Discover how the Swiss company with half a century of success, is revolutionizing oral care with its evidence-based approach to gentle dentistry and a nature-inspired range of oral care products.

By Danny Chan

When we talk about gentle dentistry, it's not solely confined to a pain-free treatment approach or that which takes into consideration patients with dental anxiety issues. It begins even before your patients set foot in your clinic — with the use of oral care products that are gentle on their teeth and gums.

CURAPROX, a Swiss company founded in 1972, has been at the forefront of this dynamic market. With half a century of success under its belt, the renowned brand has become synonymous with colourful and effective oral care products, including interdental brushes, manual toothbrushes with fine filaments, gentle toothpastes, and state-of-the-art sonic toothbrushes.

More importantly, they make ingenious oral healthcare products that deliver evidence-based gentle dentistry into the hands of consumers.

Pioneers in Effective and Gentle Oral Care

Founded by the Breitschmid family, CURAPROX's parent company, Curaden, has remained committed to its mission of "better health for you" throughout its journey. Similarly, CURAPROX stays true to the brand's unwavering focus on the importance of oral health and its impact on overall wellbeing.

“CURAPROX's rapid progress continues to be driven by new innovations, educational programs aimed at imparting evidence-based oral care techniques, and cutting-edge products,” says Erik Leinius, Managing Director of CUROPROX Australia Pty Ltd.

The unique selling points of a CUROPROX self-care product, he stresses, boil down to two things: Gentleness and Effectiveness. To achieve these attributes, however, is more demanding than it sounds.

“With a focus on ergonomic design, our R&D teams work closely in collaboration with dental professionals and reputable dental universities to develop CUROPROX’s advanced line of manual toothbrushes, power toothbrushes, toothpaste and interdental tools that reflect the latest research findings and patented designs,” he says.

“Because our products have undergone rigorous scrutiny in randomized controlled clinical trials, their efficacy has been resoundingly proven.”

Higher End but Within Reach

Although Leinius admits that the CUROPROX oral care range is considered “higher-end” simply because they are more expensive than what you would typically find on the shelves in supermarkets, they are not priced out of reach for the discerning consumer.

One of their standout products is the CS 5460 toothbrush, which although costs about 30-40% more than most toothbrushes, retails at only $9. Considering what you’re getting from it, most people would agree that it’s competitively priced.

Curaprox's Cult Favorite: The CS 5460 Toothbrush

The CS 5460 boasts 5,460 Curen® filaments working together to combat plaque while being gentle on teeth and gums. The unique brush head features densely packed filaments, providing exceptional cleaning power. Its compact brush head, with a slight angle, ensures optimal cleaning even in hard-to-reach spots.

“With up to ten times the number of bristles found in conventional brushes, the CS 5460's extra dense cleaning surface helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease,” Leinius explains.

“The Curen® filaments used in this toothbrush are incredibly gentle and thin, measuring just 0.1mm in diameter.”
This patented toothbrush is produced in Degersheim, Switzerland – in just the same way that they were over 40 years ago – by highly skilled employees who have undergone extensive training to handle the intricate processes involved in running the factory, working in two shifts to maintain a steady production rhythm.

The factory's impressive output is a testament to its efficiency. In the year 2021 alone, a staggering 18 million toothbrushes rolled off the assembly line. To put this into perspective, it equates to an average of 80,000 toothbrushes manufactured each day or a remarkable rate of over 55 toothbrushes every minute. Curaden has set its sights higher, aiming to produce an astounding 24 million toothbrushes in the coming year.

The CS 5460 is one of few oral care products to have achieved a cult status. Even the brushing technique is proprietary to CUROPROX. While there are various brushing techniques, the CS 5460 toothbrush offers a proven method that suits everyone. Starting with the correct angle — half on the teeth and half on the gums — cleaning gently in small circles ensures effective plaque removal. The toothbrush serves as a guide throughout the process.

The Role of Education

Leinius informs us that this unique marriage between product design and proprietary user technique is something that extends across the CUROPROX range – and they are supported by the company’s educational courses that are designed in collaboration with dental professionals, including academics from European universities in Switzerland, Germany, South America, Italy and Australia (University of Sydney).

“Yes, our primary objective and goal are to work with dentists and provide solutions tailored to their needs. We educate them not only on dental hygiene techniques but also on the latest advancements in the field,” Leinius says.
“We then share our findings with other dental professionals so that they can effectively apply this knowledge and provide the best possible solutions for their patients.”

The company’s iTOP training courses serve as a platform for dentists and dental professionals to acquire international learnings and recommend the most suitable products for their patients. The online courses offer 6 CPD points for each attendee, in addition to a Curaprox hydrosonic toothbrush valued at the same price as the courses.

Online Presence

CURAPROX Australia also runs an online shop for their oral care products, ensuring accessibility for patients.

“While we primarily focus on the dental industry, approximately 90%, the remaining 10% caters to patients who may need access to the products without direct recommendation or sale by their dentist,” he continues.

“To meet this demand, we are expanding our pharmacy portfolio and increasing our online presence through social media and our webshop.”

Available from the Curaprox Australia webshop are other high-profile products developed in partnership with university-based experts, including the Curaprox Perio Plus and the high-grade toothpaste known as the Be You Toothpaste.

Embracing Nature: Curaprox's Natural Oral Care

“Perio Plus+ is a Chlorhexidine Mouthwash derived from the pith of the bitter orange, which refers to the white coating found inside the orange peel. This pith is the source of two important components in Perio Plus,” Leinius explains.

“It is worth noting that the pith of the bitter orange acts as nature's strongest antiseptic agent, which is why oranges are not consumed by bugs and are resistant to molds, viruses, and bacteria.”

The company has transformed this potent antiseptic into a powder form and incorporated it into their mouthwash and toothpaste products. As a result, Curaprox products possess powerful antibacterial properties derived from a natural source.

“As a company, we are committed to incorporating more natural, antibacterial ingredients into our formulations and moving away from chemicals and petrochemicals,” Leinius adds.

Likewise, the Be You toothpaste, which was launched three years ago alongside Perio Plus+, contains more natural ingredients than traditional toothpastes including Citrox.

“It comes in six different flavours, as we have moved away from traditional minty toothpaste options,” Leinius says.
“The Be You toothpaste is also vegan, and we have made sure to include all the beneficial ingredients while excluding any harmful ones. For instance, we have removed sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a common ingredient in many toothpastes.”

Additionally, the toothpaste is free from microplastics, which are often added for abrasiveness. Instead, it has incorporated hydroxyapatite, among other beneficial components.

Curaprox's Global Impact and Exciting Future

With such groundbreaking innovations, it’s no wonder that Curaprox is the fastest growing oral hygiene company in the world. Leinius describes the positive feedback that he’s been receiving from Australian dentists, dental hygienists and consumers as “exhilarating”.

“Watching the growth of our company and the dental industry as a whole is a source of excitement. Our expanding education program is something we take great pride in,” he says.
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“We have a wealth of valuable information that we are eager to share with and that deserves to be heard by the Australian dental community. Look out for them!”

Multi-site aesthetic dentistry powerhouse Dental Boutique caps its 10th year earning Straumann’s recognition as the first NeoArch Centre of Excellence in Asia Pacific.

By Danny Chan

Dental Boutique is not your run-of-the-mill dental outfit. Awards like the Australian Business Of The Year, Dental Services Of The Year, Health Services Of The Year and Telstra Best of Business bear testimony to their unrelenting pursuit of excellence, while over 1500 five-star Google reviews attached to their Melbourne clinic alone showcase its coveted brand yield. 

Remarkably, the husband-and-wife owned dental group has to date, designed and crafted over 30,000 smiles.

No Two Smiles Are Identical

Co-founders and creative directors, Dr Reuben Sim and Dr May Chan, embody Dental Boutique's core principle: crafting unique smiles that express each individual's personality. With locations across Melbourne, Geelong, Mornington, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney, their approach is marked by collaboration with patients, using cutting-edge technology to ensure that every smile is as unique as the person wearing it.

