Medesy – Interview with Dr. Dianne Proctor

I am constantly humbled by the trust patients place in me to look after their health and it’s something I will never take for granted. I work hard to care for people and my community to the best of my ability.

What led you to choose the dental sector? Where
did you study and what did you specialize in?
“I studied Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at University of Melbourne, graduating on the Dean’s Honours List.

I’m a general dentist. When I was a child, a conversation I had with my father shaped my worldview. He told me as human beings living within a society, we should contribute to it just as we benefit from the opportunities it has given us. So I was naturally drawn to professions that help people.

Dentistry appeals to both my analytical mind and creative mind; restoring form and function in humanistic but evidence-based ways is a challenge I enjoy every day.”

Do you own a dental practice or do you work as an employee or freelancer?
“I bought my own dental practice almost 1 year ago.”

What values guide your work every day? Is there a moment in your career that you remember with
particular pride?
“Kindness, empathy and integrity guide me every day.
The moment I remember most proudly was the day I put the handmade signage of my practice on the wall!”

How long have you known MEDESY? Which aspects of our company have impressed you the most?
“I have only known about Medesy for around 2 years.
I like that it’s a company proud of its traditions and embraces its roots. In a world that celebrates ditching the old for new, I find it refreshing that Medesy has kept its production local and champions their history. I’m also impressed by the aesthetics of your instruments, especially the drop shape mirror (REF: 4903/10RO) great example of combining form with function.

Is there a product from our range that you use
most often or consider essential? What made you
choose our products over others?
“I use products from the Nerissimo line as my main examination kit: the double-sided mirror (REF. 4912/RO.NE), explorer (555/23.NE) and periodontal probe (REF. 548/4PT.NE), all stored in the GAMMAFIX tray (REF. 978/NE). These are used during every single appointment in my day. The instrument handles feel solid and stable in my hands; the white-on-black markings of the periodontal probe make readings super quick and accurate; the probe remains sharp as the first day I used it. None of the Nerissimo products have scratches on them despite being used all day
every day.”

Has there been a clinical case in which one of our products truly made a difference?
“The upper root forceps (REF. 2500/189) made retrieval of a severely decayed root fragment a breeze. The patient was very anxious and phobic, so the speed and ease of removal made the experience a lot better for them (and also for me!).

What has your experience as a woman in the dental sector been like? Have you encountered any particular challenges along your path?
“There are definitely elements of prejudice and bias working as a woman in a male-dominated field. I have yet to meet any female dentists who talk down to me, but I have encountered far too many men who think
they know better.”

What advice would you give to a young woman who wants to pursue a career in the dental field today?
“Be fearless and trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, don’t compromise, because nothing happens in a vacuum. Above all else, be
compassionate and kind. You want to look back on your career and be able to say that, in your own way, you have made a positive difference in people’s lives.”

What helped you overcome the most challenging moments in your journey?
“My family. They have been my fiercest advocates, and also my bulwark against the chaos of life.”

Is there a dream or professional project you would like to achieve?
“I’m working towards renovating my current premises to incorporate more mindful elements; I’m passionate in my mission to provide inclusive, non-judgemental, and trauma-informed care.”

At any point in your life, have you chosen to support charitable organizations or social projects? If so, what motivated you?
“Yes absolutely! I support a lot of social causes, one of the closest to my heart is knitting Trauma Teddies for the Australian Red Cross. My son received a Teddy during the darkest period of our lives, and I
eventually found knitting and crocheting as wonderful mindfulness exercises in my mental health journey. Making teddies for other children gives me comfort, and it’s really fun too!”

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Image credits: Dr Dianne Proctor & Radiance Dentistry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiancedentistry_/
Website: https://www.radiancedentistry.com.au/

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