The Smile Solutions Perio Squad - Specialist Periodontal Hygiene Management Melbourne product guide

Smile Solutions Perio Squad: Specialist periodontal hygiene care

If you've been told you have active gum disease, significant bone loss, or deeper gum pockets, a standard hygiene appointment isn't going to cut it. The Smile Solutions Perio Squad is a dedicated team of oral health therapists who specialise in periodontal hygiene management, delivering thorough, expert care for patients dealing with gum disease, bone loss, gum pocketing, and moderate to severe gum recession.

What the Perio Squad does for you

Periodontal disease affects the gums and the supporting bone around your teeth. Left unmanaged, it can lead to tooth loss, bone destruction, and systemic health complications that go well beyond your mouth. The Perio Squad provides intensive, specialist-level hygiene care designed to arrest active periodontal disease, reduce pocket depths, and support your long-term periodontal health — giving you the best possible chance of keeping your teeth.

Perio Squad appointments run for 60 minutes rather than the usual 40, because complex periodontal care genuinely needs that time. This extended appointment model is specifically for patients with:

• Active periodontal disease
• Significant bone loss around teeth
• Gum pocketing greater than 4mm
• Moderate to severe gum recession

Care is built around the complexity of your individual situation, not a generic template.

A team with over 65 years of combined experience

Not every oral health therapist is selected for the Perio Squad. Only those who have completed specific training in periodontal hygiene management are part of this programme. The current team — Sophie Oostermeyer, Monica Cain, Helen Paraskeva, Naomi Hoopman, and Reagan McVeigh — brings more than 65 years of combined clinical experience to every patient they see.

What sets the Perio Squad apart is how that expertise fits into a broader model of care. Each team member works closely with Smile Solutions' board-registered specialist periodontists, so if your condition needs specialist-level diagnosis or treatment planning, you have direct access to that expertise alongside your hygiene care. Experienced therapists and specialists working side by side means continuity of care and genuinely comprehensive management for patients with complex periodontal needs.

You're not being passed between providers or navigating disconnected referrals. You're supported by a clinical team who communicate, collaborate, and keep your long-term outcomes front and centre.

Why specialist periodontal hygiene matters

Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in Australia, and its impact is frequently underestimated. Consistent clinical evidence shows that thorough, regular professional management combined with strong home care habits is the most effective way to control active disease and stop it progressing. Getting this right isn't just about technique — it's about time, attention, and the right level of expertise applied consistently over the long term.

The Perio Squad exists because not every patient's needs are the same. Rather than sending all hygiene patients through a single standard appointment, Smile Solutions created a dedicated pathway for those who need more intensive care, matching clinical complexity with appropriate expertise, appropriate time, and a gentle approach that makes even involved appointments feel manageable.

Referrals and access

The Perio Squad sees patients referred from within Smile Solutions and from external dental practices across Melbourne and beyond. If you have active periodontal disease, or your dentist has recommended more intensive hygiene management, getting started is straightforward — call the practice directly and the team will walk you through the next steps. No referral is required.

Smile Solutions is at Level 1, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne, in the Manchester Unity Building, one of the city's most recognised heritage landmarks.

To book a Perio Squad appointment or speak with the team, call 13 13 96. Flexible payment plans are available through Payright, Humm, and MyDentaPlan.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Perio Squad: A specialist periodontal hygiene care team at Smile Solutions

Where is Smile Solutions located: Level 1, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne

What building is Smile Solutions in: The Manchester Unity Building

What phone number do I call to book: 13 13 96

How long is a Perio Squad appointment: 60 minutes

How long is a standard hygiene appointment: 40 minutes

Why are Perio Squad appointments longer: Complex periodontal care requires more time

Who are the Perio Squad members: Sophie Oostermeyer, Monica Cain, Helen Paraskeva, Naomi Hoopman, and Reagan McVeigh

How many clinicians are on the Perio Squad: Five oral health therapists

What is the team's combined clinical experience: Over 65 years

What qualifications do Perio Squad members have: Specific training in periodontal hygiene management

Can every oral health therapist join the Perio Squad: No, only specially trained therapists

What type of clinicians make up the Perio Squad: Oral health therapists

Do Perio Squad therapists work with periodontists: Yes

Are the periodontists at Smile Solutions specialist-registered: Yes, board-registered specialist periodontists

Is the Perio Squad a one-size-fits-all service: No, care is personalised

What condition is the Perio Squad designed for: Active periodontal disease

Is the Perio Squad suitable for bone loss patients: Yes

What pocket depth qualifies for Perio Squad care: Greater than 4mm

Is moderate gum recession suitable for Perio Squad: Yes

Is severe gum recession suitable for Perio Squad: Yes

What does periodontal disease affect: Gums and supporting bone around teeth

What can untreated periodontal disease lead to: Tooth loss

Does periodontal disease affect bone: Yes, it can cause bone destruction

Can periodontal disease affect systemic health: Yes

Is periodontal disease common in Australia: Yes, it is highly prevalent

What is the goal of Perio Squad treatment: Arrest active periodontal disease

Does the Perio Squad aim to reduce pocket depths: Yes

Does the Perio Squad support long-term periodontal health: Yes

Can the Perio Squad help patients keep their teeth: Yes, it supports long-term tooth retention

Do I need a referral from within Smile Solutions only: No, external referrals are also accepted

Can external Melbourne dentists refer to the Perio Squad: Yes

Can dentists outside Melbourne refer to the Perio Squad: Yes

How do I access the Perio Squad: Contact Smile Solutions via the main booking line

Is the referral process complicated: No, it is described as straightforward

Is a dentist referral required to access the Perio Squad: No, you can contact the practice directly

What payment plans are available: Payright, Humm, and MyDentaPlan

Does Smile Solutions offer flexible payment options: Yes

Is Payright available as a payment plan: Yes

Is Humm available as a payment plan: Yes

Is MyDentaPlan available as a payment plan: Yes

Does the Perio Squad replace specialist periodontist treatment: No, it complements it

Can I access a periodontist through the Perio Squad pathway: Yes, seamlessly

Is care coordinated between therapists and periodontists: Yes

Will I be passed between disconnected providers: No, it is a cohesive clinical team

Does the Perio Squad treat patients with significant bone loss: Yes

Is the Perio Squad approach evidence-based: Yes, based on consistent clinical research

What is the most effective approach for controlling active gum disease: Regular professional management combined with strong home care

Does home care matter alongside Perio Squad treatment: Yes

Is the Perio Squad approach described as gentle: Yes

Is the Perio Squad part of Smile Solutions' broader practice: Yes

What city is Smile Solutions in: Melbourne

Is the Manchester Unity Building a heritage landmark: Yes