Dr Andrew Tong

Dentist

BDSc (Hons, Melb) FICDE

Book a dentist appointment online with Dr Andrew Tong

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PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY OF DR ANDREW TONG

Dr Andrew Tong was born and raised in Melbourne by his Vietnamese Chinese parents. He attained academic prizes during his studies at Melbourne University in Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery and Special Needs. Shortly after graduating, he undertook additional training in implant placement from the London Institute (USA) and accreditation with Invisalign Australia. For his efforts in continuing professional development, he attained a Fellow of the International College of Dental Education (FICDE).

During his time at MC Dental, he has developed an interest in veneers, single-visit crowns (CEREC), and the management of dental grinding and worn-down teeth. Dr Andrew is enthusiastic about advancements in implant dentistry, and his primary aim is for patients to keep their teeth as the first option, wherever possible. He strongly advocates for early intervention of dental decay and gum disease.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

“I don’t think there is a better job to be in than dentistry.

I was drawn to dentistry because it has the right balance of everything. You can be an artist, architect, detective, researcher, innovator, teacher, and surgeon. And, as a bonus, you meet interesting people daily.

Working in private practice offers a lot of autonomy: you can choose your hours, how you work, and what you do. I like to think of myself as friendly, approachable, and warm. I want to believe my patients and I are on the same level.”

COMMUNITY DRIVEN DENTIST

“I graduated from Melbourne Dental School with honours and awards in Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine. I have completed a Fellowship in International Continuing Dental Education (FICDE) and a few other short courses in implants and orthodontics. I have completed a study on 3D X-rays, or Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), which has improved outcomes for wisdom teeth surgery and implants.

I speak Mandarin and Cantonese and work full-time at one clinic. This makes it easier for my patients to see me at the same location rather than expecting them to travel between clinics around Melbourne.

The most crucial thing in a dental practice is offering a more comprehensive range of services and having better technology and equipment so patients only have to visit one clinic. In some cases, it is possible to have a crown done in a single visit (using CEREC). We are also very conveniently located in Melbourne’s CBD.”

PATIENTS COME FIRST

“The front desk staff probably have one of the most important roles in the dental clinic. They are the first point of contact for patients. They look after the patients when dentists are busy, clarifying what is involved in dental treatment: fees, payment plans, insurance, HICAPS, and giving post-operative instructions. The front desk staff play a vital role in ensuring patients are comfortable before and after a procedure.

Making people understand that most dental diseases are painless (e.g. gum disease) is one of the hardest things about my job. Just because you don’t feel pain doesn’t necessarily mean there is nothing wrong with the tooth or the gums.

If gum disease progresses, the bone around the tooth is lost, and eventually, the tooth will fall out. This can happen over the years without the patient feeling any pain. This can only be detected through regular dental check-ups and x-rays. It also makes people understand that oral health is one of the most important determinants of quality of life and its links to general health.

I wish dentists could grow bones or teeth. Unfortunately, we can only place artificial substitutes.

Good customer service in dentistry means happy patients. As a dentist, it’s my job to provide individualised treatment plans for each patient to help them achieve their dental goals and meet their expectations.”

OUTSIDE OF THE DENTAL PRACTICE

“Some of my hobbies include working out at the gym and playing computer games. I listen to classical music and whatever is on the radio.

I like to unwind after work and on weekends by hanging out with colleagues and friends. Either at the gym or the local restaurants around Melbourne’s CBD.”

If you need a Chinese speaking dentist in Melbourne, book Dr Andrew Tong. Dr Andrew can speak fluent English and Chinese Mandarin.