“5 minutes with…” is our new spotlight on some of the amazing and dedicated dental specialists that we refer to. Specialist treatment is sometimes required for more extensive or complex treatment plans, and at Alphington Dental Care we have curated a comprehensive list of practitioners who deliver excellent treatment.

Dr Linton Nash is one of the specialist Orthodontists we refer to, who specialises in orthodontics – or straightening the teeth. More than just braces, orthodontics can involve plates, clear braces, timing of treatment, retainers, or even working with other specialists for complex jaw surgeries.

Name:	Dr Linton Nash
Profession:	Specialist Orthodontist
Practice:	Nash Orthodontics
Contact details:	(03) 9499 7622 116 Waterdale Road IVANHOE, VIC 3079 nashortho.com.au

So, what made you get into orthodontics? Did you always see yourself doing this?

After finishing my General Dental degree, I knew I wanted to do more. Initially toying with the idea of going into oral and maxillofacial surgery, I decided on orthodontics because I enjoy getting to know my patients through the long-term patient-doctor relationship that is orthodontic treatment. It also helps that my father is an orthodontist.

What is your favourite thing about the work you do?

Being part of the joy patients experience when their braces come off, especially when we show them where their teeth were before we started and how it looks now.

What is one thing you wish was better understood about orthodontics?

As methods developed to straighten teeth, maintenance of this ideal dental alignment following treatment was recognised as a challenge for the orthodontic profession. Unfortunately “Retention is one of the most difficult problems in orthodontia; in fact, it is the problem” – Oppenheim (1934).

In 2018 relapse is still a significant problem which is not fully understood. With increased life expectancy, more teeth maintained thought life, and high resolution selfies preventing relapse is now more important than ever. To further the scientific knowledge during my orthodontic masters I carried out research into relapse and retention, but there is still more to learn.

If you weren’t an Orthodontist what would you be doing?

I really like three dimensional puzzles and when I finished high school I also was accepted into an Engineering/Law degree. I would have probably gone down this path if I had not got into dentistry as I have always enjoyed designing, planning and constructing things in three dimensions.

What is something people don’t know about you?

I really enjoy long distance cycling, I have completed Audax rides ranging from 200km to 1200km. I also dabble in computer programing and have designed and programed each iteration of our webpage.

Finally, what quote do you feel best describes your philosophy in life?

“To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” – Douglas Adams

(also by Douglas Adams “DON’T PANIC”)