ABOUT US

Meet the specialists at Western Periodontics.

OUR PRACTICE

Western Periodontics is an all female team with vast experience and a passion for the dental profession. We have a keen interest in the health and well being of our patients and are committed to excellent outcomes. The practice has a central location and we maintain regular communication with our referring dentists to ensure your dental treatment is optimised.

All products used in our practice have passed the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) process which confirms safety for use on Australian citizens. We will not use imported goods, devices, products or medications on you if they have not passed these stringent safety tests.

We proudly sponsor charities close to our heart including The National Breast Cancer Foundation (Dr McAlpine has even completed the pink triathlon), The Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Save The Children Fund, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, the Fred Hollows Institute, Lifeline and childhood cancer research.

What is a Periodontist?

A Periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the treatment of Periodontal (gum) Disease and other conditions affecting the structures which support the teeth. Training to be a Periodontist is beyond that required to become a general dentist. After five years of Dental School, and a minimum of two years in general dental practice, a Periodontist completes an additional 3 years of University based training, followed by a comprehensive examination process. Periodontists work closely with other members of the dental team, particularly dentists, hygienists and other dental specialists, however they are only responsible for the health of the gum tissues.

A Periodontist provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic, non-surgical and surgical services aimed at improving periodontal (gum) health. Our primary focus is on achieving health of the tissues which support the teeth. Further treatment can be undertaken to enhance the look and feel of your smile. For example, pre-prosthetic surgery can be undertaken to improve the look and function of restorations such as crowns and bridges; alternatively we can reshape your gums to achieve a more even contour, or less “gummy” appearance. Where teeth are missing the placement of dental implants is frequently undertaken by periodontists, especially when aesthetics are paramount. Periodontists also manage complications associated with dental implants including the treatment of peri-implantitis.

OUR TEAM

Meet our Periodontist

Dr Melanie McAlpine

BDSc(Hons) MDSc(Perio) MRACDS

Practice Owner

Dr McAlpine completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Western Australia in 1993 and graduated with Honours. After 2 years of private practice in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria she returned to Perth to undertake a Masters in Periodontology, also at UWA, completing this in 1999. Immediately following graduation Melanie relocated to London, England where she enjoyed a combination of private specialist practice in Guildford, Surrey and a teaching position at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. Melanie returned to full time specialist practice in Perth in 2002 and established Western Periodontics as a stand alone practice in 2008. Melanie has a keen interest in the management of periodontal disease and its interaction with general health. She also has over 20 years experience in the placement of dental implants and uses the latest digital treatment planning techniques.

Dr McAlpine regularly lectures and holds study groups to ensure ongoing education in the wider dental community. She has been an active member of local and federal societies including the Australian Society of Periodontology, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons, the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists, Women in Dentistry and the Australian Osseointegration Society.

AFFILIATIONS

We are proud members of the following organisations

Women in Dentistry

Dental Specialists Society of Western Australia