Dr Peter Vaughan Specialist Orthodontist
Dr Peter Vaughan has been a Specialist Orthodontist for 24 years. Dr Vaughan grew up in country NSW and still lives on an acreage which is a wildlife reserve. He is married with 3 sons. One is a primary school teacher, another a software engineer and the youngest is a university student. Dr Vaughan keeps himself active participating in triathlons. He enjoys the Ironman triathlon, this event re quiresa 3.8 km swim, followed by a 180 km bike ride, and then he has to run a 42.2 km marathon. Dr Vaughan has completed over 60 Ironman events, more than any other Australian and only a few people in the world have completed more.
Dr Vaughan initially moved to Newcastle to join another orthodontic practice but was unhappy with the procedures at that practice and consequently opened a solo practice where he has greater control over quality and patient care.
Dr Vaughan has made his practice innovative by:
- Extracting less teeth. Dr Vaughan does not like the narrow smile created by some extractions.
- All full braces treatments (except where treatments are provided at very low cost) are given a written guarantee offering a free retreatment should they experience adverse tooth movement following braces treatment. No other orthodontist in the Hunter Valley offers this level of support for patients after the braces are removed.
- Utilising the best materials into treatments. Dr Vaughan has been using clear braces for all his patients since 2001. I cannot believe or understand why some orthodontists still use the old fashioned metal braces. The advantages of metal braces are the opportunity to upsell to more expensive (why more expensive?) clear braces .
- Utilising modern techniques. Dr Vaughan, in conjunction with Dr Paul Coceancig, Maxillofacial Surgeon, has developed a new technique for a combined surgical and orthodontic correction of bite problems caused by a shorter lower jaw. This new procedure has been published in the "International Journal of Oral Surgery" and presented at an international conference. In some cases, the patients will not even require braces. This is an enormous advance on previous treatments which required braces for about 2 years with a poorer result and much higher risk of complications.
- Parents are always welcome into the surgery every visit so they can be well informed and involved in their child's orthodontic treatment. Questions are always welcomed.
Dr Kim Yoshinaga - Dentist
Dr Kim Yoshinaga first came to this practice as a patient while attending school in Newcastle. Kim went on to study Dentistry at Sydney University and returned to work in Newcastle. While working as a general dentist in Newcastle Dr Yoshinaga expressed an interest in studying orthodontics to become a specialist Orthodontist. In order to gain knowledge and experience Dr Yoshinaga commenced work at this practice in 1996. Since then Dr Yoshinaga has had time away for her family and also while she attending the University of Queensland Dental Faculty with the intention of gaining her specialist Orthodontist registration. Unfortunately family commitments made the university studies too difficult and Dr Yoshinaga has returned to Newcastle and was welcomed back to work in this practice. As a General Dentist Dr Yoshinaga is permitted to undertake all orthodontic procedures.
Jane - Hygienist and Dental Technician
Jane commenced with us in 2011. Jane is both a qualified Dental Hygienist (Newcastle University) and a Dental Technician. Having a Dental Technician on site is allowing us better communication and consequently better laboratory work. Jane has two young children and part time work allows her to juggle her time between dentistry and family life. We love having Jane with us and the patients love her too.
Karen - Practice Manager
Karen has been with this practice for 21 years. Karen studied business management at Griffith University in Queensland. Karen is the overall coordinator of the operations of the surgeries and offices. I am not sure what Karen does but I (Dr Vaughan) do not get involved and I hear no complaints so I am happy with her work. My duties are orthodontic treatments for patients and it is very pleasant having Karen takes the other worries from me. Karen is another past patient of this practice.
Barbara - Office Coordinator
Barbara is another ex patient of this practice, as is her son. Barbara has been with us since 1997, apart from a short stint when she lived in Burketown on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Barbara is our financial coordinator. Barbara loves special days and celebrations and always gets right into the swing of any celebration with her wild and wonderful outfits.
Kelly - Office and Front Desk Coordinator, Patient Liaison
Kelly has not had orthodontic treatment, but still has a beautiful smile. Kelly has been with us for 11 years. Kelly spent her early years as a orthodontic nurse. Kelly is now taking it easy as the Office and Front Desk Coordinator. Kelly is also the team member who contacts patients when required.
Fiona - Reception, Dental Hygiene student University of Newcastle
Fiona is yet another past patient of this practice. Fiona has been with this practice for 11 years. During that time Fiona has married and now has too lovely daughters. Fiona currently only works one day a week as she is studying Dental Hygiene at the University of Newcastle.
Sandy - Reception and Patient Liaison
Sandy has been with this practice for 18 years. Sandy is from Mendooran, that is out past Dubbo. Sandy's country upbringing often comes through and she is very practical and always happy. Sandy is a qualified Dental Nurse and has many years experience working in General Dentistry and Orthodontics. Sandy is currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, and her daughters are past patients of our practice. Sandy is also an important contact person for patients who make enquiries.
Helen - Senior Dental Nurse
Helen joined our practice in 2010. Helen has extensive experience working as an orthodontic nurse whilst living in Bathurst, but decided to move to Newcastle as it is a great place to live. Helen has brought a lot of experience which makes her invaluable to our practice.
Jorde - Dental Nurse
Jorde joined our practice in 2010 after being a patient for the previous 12 months. Jorde's braces should be on for another 6 months or so but it is probably that Jorde will never have her braces removed as she models our braces whenever anyone wants to know what they look like.
Jackie - Dental Nurse
Jackie was also a patient of this practice and also commenced working with us in 2010. Jackie was such an exemplary patient that once her braces were removed we had no hesitation in offering her a position in the surgery. Jackie is the newest addition to our practice and her dedication and happy outlook fit in extremely well with the rest of the staff.
Susana - Surgery cleanliness manager
Susana has been with us for 19 years or so. Susana is a wonderful person and a dedicated worker. We are truly fortunate to have had Susana with us for so long. Susana's children have been patients of our practice.
employment opportunities
We occasionally have new opportunities for those seeking employment. As you can see above many of our staff stay with us for extended periods, and those that leave often return eventually. However employment opportunities do arise. In the past we favour patients we have treated because they have the smiles that represent us and so they are great advertising. There is also the additional advantage that we understand the prospective employees motivations and they believe in the work our practice is achieving.