A New Friendly Face at Forum Dentistry!
Meet Our St Leonard’s Dentist, Dr Lonnóg Nic Fhlannchadha
Dr Lonnóg Nic Fhlannchadha
Hailing from Cork in Ireland, Dr Lonnóg Nic Fhlannchadha joined the team at Forum Dentistry a few months ago.
We chatted to Dr Fhlannchadha about the childhood experiences that led her to a career in dentistry, the aspects of the job she loves the most, and what you can find her doing when she’s not taking exceptional care of her patients in the dental chair.
Her friendly manner and caring personality have already made her a huge hit with patients!
Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into dentistry
Well I’m originally from Ireland and moved over to Australia from Cork in September 2023, settling in Sydney.
The truth is, I always knew I wanted to do a job that involved working with people, and I was interested in healthcare from a young age. As a child, my parents were friends with our family dentist, and unlike most people, I always looked forward to visiting the dental clinic!
I also had orthodontic treatment when I was eight years old and, even then, I was fascinated by the intricacies of it all. I think that was the moment I decided I wanted to become a dentist and help people.
What do you like most about being a dentist?
I love meeting new and different people and educating them about their oral health. I enjoy working with my patients to create personalised treatment plans, and then supporting them through this journey until everything’s completed.
It’s so satisfying to see the results of dental treatments, particularly the ways this can have such a positive impact on people.
Not everyone enjoys visiting the dentist! How do you help your patients feel relaxed during their appointments?
In my experience, most people’s anxieties about visiting the dentist stem from past experiences. This is why I try to identify which aspects of the dentist a patient finds difficult or anxiety-inducing, then help them to feel at ease by alleviating this particular worry.
I’m guided by my patients at every appointment, making sure they feel listened to, seen and acknowledged throughout their treatment. I like to tell my patients that once they’re in the dental chair, they’re the boss!
If at any point they feel like they’ve had enough, we can stop; I’ll check in with them regularly and make sure they know they’re in control at all times.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like to keep active by doing Pilates and coastal runs. And speaking of the beach, I love to head there at sunset and enjoy that beautiful time of day.
Finally, what’s your number one oral hygiene tip?
This may surprise some people, but after brushing your teeth you should spit and not rinse!
To book an appointment with Dr Lonnóg Nic Fhlannchadha, click our "book now" button or call us on (02) 9439 4888.