warm environment, and commitment to evidence-based care. Her leadership has been instrumental in building trust with the local community, especially among patients who are anxious, require complex care, or are seeking continuity with an experienced dentist.
Dr Shelly’s philosophy is simple: treat every patient as if they were a member of her own family. Whether she’s performing a complex root canal, explaining treatment options in plain language, or personally checking in after a procedure, her focus is always on making patients feel safe, informed, and genuinely cared for.
In addition to her clinical role, Dr Shelly actively guides younger dentists at Appin Dental, helping foster a culture of integrity, empathy, and lifelong learning. Her calm guidance and attention to detail ensure the entire team upholds the highest standards of dental care and patient trust.
Education
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Board certification
Australian Dental Council
Field of expertise
Principal Dentist
Years of practice
17+
Qualifications & Professional Background
Dr Shelly is committed to lifelong learning and clinical excellence. Her formal training includes a postgraduate mini-residency in Endodontics and extensive CPD across all areas of general and restorative dentistry. She continues to support the profession through informal mentoring, CPD participation, and a reputation for diagnostic precision in complex endodontic care.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Sri Rajiv Gandhi College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Bangalore, India (2007).
Australian Dental Council (ADC) Certification (2014).
Mini-Residency in Endodontics, ADA NSW Centre for Professional Development (2015–2016).
AHPRA Registered Principal Dentist
Member, Australian Dental Association (ADA)
Ongoing participation in advanced CPD, including leading international conferences
Clinical Expertise
Dr Gurinder “Shelly” Matharu offers a broad range of dental services backed by advanced skills and a patient-focused approach, making her a trusted choice for families across Appin and surrounding communities. Using cutting-edge digital diagnostics and precision techniques, Dr Shelly ensures every patient at Appin Dental experiences expert, comfortable care tailored to their unique needs.
Advanced Endodontics
Skilled in micro-endodontic techniques and complex root canal re-treatments, using the latest digital imaging and rotary tools. Many patients travel from throughout Western Sydney seeking her expertise in saving challenging teeth.
Comprehensive Family Dentistry
Tailored care for all ages from preventive treatments like children’s fissure sealants and orthodontic screenings, to restorative work and ongoing dental maintenance for adults and seniors.
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
Offering crowns, bridges, veneers (composite and porcelain), and inlays/onlays that combine natural aesthetics with lasting function for confident, healthy smiles.
Preventive Dentistry
Individualised prevention plans including oral hygiene coaching, diet advice, and risk assessments focused on maintaining long-term oral health through education and trust.
Dental Anxiety & Pain Management
Known for gentle, reassuring care and clear communication, Dr Shelly supports anxious patients to feel relaxed and comfortable at every visit.
Emergency & Trauma Dentistry
Prompt and compassionate treatment for dental emergencies such as tooth fractures, infections, or sudden pain, providing clear guidance and immediate relief.
Languages Spoken
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, Dr Shelly communicates seamlessly with Western Sydney’s culturally diverse communities. She is passionate about making quality care accessible to all, regardless of their background.
Philosophy of Care
At Appin Dental Surgery, Dr Shelly’s philosophy centres on patient-first care built on respect, honesty, and continuous improvement. She believes that delivering excellent dentistry goes beyond technical skill, it requires listening deeply, understanding each patient’s unique needs, and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable and valued.
Transparency and integrity are at the heart of her treatment planning, ensuring patients are fully informed and empowered to make decisions with confidence. Dr Shelly also embraces innovation, actively integrating modern, minimally invasive techniques and digital tools to enhance comfort and achieve the best possible outcomes.
“For me, dentistry is about building trusting relationships where patients feel genuinely cared for. This approach guides everything I do, from personalised care to leading our team at Appin Dental.”
Community Engagement & Outreach
Through these efforts, Dr Shelly aims to promote better oral health and foster inclusivity across the Appin region and beyond. Dr Shelly is deeply committed to giving back and strengthening the Appin community through a range of outreach activities, including:
Visiting local schools to deliver engaging oral health education sessions, helping children develop lifelong habits around brushing, nutrition, and confidence.
Supporting elderly community members, including war widows and widow support groups, by providing oral health education and offering subsidised care to those facing barriers to mainstream dental services.
Mentoring female and overseas-trained dental professionals, championing diversity and professional growth within the dental field.
Actively participating in organising local events and community celebrations, helping to foster connection and wellbeing across Appin and surrounding areas.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
As Principal Dentist, Dr Shelly leads with compassion and dedication, nurturing a team culture centred on patient-first care, respect, and professional integrity. She actively mentors her colleagues and support staff, with a special focus on supporting overseas-trained professionals, encouraging clinical excellence, confidence, and career growth. Dr Shelly fosters a learning environment where innovation and open communication thrive, helping the team adopt the latest techniques and best practices.
Beyond the clinic, she is engaged in the local community, collaborating with other healthcare providers and participating in events that promote oral health education and wellbeing. Under her guidance, Appin Dental Surgery is not only a place for excellent dentistry but also a hub for professional development and community connection
Personal Life
Outside the clinic, Dr Shelly enjoys quality time with her family and loves exploring the natural beauty around Appin. She’s an avid foodie who enjoys trying new recipes and discovering local eateries. Walking and running along the national park trails are some of her favourite ways to stay active and unwind. Yoga and reading also help her relax and recharge. She supports mental health and education charities and is always eager to learn new things to bring fresh ideas and better care to her patients.