Riversdale Orthodontics

A/Prof Paul Schneider enjoys the unique ability he has to contribute to the health, well-being and improved self esteem of so many people. He enjoys getting to know every patient and watching young patients "come out of their shell" as their appearance and comfort improve throughout orthodontic treatment.

After practicing orthodontics for almost 30 years, A/Prof Paul Schneider still loves coming to his clinic every day. "My father was a dentist, and I learnt from him the value of exceptional patient care. Each patient I see presents a different clinical challenge as well as an opportunity for a personal connection. I enjoy taking the time to know each person I look after, and giving them a positive orthodontic experience.

A commitment to educating the next generation of orthodontists led him to accept the role of Associate Professor and Head of Orthodontics at the University of Melbourne.

A/Prof Paul Schneider is active in the community and his practice supports local sporting teams and a junior choir, as well as a charity for disadvantaged and homeless youth.

Dr Theodosi BDSc (Hons) (Melb), MSD (St Louis), Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics, graduated from the Dental School at The University of Melbourne and was in general practice in Melbourne for 12 years before obtaining his Masters Degree in Orthodontics at the St. Louis University, USA, where he received the J.P. Marshall Award.

Dr Theodosi is based in Victoria. As well as maintaining a private specialist practice in Hawthorn East, he teaches the postgraduate orthodontic students at The University of Melbourne, which allows him to share his information and knowledge with the next generation of orthodontists.

Dr Theodosi has been actively involved with the Australian Society of Orthodontists at an executive level for almost twenty years. He is currently on the committee of the Australian Society of Orthodontists Foundation for Research and Education.

Dr Theodosi is married with three children and enjoys watching them play football, basketball and netball. His eldest son and daughter are studying at University and his youngest daughter is in her final year at high school. He likes to keep fit, enjoys paddling and is active with the Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club and Old Scotch College football club.

Dr Wong had a great relationship with his childhood orthodontist, who was a positive role model for him. "He played a part in my choice to become a dentist and eventually an orthodontist, a decision I am grateful for each day at work. I delight in having the chance to give patients a new smile that they will enjoy for the rest of their lives."

Dr Wong enjoys being a part of his community and the opportunity to get to know his patients and their families personally.

Dr Wong graduated from The University of Melbourne Dental School first in Dentistry with Honours, followed by a three year specialty degree in Orthodontics where he received the Sam Bulkley Rocky Mountain award. Upon completing his orthodontic education in Australia, he undertook further education to acquire international experience. Dr Wong was fortunate to have been a traveling fellow at the University of Michigan (Orthodontics Department) and New York University Hospital (Craniofacial unit), lecturing at both these institutions and the University of Florence, Italy.

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.