Dr Veronica Roller has been practicing Dentistry for over 30 years. And received the University Medal in Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine.
We asked her a few questions to find out a little more about what fuels her enjoyment for practicing Dentistry in Sydney:
What are your favorite things about dentistry?
My favorite things about dentistry are the people. I just love the 30 years of practice, now I’ve built up my patients list, where I have known my patients for such a long time, and seeing the preventative care helping them as the decades go on really pleases me.
After graduating University, where did you first work?
I worked in Westmead Hospital, I was on call and I was assisting the surgeons and the senior dentists. I then worked in Western Sydney for 5 years in private practice
When did you start your own private practice?
1995 in Newtown (Dental Suite)
How many patients do you have in your private practice (on the “books”)?
8,000 to 10,000 patients
What type of procedures do you like performing the most?
I like seeing transformation, these include procedures that make people feel better in a short span of time.
So, when they’re in pain and I can get them out of pain in their first visit. This also translates in repairing joint issues, neck problems, sleeping disorders, so they feel a lot better for the long run as well.
What type of “continuing education” courses have you done since graduating at the University of Sydney?
On top of my mind, I’ve done extensive research and study in orthodontics, implants, mainly crown and bridge. And full mouth reconstruction, with the pain and the symptoms of head and neck issues.
Including courses regarding the aesthetic and reconstructive aspects of Dentistry.
Over the years, what type of volunteer work have you also completed?
I’ve done a lot of work with the Aboriginal community. I started doing work here in Australia. I’ve been sent around Australia to the indigenous communities in Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland.
And I’ve also done work in Nepal where we set up a program in an orphanage in Nepal. Mainly if I’ve got young people who are not coping, I’m now doing volunteer work closer to home.
What do you see the future of dentistry holding for people in Australia?
Well, it hasn’t really changed in the amount of disease that’s there. It’s still the same.
It used to be 30% of people came to a dentist 30 years ago. I think that’s improved. I have to look up the numbers, but I feel that more people want reconstruction and to keep their teeth longer. A lot of people used to go into dentures quite early in life, now they’re trying to prolong that and keep their teeth for as long as possible.
If you had a message that you could share with all Australian’s what would that message be?
It’s all about help. It’s all about keeping what you’ve got and really maintaining that. Prevention is better than cure.
Will you be practicing Dentistry over the next 10 years?
Absolutely. I love my job. Love it.