Our Story

South Coast Smiles’ Australian/NZ trained specialists are experts in their respective areas of practice. They have completed an additional 3 years of master’s training in their area of specialty on top of completing a five-year dentistry degree.

Although prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists share many similarities – they both work hard to help improve your overall oral health – specialisation is what sets them apart from a dentist. Dental specialists are trained at managing the full scope of conditions (from simple to complex) and bring to patients the vast experience gained from doing this day today. We work together with our dentist colleagues to ensure all our patients have the best outcome, a reflection of our true commitment to our “do it once, do it right” approach.

It is important to determine that your dental specialist is in fact registered as a specialist from the dental board of Australia as distinct from a general dentist with a special interest in a particular field.

We’ve brought the highest standards of dental care with a personalised touch to the Illawarra region and we’re proud of it. We continue to develop our technical expertise through ongoing professional development. Our commitment to the profession is evident in the education and training of university dental students and our referring dentists.

We’re committed to providing the very best in care to our patients, that’s why we work collaboratively with our network of dentists to ensure the best results for you. We treat our patients like family and want to ensure you enjoy every visit on your treatment journey.

Many people come to us needing support to fix treatments that haven’t gone well. We’re dedicated to precision in care and live and work by a ‘do it right, do it once’ philosophy. This means careful attention to the details at every step of the treatment journey.

It’s true, the destination is important, but our approach to specialist care is about making the process smooth and comfortable too. From start to finish on your treatment journey, you’ll experience careful planning, expert care, and exceptional outcomes.

We’re proud to say that our team embodies our vision of patient care and you will always be greeted by a smiling face. We share a vision that’s simple: treat our patients how we’d like to be treated. For us, this means you can come in, feel relaxed, and have a chat about the smile you’d love to have.

It’s all part of our no-surprises philosophy that delivers bespoke patient care for the duration of the treatment journey.

When you visit South Coast Smiles, you will see your treating specialist. That means if you’re receiving orthodontic treatment, your appointment will be with Dr. Ahmed; if you’re receiving prosthodontic treatment, Dr. Thangavel will take care of you – each and every visit.

If you’re receiving treatment from a specialist, it’s important that every step of the way you receive the treatment you deserve. In fact, we think it’s the best way to ensure the best outcome is achieved in the shortest possible time.

Dr. Ahmed is pleased to offer a complimentary initial consultation to patients who are investigating their options. It’s a great way to get to know us and decide if working together with us for your treatment is right for you.

At this appointment, we’ll undertake an initial assessment. We’ll also show you around the clinic and talk you through the various procedures involved in your treatment. You can expect to ask any questions regarding your options, knowing that it’s completely obligation-free. Our goal is that you have enough information to make the right decision for you.

Whether you’re after a second opinion or want independent advice, we’re happy to share our experience and knowledge to help you feel comfortable with your decision.

When you visit our practice, you experience the benefit of having multiple specialists under one roof. You can relax knowing we’ll work together to ensure your treatment reflects the very best in care.

South Coast Smiles is an owner-operated practice.

Both Dr. Thangavel and Dr. Ahmed have lived and worked in and around the Illawarra for many years and are pleased to be further strengthening their ties with the community through their unique specialist practice.

As a private practice – rather than a corporate-owned entity – you’ll experience a more personal and friendly environment and the same team every visit for the duration of your treatment. We want you to know we’re here for the journey.

You can learn more about Dr. Thangavel and Dr. Ahmed here.

We’ve attended to every detail in the design and set up of South Coast Smiles, including our treatment rooms, technology, and sterilization systems.

• For maximum privacy and comfort, we have private treatment rooms to ensure the privacy and comfort of all of our patients.
• We have dedicated consultation areas to ensure discussions can take place in a relaxed and comfortable environment rather than lying back in the dental chair
• Among the technology at South Coast Smiles you’ll find full 3D diagnosis made possible through 3D x-rays, intraoral cameras, the latest in wire technology, clear braces, and more.
• Our Sirona autoclaves from Germany are the very best available, ensuring that our sterilization practices meet Australian standards.

We’re committed to evolving our practice in line with advances in technology and look forward to bringing these to our patient community as they become available.

You can learn more about what makes us different by coming in and having a chat with us. Simply call us to book a time, or request a callback, and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours or the next business day.