After practicing orthodontics for almost 30 years, I still love coming to the clinic. My father was a dentist, and I learned from him the value of exceptional patient care. Each patient I see presents a different clinical challenge as well as an opportunity for a personal connection. I enjoy taking the time to know each person I look after, and giving everyone a positive orthodontic experience.
My training and experience as a paediatric dentist before becoming an orthodontist enhanced my interest in guiding the development of a young person’s teeth, jaws, and face. It also triggered my awareness of problems surrounding ‘chalky molars’ and other developmental dental defects (D3s).
One of the most rewarding facets of my career is getting to see patients at a young age, so the most appropriate treatment can be done at the right time in their development. Getting the timing right is one of the most challenging tasks in orthodontics, and it is truly rewarding when I know a patient has received the optimal level of care. My training and experience as a paediatric dentist before becoming an orthodontist enhanced my interest in guiding the development of young people’s teeth, jaws, and face.
A commitment to educating the next generation of orthodontists has led me to accept the role of associate professor and head of orthodontics at the University of Melbourne.