While the word ‘dentist’ may make some people squirm in their seats, for Dr Rory Greer, it was a career path he knew he wanted to pursue from high school.

Graduating from St John’s College in 2012, Dr Greer headed straight for Charles Sturt University in Orange to study a Bachelor of Dental Science, following up with a Graduate Diploma in Oral Implants at the University of Sydney.

With a special interest in aesthetic, surgical and implant dentistry, Dr Greer told Dubbo Photo News it takes empathy, honesty, and attention to detail to be a good tooth doctor.

“Dentistry is a wonderful and fulfilling mix of patient interactions, problem solving, and performing procedures,” he said. 

“This lends itself to being both an engaging and rewarding profession.”

Most commonly seeing patients who either need tooth replacements or are wanting to improve their smiles, he thrives knowing he can make a positive impact on people’s lives.

“I enjoy having the ability to make functional and aesthetic changes for my patients, that can improve their wellbeing and overall health.”

At just 28 years old, Dr Greer has already achieved a lot in his short career.

One highlight so far includes having his research on replacing upper anterior teeth with implants published in the highly regarded Australian Journal of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry.

Another highlight is on the horizon. Dr Greer is about to open his own practice, Southlakes Dental - a dream come true for the young dental surgeon who was born and bred in Dubbo.

“It’s wonderful to be able to treat the community that I grew up in,” he said. 

“You’re never far away from someone that you know.”

Understanding that many people suffer a case of dentophobia (a fear of the dentist), Dr Greer has a word of warning,

“Dental anxiety can often prevent people from seeking care,” he said.

“It can be challenging to explain that this can result in serious oral health issues that may require more extensive treatment down the track.”

Southlakes Dental will open its doors in about two weeks’ time, with the brand new clinic boasting state of the art technology, a children’s play area, on-site parking, wheelchair access and in-chair entertainment.