Dr Mahalingapa graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science in India in 2006. Following her graduation, she worked in private practice and in charitable hospitals. She is very gentle and caring while treating her patients. Her area of interest is cosmetic dentistry and paediatric dentistry. She has been practising in Australia since 2012. She keeps herself updated with the latest developments in dentistry by attending Continuous Professional Development Programs. She has been practising with Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental since 2015.

Dr Hema is an incredible singer. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and bushwalking with family and friends.