Competition: Winners and finalists announced of the best dentist in all of regional Victoria
The jaw-dropping moment has arrived and the winners and finalists of the best dentist in all of regional Victoria competition have been revealed. Which clinic gives you the perfect smile? See which dentists took home the crown.
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The jaw-dropping moment has arrived and the winners and finalists of the best dentist in all of regional Victoria competition have been revealed.
Going to the dentist can at times be an unsettling experience, but there are many wonderful dentists out there who can calm our nerves, make our experience comfortable and ensure we leave feeling less worried.
These doctors have important responsibilities — from performing oral surgeries to giving valuable advice post operations.
Which dentist has given you the perfect smile?
Just like waiting for a dentist appointment, people have been waiting eagerly to find out which dentists received the most votes from our readers.
See the finalists and winners of this round's competition below.
FINALISTS
DANA STREET DENTAL: DR DENNIS LIANG - BALLARAT CENTRAL
Dana Street Dental's Dr Dennis Liang has placed third in the competition.
Dr Liang completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Melbourne.
He is an experienced dentist who has achieved all aspects of general dentistry, and worked in areas such as Ballarat and Wodonga.
Dr. Liang believes that giving patients with a positive chairside experience requires effective communication, which is why oral care education and prevention are so important.
He also has a goal of eliminating the stigma attached to going to the dentist.
GOULBURN VALLEY DENTIST GROUP: DR TOM MACKEY - SHEPPARTON
Also placing third in the competition is Goulburn Valley Dentist Group's Dr Tom Mackey.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Mackey has been described as a "passionate" and friendly dentist.
He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Melbourne University before moving to the state's north after he graduated.
Dr Mackey previously worked at Goulburn Valley Health and then moved on to a private practice.
He has a core interest in endodontics, crowns and prosthetic appliances to help give his patients a well-balanced and functional smile.
Dr Mackey also enjoys assisting nervous individuals who might otherwise put off receiving dental care by removing obstacles in their way.
RUNNER UPS
LIME DENTAL: DR PAUL NAKHLA - MILDURA
Dr Paul Nakhla from Lime Dental in Mildura has placed runner up in the competition.
Studying the Bachelor of Dental Science and graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2002, Dr Nakhla went regional in 2008 and took a journey to Mildura.
While he enjoys practicing many areas of dentistry, he has a special interest in endodontics, prosthodontics, and crown and bridge work.
CENTRAL DENTAL GROUP: DR ADIB GOLSHAN - WODONGA
Taking the dual runner up spot was Dr Adib Golshan from Central Dental Group in Wodonga.
Dr Golshan has a passion for dentistry and strives for his patients to receive well maintained long-term oral health.
He grew up in Albury and if you don't see him working the tools in the clinic, you're likely to find the sports lover on the soccer pitch or tennis court.
Patients are bound to have the best dental experience when booking with Dr Golshan.
WINNERS
TANKARD DENTAL: DR DANIEL TANKARD - MILDURA
Receiving the most votes from readers makes Dr Daniel Tankard from Tankard Dental in Mildura take home first place.
Meeting a variety of patients and assisting them in overcoming discomfort while enhancing their dental health is something Dr Tankard excels in.
He has been known to help anxious people get over their fear of the dentist, and therefore enjoys treating them.
Dr Tankard belongs to the organisations of the Australian Dental Association, Australian Implant Society, International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Australian Society of Endodontics.
He set out to become a dentist after being inspired by his father, Dr David Tankard.
Dr Tankard studied at the University of Adelaide and works serves the community of Mildura with dental advice.
GOULBURN VALLEY HEALTH DENTAL: DR DAMON VELAKOULIS - SHEPPARTON
Dr Damon Velakoulis from Goulburn Valley Health Dental in Shepparton also received the same amount of votes from readers, crowning him a winner as well.
Before working full time at GV Health, Dr Velakoulis started his student placement at the clinic after completing his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery at Melbourne University.
He said working at GV Health was his "dream job".
“I loved the professional environment here and all of the dentists and dental Assistants, so it was a smooth transition from placement to working full-time,” Mr Velakoulis said.
He said moving up to Goulburn Valley was a "welcome change" after growing up in Melbourne.
“Working in a rural healthcare service is a great way to start your career,” Mr Velakoulis said.
“All of the patients here are lovely and rural people in general are very easygoing.
"For me, it never really feels like coming to work here - I just feel like it’s easy to come in and speak to people and just have a normal conversation."
In addition to Mr Velakoulis' job at GV Health, he also supervises dentistry students one day a week at Rumbalara's dentistry Clinic in Mooroopna.
Senior dental nurse Faith Johnson said Mr Velakoulis was "brilliant".
"He’s got such a rapport with the patients - he’s just a delight,” nurse Johnston said.
“He always tries to do the maximum amount of work in the short time that he has to save patients coming back and saving them fuel money.
“I can’t speak highly enough about this young man."
Mr Velakoulis recommended anyone beginning their career in healthcare to shift to a rural area, as it was a fantastic way to start a career and a way to gain a lot of experience.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR NOMINATIONS & VOTES
Congratulations to all our finalists and winners of the competition.
Stay tuned for the finalist announcements in our upcoming comps.
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