Dr David Austin, Specialist Orthodontist

Dr David Austin is a specialist orthodontist at Collins Street Specialist Centre, where he treats both children and adults on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne. He studied dentistry at the University of Melbourne and completed his specialist orthodontic training at the University of Hong Kong. Alongside English, Dr Austin converses in French, Italian and Spanish. To arrange a consultation with him, call our team on (03) 9650 2726.

What are Dr Austin's qualifications?

Our team page lists Dr Austin's qualifications as BDSc (Melb), MDS Orth (HK), MOrth, RCS (Edin). In plain terms:

• BDSc (Melb): a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne, completed in 2004.
• MDS Orth (HK): his specialist orthodontic qualification from the University of Hong Kong.
• MOrth, RCS (Edin): membership in orthodontics with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

How did Dr Austin's orthodontic career develop?

After graduating, Dr Austin worked as a dentist in a variety of private general practices and specialist orthodontic clinics in Melbourne, and he also worked part time for the Australian Defence Force. His specialist orthodontic training at the University of Hong Kong started in 2007.

After three years in Hong Kong he moved to Shanghai, China, where he worked at a clinic that treated expatriate patients from many countries. He has also published an article in a European orthodontic journal.

Dr Austin belongs to several professional bodies: the World Federation of Orthodontists, the European Orthodontic Society, the Hong Kong Society of Orthodontists and the Australian Dental Association.

Which treatments does Dr Austin offer?

Dr Austin provides orthodontic care for children and adults. Orthodontics deals with the bite, meaning how the teeth line up and how the upper and lower jaws meet. Common reasons to see him include crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, an overbite or underbite, a crossbite, and teeth that are impacted (blocked from coming through).

Our orthodontists work with a range of appliances, from Invisalign clear aligners and conventional braces to lingual braces, which are fixed to the inner surfaces of the teeth. Which option suits you is decided after Dr Austin has examined your teeth and bite. Our orthodontics page explains each approach.

Can I talk with Dr Austin in French, Italian or Spanish?

Yes. If you would prefer to discuss your assessment or treatment plan in French, Italian or Spanish, mention this when you book so our team can let Dr Austin know before your appointment.

How can I confirm Dr Austin's registration?

Our team page shows Dr Austin as a Registered Dentist, Specialist, with specialist registration in orthodontics (registration number DEN0001022144). Anyone can search this number or his name on the public register at ahpra.gov.au.

Who else practises orthodontics with Dr Austin?

Dr Austin works alongside our other specialist orthodontists, Dr Andrea Phatouros, Dr. Joshua Ch’ng and Dr Steven Smith. When a case also needs a children's dentist, a prosthodontist or a surgeon, those specialists practise on the same floor, so plans can be discussed directly.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr Austin see adults as well as children?

Yes. Dr Austin treats children and adults. At the initial consultation he checks the health of your teeth and gums, because these affect which approach is appropriate for you.

Is a referral needed for an appointment with Dr Austin?

Our published guidance is that you do not need a referral to see our specialists. If your dentist has written a letter or taken recent X-rays, please bring them, as they help Dr Austin understand your dental history. Call (03) 9650 2726 to book.

How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?

It depends on how far the teeth need to move, the type of appliance and how closely the instructions are followed. Dr Austin gives you an estimated timeframe once he has examined your bite and records. Timeframes are estimates and can change as treatment progresses.

Should I keep seeing my own dentist during treatment?

Yes. We recommend continuing regular check-ups and cleans with your general dentist while you wear braces or aligners, because keeping teeth and gums healthy matters throughout orthodontic treatment.

Related pages

• Orthodontics
• Our team
• Our technology
• Our location
• 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.