Who We Are
Our Practice's Story
At McDonald Dental, we’re here to help you care for your teeth and feel confident about your smile. Based in Gympie, we also welcome patients from Maryborough, Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach and surrounding communities.
We look after the whole family, from little ones coming in for their first check-up to adults needing advanced care. Our services cover everything from preventative check-ups and children’s dentistry through to implants, dentures, cosmetic work, emergency treatment and more. For those who feel anxious, we offer sedation support in partnership with a local GP.
Behind The Business
Dr. Francois McDonald is the Principal Owner dentist at McDonald Dental. After graduating in 2006, Dr. McDonald worked in several dental practices before deciding to open a private practice in 2015. At this time, he purchased an existing practice which had been established in 2012, taking over the business and changing the name to McDonald Dental.
For Dr McDonald, dentistry is as much about relationships as it is about treatments. He takes the time to get to know each patient, listening carefully and tailoring care to suit their needs. Whether you’re here for a routine clean or a complex restoration, you’ll feel heard — not rushed.
A Caring Environment
We know not everyone looks forward to a trip to the dentist. That’s why we’ve shaped our clinic to feel welcoming from the moment you walk through the door. A calm atmosphere, gentle treatments and a team that genuinely cares—it all adds up to a stress-free experience.
Our focus is on building trust, so you feel comfortable visiting us regularly. Over time, those visits help you stay on top of your oral health and avoid bigger issues. We want every appointment to leave you feeling confident, cared for and ready to smile.
Accredited Dental Practice
We take pride in being a QIP-accredited practice. This means we meet strict quality and safety standards across every aspect of our care, from the way we manage appointments to the treatments we provide. You can expect consistent and compassionate service with every visit.
Meet The Team
Dr Francois McDonald
Principal/Owner Dentist
BChD (Pret), Master Clinician Program in Implant Dentistry (gIDE, Loma Linda University)
Dr Francois graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2006. In 2010 he and his wife immigrated to Australia, where he worked for the South Australian Dental Services and private practice, before moving to Queensland.
In 2015 Dr McDonald purchased an existing practice based in Mary Street Gympie and in 2018 the practice was moved to the medical precinct in Channon street, due to exceptional growth in the practice.
Dr McDonald believes in building good relationships with his patients and only want the best outcome for each individual.
Dr Francois has 16 years of experience in the dental field, he provides all scope of general dentistry, but has special interest in oral surgery, bone augmentation and Implants.
Dr Francois enjoys playing golf and watching sports as well as spending time with his small family.
Dr Harry Kim
Associate Dentist
BDSc (Hons) QLD, MClinDent (Pros), FRACDS
Dr Kim is a gentle, experienced dentist from Brisbane. He enjoys building trust with patients and ensuring that his patients are given all suitable treatment options, he works to ensure his patients have a pleasant experience.
Dr Harry Kim graduated from the University of Queensland with academic honours, and went on to complete a Masters in Clinical Dentistry in restorative dentistry (Prosthodontics), and was elected a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
In his time off, Dr Harry enjoys gardening and playing a game of tennis.
Hope Pressler
Oral Health Therapist
Bachelor of Oral Health (Hygiene and Therapy) Charles Sturt University
Hope is McDonald Dental's Oral Health Therapist, as an Oral Health Therapist Hope's role is focused on the preventive care of a patient’s oral health. She looks after the check ups and cleans for all ages, as well as children’s dentistry! She takes pride in her work, having a special interest in treating periodontal disease.
Before becoming an Oral Health Therapist, Hope was a dental assistant and receptionist in rural NSW. She obtained both her Certificate 3 and 4 in dental assisting, then finished her Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) at Charles Sturt University.
Hope loves music, so don’t be surprised if she serenades you during your appointment. She also enjoys cooking and spending the day in the sun.
Jazmyne McLennan
Office Coordinator & Dental Assistant
Kelly Bailey
Clinical Coordinator
Carike McDonald
Receptionist
Jazmyne McLennan
Office Coordinator & Dental Assistant
Kelly Bailey
Clinical Coordinator
Drew Sampson
Dental Assistant/Receptionist
Rebecca Dennehy
Dental Assistant
Drew Sampson
Dental Assistant/Receptionist
Dr Francois McDonald
BChd (Pret), PGradDIP (Implants), Masters Course Implants(Gide)
Dr Francois McDonald brings over 19 years of dental experience with him to McDonald Dental. Dr Francois graduated from the University of Pretoria South Africa in 2006 and immigrated to Australia in 2010. I understand that going to the dentist can be stressful, that’s why we focus on clear communication, gentle care and a strong patient-provider relationship.
I am committed to the dental health of our patients, because what most people don’t realise is that everything health related starts in the mouth. Poor dental health can have a terribly detrimental effect on overall health.
While Dr McDonald can look after all aspects of dental health for patients of all ages, his real passion lies with implant treatment.
I completed post graduate studies in implants because this is an aspect of dentistry that I find incredibly rewarding.
Some of our implant patients have been self conscious about their teeth their entire lives. Watching the transformation is just incredible, and it happens relatively quickly.
Often, people are in tears when the treatment is done. They go from being people who never smile, to people who can’t stop smiling. It can be life changing for them.
Helping someone regain confidence through implants is something I never tire of.
It’s not just about function — it’s about self-worth. That transformation stays with you.
Outside of dentistry I enjoy playing golf and watching sports as well as spending time with my small family.
Dr Andrea Chilro Meyer
BChd (UP) Cum Laude, PGDip Endo (UP) Cum Laude
Hello, I’m Dr Andrea Meyer, I am a South African Dentist who qualified at the University of Pretoria in 2019 and completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics 2023. I’m thrilled to be part of the team at Coronation House Dentist.
I have a particular passion for endodontics and orthodontics, and I believe in a conservative approach to dentistry — one that respects biology and aims to preserve the natural teeth God gave us whenever possible.
Whether I’m helping to relieve pain through root canal therapy or guiding a smile into alignment, my focus is always on long-term health, function, and comfort. I’m excited to work alongside the wonderful team here and to support our patients in achieving healthy, confident smiles — in a way that honors both science and nature.
Outside of dentistry I enjoy expressing my creativity through art and dance, also enjoy spending time outdoors exploring nature with my loving Husband.
I look forward to meeting you in the clinic soon!
Dr Max (Narrong) Thach
MDent, BDHS, BA
Dr Max Thach graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland, followed by a Bachelor of Dental Health Science and a Master of Dentistry from Griffith University, Queensland, where he was awarded an Academic Award of Excellence.
Dr Max enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with particular interests in oral surgery and restorative treatments. His primary goal is to build strong relationships with his patients and help them achieve a high quality of life. He is currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Orthodontics through OrthoEd, and a Bachelor of Languages at the University of New England.
A passionate foodie and coffee enthusiast, Dr Max previously worked as a senior barista. In his free time, he enjoys dining out with his partner, especially at buffet restaurants.
He speaks, reads, and writes Japanese, and has basic proficiency in Chinese.
