Levitch Design Australia captures client’s vision almost to the letter – but not before delivering extra oomph!

By Danny Chan

So you just want to update your existing practice using the so-called “modern” template: Light-filled environment, white walls, high gloss melamine cabinets, timber flooring, etc. In other words, the standard “run-of-mill” package contractors pull out as soon as the words “budget constraint” are uttered. 

If you’re currently on this generic track, chances are, you would have one of two reactions to this featured renovation: Either dismiss it as being too “pie in the sky” to be of any practical use”, or more likely, be inspired to take a walk on the wildly creative side. A far less likely response is to be indifferent or unimpressed.

From the chiselled charms of the building facade to the cavernous interiors where stylised timber-carpet floorings, fabric walls and bespoke furnishings conjugate in a heady mix of oddly complementary colours, here is the kind of fit out splendour that once beheld cannot be unseen.

The interior design and renovation of Chisholm Orthodontics’ North Adelaide branch – other locations in Mildura, Alice Springs and South Plympton have since opened in quick succession – bears all the creative hallmarks of Levitch Design Australia. With more than 30 years under her belt, designing some of Australia’s most stunning healthcare practices, LDA has developed an inimitable sense of style, evident not just in their cutting edge design but also in bringing the client’s vision to fruition – usually with elements of surprise and aplomb. 

Reflecting on Dr Neena Chisholm’s initial brief, we know that one of the main priorities the Specialist Orthodontist had was for the design to convey a “bright, cheery and energetic outlook” within “a relaxing haven for patients and their parents”.

“Our aim,” says the Practice Owner and Specialist Orthodontist, “was to have an easy flow of patients within the four surgeries.”

Interestingly, if you were asked to describe the renovation without any prior knowledge of the brief, you may actually end up using the exact words “bright, cheery and energetic” – or their variants – to capture the essence of the design aesthetics. Such is the close attention LDA pays to a client’s wants, always remaining faithful to the original vision even as it raises the artistic quotient.

Perhaps most clearly depicted in the grand reception cum waiting area, you slowly realise that the colours, fabric patterns and layered flooring were not selected in a vacuum. The tones and hues masterfully feed off each other to create an ensemble effect. Bright colours, for example, look more vibrant when paired with subdued colours, but neither ever crossing into gaudy territory. Each of the hues carefully calibrated to harmonise in a soothing way, yet somehow capturing the desired pizazz.    

The palette and pattern choices, not too loud or ostentatious, were necessary to reflect characteristics of a “relaxing haven”. The different tones of fabric walls imbue the element of “softness”, just as the contoured lines of a snaking cushioned bench convey “roundness”. Over at the playroom, lampshades made from cotton-like material, resembling floating clouds, add a layer of wonderment to the kid’s area.

These are all powerful visceral touchstones that depict an environment that is “bright”, “energetic”, “comfortable”, “relaxing”, “fun” and “creative”. Once again, LDA stayed true to the aesthetic goals without straying from the brief.

In terms of layout and space optimisation, LDA had the benefit of a generous 350-sqm floor space. While apportioning the space into 4 surgeries, x-ray room and on-site laboratory, the layout artist made sure to leave room for a spacious walkway that does not simply connect to the different rooms, but dressed to impress even the most jaded customer.

Imagine a corridor wide enough to fit dual lanes of human traffic, packing enough aesthetic features to maintain visual interest throughout. On one side, each available wall panel has been turned into a giant display featuring concentric circles borrowed from the practice logo.  On the other side, framed abstract art pieces featuring a bold mix of ink scratches and splotches, reimagine the same circular motif. To complete the avant-garde experience, dangling from high ceilings are modish lights that resemble futuristic drones with light-tipped propeller blades. So eye-catching are these “flying objects” that few travellers along this pathway can resist the temptation to look skywards.

Interesting as the alley artworks are, however, they do not distract from Dr Chisholm’s master plan to provide “an easy flow of patients within the four surgeries”, which the designer more than manages – of course, not forgetting the usual aplomb.

Although the orthodontist acknowledges that LDA’s undeniably premium service and delivery is reflected in their marginally higher costs, she would still absolutely recommend their services “any day”. If that does not say customer satisfaction, what does?

Perhaps you may insist that patient feedback is the true litmus test of a quality renovation. Well then, let’s complete this string of pearls with some positive feedback that Dr Chisholm is happy to summarise:
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“We have had a lot of positive feedback about the design of the building, on how good the lighting is and how nice the bright colours are in the dental practice as it makes them feel calm. The staff love the practicality of the practice and how everything just works and flows.”

“As usual (LDA) has delivered an excellent, pleasant practice environment, we enjoy coming to work.”

The passion to drive CAD/CAM technologies towards achieving high precision results hasn’t abated for this long-time industry stalwart. 
 
By Danny Chan
 
Since the age of 16, beginning with a basic engineering apprenticeship, CAD/CAM technology has been Kevin Bird’s bread and butter. In 2013, after 27 years working for a UK firm providing tech support and consultancy services for a versatile CAD/CAM software across multiple industries, he brought his wide-ranging expertise to Melbourne, carving a niche career in dental prosthetics. 
 
In his former UK-based role, where he toggled effortlessly between diverse industries – from automobile to medical, aerospace to dental – it wasn’t unusual to find the consummate engineer poring over an aircraft part one week and 5axis milling a dental restoration the next. Yet wearing the dental badge exclusively hasn’t changed the name of his game.
 
“Although certain things like the specific programming, manufacturing process or materials may differ, the motivation behind each of the projects is exactly the same,” he qualifies.
 
“Whatever the object that is being manufactured, the focus is always on utilizing the most suitable equipment, material and technique to get the most accurate results possible in the most efficient way. That’s our top priority here at Dentmill as well.”
 
Founded in 2009, Dentmill is a full-service Milling Centre located in Abbotsford. Led by Kevin, the company comprises a team of 5 engineers and technicians providing a comprehensive range of high-end dental milling solutions, including: Full monolithic translucent zirconia, zirconia substructures, Cobalt chrome, Titanium, PMMA materials, milled Lithium-disilicate and implant restorations. Utilizing a sophisticated digital workflow, Dentmill further provides digital scanning and design services and 3D resin printing.
 
The words “sophisticated digital workflow” are by no means a copywriter’s affectation. Besides boasting a fully digitized workflow that accepts customer’s cases via all digital scanners – the centre’s proprietary system can process both conventional and intra-oral scanned impressions and works with all leading scanner systems which produce open format STL files – it is the only dental facility in Australia to own and utilize Roeder’s High Speed Dental Milling Machines.
 