Their success is attributed to a dedicated team of clinicians who genuinely care about their patients' well-being. The environment fosters constant improvement, with colleagues pushing each other to raise their standards.

“When you're part of an efficient and highly motivated team, you're constantly pushed to improve because everyone around you is raising the bar,” Reuben says.

“It’s a self-fulfilling system where there’s friendly competition between clinicians to continuously create beautiful smiles for our patients. It’s a wonderful and nurturing environment to be in.”

Patients are provided with before-and-after images of their treatment, demonstrating the transformation achieved.
“We do this because we want to ensure that our patients are proud of their investment in our services,” May interjects.

From Pain to Passion
May's personal journey, stemming from a childhood accident that left her with discoloured and crooked teeth, inspired Dental Boutique's inception. The brand's mission is to help people overcome dental fears and unlock the smiles they deserve.

When it comes to patient care, Dental Boutique doesn't settle for the status quo. The Sims loosely model their management style after Steve Job’s customer-centric vision for Apple.

“At any Apple Store worldwide, there's a certain level of competency and consistent treatment, whether you're in Spain, Singapore, or Melbourne,” Reuben adds.

“Additionally, Apple holds innovation weeks, constantly seeking to understand what their customers want. This resonates with us because dentistry is a traditional industry, often following a set path outlined in university curricula. 

“We believe in finding new ways to improve and raise industry standards and improve communication with our clients. We focus on technology, innovation, and incorporating new ideas into our patient journey for their benefit."

Breaking with Convention

Their emphasis on technology has led to recognition from Straumann Group, certifying Dental Boutique as the first Australasian NeoArch Centre of Excellence. Their unique full arch treatment approach tailors solutions to each patient's needs, utilising top-notch implant systems, including those from Straumann Group.

The Sims prioritise patient well-being over convention when selecting implant brands. Straumann's Neodent implants and BLX implants with Roxolid® material have proven to be game-changers, reducing healing times and ensuring remarkable implant survival rates.

“The Neodent range of implant systems is very user-friendly for clinicians. Its user-friendliness means there are fewer components to manage, which is beneficial for patients. If something does go wrong with the components, which isn’t often, it’s straightforward to order replacements,” Reuben explains.

“The Neodent implant's design is focused on getting the right torque for loading. The tapered approach, screw design, and how the multi-unit abutments fit within the implant provide an excellent fit between the implant and bone, allowing for immediate loading. 

“This is crucial for patients who can get their teeth replaced within one to three days. Not all implant systems support this function, so it's a significant advantage for both clinicians and patients.”

The implant's stability in the bone also reduces micro-motion, which Reuben considers a significant factor in implant failure. So, while the procedure duration may not be shorter, the implant's design promotes better stability and integration with the bone.

Foundational Years

The journey of Reuben and May, from their humble beginnings in Balwyn, Melbourne, in 2013, is marked by resilience and resourcefulness.
With no budget for extravagant marketing endeavours, the young couple pounded the pavement to distribute photocopied flyers themselves. Intriguingly, their very first patient, lured by those flyers, remains a devoted patron to this very day.

“I'd refer to the first six years of running Dental Boutique as our foundational years, similar to the incubation period for a baby in the womb before birth,” May reveals.

“These years taught us valuable lessons about patient care, running a practice focused on clinical excellence, and treating our staff like family and internal clients.”

This nurturing approach bore fruit in the form of staff referrals, fostering their gradual expansion. They added one more chair by 2015, and yet another in 2016. 

Then came 2018, a watershed year that would irrevocably transform their practice. The trajectory of their growth since 2018 defied the bounds of linearity. By the year 2020, their empire boasted an impressive 22 dental chairs in a singular location.

In the interim, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Victoria fraught with challenges for the young couple – their overriding goal at this point was to retain their staff and sustain the practice. Remarkably, it was the pandemic that prompted the Sims to rethink their expansion approach.

Outward Expansion 
Rather than expecting patients to journey to their practice from interstate locations, which many were doing during the boom years, they envisioned a model where they could expand outward.

Their first interstate venture in Sydney with Dr Hargreave and Dr Kipel started with 9 chairs and quickly burgeoned to 18 within the first 12 months. Today, Dental Boutique has six interstate locations that employs more than 200 dentists and staff. The success is attributed to smart talent acquisition, word-of-mouth referrals, and the brand's intangible appeal.

“I would say that Dental Boutique is an aspirational brand. Patients come to us knowing that regardless of which clinician they see, their experience will be amazing. We designed the workflow and system with that vision in mind from the beginning,” Reuben says. 
“We've treated approximately 45,000 patients. The brand itself attracts patients because we have a reputation for consistently delivering an outstanding experience. That's how we've built our practice.”

Twin Celebration
To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Dental Boutique held a black-tie celebration, coinciding with the launch of the region’s first NeoArch Centre of Excellence. Reuben and May announced plans for more interstate practices, a testament to their continuous growth and commitment to providing exceptional patient experiences.

As they reflect on their journey, Reuben and May take pride in the warm response to their work and exceptional customer service.

“I’m constantly humbled by the warm response to the quality of our work and our customer service, which I must say is truly exceptional. That is why before anyone joins our team, we encourage them to first visit and observe our workflow,” Reuben enthuses.

“This provides valuable insights into how our practice philosophy and patient treatment approaches differ from their previous experiences. It's not just about clinical expertise; it's about understanding the underlying philosophy and workflow.”

This onboarding approach for new clinicians and staff has paid dividends, with approximately 70% of their recruits coming from word-of-mouth referrals.

“To learn that what we're doing for patients is actually impacting their lives to the point where they take their personal time to write these reviews is something that we do not take for granted,” May reiterates their gratefulness for the overwhelmingly positive reviews they have garnered over the last decade.

“With all our Google reviews being genuine and unsolicited, it makes our success even sweeter. The beauty of it is that our entire team takes immense pride in their work, going above and beyond with passion and care, whether it's the dentists, front office staff, or nurses. That's why you see the results you're witnessing.”

Stela's emergence as a game-changing amalgam alternative encapsulates the Australian company's innovative evolution over the decades

By Danny Chan

Do you recall the birth of the original iPhone? It was an innovation truly groundbreaking in its time. Yet even with its revolutionary status, it had its initial share of bugbears – the lack of copy-and-paste functionality being one of the most prominent. Nonetheless, through persistent efforts and a series of improvements over the years, it gradually transformed into the iconic device we know today

It's important to recognise that exceptional innovations like the iPhone aren't born overnight. History shows that greatness is often a product of relentless improvement, backed by extensive and costly research and development endeavours.

The reason for bringing this up is to draw comparisons with, and attention to, a Victoria-based dental company that has, since 1972, been holding its own as one of the world’s leading innovators of dental restorative materials.

Birth of an amalgam alternative

Whenever you hear industry buzz about SDI Ltd, the news typically emanates from behind their well-worn R&D curtains, unveiling yet another breakthrough solution.

World-famous brands that have sashayed down SDI’s innovation runway include: the Luna and Aura composite ranges; The "Riva" range of glass ionomers; the “Pola” range of tooth whitening materials; the Radii LED curing lights and the SDF brand Riva Star.
Unsurprisingly, Australia’s biggest dental exporter celebrated its 50th anniversary last year doing what it does best: announcing the birth of another Next Big Thing, – this time, in the form of Stela.
“Stela is a self-cure composite that was engineered as an amalgam replacement,” says Samantha Cheetham, SDI’s CEO

“As a leader in restoratives, SDI began an ambitious amalgam alternative project in 2018. SDI mobilised its 50 years of restorative experience and partnered with the universities of Sydney, NSW and Wollongong to develop Stela over an intensive 5-year timeline.”

Through the partnership with the universities, SDI worked on high-performance industrial composites and various other cutting-edge materials, leading to the publication of numerous scientific journals and the presentation of compelling research findings at prestigious conferences.

