Dr Ahmed El Hadidi, Specialist Periodontist

Dr Ahmed El Hadidi is a Specialist Periodontist who came to the specialty after 15 years as a general dentist. He completed his specialist degree in periodontics at the University of Melbourne, and his research looked at genetic changes that may make some people more susceptible to gum disease. At Collins Street Specialist Centre he treats gum disease, carries out regenerative and grafting procedures, and provides all aspects of implant dentistry. He consults on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne.

What qualifications does Dr El Hadidi hold?

The qualifications shown for him on our team page are:

• BDS: his dental degree, gained in Cairo
• MRACDS (GDP): college membership in general dental practice
• DCD (Perio): specialist degree in periodontics from the University of Melbourne

He is registered with the Dental Board of Australia (registration number DEN0000992224), with specialist registration in periodontics.

How did his career lead to periodontics?

Ahmed graduated in dentistry in Cairo and moved to Australia in 2010. He practised first in Launceston and then in Sydney, and settled in Melbourne in 2016. Across those years he worked in every area of general dentistry, but the parts of the work that held his attention were gum care and implants. In 2020 he joined the specialist program in periodontics.

That background in general practice means he is familiar with the restorative side of dentistry, such as fillings, crowns and bridges, and how gum health affects them.

What was his research about?

His research thesis aimed to identify DNA mutations that increase a person's susceptibility to periodontal disease. The longer-term aim of this kind of work is a susceptibility profile that could help a periodontist tailor management to the individual patient, an approach often called precision medicine. It is an area of continuing research rather than a routine test.

Which procedures does he provide?

As part of our periodontics service, Ahmed provides:

• non-surgical periodontal therapy, which cleans below the gum line to control infection
• surgical periodontal therapy when deeper pockets do not respond to non-surgical care
• regenerative procedures that aim to restore lost support around teeth
• hard tissue (bone) and soft tissue (gum) grafting
• aesthetic gum procedures, such as crown lengthening and treatment of gum recession
• all aspects of implant dentistry

He will talk you through the likely benefits, risks and recovery of any procedure he recommends.

Professional memberships

He is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the Australasian Osseointegration Society (AOS), the Australian Society of Periodontology (ASP) and the International Team for Implantology (ITI). These organisations help him keep his clinical knowledge up to date.

Outside the clinic

Ahmed spends his free time with his family. He enjoys fishing during the holidays and is always happy to play tennis.

How do you check his registration?

Look up Dr Ahmed El Hadidi on the public register at ahpra.gov.au to see his current registration and specialist field.

Questions worth asking at your consultation

You might ask whether your gum disease is active or stable, what role your general health or smoking plays, whether grafting or regeneration is likely to help, and, if a tooth is missing, whether you are a candidate for an implant. Bring your medicines list, health fund card and any recent X-rays.

His periodontist colleagues

The other specialist periodontists at Collins Street Specialist Centre are Dr Simon Hinckfuss, Dr James van den Berg, Dr Nupur Kataria and Dr Peishan Jiang.

Frequently asked questions

Does a genetic test form part of my gum treatment?

Not as a routine step. Dr El Hadidi's research looked at genetic susceptibility to gum disease, which is an area still being studied. Your treatment plan is based on a clinical examination, your X-rays, your medical history and risk factors such as smoking.

What is the difference between hard and soft tissue grafting?

A hard tissue graft adds bone, often to prepare a site for an implant. A soft tissue graft adds gum, for example where gums have receded and roots are exposed. Your periodontist will explain which, if either, suits your situation.

Can I see him if I have not been referred?

Our published guidance is that you do not need a referral to see our specialists. If your dentist has provided a letter or X-rays, please bring them to your first visit. Phone (03) 9650 2726 to book.

Does he treat problems with existing implants?

His work covers all aspects of implant dentistry. If you have pain, bleeding or swelling around an implant, call us so that it can be assessed.

Related pages

• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Our team
• Our technology
• Payment plans
• Contact us

Collins Street Specialist Centre at a glance

• Registered specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and paediatric dentistry, in one practice.
• Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne, on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets.
• No referral needed to book.
• Payment plans through Payright, TLC and Supercare, subject to eligibility.
• Call (03) 9650 2726 or email theteam@collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au.

Contact Collins Street Specialist Centre

Every patient is different, so results, recovery times and potential risks vary from person to person. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for a consultation. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner before proceeding with treatment.