With its unique linear motor technology, the revolutionary German milling machine offers high precision, energy and time saving benefits while enabling the manufacture of a variety of top end quality dental products. As part of the seamless digital CAD/CAM workflow, the automated machine can detect and switch between different types of materials and set parameters for continuous, unattended 24/7 output.
 
Costing almost a million bucks a piece, the Roeders machines were not only expensive. Engineers had to be flown in from Germany to set up the two units Dentmill purchased – installation alone took 3 weeks.
 
One of the Melbourne team members involved in the initial face meeting with the Roeders side in Germany is Matt Smith, General Manager of Dentmill.
 
“As an indication of the level of difficulty involved, the Roeders team made sure we knew exactly how to use and maintain the units – we had to attend training sessions taught by German experts – before they were even willing to sell them to us. To them, Roeder’s reputation was more important than making a sale.”
 
No matter the huge financial outlay and all the challenges, Matt insists, they are clearly outweighed by the benefits.
 
“The RXD5 milling machines allow us to cover all dental restorations and materials from simple copings all the way to multi implant cases. To date, we have yet to come across any material that we cannot work with.”
 
That is a bold claim considering the widening range of materials on the market, not to mention varying case complexities and client demands. The flexibility Dentmill offers extends to clients who use genuine industry standard systems as well as those that do not.
 
Australian labs can be assured of speedier turnarounds from a local milling centre, without having to rely on offshore facilities – as Kevin points out, it isn’t necessary for labs to send cases to overseas milling centres just because they are “authorized” by big brand product manufacturers.
 
All the advantages that come with having a locally based, cutting edge facility means nothing to Aussie labs if the Dentmill team does not back it up with the right expertise. Thanks to Kevin’s extensive CAD/CAM background and skillsets, and those of his teammates, customers can always look forward to professional help at Dentmill – where Kevin claims, even problematic cases eluding other milling centres, can be resolved.
 
He relates a recent case in which a customer who owned a bench-top milling unit repeatedly failed to mill a certain prosthetic. After breaking tools and materials from multiple attempts and seeking advice from other milling centres and labs didn’t help, the milling quandary was posed to Kevin.
 
“I took one look and was able to determine that only a tailored program would work and quickly developed one for it. It took us only one attempt to mill the obscure shape,” Kevin says.
 
Debunking the myth that milling involves nothing more than “pressing a button and getting the desired results every time,” he continues:
 
“Some CAD/CAM operators with only cursory knowledge of the complex processes, do not realize that the “plug-and-play” methods prescribed by equipment manufacturers only cover the more typical cases.”
 
“Not only does our software allow us to customize out-of-the-ordinary cases, our operators have years of training and experience to know what works and what doesn’t.”
 
With a deserving air of authority, the CAD/CAM stalwart with 32 years under his belt reiterates:
 
“You can have all the tools in the box, but it is important to know when and how to use them, bearing in mind, the end objective is to achieve high quality results, and nothing less!”
 
For more information, please call 03 9416 2039 or visit https://www.dentmill.com.au/.
 
 
 

​Dr Terry Rose runs a fully integrated, digitally enhanced practice that is impressive for its depth and versatility. The Vatech Green CT takes on the diagnostic role to complete the seamless workflow.
 
By Danny Chan
 
Established since 1989, Smile In Style is a high-tech dental practice with branches in Moonee Ponds and Sunbury. What sets the suburban clinics apart from many of its peers, besides an early focus on holistic dentistry, is their in-house digital pipeline that encompasses everything from 2D/3D diagnostics (OPG Lat Ceph unit/ CBCT) to laser dentistry to CAD/CAM dentistry. In the middle of integrating a 3D printer that will allow him to fabricate self-designed implant surgical guides, Dr Rose is dovetailing the workflow, granting full control over a complete spectrum of patient services – including over their costs and output quality.
 
If you were to liken Dr Rose’s well-oiled digitised machinery to a human body, then the “eyes” of this set-up would have to be the OPG and CBCT. It is somewhat illuminating that the Principal Dentist has entrusted this critical function to the same company twice over a 9-year period.

Having owned a Vatech PAX-500 Versa OPG lateral ceph unit since 2009, the Practice Owner and previous Orthodontic Lecturer for POS had been pleased with the “good quality images and the reliability of the equipment for a reasonable price”. When a number of his patients began enquiring about CBCT imaging – during which time he was still referring patients to external imaging services, including for all his implant cases – he reckoned it was time to invest in a CBCT unit.

“Having been happy with Vatech products, I checked out what they had to offer in the CBCT line. The Green 16 unit looked the best fit with its features for what I wanted – large FOV (16x9) which would cover md + mx arches for implant planning and also airway analysis; clarity of image; good software; low radiation dosage (especially of interest to holistic patients); open ended system with easy file export were all factors.”
 
“All this at a reasonable price meant it looked the best unit to suit my needs on the market.”
 
Smile in Style Sunbury was the first dental practice in Victoria to install a Vatech Green 16 unit back in August 2018. While the OPG was still being used on new patients as part of a comprehensive exam, in addition to orthodontic records, the CBCT unit literally hit the ground running as the diagnostic unit of choice for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), root canal and implant cases.
 
A former OSA sufferer, Dr Rose can testify to the image quality of the Vatech Green 16 CBCT, which paved the way for his own successful treatment using a combination of Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) and Nightlase, a “Sleep-Apnoea” feature of the Fotona Lightwalker Laser: “The airway analysis component of the cone beam software shows a great image and good analysis of the airway volume.”
 
Although Dr Rose and his dentists do not perform root canal treatments – they use the Fotona Lightwalker SWEEPS and PIPs technology to gain improved levels of root canal disinfection and debridement – the Green 16 also plays a supporting endodontic role: “Holistic patients are often interested in issues surrounding root canal treatments and bone infections, and the CBCT is a great tool to look for problems in these areas.”
 
For guided implant surgery, Dr Rose uses the Green 16 to generate a Dicom file for easy import into Blue Sky plan software, which he is more familiar with and uses to design the implant surgical guide. The CBCT unit’s open source image output allows a seamless workflow with the software, Lightwalker laser, POS orthodontic, 3D printer, intraoral scanner and CEREC intraoral scanner system to give Dr Rose a full control of the process.
 
