Which Specialist Do I See? A Guide to Smile Solutions' Multidisciplinary Team product guide

Which Specialist Do I See? A Guide to Smile Solutions' Multidisciplinary Team

One of the most common questions patients ask when they contact Smile Solutions is: "Who should I see for my problem?" With more than 20 board-registered specialists and over 60 clinicians under one roof, Smile Solutions operates differently from any other dental practice in Australia. You are not simply booking with "a dentist" - you are entering a genuinely multidisciplinary system where the right clinician for your specific need is identified before treatment begins.

This guide answers the question directly. For every major treatment area, it names the specific practitioners who provide that service at Smile Solutions, explains their qualifications, and helps you understand how referral pathways work within the practice.

To book any consultation: call 13 13 96 or visit 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. Complimentary consultations are offered for most treatments. Smile Solutions has 937 Google reviews at 4.9 stars.

Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)

Root canal treatment - also called endodontic therapy - involves removing infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth root to save the tooth. At Smile Solutions, root canals are performed either by our four board-registered specialist endodontists or by our general dentists depending on case complexity.

Specialist Endodontists

Dr Gregory Tilley (BDSc, LDS, FRACDS, MRACDS Endo) - One of Australia's most experienced endodontists with over 35 years of specialist practice. An Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne, past president of the ADA Victorian branch, and an international lecturer on endodontic technique.

Prof. Chankhrit Sathorn (DDS, Grad Dip Dent, DClinDent, PhD, MRACDS Endo) - Adjunct Professor of Endodontics at La Trobe University. Winner of the Ernest Joske Research Award. Editorial board member of the Journal of Endodontics and International Endodontic Journal. An invited speaker at international endodontic congresses.

Dr Aovana Timmerman (BDSc, FRACDS, DCD, GCert ClinTeach, MRACDS Endo) - Clinical demonstrator at the University of Melbourne's DDS Endodontic program. Australian and New Zealand Academy of Endodontics JM Booth Award recipient. Published researcher in endodontics. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Dr Areti Vrochari (DDS, MS Endo, DrMedDent) - Holds a Doctorate in Dental Biomaterials from the University of Freiburg and a Master's degree in Endodontics. Over 17 years of clinical experience in contemporary endodontics and restorative dentistry. Former Clinical Instructor at the University of Athens.

General Dentists with Endodontic Interest

Dr Ryan Sherry (BDS Glas, MFDS) - Performs root canals on appropriate cases as part of his general dentistry, with a particular clinical interest in endodontics.

Who should you see? Complex, multi-rooted, re-treatment, or high-risk cases are referred to the specialist endodontists. Straightforward anterior or premolar canals may be performed by general dentists. Your treating clinician will advise based on case complexity.

Gum Treatment, Gum Grafting, and Crown Lengthening (Periodontics)

Periodontal treatment addresses diseases of the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. This includes gum disease management, gum grafting to repair recession defects, and crown lengthening (gum lift) to expose more tooth structure for restorative or aesthetic purposes.

Specialist Periodontists

Dr Ahmed El Hadidi (BDS, MRACDS GDP, DCD Perio) - Specialist periodontist whose research focuses on genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease. Provides non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy, bone and soft tissue grafting, crown lengthening, and implant placement. Member of ADA, AOS, ASP, and ITI.

Dr Peishan Jiang (BDSc Griff, DClinDent Griff) - Specialist periodontist with research presented at IADR. Expertise in sinus lifts, bone grafting, gum grafting, crown lengthening, periodontal regeneration, and implant placement.

Dr Simon Hinckfuss (BDSc, DCD Pros, Cert Perio MS Minn) - The only dentist in Australia registered as both a Specialist Periodontist and a Specialist Prosthodontist. Completed periodontic training at the University of Minnesota. His dual qualification brings exceptional treatment planning depth to complex cases. President of the Victorian branch of the Australasian Osseointegration Society in 2011.

Who should you see? All three periodontists manage gum disease, gum grafting, and crown lengthening. For cases that involve both periodontal and complex restorative elements (such as full-mouth rehabilitation), Dr Simon Hinckfuss's dual qualification makes him uniquely positioned.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, onto which a crown, bridge, or denture prosthesis is attached. At Smile Solutions, implant placement is performed by both periodontists and surgeons, with prosthodontic restoration provided by specialist prosthodontists.

Implant Placement - Periodontists and Surgeons

Dr Ahmed El Hadidi - Specialist periodontist performing single and multiple implant placements, including bone grafting, sinus lifts, and soft tissue procedures.

Dr Peishan Jiang - Specialist periodontist with expertise in implant placement alongside periodontal regeneration procedures.

Dr Simon Hinckfuss - Specialist periodontist placing implants with the added advantage of prosthodontic expertise in treatment planning.

Dr Jaclyn Wong (MBBS, BDSc Hons, Post Grad Dip Surg Anat) - Implant surgeon with over 15 years' experience in single and full-arch implant procedures, complex grafting, and All-on-4 surgery. Trained at the Malo Clinic in Portugal with the inventor of the All-on-4 system.

