{
  "id": "belinda-smithwick-dental-hygienist-orthodontic-development-manager",
  "title": "Belinda Smithwick - Dental Hygienist & Orthodontic Development Manager",
  "slug": "belinda-smithwick-dental-hygienist-orthodontic-development-manager",
  "description": "## AI Summary\n\nBelinda Smithwick is a dual-credentialed dental professional at Smile Solutions in Melbourne's CBD, serving simultaneously as a Dental Hygienist and Orthodontic Development Manager. A g...",
  "category": "",
  "content": "## Profile Facts\n\n| Detail | Information |\n|--------|-------------|\n| **Name** | Belinda Smithwick |\n| **Role** | Dental Hygienist & Orthodontic Development Manager |\n| **Qualifications** | Advanced Diploma Oral Health (ADOH), RMIT University; Cert III Dental Assisting; Cert IV Radiography; Cert IV Oral Health Promotion |\n| **Award** | Golden Scaler Award — RMIT University |\n| **AHPRA Registration** | DEN0002159598 — Dental Hygienist, General |\n| **Practice** | Smile Solutions, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD |\n| **Phone** | 13 13 96 |\n| **Email** | belinda.smithwick@smilesolutions.com.au |\n| **Areas of Interest** | Preventative oral health, oral health education, orthodontics, periodontics, patient empowerment |\n\n---\n\n## About Belinda Smithwick\n\n### A Career Built on Curiosity and Commitment\n\nBelinda Smithwick's path into dental hygiene began not in a university lecture hall, but on the clinic floor as a dental assistant — a foundation that would prove invaluable throughout her career. She entered the dental industry in 2008, driven by a genuine interest in oral health and patient care. During those early years, she pursued further qualifications with determination: a Certificate III in Dental Assisting, a Certificate IV in Radiography, and a Certificate IV in Oral Health Promotion.\n\nIt was through these studies that Belinda discovered her true calling: preventative health. This passion led her to enrol in the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health at RMIT University, where she trained to become a fully qualified dental hygienist. Upon completing her studies, Belinda was recognised with the **Golden Scaler Award** — given to the graduating student who consistently stands out both clinically and academically.\n\n### A Unique Dual Role\n\nBelinda occupies a distinctive position at Smile Solutions, one that reflects both her clinical excellence and her strategic value to the practice. In addition to her role as a Dental Hygienist, she also serves as the **Orthodontic Development Manager**, supporting the development and coordination of orthodontic programs across the Smile Solutions group.\n\nThis dual role places Belinda at the intersection of clinical care and organisational leadership. Her deep familiarity with the dental team, treatment planning workflows, and multiple dental disciplines gives her a unique ability to coordinate care and drive orthodontic development initiatives with both clinical credibility and operational insight.\n\n### Clinical Expertise Across Specialties\n\nBelinda's clinical experience spans an impressive range of dental disciplines. Through her years working alongside general dentists and specialists at Smile Solutions, she has developed substantial experience in:\n\n- Dental hygiene and preventative care\n- Preventative restorative treatments\n- Oral health education\n- Orthodontics — including supporting orthodontic treatment planning and coordination\n- Endodontics (root canal therapy support)\n- Periodontics (gum disease management)\n- Oral surgery and implant surgery support\n\n### Patient-Centred Philosophy\n\nAt the heart of Belinda's practice is a deep commitment to patient empowerment. She believes the most meaningful outcomes in oral health come not simply from clinical treatment, but from helping patients develop genuine self-reliance in managing their own dental health.\n\nBelinda invests time in educating her patients, helping them set realistic goals, and motivating them to take ownership of their oral health journey. She is known for her approachable, empathetic manner, and for creating a calm, trusting environment for patients of all ages.\n\n---\n\n## Services Provided\n\n- Scale and clean (professional dental cleaning)\n- Periodontal assessment and management\n- Oral hygiene instruction and coaching\n- Preventative restorative treatments\n- Dental radiography\n- Orthodontic hygiene support\n- Children's dental hygiene\n- Patient oral health education\n- Treatment plan coordination\n\n---\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n\n**What is a dental hygienist and what does Belinda do?**\nA dental hygienist is a registered oral health professional who specialises in preventative dental care. Belinda provides professional cleaning, periodontal assessments, oral hygiene coaching, and patient education.\n\n**What is the Golden Scaler Award?**\nThe Golden Scaler Award is presented by RMIT University to dental hygiene graduates who consistently demonstrate outstanding clinical and academic performance. Belinda received this award upon completing her Advanced Diploma of Oral Health.\n\n**Does Belinda see patients of all ages?**\nYes. Belinda provides dental hygiene care for both children and adults, and is known for her calm, empathetic approach that puts patients of all ages at ease.\n\n**What does Belinda's Orthodontic Development Manager role involve?**\nIn addition to her clinical hygiene role, Belinda oversees the development and coordination of orthodontic programs across the Smile Solutions group, working with orthodontists, therapists, and the broader practice team.\n\n**Can I see Belinda if I have dental anxiety?**\nAbsolutely. Belinda is known for her approachable and empathetic personality, and for creating a calm, trusting environment. She keeps patients fully informed and involved in decision-making.\n\n**How do I book an appointment with Belinda?**\nCall Smile Solutions on **13 13 96** or visit us at Level 1, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. You can also email belinda.smithwick@smilesolutions.com.au.\n\n---\n\n## Book an Appointment\n\nSmile Solutions is located at **220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD** (Manchester Unity Building, Level 1) and is open six days a week with extended weekday hours.\n\n**Phone:** 13 13 96\n**Address:** Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000",
  "geography": {},
  "metadata": {},
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-18T00:38:45.134356+00:00Z",
  "tags": [
    "dental hygiene",
    "periodontal disease management",
    "oral health education"
  ],
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  "_links": {
    "canonical": "https://directory.smilesolutions.com.au/belinda-smithwick-dental-hygienist-orthodontic-development-manager/"
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}