More than just a daisy chain of hardware and software, Dr Rose’s advice to newbies attempting a similar set-up is this: “Training and knowledge is critical to success”.

“I have been down this path many times – including extensive training in orthodontics, CEREC and lasers. A lot of time spent learning how to use high-end equipment is imperative before you can reap the benefits.”

It also helps to have the assistance of an able equipment specialist team when making a new hardware purchase. In the case of Vatech Green 16, Dr Rose says the local supplier, Medi-Dent, played an invaluable training role:

“Andre Fourie and his team from Medi-Dent have been a pleasure to work with to enable equipment installation and training. We also had regular contact with the staff from the Sydney office. It was necessary to have our CBCT room comply with radiographic specifications and our dentists licenced to take images have also taken a CBCT licensing course with Louise Brown (Dentomaxillofacial Radiologist, Teledent) here.”
   
Diagnostic abilities notwithstanding, Dr Rose thinks the Vatech Green 16 should also be viewed as a practice-building asset.

“When many of the patients first see the unit and the images generated, you can tell there’s a certain wow factor. In terms of health and safety – a major area of concern for our holistic patients – the Green 16 unit has one of the lowest radiation exposures on the market and still is able to generate reasonably accurate and clear images.”

Ultimately, Dr Rose says that patients enjoy the convenience of having all their services located under one roof – and are “happy to pay for it”. While it’s awesome that the Veteran Dentist deems the CBCT a sound investment – “because we are using the Green CT everyday so it is paying for itself” – it’s what he continues to say that truly resonates:

“I am happier doing my job, still passionate about dentistry and learning something new every day.”
For more information on Vatech x-ray system – Including Green CT – contact Vatech Australasia (1300 789 454).
 
The Smile In Style Dental Practices are located at 9 Dornoch Drive Sunbury 3429 and 821 Mt Alexander Road Moonee Ponds 3039  E: info@smileinstyle.com.au W: www.smileinstyle.com.au

The same way you would ask a car mechanic friend to recommend a reliable and low maintenance car, Dr Geoffery Wan went to his go-to dental equipment technicians when he was in the market for new dental chairs about 15 months ago.
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By Danny Chan
“The technicians had been such a wonderful support for us, servicing our old dental units, so we really trusted their opinions. We wanted to get their views on the range of chairs that they had hands-on experience with, and to kind of tap on their technical knowledge. At the time, we were still comparing new chair models from Adec, Belmont and Sirona.”

Looking back on the decision, Dr Wan couldn’t be happier that he had consulted Louis Rouessart and his son, Louis Rouessart Jr, equipment specialists at LR Dental.

The two Swident Partner dental chairs that they heartily endorsed have indeed stood the test of time, not to mention withstood the daily rigours of a bustling NSW practice. At least in Dr Wan’s approximation, they continue to be the ideal dental chairs, constantly meeting the robust, multi-faceted needs of Bella Dental Penrith’s burgeoning clientele and seven-member dental team.

“These are workhorse chairs that comparatively speaking, do not cost a fortune to buy or maintain, yet has many of the features that you would expect from a higher-end unit. Not to mention they also look chic and cool on the outside.”

Dr Wan’s 100-sqm twin-chair suburban practice in Western Sydney serves a mixed demographic ­– or using his terminology, patients ranging from “little ‘uns to instagrammers to empty nesters”. This means that the chairs need to be able to take a certain amount of abuse while providing the kind of gentle, cradling support a chiropractor would approve of.

In the same way, the doctor and assistant stools are designed to protect the health of oral care practitioners, support their backs and lower lumbar during the gruelling hours associated with dental work, to minimise potential strain and excessive movements.

Happy with the chair ergonomics, Dr Wan adds that feedback from his assistants indicates that the Swident stools are markedly more comfortable than the previous ones they had owned.

In hindsight, the three main reasons that made the Canada-born dentist pick the Swident Partner were “space”, “cost” and “ergonomics” – and the biggest one was “space”.
 
“We had a very tight space within our surgery and many of the other chair models would have made it really uncomfortable to work in. The Swident chairs gave us a bit more flexibility and room to move around.”

Maximising space and comfort was obviously a high priority for the Swiss-designed and Italian-made innovation. Belying its compact footprint – making it a great choice for small to mid-sized surgeries – the unit comes equipped with a well-stocked dentist table: Quality Luzzani or DCI Triplex Syringe; 2 High Speed Fibre Optic lines; BIEN AIR micro-motor MC3LK; leaving ample space to accommodate a scaler. The assistant table is designed to provide comfortable and easy access to the Luzzani (or DCI) triplex syringe and Cattani high and low volume suction hoses.
Commenting on the delivery unit and handpieces, Dr Wan quips: Can’t complain or fault them – they all work!” Using NSK handpieces – which he nicknames the “Toyota of handpieces”, alluding to their ubiquity – the dentist says connectivity or compatibility isn’t an issue at all.
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More than recommend a pair of ace dental chairs, the father-and-son technical team connected Dr Wan to an outstanding support team in the shape of local Swident suppliers, Ampac Dental. “They’ve been wonderful, very easy to deal with and very open – all the traits you would want in a supplier.”
 
Referring to Ampac’s Director, Mo as “his Canadian brother from another mother”, the humorous dentist obviously enjoys a candid relationship with his supplier. Assuming a less jocular tone, the University of Sydney graduate commends Mo’s work ethic: “I was surprised one time when he personally answered my call at 8:30pm and showed incredible patience to look after my needs. This shows Ampac’s tireless passion in supporting what we do as dentists.”
 
Reserving yet more praise for the equipment specialists who installed and currently service the very Swident Chairs that they had recommended, Dr Wan concludes: “(Louis Rouessart and Louis Rouessart Jr) love what they do for a living and it shows in the quality of their work and their professionalism. I wouldn’t consider going to anyone else for my equipment maintenance work.”
 
As a way of showing his appreciation, the creative dentist recorded and uploaded a time-lapse video capturing the boys in action setting up the new chairs (click here to see the video). “They do a very tidy, clean, thorough and professional installation.”
 
Framing their contribution in a more light-hearted way, Dr Wan deadpans: Since they have installed the Swident chairs, I’ve had no more chair breakdowns, no more having to apologize for “temporarily broken down” chairs – which is really embarassing. They just left me with two beautiful chairs!”
 

Not sure what type of Scan Flag to buy that is compatible with your implant system and supported by your dental lab? Andent can help.
 
