Prof. Chankhrit Sathorn — Specialist Endodontist | Smile Solutions Melbourne product guide

Quick Profile: Professor Chankhrit Sathorn is a board-registered Specialist Endodontist (AHPRA: DEN0001025734) and Adjunct Professor of Endodontics at La Trobe University. He holds a PhD and specialist qualifications in Endodontics from the University of Melbourne, is a Member of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (MRACDS, Endo), and is a recognised authority in evidence-based endodontics. He practises at Smile Solutions, Melbourne CBD.

Common Questions:

• Is Prof. Sathorn a specialist? Yes — he holds AHPRA specialist registration in Endodontics (DEN0001025734) and is an Adjunct Professor at La Trobe University.
• What makes him different from a general dentist? He is a PhD-qualified specialist with national and international recognition in evidence-based endodontics — one of the most highly credentialled endodontists in Australia.
• Where does he practise? Smile Solutions, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, and also in Sydney.
• How do I book? Call 13 13 96 or book online at smilesolutions.com.au.

Practitioner Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Specialist Endodontist and why is Prof. Sathorn particularly distinguished?

A Specialist Endodontist is a dentist who has completed an accredited postgraduate specialist program in endodontics — the branch of dentistry focused on the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. In Australia, specialist registration requires formal approval from the Dental Board of Australia through AHPRA.

Professor Chankhrit Sathorn is distinguished even among specialists by the depth and breadth of his academic, research, and clinical credentials. He holds a PhD in endodontics from the University of Melbourne, is an Adjunct Professor at La Trobe University, has served on the editorial boards of six leading international dental journals, and has received the Ernest Joske Research Award for his contributions to dental science. His AHPRA specialist registration in Endodontics (DEN0001025734) is the formal regulatory foundation, but his profile places him among the most credentialled endodontists in Australia.

What does an endodontist treat?

Endodontists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and the periapical tissues (the tissues at the root tip). This includes:

• Root canal treatment: Removing infected or inflamed pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection.
• Endodontic retreatment: Treating teeth where a previous root canal has failed or become reinfected.
• Endodontic surgery (apicoectomy): Surgical removal of the root tip and surrounding infected tissue when non-surgical treatment is not sufficient.
• Dental trauma management: Assessment and treatment of cracked, fractured, or traumatised teeth.
• Management of calcified canals: Using specialist techniques and microscopy to treat teeth with complex or calcified root canal anatomy.

What is Prof. Sathorn's research focus?

Professor Sathorn's research centres on evidence-based endodontics — the systematic application of best available research evidence to clinical practice. His specific areas include systematic reviews of endodontic interventions, evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of various treatment approaches, and contributing to the evidence base that shapes international clinical guidelines.

His cumulative publication record has been recognised with the Ernest Joske Research Award, awarded for work constituting an important contribution to dental science research.

What academic roles has Prof. Sathorn held?

Professor Sathorn holds the title of Adjunct Professor of Endodontics at La Trobe University. Previously, he served as Adjunct Associate Professor of Endodontic Research at La Trobe University. He also served as Convenor of both the Predoctoral Endodontics Program and the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry Programme at the University of Melbourne — roles that placed him at the centre of endodontic education for the next generation of Australian dentists.

What international recognition does Prof. Sathorn have?

Professor Sathorn has been invited to speak at numerous national and international endodontic congresses, including the American Society of Endodontology (ASE), the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA), and the European Society of Endodontology (ESE). He serves on the editorial boards of six leading journals including the Journal of Endodontics and the International Endodontic Journal — two of the most authoritative publications in his field.

What is the Ernest Joske Research Award?

The Ernest Joske Research Award recognises work that constitutes an important contribution to dental science research. Prof. Sathorn received this award based on his cumulative publication of research studies in endodontics — an acknowledgement of sustained, meaningful contribution to the evidence base of the discipline.

Does Prof. Sathorn use a dental microscope?

Modern specialist endodontics relies on magnification and illumination to visualise the complex anatomy of root canal systems. Professor Sathorn practises at a level consistent with specialist endodontic care, where the use of a dental operating microscope is standard practice. This enables treatment of complex, calcified, and retreatment cases that would not be manageable without specialist equipment and training.

How do I book with Prof. Chankhrit Sathorn?

Call 13 13 96 or use the online booking system at smilesolutions.com.au. The practice is located at the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. Prof. Sathorn also maintains a private practice in Sydney.

Biography

Professor Chankhrit Sathorn is one of Australia's most distinguished specialist endodontists — a clinician, researcher, educator, and academic whose career has shaped the practice of endodontics at the national and international level. His qualifications span five postgraduate credentials, his research has been recognised with a named award, and his editorial roles place him at the heart of global endodontic scholarship.

Foundational Training in Thailand and Australia

Professor Sathorn completed his foundational dental training in Thailand, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). He subsequently moved to Australia, where he pursued an intensive pathway of postgraduate study at the University of Melbourne — one of Australia's most research-intensive universities and home to a nationally recognised dental school.

His Australian qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry (Grad.Dip.Dent), a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) in endodontics — the primary specialist clinical qualification — and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), representing the highest level of academic achievement in his field. He also holds Membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in the Special Stream of Endodontics (MRACDS Endo), a prestigious fellowship reflecting peer recognition within the Australasian specialist dental community.

