Mr Michael Whitford

If Michael was a dental device, he would be a ‘slow speed handpiece’ – a reliable piece of equipment that’s useful in lots of different situations and just keeps on going! Michael started working at Central Leederville Dental in 2004 before acquiring the practice in 2008. He previously worked as a chartered accountant and merchant banker before returning to university to study dentistry. This satisfied Michael’s long-held interest to work in the health professions. Michael loves his patients and the relationships that he and his team have developed with them over the years. Whether he’s relieving someone’s pain, enhancing their smile or educating them on how to avoid future issues, Michael enjoys improving his patients’ health and helping them to feel better about themselves. Above all, he always wants to do the right thing for people. An empathetic person, Michael finds it deeply satisfying to help patients overcome their phobias. Michael recalls a particular patient who was so fearful from a bad childhood experience that she hadn’t seen a dentist in years and was in tears in the waiting room. He worked with her to figure out how to make her more comfortable during her visits, including ‘happy gas’ (nitrous oxide) and a slow, considered approach. Years later, this patient has come a long way with her oral health and now happily attends her regular dental check-ups – and is far more confident with her smile!