Addressing the oral health conundrum

As the dental industry worldwide has been seeking more aesthetic, physiologically integrated materials and compliance with global regulations, there's been a gradual decline in amalgam usage. The drawbacks of amalgam, including the need for extensive removal of healthy dental structure and poor aesthetics, have led to a 55% decline in worldwide amalgam use between 2019 and 2022.

It was this challenging landscape that led to the birth of Stela. As an amalgam technology leader with decades of industry experience, SDI took it upon their rugged R&D shoulders to create an amalgam alternative that would address the clinical needs of practitioners and global health regulations.

“Stela combines all the benefits of amalgam (high strength, easy to use, no light curing) and eliminates the drawbacks (Stela is minimally invasive, aesthetic and doesn’t contain mercury), Samantha adds. “Stela is also gap free, to ensure a longer lasting restoration.”

Part of the team

As a dental restorative material, Stela goes beyond the confines of a stand-alone product. It builds upon the strengths and characteristics of SDI's existing product portfolio. This evolutionary approach creates a harmonious synergy that elevates the entire spectrum of dental materials.
“Our Luna composite range provides excellent handling, strength and aesthetics. Our Riva range of glass ionomer cements provides a range of handling options with high fluoride release,” says Emma Kakantonis, the company’s Australian Sales Manager.

“The launch of Stela expands the versatility of composites. Stela has an unlimited depth of cure, without the need for a light cure during preparation or final set. This provides full confidence when restoring difficult or deep angled restorations.”
While traditional composites are limited to between 2-5mm depth of cure, Stela has an unlimited depth of cure. This certainty of cure eliminates guesswork and the risk of premature failure, preventing the widely-acknowledged risk of uncured material underneath a restoration.
“The simplicity of Stela is also perfect for nervous patients who are apprehensive about having a changing set of instruments and tastes placed in their mouth,” Emma concludes.

Stela’s strengths

With a compressive strength of 328 MPa and flexural strength of 143 MPa, Stela is one of the strongest composites available.

“Stela’s combination of high compressive and flexural strength ensures restorations can survive daily mastication forces,” Samantha adds.

“While this strength is essential – it’s also Stela’s gap free interface that ensures the longevity of restorations.”
One common cause for composite failure is microleakage into adjacent gaps, formed from stresses during curing. Stela’s unique, patented system results in a low-stress, gap-free interface, ensuring longer lasting restorations.

According to Leon Prentice, SDI’s Chief R&D Officer, Stela’s unique composition considered the shrinking property that plagues composites.

“All composites shrink a little as they cure – as the chemical bonds polymerise (cross-link), they pull together. The key is a composite’s shrinkage behaviour, and understanding the stresses that remain when everything is in its final set state,” he explains.

“For Stela, SDI engineered the system so that the Stela Primer accelerates curing towards the marginal walls – very different from light-curing, where the light cure polymerisation creates micro gaps as the restoration is pulled towards the light source. This innovation provides a restoration with no gaps, which reduces post-operative sensitivity.”

Two-step process – no curing light necessary

Stela is designed for easy placement. Unlike traditional composite systems, which involve up to 7 preparation steps, a Stela restoration requires only two steps: first applying the custom Stela Primer, followed by placing the Stela restorative. This streamlined approach minimises the risk of cross-contamination, reduces the need for patient intervention, and enhances efficiency.
“SDI also added technology into the bonding, engineering an optimal two-step restorative to deliver both optimal cavity preparation and optimal restoration,” Leon says.

“Stela Primer and the Stela Restorative both contain methacrylate monomers and MDP. These cure together, bonding to the cavity walls, delivering both superior bond strength and an outstanding seal, with minimal residual stresses.”

As Stela requires no curing light during preparation or for final set, its universal shade is designed for a “chameleon effect”.

“A bulk fill composite that needs to be light cured generally has to be unnaturally translucent to allow the light to get as deep as possible,” Leon adds.

“Stela has no such limitation. It does not require a curing light to cure all the way through, therefore its shade can more accurately mimic teeth. Stela is available in a universal shade with chameleon effect that blends in with surrounding structures, blocking stains like a dentine replacement and sealing edges for a flawless finish that mimics enamel.”
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Stela’s ingenuity further shines through its versatility – it’s meticulously crafted for application in both capsules and syringes. This thoughtful design ensures that whether you're equipped with a triturator/amalgamator or not, Stela seamlessly integrates into your practice.

Ears to the ground

SDI’s commitment to dental innovation is evident in the journey that led to Stela's creation. From the collaborative effort with leading Australian universities to its breakthrough attributes – high flexural strength, two-step process, no light curing, minimally invasive, no mercury, gap-free – Stela is aptly positioned as the "true amalgam alternative”.
As SDI celebrates its 50th anniversary, Stela stands as a testament to the company's evolution from an Australian brand with a single product to a global brand offering a comprehensive range of restoratives and tooth-whitening solutions.

Meanwhile, SDI Ltd is capping off the year with another accolade – being named by Dental Advisor (USA) as the “2023 innovative company of the year”. Proud of their achievements, Samantha Cheetham articulates SDI’s long-standing perspective behind their innovative agenda.

“SDI achieves its success by listening to dentists and striving to help them deliver better patient outcomes,” she says.

“And in the future, that will be no different. SDI will continue to engineer improved restoration and whitening products that are faster, easier and longer lasting.”

Dr Geoff Wallman's transition into retirement and his enduring association with Ekera Dental, explores the dynamics of post-sale relationships and the unique management approach that sets Ekera Dental apart in the corporate dental landscape.

By Danny Chan

When a car or piece of real estate is bought and sold, the buyer and seller would typically part ways after the transaction concludes. This holds true for most business sales. However, the dynamics shift when it comes to dental practices, where the prosperity and sustainability of the enterprise often depend heavily on the owner.

Under such circumstances, it makes sense for the buyer to retain the services of the proprietor, often times the Principal Dentist, even after the sale, until a suitable replacement can be secured. Acquisition companies commonly incorporate this practice by offering the selling dentist a contractual term to continue serving after the sale.

Dr Geoff Wallman found himself in such a situation when he agreed to remain as the principal dentist for five years after selling his clinic to the Ekera Dental group. If that sounds like an unusually lengthy post-sale relationship, you’d be surprised to learn that Dr Wallman went on to extend his duration of service.

“I wasn't quite ready to retire, so I ended up staying for about a year and a half,” he says.

“I didn't want to leave the practice in the lurch. We were just completing the five-year period, and I wanted to establish a succession plan. Hiring staff, particularly dentists, has been challenging lately. However, we were fortunate to finally find an excellent practice manager who enabled me to take a step back.”

Road to Blackwood

Graduating from Adelaide University in 1981, Dr Geoff Wallman spent the first 10 years of his career honing his skills as a general practitioner in Hong Kong. He then returned to South Australia with his family and established successful practices in the picturesque locations of Barossa Valley, Strathalbyn, and Blackwood.

Known for his expertise in implant technology, crown and bridge procedures, as well as laser dentistry, Dr Wallman has dedicated himself to both professional growth and exemplary patient care. He has undertaken extensive postgraduate studies in prosthetic and surgical implant therapy, as well as minor oral surgery. In addition, he is a long-standing member of the International Team of Implantology, as well as past member of the European Society of Oral Laser Applications.

Now at 67, after dedicating more than three decades of his life to the profession, Dr Geoff Wallman has officially retired.

Wise to the Occasion

Reflecting on his exit strategy that really took shape in 2016 when he discovered Ekera Dental through a trusted agent, he says the final decision was years in the making.

It is instructive to note that Dental Corporation (which later became Bupa Dental) had approached Dr Wallman before his fateful meeting with Dr Tony Coulepis, Ekera Dental’s Executive Chairman. Dental Corporation was of course one of the biggest and most influential brands on the market. Around the same time, a friend of Dr Wallman’s had sold a thriving practice to National Dental Care, another major player on the acquisition block.

Yet in retrospect, Dr Wallman believes he couldn’t have made a wiser decision, attesting – first and foremost – to Ekera Dental’s by-now famous “non-corporate corporate” management style.

