Why I became a periodontist

“Dentistry appealed so much to me as I had a desire to help people in a health profession in a direct and effective way. I love that dentistry is 'hands on' and involves problem solving. Mostly I love that, in periodontics, I can help patients understand why they have a chronic disease and enable them to be instrumental in caring for their own periodontal health. Many people express to me that they don't have a great joy of visiting a dental surgery, whether this be based on past experience or anxiety of the unknown. It is really satisfying to help patients grow more comfortable with their dental experiences, such that they may even look forward to their appointments”.

Kate graduated from dentistry at the University of Western Australia with honours in 1999. She worked in rural and remote indigenous Australia for several years, developing a keen interest in periodontics. She then went on to complete a Masters in Periodontology at the University of Queensland in 2007, and graduated with a Fellowship in Periodontology. She has worked passionately in private practice since in Victoria and Tasmania, and visits Alice Springs on a regular basis. 

Kate is a member of the following groups: International Team of Implantology (ITI), Australasian Osseointegration Society (AOS),
Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists (ANZAP) and Australian Society of Periodontology (ASP). She is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS).