Our Orthodontist Dr Shimanto Purkayastha
As you consider orthodontic treatment, chances are you’ll be weighing up which orthodontist is the right person to meet your individual needs and wondering about the credentials they have. We thought we’d take this opportunity to offer a little insight into the skills and training required to become an orthodontist, explain a little more about their unique area of expertise, and introduce you to Norwest Orthodontist Dr Shimanto Purkayastha, the only board-certified orthodontist in the Norwest area.
General dentistry
Becoming a specialist orthodontist requires extensive training, which first commences with the completion of an AHPRA- recognised general dentistry degree.
This initial field of study is designed to give orthodontists a comprehensive understanding of general dentistry including common dental health issues, oral hygiene and dental treatment, along with a working insight into jaw structure and teeth development.
In Australia, this degree takes about five years to complete.
After attending Sydney Grammar School, Dr Shimanto completed his dental degree at the University of Sydney in 2002 where was awarded the RG Schamschula medal for research in Orthodontics.
Clinical experience
Specialist orthodontists don’t just require a theoretical insight into dentistry, they need a working understanding, which is why every specialist orthodontist also undertakes two years of clinical experience before suitable candidates are eligible to commence their specialist training in orthodontics.
For Dr Shimanto, this experience saw him work as a general dentist in both rural and city practices before he began his Masters of Orthodontics.
Orthodontist specialisation
After five years study of general dentistry and two years of clinical experience, Orthodontists are then required to undertake a further three years study in the specialisation of orthodontics.
Dr Shimanto was among those eligible to specialise, and commenced his specialist training, resulting in a Masters of Orthodontics with Distinction, Membership to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons in Edinburgh, and Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
He completed his Masters of Orthodontics in 2007 and became a registered orthodontic specialist in 2008.
Board certification
Not only is Dr Shimanto a registered orthodontic specialist, he has also achieved the additional recognition of Board Certification due to his commitment to clinical excellence and ongoing education.
To achieve Board Certification a doctor must already be a Registered Specialist Orthodontist and then needs to have treated cases assessed by the Australasian Orthodontic Board. These cases must be nominated before starting treatment and the end results are independently critiqued.
Achieving Board Certification is a highly-regarded industry accreditation and in practice also allows Norwest patients to rest assured in the knowledge they are being treated to the highest clinical standards.
Shared knowledge
In addition to continuing his own education, Dr Shimanto also shares his expertise with the wider community by hosting education events and seminars for other local dentists and specialists.
The principle behind this is to ensure other dental practitioners can learn and provide the highest level of care for the wider community. This reflects his desire to go above and beyond to ensure the best knowledge and insight is widely available, benefitting not only his patients but many others.
The Norwest Orthodontics philosophy
When Dr Shimanto first established Norwest Orthodontics, he knew an exceptional patient experience would drive all areas of the Norwest treatment philosophy.
His focus was not just on straightening teeth and correcting the bite but treating the individual as a whole.
Each case is assessed individually, with treatments designed to be both preventative and interceptive. That means there is an emphasis on addressing potential problems before they become an issue that requires extensive intervention like extractions later.
Dr Shimanto believes it is critical that people are treated wholistically. This is with a practice philosophy of treating individual people and not simply teeth.
“The position of the teeth, how the space required is created, and how the jaws are aligned, are critical to the overall facial balance, aesthetics and function,” he reflects.
“Simply looking at teeth isolation will not equate to excellent treatment results. This is because it misses a critical aspect – the overall facial structure of the person you are treating.”
A highly skilled team
Supporting Dr Shimanto’s philosophy and expertise is a highly skilled team of dental professionals who all share the ethos of putting Norwest Orthodontics patients first.
From oral health therapists to reception staff, the Norwest team features over five decades of clinical experience.
Their additional strength lies in the commitment to patient care. Each team member relishes the opportunity to offer an orthodontic experience that not only meets but exceeds expectations.
The consistent aim of all Norwest Orthodontics staff is to ensure patients feel relaxed, comfortable and valued. Our goal is that each patient will ultimately walk away having encountered a personalised orthodontic experience with a smile they enjoy for life.
A personalised experience
From the highly-skilled team to specialist diagnostic equipment and a state-of-the-art clinic, all elements of Norwest Orthodontics are designed to put the patient first.
“Our philosophy is patient-focused, placing you at the centre of the treatment process,” Dr Shimanto notes.
“This means that everything we do is designed to ensure the time you spend with us is as comfortable as possible.
“As a father and husband, it’s important to me that we personalise everything that we do.
“When treating people, I ask myself, is this something I would be comfortable with for my own daughter or wife to undergo? And am I happy with the type of environment in which they are being treated?
“Practically speaking, this means ensuring we have one of the best teams available to look after you. We are constantly developing and improving everything that we do.
“We keep abreast of local and international developments in best practice health care. We do not allow ourselves to rest on our laurels to ensure we are continually providing the best possible care for you.”
About Norwest Orthodontics
Norwest Orthodontics specialises in helping patients achieve a great smile, no matter their age. We feature a range of orthodontic treatments that span from early intervention right through to remedial adult work.
You can learn more about our services, or contact us to make an appointment.
