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

Smile Solutions Specialist Guide — Complete Content with Standardized Values

Which specialist do I see? A guide to Smile Solutions' multidisciplinary team

One of the first 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 80 clinicians under one roof, Smile Solutions works quite differently from other dental practices in Australia. When you come in, you're not simply booking with "a dentist" — you're entering a genuinely multidisciplinary system where the right clinician for your specific need is identified before treatment begins.

This guide answers that question directly. For every major treatment area, it names the specific practitioners who provide that service at Smile Solutions, explains their qualifications, and clarifies how referral pathways work within the practice — so you know you're in the right hands from day one.

To book any consultation: call 13 13 96 or visit us at 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 the complexity of your case.

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, Dr Tilley brings considerable depth of knowledge to every case he treats.

Prof. Chankhrit Sathorn (DDS, Grad Dip Dent, DClinDent, PhD, MRACDS Endo) — Adjunct Professor of Endodontics at La Trobe University and winner of the Ernest Joske Research Award. Prof. Sathorn serves on the editorial boards of both the Journal of Endodontics and the International Endodontic Journal, and is a sought-after speaker at international endodontic congresses. His commitment to evidence-based care runs through everything he does clinically.

Dr Aovana Timmerman (BDSc, FRACDS, DCD, GCert ClinTeach, MRACDS Endo) — A clinical demonstrator at the University of Melbourne's DDS Endodontic program and recipient of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Endodontics JM Booth Award. Dr Timmerman is a published researcher in endodontics and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, which many patients find reassuring when they prefer to communicate in that language.

Dr Areti Vrochari (DDS, MS Endo, DrMedDent) — Dr Vrochari holds a Doctorate in Dental Biomaterials from the University of Freiburg alongside a Master's degree in Endodontics, and brings over 17 years of clinical experience in contemporary endodontics and restorative dentistry. She previously served as a 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 practice, with a particular clinical interest in endodontics.

Who should you see? Complex, multi-rooted, re-treatment, or higher-risk cases go to our specialist endodontists. Straightforward anterior or premolar canals may be handled by our experienced general dentists. Your treating clinician will always advise you based on the complexity of your individual case.

Gum treatment, gum grafting, and crown lengthening (periodontics)

Periodontal treatment addresses diseases of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth — including gum disease management, gum grafting to repair recession defects, and crown lengthening (sometimes called a gum lift) to expose more tooth structure for restorative or aesthetic purposes.

Specialist periodontists

Dr Ahmed El Hadidi (BDS, MRACDS GDP, DCD Perio) — A specialist periodontist whose research focuses on genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease. Dr El Hadidi provides non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy, bone and soft tissue grafting, crown lengthening, and implant placement. He is a member of the ADA, AOS, ASP, and ITI.

Dr Peishan Jiang (BDSc Griff, DClinDent Griff) — A specialist periodontist whose research has been presented at IADR. Dr Jiang's expertise covers sinus lifts, bone grafting, gum grafting, crown lengthening, periodontal regeneration, and implant placement, with a gentle and caring approach to patient care.

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. Dr Hinckfuss completed his periodontic training at the University of Minnesota, and his dual qualification adds considerable depth to complex treatment planning. He served as President of the Victorian branch of the Australasian Osseointegration Society in 2011.

Who should you see? All three of our specialist 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 particularly well-placed to coordinate your care.

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 our specialist periodontists and oral surgeons, with prosthodontic restoration provided by our specialist prosthodontists — ensuring thorough, skilled care at every stage of your implant journey.

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 — a genuinely rare combination in Australian dentistry.

Dr Jaclyn Wong (MBBS, BDSc Hons, Post Grad Dip Surg Anat) — An implant surgeon with over 15 years' experience in single and full-arch implant procedures, complex grafting, and All-on-4 surgery. Dr Wong 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 your 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. Their involvement ensures that the final result is functional and well-crafted.

All-on-4 full-arch dental implants

All-on-4 is a solution for patients who need most or all of their teeth replaced. Four strategically angled implants support a fixed, permanent full-arch bridge — restoring your smile, your confidence, and your quality of life. At Smile Solutions, All-on-4 is delivered through multiple clinical pathways, so the right team is matched to every case.

Surgical component

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

Dr Simon Hinckfuss — Qualified to manage the complete All-on-4 case from surgery through to final restoration, owing to his dual specialist registration in periodontics and prosthodontics. He is the only clinician in Australia with this dual qualification, which makes him particularly well-suited to patients seeking seamless, comprehensive care.

A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar and Dr Ricky Kumar — Our specialist 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 your final All-on-4 prosthesis is managed by our specialist prosthodontists. Dr Foti Angelis and Dr Vasileios Chronopoulos bring a combined 30+ years of All-on-4 experience to 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 our dedicated ceramics team — your prosthesis is crafted here in Melbourne, not sent overseas.

Dentures

Conventional and implant-retained dentures at Smile Solutions are provided by both our specialist prosthodontists and experienced general dentists, ensuring personalised treatment regardless of the complexity of your case.

Specialist prosthodontists

Dr Foti Angelis, Dr Vasileios Chronopoulos, Dr Jamie Foong — All three of our specialist prosthodontists provide complete and partial dentures, including implant-retained dentures and complex occlusal rehabilitation cases. Their expertise ensures your dentures are comfortable, functional, and look natural.