“The Ekera Model allowed me to keep running the dental practice the way I had always been running it, as an individual practice,” he qualifies.

The Art of Preserving Identity: Ekera's Non-Corporate Model

Another significant factor was Ekera Dental's steadfast adherence to retaining the original branding and nomenclature of acquired dental clinics, a practice that distinguishes it from the prevailing norm observed within larger corporate entities.    

The uniqueness of Ekera Dental, Dr Wallman believes, lies in its approach of not assimilating practices into a vast conglomerate but allowing them to maintain their local and family-oriented identity. This approach enables the acquired practices to continue operating as they did before the acquisition, preserving their essence and integrity.
“I didn't really want a corporate that was going to come in and change the name of the practice and to all intents and purposes, make it into a "preferred provider" type of practice,” Dr Wallman says.

“I felt that we had spent some time and effort on building up "the brand" and it would be to our detriment changing it.”

Ekera Dental's Comprehensive Support

On the other hand, there were times when the “corporate” elements of Ekera Dental became an asset.

“Selling to a corporate also took out the parts of the practice that were quite frankly getting too complicated and time consuming – such as HR and Accreditation – for a single practitioner,” Dr Wallman admits.

“It offers a viable and secure succession plan, ensuring profitability. I had always contemplated retiring around the age of 65 or 66, and this approach provided me with a sense of assurance and certainty about my future.”

The former Practice Principal of Blackwood Dental was notably attracted to Ekera Dental's exceptional capacity to furnish comprehensive support for the myriad of demanding responsibilities they encountered.

“They took on the burdensome tasks like HR, bookkeeping, social media (whatever that means!) and bill payments, leaving the enjoyable aspects to us. It was quite a relief,” Dr Wallman enthuses.

“Most importantly, they allowed me to focus on dentistry.”

Viable Succession Plan

In response to the inquiry regarding the factors influencing his decision to prolong his tenure beyond the initially contracted five-year term, he expresses:

"At that point, I was approaching retirement age, and that had always been my overarching plan. The aspiration of establishing, purchasing, and selling dental practices had been fulfilled.

“I knew that ultimately, I would sell to a corporate entity and remain in that capacity for as long as required until the time came for a gradual transition or my eventual retirement."

Another factor that made Dr Wallman continue his association with Blackwood Dental was the remarkable Ekera team, led by Tony Coulepis.

“I had no issues with Ekera Dental – they were truly exceptional people. Tony is a wonderful leader who is always approachable,” Dr Wallman attests.

“He is very knowledgeable and willingly shares it. The team, as a whole, performs admirably under his leadership. Particularly during challenging phases, such as the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, their collective efforts and dedication proved invaluable.”

Cherishing Memories and New Pursuits

As Dr Wallman embarks on his retirement journey, it is undoubtedly the remarkable teamwork and camaraderie within the team that will leave indelible memories. Moreover, the enduring relationships he has forged with his patients over the years will be cherished reflections as he enters this new phase of life.

“Having been prepared for retirement, I haven't encountered significant difficulties during this transition,” Dr Wallman says.

“Nevertheless, the practice still reaches out to me whenever they require assistance, particularly with procedures like IV sedations and Implants, and I am delighted to be of service, ensuring that I remain connected with the team.

“Of course, it is hard to leave behind the patients that you have been treating for years and the staff you have been seeing every day for years. I was very touched by the gifts and comments I received from some of the patients and staff.”

Deborah, Geoff's spouse, was actively involved in the administration of the practice, leading to the establishment of a harmonious and well-coordinated work environment. The couple’s focus has now shifted beyond dentistry, onto their family life with two beloved children. These days, they can be found in serene locales, indulging their passion for golf and fishing.

“I am a golf tragic so am devoting my time to improving the handicap,” he remarks, hinting at a leisurely retirement.

Following a lengthy but contrived transitional phase, Geoff is enjoying his extended time out but remains in contact with the practice that he nurtured. Furthermore, he helps with both clinical and non-clinical assistance from time to time, which Ekera welcomes and is happy to encourage.
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“We will also be doing a bit of travelling and playing a little more bridge.”

Dr Adamo Notarantonio DDS, FICOI, FAACD, widely known as Dr Adamo Elvis, has an extraordinary journey that led him from being a college graduate with no direction, working as a garbage collector to becoming a renowned cosmetic dentist.

By Danny Chan

Dr Notarantonio's path took a unique turn after his brief career as a professional soccer player and the realization that it wasn't as financially rewarding as he had hoped. Seeking a new direction, he approached his father, who worked as a garbage truck driver.

Initially, his father challenged his decision, asking him to put on his shabbiest clothes and assigned him to work on the back of a garbage truck alone for a year and a half. This physically demanding job became a pivotal experience that instilled discipline and a strong work ethic.

Physical Labour Shaped His Future

Although dentistry was unfamiliar to him, having only visited the dentist twice in his life, Dr Notarantonio's friend and fraternity brother encouraged him to apply to dental school. He gained admission to Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, which sparked a passion that has lasted throughout his career.

Reflecting on his time as a garbage collector, Dr Notarantonio expresses gratitude for the experience.

“Without a doubt, that sole job alone taught me what hard work is all about. It was the most demanding in terms of the physical labor I have ever done, or seen for that matter,” he says.

“Some days were 12-plus hours, weather never stopped you, and the amount of weight one lifts picking up (the garbage of) approximately 750 homes a day is insane. In my eyes, nothing compares to that job intensity, and I truly believe my work ethic is what it is because of it.”

That labour-intensive experience not only built Dr Adamo Notarantonio’s resilience, hard work and determination, it has also paved the way for an extraordinary career in dentistry.

Distinguished Achievements and Career

Taking up his friend’s advice, Dr Notarantonio went on to graduate from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in 2002, where he received honours for his outstanding performance in both removable and fixed prosthodontics.

After graduation, he completed a residency in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program at Stony Brook in 2003. Recognizing his exceptional skills and dedication, the faculty selected him as the Chief Resident for an additional year.

Dr Notarantonio's commitment to excellence in cosmetic dentistry is evident in his achievement of Accreditation status in the esteemed American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) in 2011, followed by his Fellowship in the AACD in 2018. The distinguished recognition of Accreditation is reserved for a select group of approximately 400 dental professionals worldwide who have demonstrated the highest level of technical proficiency and expertise in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Fellowship, however, has currently 90 professionals worldwide.

“Accreditation and Fellowships were amazing accomplishments for me,” the cosmetic dentist notes.

“I think it is the most valuable learning experience one can get in cosmetics. If one works with a good mentor, the learning experience is incredible.

“My mentor trained my eye throughout that process to see things I would have never seen, and that has made me a way better cosmetic dentist. I completed 5 cases for accreditation and 50 cases for my Fellowship in the AACD. I was the 80th person worldwide to do so. We now have 90 Fellows in total.”

Rising Star in Cosmetic Dentistry

Notably, Dr Notarantonio’s expertise has been further acknowledged by the AACD, as he was invited to serve as a consultant and examiner for the Accreditation process, contributing his invaluable insights and knowledge.

In 2016, Dr Notarantonio was honoured with the AACD's Rising Star Award, recognizing his exceptional talent and potential as a potential leader in the field of cosmetic dentistry. His contributions to the profession have since extended beyond clinical practice.

Dr Notarantonio is currently the President-Elect of the AACD. He was the Accreditation Chairman of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry for the past five years, and has currently been appointed Fellowship Chairman, where he continues to shape the standards and promote excellence in the field.

Other notable achievements in his enviable academic journey include completing the Dawson Academy Core Curriculum Series as well as the curriculum at the Kois Center, both of which he readily credits as having shaped his career:

“Kois and Dawson are two of the places, along with Pankey, Spear and LVI that will teach you complete dentistry to the fullest.

“Without these principles, tackling the bigger cases I do now would be impossible. It is a must for me and I feel everyone should go through one of them.”

Upcoming Australian Lectures on Achieving Lifelike Composite Restorations

The renowned cosmetic dentist and President Elect of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is set to headline an upcoming speaking event organized by Amalgadent titled "Achieving Cosmetic Excellence."

This highly anticipated lecture-based course will provide dental professionals with valuable insights into the intersection of science and art in restorative dentistry, with a particular focus on achieving seamless and lifelike composite restorations.

“To me, science and art go hand in hand when it comes to restorative dentistry. I think one must understand the science of what they do, and when they do, the artistic side can run wild”, he enthuses.

“I quote Pablo Picasso, "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist".”

The event promises to be a transformative experience for dental practitioners seeking to elevate their skills and deliver outstanding cosmetic results to their patients.

Diversity is Key

On what attendees can expect from the upcoming course, Dr Notarantonio says: “I pride myself on giving as many take-home pearls as I can in my lectures so hopefully I will help to resolve a lot of the day-to-day struggles that they may have.

“In my eyes, diversity is key,” he adds. “A successful cosmetic dentist utilizes all disciplines such as bleaching, orthodontics, periodontics, composite and porcelain.”

Throughout the course, participants will delve into various aspects of cosmetic dentistry, including adhesive dentistry, bonding protocols, and composite handling. These essential topics will provide attendees with the knowledge and techniques needed to achieve cosmetic and aesthetic excellence in their own careers.

The event will be held on multiple dates and at various venues, including the following locations: The Westin in Brisbane, QLD, on Friday, 15th September 2023; The Sofitel in Melbourne, VIC, on Sunday, 17th September 2023; and The Radisson Blu in Sydney, NSW, on Friday, 22nd September 2023.

To facilitate participation, Amalgadent is offering an early bird registration fee of $399 (incl. GST) for a limited time, providing a substantial discount from the regular registration price of $499 (incl. GST).

The OrthoED Mini Masters program is known for delivering practical “fluff-free” orthodontic principles that general dentists can immediately apply.

By Danny Chan

General dentists and orthodontists undergo a shared curriculum during their dental school years, yet those pursuing specialized orthodontic training must complete a rigorous, three-year full-time program. Such training involves hands-on instruction, guidance from orthodontic mentors, and a series of assessment exams to secure specialist registration.

Unfortunately, limited spaces are available for this program, and committing to three years of full-time study presents significant challenges for practice owners or those unable to leave work or family responsibilities.

But what if there exists an alternative option for general practitioners seeking a comprehensive orthodontic curriculum that empowers them to confidently and efficiently treat a range of cases? This is where OrthoED’ s Mini Masters course comes in.

Comprehensive Training for General Practitioners

The OrthoED Mini Masters is a fully accredited, 9-module, two-year orthodontics course primarily delivered by Australia’s leading orthodontic educator, Dr Geoff Hall.

Dr Hall brings 32 years of experience and over 11,000 completed cases to the course, which is designed to provide general practitioners with a solid foundation in orthodontics.

According to OrthoED’ S Course Coordinator, Robyn Wood, graduates of their Mini Masters program are expected to properly diagnose and deliver realistic and risk mitigated treatment plans, save time and money on every orthodontic case, complete cases quickly and successfully, and gain the confidence to deliver predictable and high-quality cases profitably.

“Our program is based on sound orthodontic principles, and we continually improve it based on the feedback we receive from doctors,” she adds.

“Geoff (Hall) is known as the myth-busting orthodontist. He’s a very real lecturer who calls it as he sees it. So he does break down a lot of the myths that are out there.

“We do not recommend specific systems, and the knowledge gained from our courses can be applied to any system.”

Sold-out In-person Lectures

Attesting to Dr Hall’s popularity as a straight-talking orthodontic lecturer is the strong turnout for Module 1 of the Mini Masters Programme, recently held over three days at the Chadstone Hotel in Melbourne from 1-3 March. Each of those sold-out sessions attracted about 90 course attendees, with many others viewing the Live streamed version from the comfort of their home or office.

One of them is Dr Maria Florou, the Principal Dentist of Casuarina Dental Family and Holistic Care in NSW. Dr Florou first attended Geoff’s online lectures due to the COVID-19 lockdown, and she is obviously impressed enough to travel interstate just to catch the ‘live’ version in Melbourne.

“It’s been two years since I started on Geoff’s course and receiving his support on cases. So far, the quality of the content has been great. I wanted to broaden my view of dentistry through this course, not just focusing on aesthetics but really understanding the bio-dynamics of teeth movement,” she stresses.

“Having (Geoff’s) knowledge and support throughout this new learning journey really gives me the confidence to deliver better care to my patients.”

Module 1 focuses on diagnosis, treatment planning, risk management, and the art of excellent case presentation. Other modules cover conventional and unconventional straight wire mechanics, early orthodontic treatment, clear aligner therapy, aesthetic and accelerated orthodontics, advanced biomechanics, management of severe skeletal and dental discrepancies, ID and management of difficult orthodontic problems and malocclusions, and advanced aligner course.

Dr Farah Hares, a Senior Associate Dentist at Parramatta Dental Avenue, completed Module 4 (on clear aligners) in November, and immediately started applying the newfound knowledge. Now excited to pick up “practical principles” from Module 1, she says:

“I think that Geoff is a great lecturer because he takes out the needless information that you’re never going to use – which if you want, is available as part of the pre- and post-course materials anyway.

“He gets straight to the point and explains the concepts very well – and in very practical terms.”

As OrthoED’ S long-standing Course Coordinator, dentists often ask Robin Wood at what stage of the 9-module course they can start treating patients, to which she would respond: “Immediately.”

“It is important to start implementing the principles learned in module one right away, particularly in diagnosis and treatment planning,” she says.

“Module two has a comprehensive hands-on component that teaches doctors how to bond brackets and tie arch wires. We encourage doctors to start treating patients with braces after completing module two.

“Module three focuses on early treatment of younger children. While some doctors report that it takes until the end of module three to build their confidence, we believe success stories come from doctors who start treating patients early on with our support.

“We hold their hands from the start of treatment until the braces are removed, and even after completing the course. Our alumni membership provides ongoing support to doctors who complete the course."

Keeping Doctors and Patients Safe

The courses are also designed to address another genuine concern of many “orthodontists”, an informal reference to general dentists providing teeth alignment services.

The reason why general dentists don't often refer back to an orthodontist, Wood reasons, is that some orthodontists do not support general dentists doing orthodontic work.

“Although some specialists do support their colleagues, many general dentists are hesitant to seek their guidance for fear of being reported to APRA if their work doesn't meet the orthodontist's standards,” she says.

“However, from OrthoED’ s perspective, general dentists are already treating orthodontic patients and should be taught properly by experts like Geoff.

“The Mini Masters course aims to keep doctors and patients safe by teaching dentists to identify cases that fall outside their scope of treatment and refer them to specialists. Before treatment, doctors are encouraged to send their cases to Geoff, who can assess whether they are suitable for treatment or should be referred out.

“Additionally, the program emphasizes risk management by helping doctors identify potential problems at the diagnosis stage and find ways to avoid them to prevent prolonged treatment times and ensure patients' safety.”

Practical Training and Full Case Support

In addition to comprehensive training, the OrthoED Mini Masters provides practical training and full case support to general practitioners. The course includes a team training day, scheduling and integration plan, practical treatment planning and case management mentoring and support, six 90-minute webinars per year, weekly Q+A/treatment planning sessions for general dentists and hygienists, quarterly lunchtime Q+A sessions for teams, and in-practice training sessions (elective).

The OrthoED Mini Masters course provides convenience of study, with the option of face-to-face learning or livestream with online support during each session. In the last 2 years, the OrthoED Mini Masters programs have sold out within a few months of registrations opening, and soon OrthoED will be taking applications for the 2024 program with early bird specials for the first 30 registrants.

If you wish to be placed on the waiting list for 2024, please contact Mrs Robyn Wood on 1300 073 427 or via email [email protected] 

Revisiting the trailblazing story of Australia’s beloved dental brand and company.