By Danny Chan
 
The success of an implant restoration depends greatly on the replication of the precise position of the implant body. The importance of determining the latter’s positional depth, rotation and angulation in relation to other oral structures cannot be overstated.
 
Increasingly, dentists are adopting digital impressions using the scan flag technique to faithfully capture the relationship of the implant connection to adjacent structures, at the same time, accurately depict the hard and soft tissue relationship. Thanks to the Scan Flag Technique, these tasks may be routinely performed with greater accuracy, ease and convenience.
 
The Scan Flag Technique involves the use of Intraoral Scan Bodies, which are precision components used for determining the position and orientation of dental implants. Scan bodies are screwed onto an implant fixture and scanned directly from the patient’s mouth using an intraoral scanner (IOS). Based on these digital scans, the laboratory is able to accurately manufacture implant-based restorations using CAD/CAM technology. The scan body design and the material properties guarantee a maximum scan area for an accurate fit of implant components.
 
This technique dispenses with the need for a conventional fixture-level implant impression. It affords dentists and lab technicians the ability to see the preparation/s immediately and make modifications on the fly. By allowing for accurate fabrication of implant restoration, digital scans eliminate potential inaccuracies arising from use of conventional impression materials. Goop-free digital impressions enhance both operator and patient comfort.
 
Notwithstanding the long list of benefits, some dentists may be apprehensive about joining the digital bandwagon simply because the technology either sounds too nascent or too advanced. It doesn’t help that there is a bit of confusion surrounding this new-esque technique that even early adopters sometimes find confusing.  
 
Indeed, there is a need to address some of the common queries that dental laboratories are frequently being asked on the subject of Digital Implant Impressions: What are the available Scan Body options and which one should I use? Will my dental lab support the Scan Body that I’m using? Can I use a generic brand or must I stick to a branded implant company?
 
Precisely to clear the smog and help dentists navigate the minefield of options, Andent has come up with the Andent Scan Body Starter Kit (A$390). The kit is conceptualised to work with the majority of major commercial implant systems – or in the words of Matt Smith, General Manager, Andent, “covers a fair chunk of the Australian market”.
 
According to Andent, there are currently several Scan Body options* available for Intraoral Scanner (IOS) users to send cases to laboratories:

• Genuine branded implant companies provide their own scan flags i.e.- Straumann, MIS, Southern Implants, implant direct. 
• Non-genuine implant companies provide generic scan flags i.e.- Dess, Medentika, Elos, Core3D
• IOS brands provide their own scan flags i.e.- DentsplySirona (Cerec scan flags), 3Shape

 
* A comprehensive table showing available implants systems and their corresponding Scan Body types is available on Andent’s “Find Your Perfect Fit” brochure.
 
“The confusion starts when dentists are unsure about what brands or types of Scan Flags to buy and whether they will be compatible with the implant system that they’re using. When the case is sent to the lab, the type of scan flags that they’re using may not be supported by the lab, not least due to lack of associated componentry,” Matt explains.
 
Andent’s Scan Body Starter Kit is designed take the guesswork out of a potentially cumbersome process. Having researched the Australian market for all the available brands, permuting each product into respective type and code, the company is now able to match the exact Scan Body type to the client’s implant system at the touch of button.
 
Streamlining this process also makes the Scan Body buying experience totally fuss-free. It is as easy as quoting the implant system that you are using – you can do this online or over the phone – then sit back while the Andent personnel runs a check on the system to find matching Scan Flags for you. It’s that simple.
 
In addition to the CAD design of the model, Andent is also making available implant models with analogues and soft tissue – with scan flags in position. This way, you are never in doubt how the final restoration would look like. “Another big benefit of IOS is that we can design the crown at the same time of the model. This greatly reduces time due to eliminating the need for stone models and scanning,” he adds.
 
Besides offering predictable results and faster turnaround in a one-stop shop, here are more reasons to consider Andent Scan Flags:

• Made from medical grade Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) part ensuring optimal scan result;

 

• Reusable up to 15 times;

 

• Autoclavable and radio opaque;

 

• Does not require powdering of the scan body prior to scanning;

 

• Compatible with the prosthetic screwdriver relevant to the implant system being used;

 

• Can be hand-tightened (does not require the use of a torque wrench);

 

• Suitable for Non-Genuine and Genuine restorative options;

 

• Available individually or as part of a starter kit.

 

• Cases contribute to a Digital rebate*

 
* Must be signed up to the Digital Rebate, visit andent.com/rebate  for more information.
 
Andent scan bodies are available separately ($60) or in a kit ($390 including 6x Scan Flags + Container). There is also a handy, autoclavable container ($90) available for storage.
 
For more information contact Andent on 03 9650 6766 or visit https://www.andent.com/products/intraoral-scan-body
 
 
 

Echoes of old industrial hub permeate the fit out design of this Specialist Periodontics clinic
 
By Danny Chan
 
When Drs Kate Burgess and Nicholas Boardman decided to turn a 40s-era building – last refurbished in the 80s but still fraught with structural issues – into a sleek modern Specialist Clinic, they knew nothing less than an experienced healthcare design and fit out team would be up to the task.
 
Based on strong recommendations by several other Specialist Periodontists in Victoria who had used their services for their own practice builds, the pair selected Levitch Design Australia. As well as having good track record for quality work and fast turnaround, LDA’s wealth of experience in dental-specific renovations weighed in their favour.
 
“We employed their services because they provide a complete design-and-build package. This enabled us to continue working full time without having to be onsite,” Dr Burgess affirms.
 
Citing cautionary tales of delayed building projects (by up to 12 months) due to late council approvals, the Periodontists were grateful for LDA fast tracking the process:
 
“(The Levitch team) had extensive knowledge as to what was required to comply with council regulations and permits in order to streamline this side of the process. We found that they made the council approval process simple and easy for us to understand and it was very efficient and quick.”
 
Levitch’s ability to flesh out the client’s design aspirations didn’t go unnoticed either. For the clinic’s look and feel, Nick and Kate wanted to incorporate design elements that retain a piece of the location’s rich history in industrial building and manufacturing. At the same time, they wanted to create a soothing environment (not too clinical or intimidating) in which nervous and phobic patients would feel relaxed.
 
Located in Newport, Victoria, Perio One offers Specialist Periodontics and Dental Implant services in a modern, light-filled environment. What makes the contemporary design of the newly renovated surgery stand out is the studied merger of art and ambience.
 
