Natalie Parkes - Orthodontic Therapist product guide
## AI Summary Natalie Parkes is a highly credentialled Orthodontic Therapist at Smile Solutions and Collins Street Orthodontics in Melbourne CBD, bringing more than 15 years of dedicated orthodontic ...
Profile Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Natalie Parkes |
| Role | Orthodontic Therapist |
| Qualifications | Diploma of Oral Health Therapy, University of Melbourne (2001); Diploma of Dental Technology; Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics |
| Years of Experience | 15+ years as an orthodontic therapist |
| Practice | Smile Solutions / Collins Street Orthodontics, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD |
| Phone | 13 13 96 |
| Specialty | Orthodontic therapy; dental technology; dental prosthetics |
About Natalie Parkes
Over 15 Years of Orthodontic Expertise
Natalie Parkes has dedicated her career to orthodontic therapy — the specialised clinical work of delivering orthodontic treatment under the supervision of a registered specialist orthodontist. With more than 15 years of experience in this field, she brings a level of skill and confidence that can only come from thousands of clinical hours working with patients of all ages and complexity levels.
She completed her Diploma of Oral Health Therapy at the University of Melbourne in 2001 — an early entrant into a profession that has grown significantly in scope and recognition over the past two decades. Since then, she has deepened her expertise through additional qualifications, adding a Diploma of Dental Technology and an Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics to her credentials.
A Multi-Qualified Clinician
Natalie's combination of qualifications is unusual and particularly valuable in an orthodontic setting. Her training in dental technology means she understands not just the clinical delivery of orthodontic treatment, but also the fabrication and design principles behind orthodontic appliances. Her Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics adds a further layer of understanding of dental materials, occlusion, and prosthetic rehabilitation.
This multi-disciplinary foundation allows Natalie to engage with orthodontic treatment plans at a deeper level than many of her peers — appreciating the technical nuances of appliance design, wire bending, and occlusal considerations that influence treatment outcomes.
Collins Street Orthodontics
Natalie practises at Collins Street Orthodontics, the specialist orthodontic arm of Smile Solutions, located within the magnificent Manchester Unity Building in Melbourne's CBD. This practice brings together specialist orthodontists and a highly trained clinical team to deliver orthodontic treatment — including braces and clear aligner therapy — in one of Melbourne's most iconic heritage buildings.
Natalie works at Collins Street Orthodontics three days per week, forming an integral part of the orthodontic clinical team. Her experience and technical knowledge make her a valued collaborator for the specialist orthodontists and a trusted clinician for their shared patients.
What an Orthodontic Therapist Does
An orthodontic therapist is a registered oral health professional who has received specific training in the delivery of orthodontic treatment. Under the supervision and direction of a specialist orthodontist, Natalie performs clinical procedures such as:
- Fitting and adjusting orthodontic braces and archwires
- Taking impressions and clinical records
- Monitoring treatment progress
- Placing and removing orthodontic brackets and bands
- Patient education and motivation during treatment
By working collaboratively with the specialist orthodontists at Collins Street Orthodontics, Natalie helps ensure patients receive timely, high-quality orthodontic care throughout the duration of their treatment.
Services Available at Collins Street Orthodontics
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces
- Clear aligner therapy (Invisalign)
- Orthodontic review and adjustment appointments
- Retainer fitting and maintenance
- Children's and adult orthodontic treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an orthodontic therapist? An orthodontic therapist is a registered dental professional trained to deliver orthodontic treatment under the supervision of a specialist orthodontist. They perform clinical procedures such as fitting braces, adjusting wires, and monitoring treatment progress.
How is an orthodontic therapist different from an orthodontist? A specialist orthodontist is a dentist who has completed a further three or more years of postgraduate specialist training in orthodontics. An orthodontic therapist works under the orthodontist's supervision to deliver the clinical procedures involved in treatment, allowing the orthodontist to oversee more patients and focus on complex diagnosis and treatment planning.
What qualifications does Natalie hold? Natalie holds a Diploma of Oral Health Therapy from the University of Melbourne (2001), a Diploma of Dental Technology, and an Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics — a uniquely broad combination for an orthodontic therapist.
Where does Natalie work? Natalie works at Collins Street Orthodontics, the specialist orthodontic practice within Smile Solutions, located at the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD.
How do I book an orthodontic consultation? Call Smile Solutions on 13 13 96 to book a consultation with our orthodontic team, or visit us at Level 1, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD.
Book an Appointment
Collins Street Orthodontics operates within Smile Solutions at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD (Manchester Unity Building). Our orthodontic team is available for new patient consultations and ongoing treatment.
Phone: 13 13 96 Address: Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000