We are dedicated to helping people with special health care needs.
The field of Special Needs Dentistry is still relatively new in Australia and often patients and their families are not aware of the treatment that could be available to them. We welcome all patients especially those with:
- Dental anxiety and phobia
- Mental illness
- Communication and behavioural concerns
- Intellectual and developmental disability
- Physical disability and movement disorders
- Complex medical conditions
- Aged care and dementia
Our Philosophy
At Mind Body Teeth we believe excellent oral health, a nice smile and pain-free chewing function should belong to everyone.
There is a strong intimate link between oral health and general health.
Dental care for those with special health needs is often deemed as “too difficult”. Caring for someone with dental anxiety or additional needs requires compassion, patience and a unique skillset.
Our Difference
A dental specialist is a dentist who has completed a three year postgraduate Clinical Doctorate in their chosen field in addition to the basic dental degree. We specialise in Special Needs Dentistry.
Postgraduate study equips you with the skillset to provide a specific group of patients with the best care. Our knowledge of the scientific literature is detailed and contemporary, allowing us to provide the best, evidence-based dental treatment tailored to suit you.
Our team is deeply passionate about our patients’ well being. We have more than a decade of specialised experience in caring for people with special health care needs.
Meet Dr Avanti Karve
Dr Avanti Karve
BDS MHSc (Dev Dis) DClin Dent (SND) FRACDS MRACDS (SND)
Avanti, the principal dental specialist at Mind Body Teeth is excited to bring her passion and skillset to private practice. She has been a dedicated advocate for her patients with special health care needs for the last fifteen years.
After completing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery with the University of Adelaide, Avanti returned home to Sydney in 2003. She decided to round out her training with an internship year at Westmead hospital, where she discovered her calling for caring for those with special health needs. She went on to become the first graduate of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry) program with the University of Sydney and also completed a concurrent Master of Health Science in Developmental Disability (2007-2010).
Avanti currently has appointments with Sydney West Local Health District (Staff Specialist- Special Needs Dentistry); NSW Developmental Disability Health Unit (Visiting Specialist); Hospital for Specialist Services (Visiting Specialist) and Sydney Adventist Hospital.
Avanti is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS) and currently serves as the President Elect of the Australia New Zealand Academy of Special Needs Dentistry (ANZASND). She is a member of the CERA Geriatric Oral Health Reference Group, Australian Society of Special Care Dentistry (ASSCID) and Australian Dental Association (ADA).
As a lifelong learner, Avanti is committed to learning, teaching and research at her Alma Mater the University of Sydney. She coordinates the undergraduate and post-graduate programs in Special Needs Dentistry as a Honorary Clinical Lecturer with the University of Sydney. She lectures extensively for the University and at numerous national and international conferences.
Referrals
You can now refer to us online! Detailed referrals can also be sent to mindbodyteeth@gmail.com
Although a referral from your dentist is not strictly required, the majority of our patients are referred from other dental and medical practitioners.
We are happy accept referrals from all allied health practitioners and also from patients, parents and carers. This is because we believe you know your loved one best.
Whether you require treatment of a specific problem or comprehensive care, we are happy to help. We are proud to offer spacious rooms with wheelchair access for treatment in-chair or under general anaesthesia.