The physical translation of ideas becomes apparent even as you approach the front desk. A wall of avant-garde artwork and matching displays take centre stage in an otherwise laid-back reception area. Chalkboard grey back walls teamed with birch timber planks in the foreground – doubling as the counter’s cladding strips as well as display rack shelves – cleverly simulate a cafe-like environment. 
 
Basking under soft lights in a designer chair, you notice something different about this clinic. A design motif here, a rustic magazine rack there and soon enough, the concomitant track of ideas starts to take shape. Indeed, an industrial theme paying homage to the region’s landmarks – including Newport workshop (that built the first train carriages in the 1880s); Newport Lakes; Williamstown docks, etc. – runs through the 125-sqm, two-chair surgery.
 
Hanging proudly on the walls are original early-1900s photos capturing the Newport workshop in its locomotive heyday. The whimsical decor continues artful depictions of the Williamstown docks and the Bluestone Quarry, the original name before it became known as Newport Lakes. Of the photographic displays, the most awe-inspiring has to be the giant picture frames along the corridor. For size reference, let’s just say that each blown-up photograph – of train buildings, locomotives and power plants – takes up an entire wall panel! As the perfect foil to character-filled walls, concrete-like floor vinyls decidedly notch up the industrial aesthetics.
 
More than just nostalgia, Kate explains the rationale behind the theme: “A significant proportion of our patients are older, many having lived their whole lives in the area. They have seen the area change from working class docks and railway manufacturing hub to the multicultural area it is now.”
 
“This is our way of acknowledging the contributions of the region’s senior generation and retaining a bit of history.”
 
While evoking sentimental memories, Kate, Nick and LDA did not neglect to bring out the modern and efficient traits of Perio One.
 
The clinic also has a sizeable following of young families. The sleek cafe-style decor, Kate reveals, is targeted at this urbanised demographic.
 
“Although the area has an older population, in recent years younger families have been moving in due to the convenience of Newport's position,” Kate explains, “Patients often comment on the reception experience. The idea of having a cafe style feel fits well in the small shopping strip in which we are situated and certainly helps to put the patient at ease.”
 
In terms of balancing ambience and workflow, Levitch’s well-conceived layout bears out the exacting nature of dental-oriented renovations. The use of frosted glass enabling a light-filled environment, not only sets the alfresco mood at the front “cafe” counter, it greatly reduces the claustrophobic fears of some nervous patients. Similarly the surgery rooms come across as airy and inviting spaces, thanks to frosted glass doors and windows that let in the natural light without compromising privacy.
 
Walking through this modern and spacious clinic, notwithstanding aesthetically pleasing hints of the past, it’s hard to imagine that this WW2-era skeletal construction once housed a solid-brick barbershop and rickety weatherboard extensions. The total facelift is as astounding as it was challenging.
 
Due to poorly planned, tacked-on renovations over the years that masked rather than solve construction inconsistencies, the original building had issues with irregular floor heights and subsidence of a shared wall. Ever the solution provider, the Levitch builders erected an entirely new foundation and supporting wall before converting the space into the rectangular-shaped building it is now. This space overhaul decidedly frees up the imagination of the interior designer, who then worked on breathing life into the bare bone structure.
 
Considering the scope of their involvement, it is remarkable that actual build phase took just 12 weeks. Crediting the fast turnaround to Levitch’s excellent work rate and ethics, Dr Boardman praises:
 
“Although choosing a design and fit out company comes at a premium, utilising a company with experience streamlines the process. Knowing the ins and outs of regulations simplified the progression from idea to opening the door for our first patient.”

“Levitch allowed us to concentrate on work without having to take time off to micromanage the build. With no experience in design or practice fit out, the learning curve was steep, but Levitch were there to help navigate the process.”
 

Selling a practice is not so much about securing the highest bid but finding the right partnership
 
By Danny Chan
 
Given the amount of time, effort and sacrifice it takes to build up a dental practice, it is not far fetched to compare the process to that of nurturing a child from birth to maturity. That is why when the time comes, dentists selling off their maiden practice can get pretty emotional – not unlike parents watching their firstborn walk down the aisle or move out of the family home.
 
Yet the transitional phase of a practice sale need not be wrought with emotions or be overwhelming for the seller, says Dr Anthony Coulepis, Executive Chairman of Ekera Dental Pty Ltd., provided the right partnership is established from the get go.
 
Dentists who view their practice as de facto retirement funds often consider their only responsibility in a selling scenario to secure the highest bid. After all, isn’t it only fair to maximise returns for all the blood, sweat and tears poured into their business? Nevertheless, they shouldn’t skim over the fact that most sellers stay on as Practice Principals long after the sale and the haunting prospect of unscrutinised contract clauses coming back to bite from the wallet.
 
Underlining these reasons, Dr Coulepis shares what he considers the top three imperatives for would-be sellers:
 

• Understand any constraints that you, and your team, will be working under:  “Most corporate buyers alter the Practice’s operating model from the time of acquisition, imposing their own KPI driven, profit focused culture, which will most likely be a contradiction to the Practice’s existing culture. You should be asking whether you and/or your dental practitioners would like to be tied to daily revenue targets and accountable for the achievement of tough monthly KPI’s’. Would you be able to choose your own labs and consumables or would you be required to implement certain pricing structures such as “No Gaps”? Will there be a name change for the Practice and what productivity regimes will you have to work under?”

 

• Be aware of penalties that may apply: “Are there any “clawbacks” from the selling price you achieved via commission reductions, etc.?”  In other words, is the agreed selling price truly achieved?

 

• Understand the philosophy of the organisation you are partnering with: “Who are the people and what are their drivers? How does the buyer help you, and what do they offer in terms of support services? In this regard, it’s best to talk to other Principals who are already part of that organisation.”

 
Taking up his last advice, I spoke to several dentists who sold their practices to Ekera Dental, under which corporate umbrella they now serve as Practice Principals. The common threads running through their respective post-sale experiences appear positive: (1) Relief from administrative duties; (2) Ekera’s unobtrusive management style; (3) Flexibility; and (4) Good transition into retirement.
 
“My own experience with Ekera, the corporate I partnered with, has been positive,” said Dr Tim Stolz, the Principal at Geelong Implant Dental Centre”.
 
“They have intelligent and well-credentialed people at the helm. The organisation has now grown to more than 20 practices, with a number of others still in the pipeline.”
 
“There was no threat of clawbacks or commission reductions and the Ekera Management was promptly responsive to any problems about my practice that I raised with them.”
 
“Even now, which is beyond my initial contract period, I am still with Ekera and I have not lost my clinical independence. I have not lost control of my practice. The contract period, which I served was as I wished, free of interference, financially secure and unencumbered by weighty management issues,” said Dr Stolz.
 
Dr Rod Edwards, the Principal at Toorak Village Dental Care, said “Under the Ekera model, the practice’s autonomy is protected. We’re allowed to run the practice exactly as we’ve always run it. That includes staffing, day-to-day operations, materials, methodology and so on; and there’s no effect at all on patients and Ekera also assists in other added-value areas such as marketing and back-office services”
 
Dr Edwards appreciates the fact that the Ekera people haven’t become a presence in the practice unless asked. He also says practice life has changed for the better, as has work-life balance, due to less back-office stress. “The sale has probably improved my longevity because, as a dentist on commission, I now don’t have to worry about the Practice compactions, just my dentistry and my patients,” said Dr Edwards.
 
Being able to “spend more time working as a clinician and less time in book-keeping and practice management” were main motivations for Dr Tania Nixon to sell her practice in 2014. Besides the freedom to focus on what she’s good at, the former owner of Gentle Dental Geelong said nothing much has changed otherwise: “I still maintain my position as Principal Dentist and I’m still able to make decisions on the main day-to-day running of the practice.”
 
Dr George Koudos of Raglan Dental, who joined Ekera Dental in February, concurred: “Ekera plays a much needed support role that allows me to focus on my clinical duties with minimal distractions.”
 
Dr Mark Scriven of Belmont Dental Group, who sold his practice in 2016, had this to say: “We have fantastic support staff who relieve us of so many chores, regulation compliance, payrolls etc, leaving us free to do what we do best, that is, look after our patients.”
 
“Ekera does not interfere much at all in the process, but offers support in all areas should we require it.  There is, of course, some reporting, budget discussions, KPI’s etc. that serve to highlight inefficiencies in certain areas or confirm that the right procedures are in place for the best patient care, but Ekera assists us with these activities”.
 
Dr Scriven also shared what he found most appealing about Ekera’s acquisition model:
 
“We received the majority of the purchase price at the time of sale, with the balance paid in yearly instalments over the earn out we chose, with no clawbacks on the completion payment.”
 
“We also opted to acquire shares in the company, which allows us to benefit from future growth as Ekera acquires more practices. They encourage professional development and reimburse us for the costs of attending seminars and courses.  They also provide professional indemnity insurance free of charge to the practitioners in the practice”.
 
Dr Coulepis says the absence of “clawbacks or penalty commission reductions” in contracts is consistent with the company’s insistence on being a “Non-Corporate Corporate” and “a company that offers a flexible model focused around the Practice Principal, the Staff, the Practice and its patients, rather than the tight constraints of some of the some other Corporates”.
 
The company’s practice-centred philosophy means that the Ekera Support Team functions incognito, or as Dr Coulepis puts it: “We leave good things that are working alone, and only assist from the background, if asked and if necessary.”
 
“Patients are loyal to the dentists, to the Practice and to the Staff,” he adds, “ Ekera has no branding as far as the patients can see and we encourage successful Practices to keep doing what they have been doing to be successful and we assist Practices that ask for, or need help.”
 
Such unobtrusive support even extends beyond the clinic. Just ask Dr Koudos. His passion project involving dental mission work in Vanuatu, received not only Ekera Dental’s blessings, but also funds. Ekera sponsored the flight and accommodation of two dental assistants for one of the dental aid trips.
 
To Dr Coulepis, that is simply the logical outworking of their modus operandi:
 
“Ekera supports charity and philanthropic work that is part of the “fabric” of the particular Practice. Whatever used to be important to Practices that have now become part of the Ekera Group, we will continue to embrace. Same logic applies: If it is successful and working, why change it?”
 
“While Ekera does not support independent charity work, we support our Practices and what they support.”
 
It is little wonder that dentists who joined the Ekera family feel supported both professionally and personally. The pain of relinquishing ownership of one’s practice has been mitigated by a lump sum payout with zero clawbacks or commission reductions, employment in a familiar environment with same autonomy (but less administrative work) and the opportunity to work for a group of like-minded individuals who share common goals.
 
For Dr Scriven, it’s also a bit more than just a viable exit strategy: “I like it that interaction among the practices is encouraged in the group, allowing cross referrals, sharing of staff when required and the benefits of professional interaction.” 
 
“I might also add, the Ekera Christmas party is legendary!”

Dr Philip Hand exemplifies truism that learning and working isn’t hard when you’re focused on what excites you

By Danny Chan
​
“There is never a day when the laser is not used.” That seems to be a common refrain of dentists that I’ve interviewed for this series, following their experience with the Fotona Lightwalker and graduation from the Masters of Laser Dentistry from Laser & Health Academy (LA&HA) Institute – the latter being the main subject of these interviews.
 
Dr Philip Hand is yet another interviewee (and LA&HA graduate) to highlight the ubiquity of laser use in their practice. Along with Dr David Marriott, Philip is the Owner and Practice Principal at Marriott and Hand, a 30-year partnership in their clinic located in Airport West, Victoria. 
 
While careful not to overstate the importance of the dental laser, being “another tool in (his) armamentarium for dentistry”, Dr Hand is unambiguous when explaining how the technology has shaped his approach to patient care and treatment: “It is profoundly effective in endodontics, periodontics, surgery and conservative dentistry.”
 
The Fotona Lightwalker, which he owns, simplifies once cumbersome – even impossible – tasks:

• Ability to perform conservative dentistry (fillings) without local anaesthetic: “A profoundly positive practice builder”.

 

• Cleansing of the entire canal system in endodontic treatment: “Exciting!”

 

• Crown lengthening with a closed flap technique in periodontics: “I still find it remarkable”.

 

• Biomodulation or Low Level Laser Therapy: “Something that I use a lot with muscular pain, any surgical site and treatment of herpetic lesions or apthous ulcers”.

 

• Dramatically reduces pain, swelling and healing times for patients. “Something that we all strive for.”

 
“All these advances,” the Practice Principal summarises, “help to build trust within the patient community of a practice.”
 
