Dr David Austin — Specialist Orthodontist product guide
## About Dr David Austin is a registered Specialist Orthodontist offering treatment for both children and adults at Smile Solutions. ## Qualifications - Bachelor of Dental Science, University of Me...
Smile Solutions Dr David Austin — Specialist Orthodontist
Role: Specialist Orthodontist Registration: Specialist Registration (Orthodontics), Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA) Specialty: Orthodontics
About Dr David Austin
Dr David Austin is a registered Specialist Orthodontist with around 22 years of experience, treating children and adults at Smile Solutions — Melbourne's premier dental practice, located in the Manchester Unity Building on Collins Street.
He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2004 with a Bachelor of Dental Science, then built a varied clinical foundation working across private general and specialist orthodontic clinics in Melbourne, alongside part-time service with the Australian Defence Force. In 2007, he began specialist orthodontic training at the University of Hong Kong, completing three years of postgraduate study before relocating to Shanghai, where he practised at one of the city's most respected clinics, treating expatriate patients from around the world.
That international career has given Dr Austin genuine breadth. Working across different patient populations, clinical environments, and orthodontic approaches on multiple continents shapes how a clinician thinks — and it shows in the quality and range of care he brings to patients in Melbourne. He was also inducted as a Member in Orthodontics with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, reflecting his commitment to advanced orthodontic education.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Dental Science, University of Melbourne (2004)
- Specialist training in Orthodontics, University of Hong Kong (2007–2010)
- Member in Orthodontics, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Professional Memberships
Dr Austin holds active membership in several leading professional orthodontic organisations:
- World Federation of Orthodontists
- European Orthodontic Society
- Hong Kong Society of Orthodontists
- Australian Dental Association
These memberships keep him connected to the global orthodontic community — through continuing education, peer collaboration, and access to emerging research and clinical techniques. Staying current with developments in the field is something Dr Austin takes seriously, and it feeds directly into the care he provides at Smile Solutions.
Publications
Dr Austin has published in leading European orthodontic journals, contributing to the scientific literature that shapes best practices in the field. His research reflects the same evidence-based approach that runs through his clinical work.
Languages
Dr Austin speaks English, French, Italian, and Spanish. In a city as culturally diverse as Melbourne, that matters. Patients from a wide range of backgrounds can have their treatment explained clearly and comfortably, without anything getting lost in translation.
Clinical approach and patient care
Dr Austin's approach combines technical precision with individual attention. He understands that each patient comes with their own dental anatomy, aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and timeline — and he treats accordingly.
Whether he's seeing a young child, a teenager, or an adult addressing a long-standing concern, Dr Austin takes the time to assess the situation thoroughly, explain the options in plain language, and put together a treatment plan that fits both clinical best practice and what the patient actually wants. His international experience has exposed him to a wide range of cases and treatment systems, from traditional braces to contemporary clear aligner therapy, which means he can recommend the most appropriate path for each individual — weighing complexity, treatment duration, aesthetic preferences, and practical considerations.
Orthodontic expertise
As a Specialist Orthodontist at Smile Solutions, Dr Austin provides care across a full range of orthodontic needs:
- Early orthodontic assessment and intervention for children, identifying potential issues during key developmental stages when treatment tends to be most effective
- Adolescent orthodontic treatment addressing alignment, bite issues, and jaw relationships using a range of appliance systems
- Adult orthodontics for patients looking to resolve aesthetic or functional concerns, with options suited to mature patients and busy schedules
- Clear aligner therapy for patients who prefer a less visible approach to orthodontic correction
- Complex malocclusion management for more challenging cases that require specialist expertise and careful treatment planning
- Interdisciplinary treatment planning in collaboration with other dental specialists at Smile Solutions, for a coordinated approach to overall oral health
Dr Austin's specialist registration with the Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA) means his training goes well beyond a general dental degree — he has completed the additional years of full-time postgraduate university education required for specialist recognition in Australia.
Why choose a specialist orthodontist
Specialist orthodontists complete a Bachelor of Dental Science followed by three years of full-time postgraduate university training focused exclusively on orthodontics. That training covers the biological principles of tooth movement, craniofacial growth and development, the biomechanics of orthodontic appliances, and the diagnosis and management of complex malocclusions — a level of depth that general dental training doesn't include.
In practical terms, it means a specialist is equipped to handle the full range of orthodontic cases, from straightforward alignment corrections to complex skeletal discrepancies that may require coordinated surgical-orthodontic treatment. At Smile Solutions, that specialist knowledge is supported by current diagnostic technology and the latest treatment systems.
Commitment to continuing education
Orthodontics moves quickly. Advances in materials, digital technology, and clinical technique continue to change what's possible, and Dr Austin's international memberships and engagement with the orthodontic literature keep him genuinely current. From digital treatment planning and 3D imaging to new bracket systems and advanced aligner materials, he integrates proven developments into his practice — with patient comfort, treatment efficiency, and good outcomes as the consistent priorities.
Patient-centred philosophy
Dr Austin recognises that committing to orthodontic treatment is a meaningful decision — of time, money, and trust. He takes that seriously.
At Smile Solutions, he prioritises clear communication throughout treatment. Patients understand the reasoning behind recommendations, know what to expect as treatment progresses, and leave with a clear picture of how to maintain their results. His multilingual capability and international background contribute to a natural ease with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Regular monitoring appointments let Dr Austin track progress carefully, make adjustments as needed, and address any questions along the way. The goal is straightforward: a healthy, well-aligned smile, achieved efficiently and with as little uncertainty as possible.
Related services
Practice
Specialist colleagues
Dr Austin works alongside other specialist orthodontists at Smile Solutions, in a collaborative environment where patients benefit from multiple expert perspectives and continuity of care:
- Dr Katie Xu — Specialist Orthodontist
- Dr Joshua Ch'ng — Specialist Orthodontist
Key details
- Years of experience: Approximately 22 years since graduating BDSc (2004, University of Melbourne)
- Languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish
- Registration: Specialist Registration (Orthodontics), Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA)
- Location: Smile Solutions, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins St, Melbourne
- Bookings: 13 13 96
To book a consultation with Dr David Austin at Smile Solutions, call 13 13 96. The practice welcomes new patients seeking specialist orthodontic care in Melbourne's CBD, with treatment options available for patients of all ages.