Lumino Dinsdale is excited to welcome Dr Sophia Do to the team, who brings over 10 years of experience working both overseas and in NZ.
What made you decide to get into dentistry as a career?
I always had a good experience with the school dental van, even if I had a tooth pulled! I had no idea dentistry was as multi-faceted as it is, but enjoyed how dental practice mixes theory with manual dexterity, and lets you meet so many people and help the community. I am grateful I could study dentistry, even if only for the fact that now I floss more!
How long have you been practising dentistry?
Since 2011.
Tell us about your career background?
I graduated in 2011 in Australia and worked in full time private practice until my husband and I started our family in 2018. In between babies, I continued to work part time and as a casual demonstrator with the University of Melbourne dental school. We now have three children, and have moved to New Zealand.
What is your most memorable case to date?
One man came in a few weeks before his wedding with a missing top front tooth and a few more with visible caries. He was very nervous and just never smiled showing his teeth. His partner loved him no matter what, but he wanted to do this for himself too. We had to work late to give him a smile transformation for his big day. It was lovely to see his confidence in the wedding photos afterwards!
What do you love most about your job?
I love the wide scope of general dental practice, that not every appointment is the same, and that each patient has their own story.
What are your special interests?
I enjoy all aspects of dentistry, and believe in minimal intervention and prevention. I like to focus on increasing awareness and reducing dental anxiety.
What is the main piece of advice you give your patients?
Prevention is better than cure. Regular check-ups are important and oral health is linked to many other conditions. Tooth decay is only one type of pathology that presents in the mouth.
Where would we find you outside of the practice?
At the local playground with my kids or working in the garden!