Dr Hand purchased his first laser – an AMD Picasso Lite Diode Laser – over 10 years ago. Having used the laser mostly for soft tissue applications, he was suitably intrigued when an old classmate and dental colleague, Dr Terry Rose, shared passionately about the versatile applications of the Fotona Lightwalker. Two and a half years ago, Dr Hand was convinced enough to attend a one-day informational course on the product and since purchasing the machine shortly after, he hasn’t looked back. To get the most out of the “amazing piece of equipment”, he further enrolled for the LA&HA course, which he claims, “taught me an enormous amount and makes me strive to know more.” He has since applied to complete an M.Sc in Laser Dentistry in Rome at the Univerista Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
 
If the Fotona laser helped to broaden Dr Hand’s repertoire of treatment modes, the Master’s course lifted a veil on the unlimited possibilities of laser dentistry.
 
“The course opened my eyes to so much more that we can do in dentistry particularly in the fields of better endodontic and periodontal treatment as well as treating snoring.”
 
He reveals how the laser lectures have introduced advanced methods of relieving painful periodontal and mucogingival conditions, TMJ and myofascial pain conditions”, in addition to utilising an Er:YAG laser to “truly clean” an implant surface as well as minimally invasive method of removing porcelain veneers and crowns without having to cut them off.
 
Organised by Fotona, manufacturer of the Lightwalker laser, the LA&HA Masters program features world-renowned Laser educators who teach and mentor the students. The 5-module program covers Laser Physics, Conservative and Endodontic practice and Surgery – including a research-based or intensive clinical practise module with one of the teaching mentors.
 
Last year, Dr Hand completed the one-year course, which at the time was held in various countries including Finland, Slovenia and Rome. Thanks to higher Aussie demand – and influence of Paul Baltas, Managing Director of local Fotona distributor, Innovative Medical Technologies – the latest cohort of Australian students get to attend the course in our own backyard. In fact, Dr Hand returned as an educator for a series of LA&HA training workshops held in Melbourne.  
 
Dr Hand’s zeal for sharing the latest laser techniques with other enthusiasts can be gleaned from an exacting attention to details during his live patient treatment presentation and also his impassioned exchanges with course attendees during the lunch break.
 
“I love teaching. When one is passionate about the topic, it is anything but a chore,” Dr Hand enthuses, “To be at the forefront of a technology at such a momentous juncture in my profession is exciting and invigorating.”
 
At the training venue, you quickly sense camaraderie among lecturers and attendees, some of whom are visitors from countries like China and Japan. Reminiscent of when techno geeks gather at an Apple conference, the laser enthusiasts emanate the kind of vibe that can only come from a shared bond and genuine interest for the subject matter.
 
One informal tie that binds members of the “Fotona Family” – using Dr Hand’s affectionate term for the company’s growing yet tightly knit user community – stem from having to constantly defend a shared conviction against laser detractors.
 
Lamenting the misconception of many in his profession, that lasers only cut and remove tissue, Dr Hand says the biggest barrier to widespread adoption of the technology is a lack of education.
 
“(Non-laser users) do not understand the extraordinary range of modes of treatment available to the profession from lasers. We can tighten soft tissue, heal tissue, reduce inflammation and greatly reduce pain for our patients. This is not simply cutting away tissue – which we can do with great efficiency – but it is only one of the things we do.”
 
“There is widespread scepticism that needs to be broken down. We are inherently a conservative profession so I know that this will be a slow process.”
 
Dr Hand is one of several LA&HA graduates who find themselves curiously drawn to a laser-lit pathway, honing their skills and knowhow simultaneously as student, educator and proponent of laser dentistry. The Master’s course has been an important gateway throughout this discovery process.
 
“Through the Masters Course I have met like-minded, open, innovative and energised clinicians from around the world. They love to share their dental knowledge and enthusiasm for the profession and treating our patients.”
 
“That is why I find the Fotona family’s enthusiasm for laser technology and our community not only true but expressed from the heart.”
 

 
 

Trust becomes a tangible asset when garnering expert opinion and recommendations that would influence one’s long-term investments. For Dr Bernadette Kwee, her trust in John Szymek, formed through years of engaging the latter’s expertise in equipment installation and maintenance, has been richly rewarded with a smooth surgery set up, great equipment buys and a stellar team that made it possible.  
 
By Danny Chan
 
In August 2017, Dr Kwee sold her flourishing 7-year-old practice in Earlwood – one that she had painstakingly built from scratch – to concentrate on her family business. For the sake of expanding the export and vineyard business alongside her husband, she had to forgo a lucrative practice, not to mention, her love of treating cosmetic patients and seeing the glow on their faces following a smile makeover. Thankfully, she didn’t allow her well-honed clinical skills, business knowhow and contacts accumulated over the years to go to waste.
 
Dr Kwee recently set up Southern Smiles, a new practice in Miranda that serves the southern suburban communities of Sydney. For advice on what equipment to buy, she turned to her former practice contact. The dentist’s unwavering trust in John’s “work and judgement” from the Earlwood days paid off in the form of a go-to equipment supplier he recommended – Ampac Dental.
 
The NSW-based dental reseller ended up supplying the bulk of new equipment for the Miranda clinic, including: Swident Partner dental unit; OPG (Trident 2D Pan); X-ray (Trident RIX 70 DC); Phosphor Plate (Trident Reader); Suction Motor (Dmega); and Compressor (Nardi).
 
Not only did Bernadette retain John’s services as the lead engineer for installation and maintenance work, she found equally competent equipment specialists in Moe and Elizabeth from the Ampac Dental team. Commenting on the team’s high work rate and professionalism, the General Dentist opines:
 
“Ampac Dental were very accommodating in regards to choice of equipment and meeting my budget. They went above and beyond with their services, which includes allowing me to trial their smaller equipment (e.g. curing light) to see which one I preferred.”
 
“They were quick to order spare parts (that were accidentally thrown out by the cleaning staff) as any delays could have resulted in expensive downtime.”
 
The equipment did not disappoint either. The Swident Partner dental chair, in particular, drew positive feedback from patients and staff alike. Adding her own feedback, Dr Kwee remarks:
 
“The chair ergonomics – from different positioning modes to back support to the continental delivery – have been exceptional. I’ve used the traditional delivery unit in the past and found that it gave me a sore back and neck after prolonged use. I’ve not felt any operator strain thus far from using this unit.”  
 
