Paediatric dentistry focuses on the growth and development of children’s teeth, on addressing any emerging problems and on preventing decay rather than treating it after it happens.
Dr Charmaine Hall
BDSc (Melb), DClinDent (Melb), MRACDS (Paed)
Dr Charmaine Hall graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science from University of Melbourne in 2001, after which she worked in private practice in Werribee and Keilor Downs. She was also employed as a dental officer for the School Dental Service in south-east Victoria, providing dental treatment for children and education of auxiliary staff. Having since completed her doctorate in Clinical Paediatric Dentistry at the Melbourne Dental School, Dr Hall worked as a both a registrar and a fellow at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Her research was based on the use of laser therapy for the management of oral mucositis in children with cancer.
As a specialist paediatric dentist, Dr Hall provides comprehensive care, with special interests in inherited and acquired developmental conditions, dental trauma, dental treatment for medically compromised children and management of oral disease during early childhood (including early childhood caries).
Dr Hall is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry, the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and the Australian Dental Association, and is on the Advisory Committee for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Dr Viet (Linda) Nguyen
BDSc (Hons), DCD (Paed Dent), GradDipClinDent
Dr Linda Nguyen graduated from the Melbourne Dental School with a Bachelor of Dental Science with honours. After graduating as a general dentist, she worked at Sydney Dental Hospital as an intern and paediatric dental resident. She was involved extensively with the Aboriginal Oral Health Project, which consisted of providing dental services in outreach dental clinics in rural New South Wales as well as metropolitan areas.
Linda returned to Melbourne to complete her specialist training at the University of Melbourne and Royal Children’s Hospital. During this time, she worked in private practices in Melbourne as well as the Emergency services at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne. Dr Nguyen recently completed the Diploma in Conscious Sedation at the University of Sydney and has been working part-time in private practice in Newcastle.
Dr Susan Hinckfuss
BDSc (Melb), DCD (Melb)
Dr Susan Hinckfuss graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1995 with a Bachelor of Dental Science and then worked in private general dental practice in the Geelong area for 8 years during which time she developed a passion for dentistry for children. Susan then returned to the University of Melbourne to complete a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry, 3 years of specialist training in Paediatric Dentistry which included training at the Royal Children’s Hospital of Melbourne. Following completion of her specialty training Susan moved to the USA for 3 years working as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Dental Science at the University of Minnesota. In 2010 Susan returned to Melbourne and has since worked in private specialist practice. Susan has lectured widely on many aspects of Paediatric Dentistry and has had her research published in international dental journals.
Susan performs all aspects of paediatric dentistry and has special interests in the management of anxious children and children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is also interested in management of dental trauma and complex conditions that affect children including enamel defects and early childhood caries. Susan has much experience with the placement of white zirconia crowns which are an alternative to stainless steel crowns for children. Susan truly believes in individualised treatment for your child and wants to provide care for your child in a manner that avoids the development of dental anxiety and has her special little patients leaving their dental appointments with a delightful smile.
Dr Janita Shah
BDS, DClinDent (PAED), MRACDS (PAED)
Dr Janita Shah obtained her Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Paediatric Dentistry from the University of Melbourne. She has 9 years of combined experience in general and paediatric dentistry in public and private practice. She is known for her gentle, bubbly, and friendly nature which makes her great with children and parents.
As a specialist paediatric dentist, Janita is passionate about all aspects of paediatric dentistry with considerable experience in caring for children with special needs and anxious behaviours, comprehensive management of developmental conditions, dental trauma, and early childhood caries. Her research on enamel hypomineralisation “chalky teeth” in primary teeth has been published internationally.
In addition to private practice, Janita also works at the Royal Children’s Hospital, the Royal Dental Hospital, and has a teaching role at the University of Melbourne. She keeps her knowledge and skills updated by undertaking professional courses. Janita has also presented at various dental conferences in Australia and internationally. In her spare time, Janita volunteers with Make-A-Wish Australia.
Janita is a member of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry, the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, and the Australian Dental Association.
Dr Angel Babu
DClinDent (PAED) (Otago)
Dr. Angel Babu graduated from the prestigious University of Otago in New Zealand with a Doctor in Clinical Dentistry (Paediatric Dentistry). Following this she worked as a senior dental registrar at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia and in New Zealand as a paediatric dentist for 3 years. She is a registered Paediatric Dentist in Australia and in New Zealand.
Dr. Angel, as a paediatric dentist, believes in motivating children/adolescents in the prevention of dental problems and educating the family about a healthy smile for life. Her philosophy in treating children is based on respecting and caring for children using age appropriate techniques and earnest attention.
She is passionate and interested in providing oral health care for children of all age groups (0-18 years). Her special interests are in behaviour management, dental trauma, dental problems related to sleep issues, dental management in children with high caries risk, hypomineralisation (chalky teeth) and all medically compromised/special needs children. She offers dental treatment to a wide range of patients including those with complex medical and dental histories under general anaesthesia, oral sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
Besides paediatric dentistry, Dr. Angel enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travelling, hiking and cooking in her spare time.