By Danny Chan

American astronomer Carl Sagan once remarked: “You have to know the past to understand the present.”
​
Looking back on 50 years of SDI, it’s impossible to appreciate the current success of Australia’s home-grown dental materials corporation without revisiting its humble beginnings – although to readers of this magazine, SDI’s storied past may well be industry folklore by now.

Still, it’s a fascinating account that continues to shine a light on the indomitable spirit of Australian innovation and entrepreneurship.

How it all began

In 1972, Jeffrey Cheetham started SDI from his home garage, simply because he thought that the services dentists were receiving in those days were less than ideal.

The single-use dental amalgam capsule was christened as the very first SDI product. Developed through repeated trial-and-error tests, SDI founder Jeffrey Cheetham would spend countless hours perfecting the mixture over the kitchen sink, getting it ready for the first crop of Aussie dentist customers.
Finding modest success with his maiden innovation, more home made products soon followed: tooth-coloured restoratives, plastic composite fillings and tooth whitening.

Early sacrifices

As the business started to expand requiring fresh injection of funds, the financially squeezed Cheethams remained undeterred.

“Well I used my personal finances,” Jeffrey recalls nonchalantly, in a video commemorating 50 years of SDI.

“My wife and I literally had to mortgage the dog.”

To help cut costs while making space for amalgam capsule production, Jeffery even had to move his daughter, Samantha, out of her own bedroom.

“She doesn't like being reminded about that,” he quips.
SDI’s current CEO and Managing Director, Samantha Cheetham looks back on that infamous episode as just another example of Dad’s “entrepreneurial mindset”.

Although she cannot remember her reaction being too young at the time, Samantha reckons her bedroom was “probably identified as the quickest and cheapest location for the expansion of SDI operations.”

“Ambition was endless, but money and time was in short supply,” she adds.

“Jeff had to order, organise and store imported materials in bulk – and then fill large production orders at short notice. I’m sure that if our original house had more bedrooms, each one would have been converted to a research, production or product storage room.”

Global ambitions

In 1976, Jeff and his wife Pamela went on a trip that would forge the future direction of SDI.

Having only started their export business a year ago, the ambitious couple had already set their sights on a global market. However, the original plan to cultivate sales channels in England was quickly squashed by expensive air-tickets.

As luck would have it, Olympic Airways had a special deal flying to Athens, Greece. It was there that the Cheethams met someone by the name of Miltos Vitsaropoulos, who gave them their first big break to export SDI’s innovative capsules.

On the strength of that one trip, Jeff secured five distributors across Asia, and in 1980 decided he would expand into America.

By 1990, SDI had opened a tiny American office and secured distribution across Asia. Another SDI office followed suit, this time in the heart of European dental manufacturing, Germany.

Many developments occurred in the intervening years. Notably, SDI was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1985 and shifted its R&D facilities to Bayswater in 1990 to expand its manufacturing capacity.

That Australian dental company

SDI products are today sold in over 100 countries and the company exports 90% of the products it manufactures. That’s no mean feat, especially considering Australia’s geographical position.

“As Australia is so physically isolated from other export markets, export planning is crucial,” Samantha explains.

“The SDI manufacturing and logistics teams work in tandem to navigate customer order changes, regulation nuances and product refrigeration requirements. SDI aims to ensure consistent product quality and maximised product shelf life for all exports.”

The company’s well-oiled planning and export logistics team proved their mettle during the pandemic.

“Our international teams reported that SDI products remained in stock and available where other manufacturers faced rolling shortages,” Samantha adds.

In September 2022, the company was awarded the Victorian Exporter of the Year Award through the Governor of Victoria Export Awards Program. The award also acknowledges SDI’s achievements during the difficult pandemic years.

Proudly flying the Aussie flag wherever they go, SDI has always been a poster company for supporting local manufacturing.

“International dentists synonymously link SDI with Australia. When asked to describe SDI, many international dentists mention Australia within the first sentence,” Samantha beams.

“SDI strengthens this positive association, by featuring mini kangaroo and koala accessories within its international dental exhibitions. As Australia is seen as a trusted manufacturing location, SDI proactively highlights Australia as part of its communications.”

Reflections on turning 50

After leading SDI for 42 years, Jeffrey handed the reins of the company to Samantha in 2014.

Asked for the most valuable lesson learned as a company over the last 50 years, and looking back on her own 8 years at the helm, Samantha believes it’s their tenacity to insist on dentist-led innovation.

“Rather than develop products that copy the dental market, SDI conducts regular research with dentists to identify the key frustrations of dentists and patients,” she shares.

“SDI then combines its internal and external knowledge of material science breakthroughs to develop innovative products that solve real dental frustrations.”

Of course, the company has had its share of setbacks, which to Samantha, are all important lessons from which future opportunities may be gleaned.

In the early days of amalgam production, SDI released products “that were either too weak, or so strong that they would crack a tooth”. Another occasion in the early 2000s saw SDI prematurely launch the Riva range “without enough quality control, which also affected (their) reputation for many years to come”.

“SDI has learned from these previous mistakes and is acutely aware that reputation is built in decades but destroyed in moments,” she adds.

“We understand that dentists are vouching for us when they use our products, and we stand behind them 100%.”

New and upcoming releases

That unwavering assurance now stands behind every new offering, including the 2022-launched packable composite Luna 2 and the new amalgam replacement product called Stela.

Luna 2 is a new generation of BPA-free composites which has improved handling and colour properties, while also being more radiopaque.

“We’re happy to see most of our customers have eagerly switched over from the original Luna to embrace the benefits of Luna 2,” Samantha enthuses.

Part of full pipeline of products due for launch between 2023-2027, the new amalgam replacement product Stela will be released in early 2023.

“This tooth-coloured posterior restorative is both simple to apply and delivers very impressive strength properties,” Samantha notes.

Too many to mention

As the global dental company crosses the half-century milestone, it would be remiss of any Anniversary feature to forget mention of their massive product contributions.

SDI has given us brands such as the Pola range of tooth whitening; the Riva range of glass ionomers; the Luna, Wave and Aura ranges of composites and Zipbond, the universal adhesive.

SDI product users have benefited from a string of innovations over the last 50 years, and that would continue unabated into the future, Samantha assures.

“People know that we've been here through the cycles, we've been through the trends, and we can see what's coming,” she adds.
​
“We're planning to be here for the next 50 and 100 years.”

Specialist prosthodontist Dr Jonathan Mitchell “Mitch” Innes has created a fully functional dental ecosystem that encompasses general and specialist dentistry, dental laboratory, continuing education and professional development.  

By Danny Chan

Are you running a dental practice or dental business? If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably heard it being asked at one of many practice building seminars or motivational speaking type of event – in which case, you ought to know the standard answer: both.

Textbook response notwithstanding, it’s more satisfying talking to someone who has actually lived it out, and whose accomplishments alone make plain the thesis of a well-balanced equation.

Dr Mitch Innes certainly qualifies as a dentist who has excelled in both his clinical and business endeavours.

The specialist prosthodontist and his wife Hayley, a practice and business manager, oversee a thriving dual-site group practice that employs five full-time dentists. Additionally they run their own specialist clinic, a dental laboratory and a professional development company.

Been there, done that

Business hat firmly ensconced, Dr Innes is a renowned specialist prosthodontist at Sunshine Coast Specialist Prosthodontics, which he founded in 2016. He is the principal dentist at Bright Smiles Dentistry, a two-location practice he founded and recently partnered with Ekera Dental.

Along with lead ceramist Marc Collins, the lab-trained prosthodontist also developed Dental Smile Designers in 2018, a dental laboratory that produces case planning, as well as ceramic and implant restorations.

If all that isn’t enough, Dr Innes has found time to set up a portal that hosts dental professional development courses (www.dentalcpd.com.au), in addition to his private property and stock investments.

Downplaying his serial entrepreneur credentials, he shares:  

“All that I’ve really done is to continue being a prosthodontist. So we've built our businesses out of what is the normal role of a prosthodontist. I agree, it's big, and there's lots of work involved with all of it.
“In terms of how I compartmentalize it, in my mind, it all goes hand in hand.”