Apart from compact footprint and clean-line aesthetics, the dentist believes that when it comes to appraising a dental unit, patient comfort and connectivity are key attributes – all of which the Swident Partner delivers. She singles out the memory foam used in the chair upholstery – that conforms to the patient giving “extra comfort” – as well as the ease with which she mounted a screen to the chair to view images from the intra-oral camera as great features.   
 
The Swident Partner also holds up to scrutiny from a technician’s point of view, as John concurs:
 
“The Swident dental unit is a very well presented piece of equipment – simple and very reliable. In terms of ergonomics, it’s very elegantly made and supported by a robust steel construction.”
 
Outstanding features, he notes, include: Delivery head (where all instruments are attached) with a module style distribution centre – where every instrument has an individual set of adjustment keys; slim and easy-to-access spitoon or cuspidor; manual and automatic positions, operational from the dentist's and assistant's side as well as foot control; and simple design – “a single main pc board on the chair and two very simple secondary electronic boards to complete the management of the whole equipment.”
 
According to the Service Engineer with over 40 years of dental industry experience, precise location of units and space utilisation were key considerations when installing the chair, OPG and X-ray units.
 
The installation, he explains, was done on a planned agenda, including a visit to site while under construction to give a definite location to the chair. Working with a concrete floor and a parking facility underneath, all services were plumbed from under the floor via a "core hole" – a 160mm hole in the concrete slab.
 
“This involves precise measurements and skilled execution. Everything else is built around the final location of the chair.”
 
The result is an optimally positioned chair that allows operator and assistant ample maneuvering space yet within easy reach to surrounding instruments and materials.
 
“Every surgery has to be carefully designed to achieve the most comfortable environment,” John stresses.

​With her two-chair surgery fitted out with equipment that she says “lift the appearance of the practice and create a luxurious atmosphere”, Dr Kwee has John Szymek to thank, both for his expertise and strong endorsement of Ampac Dental.
 
“Together they make a great team,” she concludes, “one that truly goes above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly for you. And they also recommend very reliable equipment!”

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

A converted truck and heart for rural townships led Dr Jalal Khan outside his comfort zone
 
By Danny Chan
 
When dentists are asked to think out of the box, the usual ideas pop up: Email marketing, Internet marketing, E-referral campaigns, etc. Less humdrum ones go like this: Send festive cards to patients, install Expresso machine at waiting area, incorporate laser dentistry, etc.
 
By comparison, Dr Jalal Khan’s moment of epiphany truly went beyond the boxed confines of a typical dental surgery. He decided to purchase a fully kitted out mobile clinic from a retiring dentist, so that he could “bring dentistry out to parts of Australia that receive little attention from the dental profession”.
 
About 18 months ago, the Practice Principal of The Dental Station officially launched the mobile chapter of his then 3-year-old North Sydney practice. The Dental Truck opened for business in Outback Australia – or more specifically, Quilpie, a small town in South-west Queensland with a population of 595.
 
Quilpie is also the “mobile headquarters” where the truck is stationed and from where it drives into other remote towns that Dr Khan has designated as regular stops: Cunnamulla (population: 1,140); Thargomindah (population: 270); Windorah (population: 158) and Bourke (population: 1,824). The towns were specifically picked for not having access to a local dentist, Dr Khan intones: “That restricts us to very small rural and remote towns which is fine by me.”
 
The greater motivation was to go to places stuck at the meager end of Australia’s unevenly distributed healthcare services, which he contends, is a festering problem wrought by limited State and Federal funding as well as lack of resources.
 
 “Prior to The Dental Truck, people in these towns had to travel 3-4 hours just to get to the nearest dentist. The economic costs of seeing a dentist for them was really exorbitant in both time and financial costs – in most cases, we’re talking drought-stricken farmers with limited resources to begin with.”
 
“As a result, they tend to put off dental visits. We regularly see patients who haven’t been to a dentist in 10,15 years – many with severe ailments.”
 
And it’s not just dental services these rural towns lack, Dr Khan reminds us, but many basic services metro dwellers take for granted simply do not make it to the Outback.
 
Meanwhile, Dr Khan’s efforts reaching out to Queensland health authorities – outlining the seriousness of the situation while requesting for funding support or collaboration – have been thwarted with numerous difficulties. What he has encountered is bureaucracy, buck passing and hoop-jumping administrative tasks.
 
His frustration was palpable: “It was a pain simply requesting to deliver public health vouchers on behalf of the government. The lack of support to do such things is crazy.”
 
While Dr Khan has drastically reduced travelling time for his patients’ dental visits, his own traveling time to the office has increased exponentially. Quilpie is a good 13- to 14-hour drive inland, although through connecting flights and land travel, the itinerant dentist has managed to reduce it down to a more manageable 8 hours.
 
The logistical costs also add up. Flight, accommodation and meals for the dental team, in addition to parking and truck transfer fees run in the thousands. “All these expenditure even before you get to a single patient.”
 
Sustaining Dr Khan through the pressures of maintaining a new start-up is a supportive family – he is married with a 2-year-old son – and renewed sense of vocation.
 
“I wanted to move out of the comfort zone and challenge myself clinically with a great community initiative,” he recalls his original motivations, “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my wife.”
 
What was initially a giddy mix of adventurism and quixotic notions of mobile dentistry has given way to weightier considerations.
 
“Seeing first hand the deterioration of the dental situation in these towns has made me more keenly aware of my role, first and foremost, as a healthcare provider,” the 31-year-old contemplates. “In many ways, The Dental Truck has evolved into a Public Health initiative.”
 
Although The Dental Truck remains a commercial enterprise – running two mobile teams that serve four towns – Dr Khan says he has received private donations and other forms of assistance.
 
“We do not charge exorbitant fees so we depend entirely on the locals to keep the business afloat.”
 
“Donations would help us to reduce the financial burden and carry on providing the much needed service. Dental volunteers, or those willing to work for less-than-market rates, are more than welcomed. With more people on board, we can bring the service to more towns.”
 
Asked for how he would convince others to move outside their comfort zones to serve in rural locations, Dr Khan shares: “For me, the reward is getting to see a part of Australia you don’t often see and meeting people you don’t normally meet.”
 
As for advice that he would give fellow dentists who feel stuck in a 9-to-5 job, Dr Khan says thoughtfully:
 
“Do not get bogged down by the commercial side of things or lose sight of your main role as healthcare providers.”
 
“Be willing to take risks, reinvent yourself in today’s very competitive environment and think outside the box!”
 
If you would like to get involved with, support or learn more about The Dental Truck, please visit thedentalstation.com.au