FROM childhood dreams of dentistry to helping patients aged from five to their 70s, Brookwater orthodontist Dr Natasha Clare has built a career around creating healthier, more confident smiles.
Dr Clare, specialist orthodontist and owner of Greater Springfield Orthodontics, has been part of the local practice since 2018, taking ownership in 2024.
Her interest in dentistry began remarkably early.
“I’ve wanted to be a dentist since I was seven years old,” Dr Clare said.
“My own childhood dentist encouraged my fascination and even let me start out as a dental assistant.”
After training as a general dentist in the United Kingdom and working within the NHS, Dr Clare moved to Australia in 2013.
She spent three years working as a general dentist in Maryborough and Hervey Bay before undertaking a three-year specialist orthodontic doctorate at the University of Queensland.
Dr Clare said while dentists and orthodontists worked closely together, their roles were different.
“A dentist looks after the everyday health and structure of your teeth, completing cleans, fillings and crowns,” she said.
“An orthodontist specialises in moving teeth and jaws to create a healthy, functional bite and a confident smile.”
Patients do not need a referral to visit the Brookwater practice, with Dr Clare and her team treating people across a wide range of ages.
Treatment options include traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, clear aligners, jaw alignment treatment and early preventative intervention for younger patients.
Dr Clare said every treatment plan was developed around the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
And while achieving a straighter smile may be the most visible result of orthodontic treatment, she said appearance was only part of the story.
“A beautiful smile is a wonderful outcome, but it’s really about function first,” she said.
“A healthy bite that’s comfortable to chew with, easier to clean, and puts less strain on teeth and jaws over a lifetime is often the primary reason treatment is recommended.”
For nervous patients, the Greater Springfield Orthodontics team also has a four-legged staff member helping make appointments a little more welcoming.
Dogtor Douglas, the practice’s golden retriever therapy dog, has become a favourite with patients.
“We’re a genuinely friendly, dynamic team who strive to transform lives one smile at a time,” Dr Clare said.
“Patients often love to meet Dogtor Doug, our gentle golden retriever. When he’s not sleeping on the job he’s greeting our patients with a happy wag of his tail.”
Greater Springfield Orthodontics is located at Brookwater Village, 2 Tournament Drive, Brookwater.
