Affordable Dental are making dentistry more accessible for patients. From routine check-ups to smile restorations, the team is experienced in understanding patient needs and transforming dental anxiety into confident smiles.

Equipped with the latest technology and the affordability factor of an in-house lab, Affordable Dental’s experienced dental professionals take pride in showing their patients what’s possible. We chat with Dentist Dr Mina Rizk and Senior Prosthetist Eanna Callanan, who can both be found at the Phillip clinic.

Meet Mina and Eanna

Dr Mina Rizk is a passionate dentist who has dedicated his life to constant improvement to help his patients. With a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science, a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry, and a Masters of Clinical Dentistry (Dental Implantology), Dr Mina is a firm believer in lifelong education. He regularly attends continuing professional development courses within Australia and internationally to stay up to date with the latest techniques.

Eanna Callanan is a Senior Prosthetist and Implant Consultant with over 11 years’ experience in the dental sector in Ireland and Australia. He has a postgraduate degree in Clinical Dental Technology from Trinity College in Dublin and has undergone extensive training in the digital dentistry field, highly skilled with the software that helps patients to visualise their transformed smile.

Breaking down barriers to overcome patient anxiety

At Affordable Dental, our team takes pride not only in transforming smiles, but also attitudes towards dentistry.

“Many of the patients I see are nervous and anxious from the start,” Dr Mina said. “It can be that they’re embarrassed, they’ve had previous bad experiences, or they’ve been let down and told they don’t have any options. I try my best to understand the cause of their anxiety and treat them like a friend or family member.”

“A lot of patients, when they come in, see the dental chair and alarm bells go off,” Eanna explained. “They start getting anxious immediately. Welcoming these patients in to have a conversation in a regular chair, away from that bad memory or the negative association of the dental chair, is a small change that can make a big difference in making them feel more comfortable from the start.”

Clear, transparent communication at every stage

“We always give patients a good understanding of the options available, explaining the pros and cons of each, what to expect, and the costs involved,” Dr Mina said. “We’re very upfront and transparent about everything from start to finish. There are no hidden fees, and I don’t start treatment until the patient is feeling confident.”

Affordable Dental is a digitally-driven practice, which means technology aids greatly in patient communication. Each patient can see an in-depth scan of their mouth in real time, as well as a simulation of what it would look like to achieve their goals.

“Our 3D X-rays give us a lot of in-depth information about pathology, anatomy, issues with teeth, infections,” Dr Mina said. “We can merge this information with our scanners and create simulation plans to demonstrate on screen.”

“Patients are very impressed with the technology because they can see what’s going on,” Eanna said. “I can point out that this is the problem tooth and why, demonstrate what we can do to fix it, and how the treatment will positively change their life – improving their ability to bite, chew or smile.”

In addition to clear visuals, 3D printed models show patients what their teeth will look like in a way that they can touch and feel. This is extremely beneficial for anyone to understand more complex treatment plans, but especially for those with language limitations or hearing difficulties.

“We always encourage people to come in with a family member or support person, so they are able to discuss in their own time,” Dr Mina said. “But as they say, a picture speaks a thousand words, and being able to see and feel the difference in their own hands makes a huge difference.” 

Making a difference in the lives of patients

“One patient was told previously that their oral health was extremely bad, they had severe gum disease, and their teeth would fall out in six months to a year,” Dr Mina said. “After using our technology to analyse her situation, we determined it was only an early-mid onset of gum disease, and we were able to treat the cause.”

Dr Mina found solutions for her situation, which was caused in part by a toothpaste allergy, and prescribed interdental brushes and a water flosser to get her oral health back on track.

Another patient Dr Mina treated came to him with missing teeth, unable to eat what he would like, and not happy about his smile since his adolescence. He was married for 20 years, with two children, and never smiled for a photo.

“This patient was given the Affordable Smiles on Implants option, where the upper and lower teeth are replaced with just four implants for a new set of fixed teeth. Even in the temporary phase, he said the first time they went out was Father’s Day. His wife was so surprised because he was smiling and showing his teeth, and he wanted to show me his family photo,” Dr Mina said.

“Initially they’re concerned because they think they’ll have to go a length of time without their teeth,” Eanna said. “But the way we structure treatment here is, the day those teeth come out is the day those new teeth come in.

“The difference when they come in for their weekly review is clear, they’re glowing. They’ll say ‘I’ve never had teeth like this’ or ‘I haven’t smiled like this in years’, and they can’t wait for their after photo. Their confidence and quality of life has improved dramatically.”

The Affordable Dental difference

• Patient communication is our priority. We provide multiple options to fit the individual needs of each patient. Experience visual demos and 3D models that give you a greater understanding of what’s available.
• Our technology is top of the range. Using the latest techniques and equipment, we continuously improve and give patients a more comfortable and efficient experience.
• Affordable is in our name for a reason. Having an in-house lab means we save on production costs, materials and time, so you do, too. There’s no sacrifice in quality.
• We offer patients with all health funds a NO GAP option for their general check-up and clean.
• Flexible payment options including Zip Money, Afterpay and Access My Super are available to all eligible patients.
• We love a challenge. Our team is experienced in dealing with patients who are told what they can’t do. We’re here to show you what’s possible.
• Have you or someone you know put off dental treatment due to anxiety? Our team is accustomed to turning bad experiences into positive ones, building trust and confidence at your pace.

Affordable Smiles consultations are free. Make an appointment at the Phillip clinic today at www.affordabledental.com.au or by calling (02) 7252 9622.