Dr Carina Tanaka completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2010 and her PhD in 2015, both from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. During her PhD, she spent 18 months as a visiting scholar at the University of New York working at the department of Biomaterials and Biomimetics. In February 2017, she started her postdoctoral fellowship at University of New South Wales (UNSW). Her research focuses on a variety of biomaterials for dental and medical applications. During her career, she has authored and co-authored 21 journal publications in both specialized and interdisciplinary scientific journals.

In addition to her research, Dr Tanaka has taught as a guest and clinical educator for the biomaterials and tooth conservation courses for DMD year 1 students at the Sydney Dental School. In January 2022, Dr Tanaka joined the School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences at Charles Sturt University as a senior lecturer.

She also has many years of clinical experience as general practitioner in private practice. In 2021, Dr Tanaka has satisfied, in the first attempt, all the requirements of the Australian Dental Council to practice Australia. Dr Tanaka has a particular passion for rural dentistry and endodontics in which she has completed numerous professional development course.

Outside of dentistry, Dr Tanaka loves the outdoors hiking, camping, rock climbing and walking her puppy.