There’s a new friendly face at DentArana! Dr John Roberts-Thomson recently joined our dental team and we’re thrilled to have him and his dentistry expertise at our practice.

We chatted with John to learn more about how he became a dentist, the way he helps people feel relaxed during appointments, and how he likes to relax himself when he’s not busy providing exceptional dental care to his patients.

John, tell us a bit about your background and how you got into dentistry

I studied science, majoring in anatomy and physiology with first-class honours. Originally, I wanted to be a medical doctor; I was interviewing and applying for medical schools when I happened to receive an offer to dental school at the University of Melbourne, which I ended up accepting.

I honestly had no idea what it would be like to work as a dentist – in fact, I almost turned it down to continue pursuing medical school. Thankfully though, I stuck with it, as it’s truly my dream job! It’s interesting, challenging, and rewarding, all at the same time.

What qualities do you think it’s important for a dentist to possess?

I believe that dentistry requires a resilient and analytical mind, combined with an artistic flair and an empathetic nature.

As many people get a little nervous about visiting the dentist, how do you help your patients feel relaxed during their treatment?

Seeing your dentist (or anyone in a clinical setting, for that matter) can be daunting – and it can be especially nerve-wracking when you have to undergo treatment on your mouth.

To put people at ease, I always take care to clearly explain everything I’m doing at each stage, as well as ensuring the patient knows they have full control over any and all treatment.

I also do my best to make the environment as relaxed and jovial as possible!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I really enjoy spending time with my immediate family and friends, and I especially love being outdoors – whether in the sunshine or in the water.

I also like to visit Melbourne on the weekends when I have the time. And, of course, I don’t mind a good binge on the ‘idiot box’!

Finally, what’s your number one oral hygiene tip?

It’s a simple tip, but I can’t underestimate the importance of brushing your teeth to remove plaque in order to prevent decay. And this needs to be done for the full two minutes, not just a quick brush.

I know that those two minutes can feel like a lifetime when we’re running late for work or headed out for the night, but it really is critical to achieving an excellent clean and keeping your teeth in the best condition.