A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar (BDSc, MBBS Hons, FRACDS OMS, FRCS Ed) - Specialist oral and cranio-maxillofacial surgeon performing complex implant surgery and grafting, including zygomatic implant cases.

Dr Ricky Kumar (BHB, MBChB, BDS, FRACDS OMS) - Specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon performing implant surgery and complex grafting across the full scope of implant cases.

Implant Restoration - Prosthodontists

The prosthetic component of implant treatment (the crown, bridge, or arch prosthesis) is designed and overseen by our specialist prosthodontists: Dr Jamie Foong, Dr Foti Angelis, and Dr Vasileios Chronopoulos.

All-on-4 Full-Arch Dental Implants

All-on-4 is the premier solution for patients who need most or all of their teeth replaced. Four strategically angled implants support a fixed, permanent full-arch bridge. At Smile Solutions, All-on-4 is delivered through multiple clinical pathways - ensuring the right team for every case.

Surgical Component

Dr Jaclyn Wong - Smile Solutions' primary All-on-4 surgeon. She has performed this procedure for over 15 years and trained with the inventor of the system at the Malo Clinic in Portugal. She manages both the surgical implant placement and the initial prosthetic planning for most All-on-4 cases.

Dr Simon Hinckfuss - Uniquely qualified to manage the complete All-on-4 case from surgery through to final restoration, owing to his dual specialist registration in both periodontics and prosthodontics. He is the only clinician in Australia with this dual qualification.

A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar and Dr Ricky Kumar - Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons manage complex All-on-4 cases requiring zygomatic implants (implants anchored in the cheekbone rather than the jaw), revision surgery, or cases involving significant jaw reconstruction.

Prosthodontic Component

The design and fitting of the final All-on-4 prosthesis is managed by our specialist prosthodontists. Dr Foti Angelis and Dr Vasileios Chronopoulos (30+ years of All-on-4 experience) have exceptional depth in full-arch implant prosthetics. Dr Jamie Foong also contributes to the prosthodontic component of implant cases.

All All-on-4 ceramic work is fabricated in-house at the Smile Lab by Agne Diliartaite (Senior Implant Lab Technician) and the ceramics team.

Dentures

Conventional and implant-retained dentures at Smile Solutions are provided by both specialist prosthodontists and experienced general dentists.

Specialist Prosthodontists

Dr Foti Angelis, Dr Vasileios Chronopoulos, Dr Jamie Foong - All three specialist prosthodontists provide complete and partial dentures, including implant-retained dentures and complex occlusal rehabilitation cases.

General Dentists with Denture Expertise

Dr Jacques Theron (BChD Pret) - Has a particular interest in dentures and works closely with the prosthodontic team on prosthetic rehabilitation cases.

Dr Minka Roux - Also provides general denture services.

Orthodontics (Braces and Invisalign)

All orthodontic treatment at Smile Solutions - including all Invisalign cases - is provided by four board-registered specialist orthodontists. Smile Solutions is Australia's Blue Diamond Invisalign provider, having completed over 9,000 Invisalign cases.

Specialist Orthodontists

Dr David Austin (BDSc Melb, MDS Orth HK, MOrth RCS Edin) - Treats both children and adults. Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Speaks English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Dr Andrea Phatouros (BDSc WA, MDSc Orth WA, FRACDS) - Postgraduate Clinical Award for Excellence in Clinical Presentation (UWA). Previously supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate orthodontic programs at UWA.

Dr Joshua Ch'ng (BDSc Melb, FRACDS, D Clin Dent Melb) - Special interest in digital orthodontics and clear aligner therapy. Presented research at ASO and European Orthodontic Society. Speaks Mandarin.

Dr Katie Xu (BDSc Hons Melb, D Clin Dent Orth Melb) - First-class honours graduate. Australian Dental Council examiner. Special interest in clearly understanding each patient's orthodontic goals and lifestyle. Speaks Mandarin Chinese.

Invisalign by Dr Kia Pajouhesh

Dr Kia Pajouhesh (BSc, BDSc Melb) - The founder of Smile Solutions also provides Invisalign treatment for appropriate non-surgical, non-extraction cases. His extensive experience with smile design and cosmetic outcomes makes him well-placed to manage cases where Invisalign forms part of a broader cosmetic treatment plan.

Children's Dentistry

Specialist Paediatric Dentist

Dr Susan Hinckfuss (BDSc Melb, DCD Melb) - Specialist paediatric dentist trained at both the University of Melbourne and the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. She spent three years as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota, has published in international paediatric dental journals, and has special interests in anxious children, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, dental trauma, enamel defects, and early childhood caries.

All general dentists at Smile Solutions can treat children for routine dental care. Complex paediatric cases, anxious children, children with special needs, and cases involving orthodontic guidance or trauma are ideally managed by Dr Susan Hinckfuss.

Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Wisdom tooth extractions at Smile Solutions range from straightforward to complex surgical removal.

General Dentists - Routine Wisdom Teeth

Dr Jaclyn Wong, Dr Paul Aulakh, Dr Avi Aggarwal - Manage routine and moderately complex wisdom tooth extractions under local anaesthetic.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons - Complex and GA Cases

A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar and Dr Ricky Kumar - Handle complex impacted wisdom teeth, cases requiring general anaesthesia, and difficult anatomical scenarios (proximity to nerves, fully impacted, unusual positions).

