Dr Yilong (Michael)
Zhao is an AHPRA registered
specialist orthodontist and ASO member
Being an orthodontist is more than just putting braces on and then taking them off. It is about understanding your patients’ needs first, addressing their concerns, and providing them with the most suitable orthodontic treatment at the most appropriate time.
Having the opportunity to work closely with people and being able to help them with their orthodontic needs is more than just work for me; it gives me a sense of purpose and adds a deeper meaning to my life. I feel privileged to be in such a role, and to have an opportunity to make a positive effect on others.
I am passionate about providing my patients with the highest quality care, tailoring their orthodontic treatment to their needs and helping them achieve the best smile possible. I am excited to see the amazing transformation the patients achieve throughout the orthodontic treatment. Along with straight teeth and a great smile, comes very positive changes in personality and self confidence.
EDUCATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
-High School: Auckland Grammar
-Dental School: University of Otago
-Specialty: Orthodontics at University of Melbourne
I have attended and will continue to participate in national and international conferences, local Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) meetings and local orthodontists' study clubs.
It is important for me to stay on top of the latest evidence based advances in orthodontics. I am a subscriber to some of the most impactful international orthodontic journals, where only the most recent and solid research gets published.
Orthodontics is a constantly evolving profession. While the basic biomechanics and the physiology of tooth movement stays the same, there are ongoing changes in technology. Such changes include imaging (such as 3D intraoral scanning and Cone beam CT scanning). Suresmile is a 3D treatment planning and wire bending system which we use in practice and this has been a revelation in our practise. By staying on the front line of technology, we provide our patients with the excellent results, as efficiently and accurately as possible.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
-Australian Society of Orthodontists
-Certified Member of the Australasian Orthodontic Board
-Australian Dental Association
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
I was born in Urumqi, China, and moved to Auckland, New Zealand in high school. I have been living in Carlton, Melbourne for the last three years and now live in East Hawthorn. My lovely wife Florence has helped me immensely throughout my specialist training. We met in New Zealand and she moved over to Melbourne with me when I started my orthodontic training.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy playing basketball with friends or going to the gym for a quick swim. I am also planning to start playing tennis this year.
GIVING BACK
I plan to join the Give a Smile program, where pro bono orthodontic treatment is provided for children in need. In the past, I volunteered to provide free dental care and dental education to the people living in the Cook Islands, where the access to dentistry is very limited. I feel very fortunate to be in a position where I can give back to those in need.
