Vale Dr Anastasia Kalantzis
Melbourne Dental School is saddened by the passing of Dr Anastasia Kalantzis, a valued member of our community known for her generosity, warmth, bright spirit, and dedication to her students and patients. She leaves a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working and learning alongside her.
We share these words from her colleagues and friends in tribute, reflecting on her time with us at the School and the joy, kindness, and connection she brought to all who knew and loved her.
Words by colleagues and friends
Anastasia, or Dr AK as she is fondly known, has been a familiar face around the Melbourne Dental School (MDS) since 2023. She began her teaching career at the MDS as a clinical educator with the Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) Program, teaching into the second year Oral Health Sciences subject and the simulation and clinics for the Oral Health Practice subjects. She then moved to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program in 2024.
She has taught several courses, from first year in Infection Control and Introduction to Clinical Procedures, with Dr André Priede, and into the DDS 2 and DDS 3 clinics. In 2025, she joined Associate Professor Satish Alapati as co-convenor of the DDS Endodontics course. Her passion for teaching dentistry and providing the best possible health care for her patients quickly helped her make her mark as a brilliant clinical educator and a compassionate clinician.
Her passions extended beyond the confines of dentistry into the fields of music (both heavy metal and classical), golf and motorbikes. Whilst these might seem like individual pursuits, AK was the most generous and gregarious person.
Her ability to spread joy (and happy loud noise) was boundless, and her generosity of spirit ensured no one was left alone or left her company empty-handed… "Here, take this, I want you to have it…. No, it’s yours, I need you to have it" was practically her mantra to her friends. And everyone who crossed her path was indeed her friend… even if she had only met them a few minutes earlier!
The photo below of AK with her Social Butterfly Award at the 2025 MDS Christmas party is one that her friends at MDS will cherish. Her bright and generous smile is indicative of her generous heart and wonderful spirit.
AK, you were with us for such a short time, but you have indeed made your mark and oh, how we will miss you!
'Somewhere' there is a dentist with a streak of vibrant blue dye in her jet-black hair and a smile so wide and bright it lights up her face. She’s striding along a golf course with her head still buzzing from last night’s music concert, she notices you and flings her arms wide open, inviting a hug, saying … "Hey!!! I’m so glad to see you, how are ya?"
AK will be fondly remembered by her family, friends, colleagues, and students.