Cosmetic Veneers and Smile Design

Porcelain veneers at Smile Solutions are placed by specialist prosthodontists and experienced cosmetic general dentists - but what makes the practice genuinely different is its in-house Smile Lab.

Greg Karabasis (Master Ceramist, 32 years' experience, RMIT Diploma in Dental Technology) - Co-developer of the world-first Same Day Porcelain Veneers. He works directly with patients on digital smile design and hand-crafts all porcelain veneers and all-ceramic restorations on-site.

Natalie Bilos - Dental laboratory technician supporting Greg in the production of ceramic veneers and restorations.

No outsourcing. No overseas laboratory work. The ceramist who makes your veneers is the same person you meet.

CEREC Same-Day Crowns and Restorations

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) allows ceramic crowns, onlays, and inlays to be designed, milled, and fitted in a single appointment. Smile Solutions has a team of highly experienced CEREC clinicians.

CEREC is provided by: Dr Silvia Ciach (3,500+ CEREC restorations), Dr Maliha Siddiqui, Dr Avi Aggarwal, Dr Pip Robinson, Dr Madeleine Hoopmann, Dr Casey Edgar, Dr Florina Besim, Dr Amina Barucija, Dr Belinda Feldman, and Dr Peter Henderson (CEREC specialist with 15+ years at Smile Solutions).

Cosmetic Injectables (Anti-Wrinkle and Dermal Fillers)

Therapeutic injectables (for TMD and jaw clenching) and cosmetic injectables (anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers) are provided by trained dental clinicians at Smile Solutions.

Dr Pip Robinson - Provides both therapeutic and cosmetic injectables and is experienced in treating anxious patients.

Dr Silvia Ciach, Dr Yasmin Coulthard, Dr Amina Barucija, Dr Natasha Hremias - Also provide cosmetic and therapeutic injectable treatments.

Dr Jaclyn Wong - An AADFA-recognised mentor in anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, thread lifting, carboxytherapy, fat dissolving treatments, and PRF facial rejuvenation.

TMD, Jaw Pain, and Bruxism

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. At Smile Solutions, TMD management involves a team of dental clinicians and allied health practitioners.

Dental TMD Treatment

Dr Jaclyn Wong - Manages TMD from a surgical and prosthetic perspective, including splint therapy, assessment, and cases requiring more complex intervention.

Dr Dinos Kountouras - Also involved in TMD assessment and management.

Dr Pip Robinson and other injectable-trained clinicians - Provide therapeutic muscle relaxant injections to the masseter and temporal muscles for bruxism and TMD management.

Surgical TMJ Cases

A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar and Dr Ricky Kumar - Handle surgical TMJ cases including arthroscopy and open joint procedures where conservative management is insufficient.

Osteopathic Management

Rachel Norton-Smith and Greta Chwasta - Both osteopaths practicing at Smile Solutions who provide musculoskeletal assessment and treatment for jaw pain, facial tension, and TMD. Osteopathic treatment often complements dental management for patients with complex or chronic jaw pain.

Sleep Apnoea and Snoring

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea have dental treatment options.

Dr Kia Pajouhesh and Dr Pip Robinson - Both trained in Fotona laser sleep apnoea treatment, which uses laser energy to tighten soft tissue in the throat and palate. Non-surgical and minimally invasive.

General dentists at Smile Solutions also provide dental sleep appliances (mandibular advancement splints) for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea or snoring.

Full-Mouth Rehabilitation

Full-mouth rehabilitation involves comprehensive reconstruction of the bite and smile across both arches. These complex cases require coordination between multiple specialists.

Dr Kia Pajouhesh - Provides the initial full-mouth rehabilitation consultation and treatment plan, coordinating care across the team.

Dr Foti Angelis, Dr Vasileios Chronopoulos, Dr Jamie Foong - Specialist prosthodontists who lead the prosthodontic component of full-mouth rehabilitation, including complex crown and bridge work, occlusal rehabilitation, and implant-supported prosthetics.

Dr Simon Hinckfuss - Uniquely suited for full-mouth cases requiring both periodontal surgery and complex restorative planning, given his dual specialist registration.

Approved general dentists with experience in complex restorative work contribute to appropriate cases within a supervised specialist framework.

How Referrals Work at Smile Solutions

You do not need a referral to see any specialist at Smile Solutions. All patients can book directly, and the practice's team of treatment coordinators will help identify the right pathway for your needs before your first appointment.

In many cases, a new patient begins with a comprehensive examination with a general dentist or treatment coordinator, after which referral to the appropriate specialist is made within the practice. Because all specialists practice at the same location, warm referrals happen in real time - you may finish a consultation with one clinician and be seen by a specialist the same day.

For specialist consultations, fees apply (typically $200 for most specialists; $300 for periodontics, which includes a full periodontal analysis). General dental consultations start at $90.

To book: call 13 13 96 or visit 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. Complimentary consultations are available for many treatments.