Supportive community for dentists

The dentalcpd platform provides hands-on patient education courses in Australia for restorative/prosthodontic dentistry including crowns and full mouth rehabilitation, dental implantology prosthetics and surgery including implant placement and tissue augmentation.

For Hayley, the online portal is more than just a learning platform. It is a place where dentists can help and support each other.

“As someone who is not from a dental background, I’ve always found it very strange how closed dental practices are,” she adds.

“Through dentalcpd, we’ve had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of dentists in Australia and overseas and we’ve come to realise that everyone goes through the same challenges.

“This was especially true during the COVID-19 lockdown periods where so many dentists experienced the same struggles.

“It’s important for us to be in an industry where we can support each other, and that is part of the reason why we chose to partner with Ekera Dental.”

Soft transition

The Innes’ recently sold their Sunshine Coast-based Bright Smiles Dentistry group practice to acquisition firm Ekera Dental.

Set up in 2013, the first clinic is located in Brightwater at Mountain Creek and the second branch in Currimundi opened in 2017.

“In recent years on reflection and reassessment, my wife and practice manager Hayley, and I decided that our future passion lay with the specialist practice (Sunshine Coast Prosthodontics) and our professional development company (www.dentalcpd.com.au),” Dr Innes explains.

“As such, we looked to transition from the two general practices (Bright Smiles Dentistry).”

Admittedly “very protective” of their staff and patients, the couple held lengthy discussions with several suitors before deciding on Ekera Dental.

“The transition has been very, very soft,” Hayley continues, “and it has been very good for the staff.

“We've got two young boys, so the staff understood the hours that we were keeping and how demanding it was for us. And that has really worked for us.”

Relinquish and refocus

As hands-on practice owners who run a “tight ship”, the Innes wanted to make sure the new owner would relieve them of time-consuming back-end tasks while giving them the autonomy to focus on managing the clinical and customer-facing side of the operation.

“We've had to learn some new systems, but apart from that, it's been very seamless to date,” Dr Innes adds.

“The Ekera team has really taken a lot of the time-consuming work off of our shoulders – whether that be bookkeeping or accounts payable – and that has allowed us to really refocus on our core businesses and be able to be more creative day to day. “

If it ain’t broke

Calling Ekera Dental the “last man standing”, Dr Innes reveals that they had scoured the field in search of a buyer that would best preserve the modus operandi of Bright Smiles Dentistry, so that the management change would not be jolting for staff and patients.  

Based on his investigations, the Ekera Dental business model of maintaining the status quo post-sale is far from commonplace.

“From a purely business perspective, it always intrigues me why anyone would take over a successful business, and then change it. You're buying it precisely because it has a successful business model specific to its location and patient community,” he notes incredulously. 

“Whereas with Ekera Dental, they just want you to continue status quo – they’ve not imposed any restrictions on our daily activities.

“In fact, they want to know how we operate the businesses, our policies and procedures. They want to find out how we generate the income we generate, do the clinical work we do, and so on.

“They've learned a lot from engaging with the previous owners, which is great. And, you know what, that's a mutually beneficial relationship!”

Life of mentorship

Another type of mutually beneficial relationship that has shaped Dr Innes’ career is that of mentorship.

Interestingly, the recipient of coveted accolades such as the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Award (University of Queensland) and the Australian Postgraduate Award (University of Adelaide) did not initially take to dentistry.

It took mentor, family friend and renowned dentist, Dr John Currey, to convince young Mitch to pursue a dental career – something he now looks back on as a “calling”.

After graduating with a BDSs (HONS), in between private practice jobs in Southeast Queensland and North Queensland, Dr Innes met other mentors who influenced his clinical development and sharpened his business acumen: Drs Michael Mandikos, Matthew Casey and Tony Rotondo – all industry heavyweights in their own right.

Yet rather than a working relationship structured around clinical or professional pursuits, Dr Innes views “mentorship” as a way of life.

“I was very lucky in that I grew up having really close relationships with my parents and grandparents, who were my first mentors.

“You’ve always got something to learn from people who are older and more experienced than you and that's something instilled in me since I was a kid.”

With the recent sale of Bright Smiles Dentistry, Dr Innes now has more time to give back to the virtuous cycle of mentorship – especially through dentalcpd.com.au

“Mentorship is central to our clinical team and has contributed greatly to our success,” he adds. “While it benefits both the teacher and student, more importantly, the patients are going to get better outcomes.

“Through our learning portal, there is a lot that our team of lecturers, including myself, can impart to those who want to hone their clinical, business or even laboratory skills.

“Who knows, for some dentists even sharing from my experience on how to handle multiple things on the go at one time might be of use as well.”

He was about to put the brakes on an illustrious career then realised there’s still some left in the tank.

By Danny Chan

The last time I spoke to Dr Brendan Guthrie was in 2019. At the time, he had just sold  Toowong Dental Group (TDG), a Brisbane group practice where he had spent the previous 25 years as a co-partner.

Against the backdrop of selling one of the most successful dental groups in Brisbane’s inner suburbs to the acquisition firm Ekera Dental, Dr Guthrie shared his penchant for customer service as he began a new tenure as practice principal under the new management.

On an individual case basis, the duration and terms of his post-sale service were set out in the contract as part of the sale. According to Dr Guthrie, this is standard practice that helps to transition the business as well as its previous owners to the next phase.

Fast forward to present, Dr Guthrie has already completed his contractual obligations with Ekera Dental. Yet he’s not ready to hang up the ultrasonic scaler just yet.

Hold your horses

Despite now having the freedom to retire if he chose, Dr Guthrie found himself in a different headspace than previously anticipated.

“When we were negotiating with Ekera Dental, my original idea was that I would serve out the rest of the contracted tenure and that would be it – I thought that I would retire. In fact, I wanted to sort of keep that shorter rather than longer,” says the 59-year-old dentist.

“As it turned out, it's a bit hard to predict the future. Firstly, the practice sale was completed pre-COVID-19. Second, it’s three or so years down the track, suddenly you're not quite as old as you thought you would be.”

The original script that saw Dr Guthrie galloping off into the sunset was modified following several chat sessions with Dr Tony Coulepis, Executive Chairman of Ekera Dental. It was agreed that Dr Guthrie would return as a Consultant Dentist to “just do dentistry”. This new arrangement would be different to that of his post-sale role, which involved overseeing the daily running of the practice.

That Dr Guthrie would put off retirement for the newly minted position speaks volumes of the lingering passion he has for the trade, not to mention how much he enjoys working at TDG – even after selling it to Ekera Dental.

Stress-free dentistry

Beyond rekindling his old mojo in a familiar setting, Dr Guthrie finds treating patients a bit more pleasurable these days.

“When you take away the administrative burden, and the other things that go along with managing staff in such a big practice, you find that dentistry itself is actually not the hardest part of what you do,” he adds.

“I would say treating patients is rather more enjoyable when you don't have the pressure of doing these other things in between patients.”

He actually comes into the clinic for more days per week than his contract stipulates – but this also affords a bit more flexibility to “taper off” when he feels like it. Interestingly, even though he clocks less hours, the affable dentist still sees virtually the same number of patients as before.

For someone used to working long weeks – beginning each workday with a patient at 7am – Dr Guthrie admits the last-minute detour as a way to phase in retirement. The dopamine effect, as it were, took a bit longer to wear off than initially thought.

“I actually kind of miss the cut and thrust of dental work,” he confesses. “You don't realise it but I actually get a bit of kick out of solving problems.”

Recalculating the route

Thoughts about retirement, it seems, did not quite work out as planned either. In the previous interview, Dr Guthrie was looking forward to fishing escapades on his 15-year-old boat and vacations with his wife and four grown-up boys.

Although he managed to do the latter – holidaying in New Zealand and Tasmania with family and friends which given the COVID-19 restrictions was no small feat – the Guthries actually sold off the boat. Significant for the keen angler, that decision was dwarfed by the couple’s 180-degree change in lifestyle, encapsulated by the sale of their suburban family home of 25 years.