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 with a warm and attentive approach.

Orthodontics (braces and Invisalign)

All orthodontic treatment at Smile Solutions — including every Invisalign case — 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 with a patient-centred approach. A Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Dr Austin speaks English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Dr Andrea Phatouros (BDSc WA, MDSc Orth WA, FRACDS) — Recipient of the Postgraduate Clinical Award for Excellence in Clinical Presentation at UWA, Dr Phatouros previously supervised undergraduate and postgraduate orthodontic programs at the University of Western Australia.

Dr Joshua Ch'ng (BDSc Melb, FRACDS, D Clin Dent Melb) — With a special interest in digital orthodontics and clear aligner therapy, Dr Ch'ng has presented his research at both the ASO and the European Orthodontic Society. He speaks Mandarin.

Dr Katie Xu (BDSc Hons Melb, D Clin Dent Orth Melb) — A first-class honours graduate and Australian Dental Council examiner, Dr Xu takes particular care to understand each patient's orthodontic goals and lifestyle before treatment begins. She 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 experience with smile design and cosmetic outcomes makes him well-placed to manage cases where Invisalign forms part of a broader smile transformation.

Children's dentistry

Specialist paediatric dentist

Dr Susan Hinckfuss (BDSc Melb, DCD Melb) — Our specialist paediatric dentist, trained at both the University of Melbourne and the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Dr Hinckfuss 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. Her gentle approach puts even the most nervous young patients at ease.

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 best managed by Dr Susan Hinckfuss.

Wisdom tooth extractions

Wisdom tooth extractions at Smile Solutions range from straightforward to complex surgical removal. Whatever your situation, the right level of expertise is available here.

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 general anaesthesia cases

A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar and Dr Ricky Kumar — Handle complex impacted wisdom teeth, cases requiring general anaesthesia, and anatomically challenging scenarios such as proximity to nerves, fully impacted teeth, or unusual positions.

Cosmetic veneers and smile design

Porcelain veneers at Smile Solutions are placed by specialist prosthodontists and experienced cosmetic general dentists — but what sets the practice apart is its in-house Smile Lab, right here in our Melbourne CBD heritage building.

Greg Karabasis (Master Ceramist, 32 years' experience, RMIT Diploma in Dental Technology) — Co-developer of the world-first Same Day Porcelain Veneers, Greg works directly with patients on digital smile design and hand-crafts all porcelain veneers and all-ceramic restorations on-site. His artistry and clinical collaboration produce results that are as individual as each patient.

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 — a level of personalised care that is genuinely rare.

CEREC same-day crowns and restorations

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) allows ceramic crowns, onlays, and inlays to be digitally designed, milled, and fitted in a single appointment — saving you time without compromising on quality.

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 — combining clinical expertise with an understanding of facial aesthetics that is informed by dental knowledge.

Dr Pip Robinson — Provides both therapeutic and cosmetic injectables and is experienced in treating anxious patients with a reassuring, gentle approach.

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, and can significantly affect daily comfort and quality of life. At Smile Solutions, TMD management involves a collaborative 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, thorough 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, offering a minimally invasive approach to relief.

Surgical TMJ cases

A/Prof. Patrishia Bordbar and Dr Ricky Kumar — Handle surgical TMJ cases including arthroscopy and open joint procedures where conservative management hasn't provided sufficient relief.

Osteopathic management

Rachel Norton-Smith and Greta Chwasta — Both osteopaths practising at Smile Solutions who provide musculoskeletal assessment and treatment for jaw pain, facial tension, and TMD. Osteopathic treatment often complements dental management well for patients with complex or chronic jaw pain, and reflects our holistic approach to patient wellbeing.

Sleep apnoea and snoring

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea have effective dental treatment options — and a dental clinician can often help more than patients expect.

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, it's a well-established approach to a condition that affects many Australians.

General dentists at Smile Solutions also provide dental sleep appliances (mandibular advancement splints) for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea or snoring — a comfortable, evidence-based solution tailored to your needs.

Full-mouth rehabilitation

Full-mouth rehabilitation involves comprehensive reconstruction of the bite and smile across both arches. These are among the most complex cases in dentistry, requiring careful coordination between multiple experienced specialists — and Smile Solutions is one of the few practices in Australia equipped to deliver this level of care.

Dr Kia Pajouhesh — Provides the initial full-mouth rehabilitation consultation and treatment plan, coordinating care across the team and keeping your goals central throughout.

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

Dr Simon Hinckfuss — Particularly well-suited for full-mouth cases requiring both periodontal surgery and complex restorative planning, given his dual specialist registration — the only clinician in Australia with this combination of qualifications.

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

How referrals work at Smile Solutions

You don't need a referral to see any specialist at Smile Solutions. All patients can book directly, and our 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 our specialists practise at the same Melbourne CBD location, warm referrals happen in real time — you may finish a consultation with one clinician and be seen by a specialist the same day.

Specialist consultation fees apply: typically $200 for most specialists; $300 for periodontics, which includes a full periodontal analysis. General dental consultations start at $90.

To book your consultation, call 13 13 96 or visit us at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. Complimentary consultations are available for many treatments — our team is always happy to help you find the right starting point.