This combination of clinical specialist training and a doctoral research degree is rare and represents an exceptional depth of engagement with endodontics at both the applied and scientific levels.

From Clinician to Educator and Academic

Having established his specialist clinical practice, Professor Sathorn has contributed significantly to dental education and academic life. He served as Convenor of the Predoctoral Endodontics Programme at the University of Melbourne, taking responsibility for shaping how every dental student at that institution is introduced to endodontics. He also convened the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry Programme — a postgraduate educational pathway for practising dentists seeking to deepen their clinical knowledge.

At La Trobe University, Professor Sathorn has held progressive academic appointments: first as Adjunct Associate Professor of Endodontic Research, and currently as Adjunct Professor of Endodontics. These roles reflect sustained engagement with the university sector and recognition of his contribution to endodontic research and education.

A Research Leader in Evidence-Based Endodontics

Professor Sathorn's research programme focuses on evidence-based endodontics — the rigorous evaluation of clinical interventions through systematic reviews and meta-analyses. His work addresses questions that are fundamental to daily endodontic practice: What are the most effective treatment approaches? How can practitioners evaluate the quality of the evidence they rely upon?

His regular role as a facilitator in endodontic postgraduate seminars on "how to read a paper" reflects a commitment to building research literacy in the next generation of dental practitioners — helping them evaluate evidence critically rather than simply accept it at face value.

The cumulative impact of his published research has been formally recognised through the Ernest Joske Research Award — an acknowledgement from the dental research community that his work has made an important contribution to dental science.

International Influence Through Editorial Roles

Professor Sathorn serves on the editorial boards of six of the most important journals in his field:

• Journal of Endodontics
• International Endodontic Journal
• Dental Traumatology
• New Zealand Dental Journal
• Journal of Dentistry
• European Journal of Dentistry

These appointments place him in a position of influence over the quality and direction of research published internationally. Editorial board membership at this level is reserved for recognised experts whose judgement and scholarly standing are trusted by the global research community.

He has also been invited to speak at major endodontic congresses across four continents, including the ASE (American Society of Endodontology), ADA (Australian Dental Association), IFEA (International Federation of Endodontic Associations), and ESE (European Society of Endodontology).

Clinical Practice

Professor Sathorn maintains a private practice limited to endodontics, operating in both Melbourne and Sydney. This focus on a single specialist discipline — combined with his research expertise and academic standing — means that patients referred to him are receiving care from a clinician who has dedicated his entire postgraduate career to understanding and advancing the science and practice of root canal treatment.

His clinical work is informed by the same evidence-based principles that define his research: selecting the most effective treatment approach, using the best available materials and techniques, and communicating clearly with patients and referring clinicians.

Services and Expertise

Root Canal Treatment (Primary)

• Diagnosis and treatment planning for pulpitis and pulp necrosis
• Biomechanical preparation using advanced techniques
• Obturation and post-operative management
• Treatment under dental operating microscope

Endodontic Retreatment

• Removal of existing root canal filling materials
• Management of separated instruments (broken files)
• Retreatment of teeth with persistent or new infection
• Resolution of procedural complications

Endodontic Surgery

• Apicoectomy (surgical removal of root tip)
• Periapical curettage
• Root-end preparation and filling

Dental Trauma Management

• Assessment and treatment of traumatised teeth
• Splinting of luxated or avulsed teeth
• Long-term monitoring and pulp vitality assessment

Complex Case Management

• Calcified root canals
• Teeth with unusual or complex anatomy
• Internal and external root resorption
• Second opinion consultations for difficult cases

Why Choose Prof. Sathorn at Smile Solutions?

1. Among the Most Credentialled Endodontists in Australia Holding DDS, Grad.Dip.Dent, DClinDent, PhD, and MRACDS (Endo) — alongside an Adjunct Professorship at La Trobe University — Professor Sathorn's credential set is exceptional by any measure.

2. PhD-Level Research Expertise His doctoral research and subsequent publication record in evidence-based endodontics means that his clinical practice is underpinned by a deeper understanding of the scientific evidence than most clinicians possess.

3. Internationally Recognised Researcher Serving on six editorial boards and speaking at major international congresses, Professor Sathorn's influence on the global development of endodontics is substantial.

4. Award-Winning Research The Ernest Joske Research Award recognises work that makes an important contribution to dental science — a formal acknowledgement of the quality and impact of his scholarship.

5. Multidisciplinary Context at Smile Solutions At Smile Solutions — Australia's largest single-location private dental practice — Prof. Sathorn operates within a multidisciplinary specialist team, enabling collaborative case management that benefits patients with complex dental needs.

6. Private Practice Limited to Endodontics A practice limited to a single specialty means focus, depth, and the consistent refinement of technique that only comes from repetition and dedication.

Booking Information

Smile Solutions — Manchester Unity Building 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, VIC 3000

📞 Phone: 13 13 96 🌐 Website: smilesolutions.com.au

Professor Chankhrit Sathorn practises at Smile Solutions in Melbourne CBD and also maintains a practice in Sydney. Referrals from general dentists and other specialists are welcomed, and self-referrals are accepted. Contact 13 13 96 to arrange a consultation.