“Well, the selling of the boat wasn't planned,” he reveals.

“My wife had decided a couple of years ago that because we had four grown sons, the five-bedroom house was just too much maintenance, and she just felt sad.

“We were walking down the hallway past all the empty rooms and I think that's a pretty common sensation. However, she wanted to sell the house about the same time as we were negotiating the sale of the practice.”

The timing was too close for comfort, Dr Guthrie recalls, opting to sell the practice first, then worry about the house later.

“Selling both your practice and home of 25 years at the same time would have caused too much emotional upheaval.”

Time for a change

The couple are very happy they downsized to an apartment nestled in the city’s fringe by the Brisbane River. Enjoying the slower pace of life, Dr Guthrie still remembers being split between house maintenance chores and fishing – back when he needed “38 hours every day”.

Now with freed up professional and personal time, the studious clinician enriches himself by taking up courses, like the one he would be attending the next day in Sydney – partially sponsored by Ekera Dental.

“The folks at Ekera Dental encourage you to go to courses and assist with the costs involved,” he says. “They don't want a bunch of dummies running their places.”

Unexpected reward

For Dr Guthrie, one of the least expected rewards from selling his practice to Ekera Dental was having the opportunity to work with and befriend Dr Coulepis.

“Tony and I have spent literally hundreds of hours on the phone or email during COVID-19,” he adds. He's a very intelligent person, and he is genuinely interested in what you have to contribute.”

He let on during our 2019 conversation, that the partners’ last-minute decision to sell to Ekera Dental, was due in no small part to Dr Coulepis’ personable disposition that stood in contrast with the other corporates vying for the sale.

“Today I talk about Tony’s professionalism with even more conviction,” he says.

“We've had so many dealings with him and the team over the last three years, and everything has been smooth sailing.”

And that is saying something given the immense potential for hiccups. A few months after Ekera Dental bought over Toowong Dental Group, COVID-19 arrived and, in Dr Guthrie’s words, “turned everybody's world upside down”. The practice also experienced two floods, one of which required “a whole lot of rebuilding done during the Christmas period”.

Instead of straining their work relationship, these difficult events actually brought out the best in the Ekera team’s positive work ethics – whilst earning Dr Guthrie’s trust and loyalty.

“Our relationship with Tony and the Ekera team is the main reason why I wasn't in a hurry to just ride off into the sunset. Despite the ups and downs beyond anyone’s control, it’s been quite an enjoyable experience.
​
“I thought I wouldn't have any steam left when in fact, I've got plenty. That’s why I've come back for another gig in a slightly different role.”

The 25th Anniversary of Dental Innovations proves that the purchasing network for independent dentists is alive and well in our highly corporatized industry.

By Danny Chan

In 1997, while serving as senior regional manager for NAB, Merv Saultry was approached to research the dental industry. What he found was shocking.

Suppliers were charging dentists vastly different prices for the same product – even if they were located on the same street or in neighbouring townships.

Seeing how individual dental practices were easily exploited for lack of buying power in a largely opaque supply market, Merv decided to leverage his financial knowhow and set up a dental buyer’s network.

The concept was straightforward: Draw on the collective strengths of individual dentists to amass greater negotiating and buying power. That seed idea has since grown into Australia's largest commercial network for dentists.

As Dental Innovations marks its 25th Anniversary this year, it brings to bear a salient point – what Merv had discovered in 1997 is still as relevant today.

United we stand

In a marketplace increasingly dominated by large corporates and health fund providers, the economic imperative for dentists to unite is still as pertinent – though more profoundly felt than ever.

“The Dental Industry has changed significantly over the last 25 years and continues to do so,” says Berris Saultry, Director of Dental Innovations.

“However the value proposition of the independent dentist who owns and operates his or her own practice still remains unchanged.”

The same dichotomy can be said of the company. Although Merv stepped down as the CEO in 2011 to let his sons Tim and Berris run the organisation, nothing has changed fundamentally.

They remain a family business dedicated to improving the bottom-line of their members. They continue to help practice owners systemise their business while leveraging the power of the collective to enhance individual prosperity.

What has changed is the scale and delivery of the business. From a modest outfit in 1997, DI has grown into a bona-fide network boasting more than 750 independent dental practices across Australia and New Zealand.  Since its inception, DI has saved its members millions of dollars.  

Savings (both time and financial) are accrued from a range of membership benefits: Stock Management and Inventory Control systems including exclusive discount pricing with ten suppliers on more than 60,000 products; reductions in credit card merchant fees; practice insurance premiums; equipment discounts and access to complimentary marketing content resources.

The company has also created various avenues for members to connect and exchange ideas and best practices with other dentists. These include a private online forum, networking events and webinars.

These well-received programs have been developed in keeping with the rapid change of pace as well as increased pressure on dentists.

“Dentists are up against multi-nationals. Venture capital is flooding in. Health funds are attempting to control the industry,” Tim adds. 

“It’s an increasingly hostile environment. What most dentists want to do is dentistry but they end up having to cope with the immense pressures of running a business.”

Membership has its privileges

The message is clear. Only by banding together can dentists ever hope of generating enough critical mass to make themselves stand out in the crowded marketplace or heard above the media-saturated cacophony.

That said, there are those who join Dental Innovations with simpler goals.

Dr Sam Rogers, who has been with DI right from the start, said he was looking to form a peer group – preferably one with “very efficient buying power that the Australian Dentist Association wasn’t involved in.”
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While complimentary of DI’s peer group support, exclusive deals and customer service, the owner of Northbridge Dental Clinic believes his biggest membership gains were the friendships he had cultivated within DI’s collegial framework.
 
“It’s the feeling of not being in it alone,” he summarises, identifying one of those ‘invaluable intangibles’ rarely associated with the price of a membership.
 
Echoing the sentiment, fellow Foundation Member Dr Andrew Prideaux said he also joined DI because he saw the value of grouping with like-minded dentists.
 
Dr Prideaux joined as part of a group practice in 1998, but found bigger membership yields since moving into his own private practice in 2000.
 
The Director of Mosman Fine Dental says he benefited the most from DI’s networking information, online portal and benchmarking services.   
 
Dr Prideaux singles out the peer-to-peer chat forum as the go-to conduit for sourcing timely information – everything from bang-for-buck consumables to buying a car. He also appreciates the online ordering portal and the quarterly reports on practice expenditure and other timely data.
 
The network’s industry-benchmarking data, he attests, outperforms even commercially available third party alternatives.   

“As a practice owner, you are always looking for that happy medium between the clinical and operational aspects of dentistry,” he avers, “DI helps to fill part of that knowledge gap – the stuff they don’t teach you in university.”

Mission Possible
One of the “missions" described on the Dental Innovations website is to “take on the big boys” through helping dentists gain leveraged access to the best suppliers and providing peer-to-peer support.

How does the company stack up against the competition? By ‘competition’ we mean big corporate health funds and practice aggregators with deep pockets.
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“They may have deep pockets,” Tim Saultry admits, “but not the personalized service and relationships which independent dentists can leverage. 
 
He cites the example of Dental Innovation’s 25-year relationship with Dentsply Sirona which has been supporting the DI Network concept since 1997.
 
“Corporates that are accountable to investor returns so often miss the importance of relationships. This problem is exacerbated by a high staff turnover where their personnel seldom stay long enough to cultivate strong relationships,” he adds.
 
“Unlike most other industries, a dentist remains a dentist for their working life. That’s why they look to industry service providers with whom they can partner for the long haul.” 
 
Unlike bureaucratic corporate structures, Berris Saultry believes the DI community thrives on having a proactive support network.
 
“We saw this community spirit in action during the recent pandemic lockdown,” he says. “Our members were helping each other navigate through that crisis.
 
“I think that member dental practices will continue to grow as they differentiate themselves from corporate groups in the market.
 
“Being part of DI will allow those practices to achieve the same economies of scale as corporates but still maintain their independence.”
 
“Our mission is the same as it was in the beginning,” Tim interjects, “empowering and supporting dentists, allowing them to be proactive within their own industry.”