Dr James van den Berg, Specialist Periodontist

Dr James van den Berg is a Specialist Periodontist at Collins Street Specialist Centre. Periodontics is the dental specialty concerned with the gums and the bone that hold the teeth in place, and with dental implants. James trained in the United Kingdom, where he completed a master's degree in periodontics, and he has practised in Melbourne with work limited to periodontics since arriving in Australia in December 2001. He has a long-standing interest in using dental lasers in gum and implant treatment. He sees patients on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne.

What are Dr van den Berg's qualifications?

Our team page lists his qualifications as:

• BDSc (Birm): dental degree, Birmingham University Dental School
• MClinDent (Lond): Master of Clinical Dentistry in periodontics, completed in 1999 after training that began in 1997 at Queen Mary and The Royal London Hospital Dental School
• PGDipCD (Melb): a two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry in periodontics, University of Melbourne, 2012
• MRACDS (Perio): college membership in periodontics

His registration number with the Dental Board of Australia is DEN0001016928, and he is registered as a specialist in periodontics.

What is his professional background?

After graduating in dentistry, James spent three years in vocational training as a general dentist in Ipswich. His interest in periodontics dated from his student years, and he went on to postgraduate study in London. Once he had completed his master's degree, he stayed at The Royal London Hospital as a clinical lecturer in periodontics, where he taught, took part in clinical and laboratory research, and saw patients in a private practice limited to periodontics.

In December 2001 he moved to Australia and continued to practise in Melbourne with work limited to periodontics. He completed his Melbourne postgraduate diploma in 2012, was accepted into college membership in 2013, and has worked as a specialist periodontist since 2013.

Which treatments does he provide?

Within our periodontics service, his clinical work includes:

• conventional treatment of gum disease
• laser-assisted gum and implant treatment
• aesthetic crown lengthening, which reshapes the gum line around teeth that look short
• dental implant surgery, which he has carried out since 1999
• treatment of peri-implant disease, an inflammation of the gum and bone around an implant

How does he use lasers in treatment?

James has used both hard tissue and soft tissue lasers since 2004 and has lectured on their use in surgical dentistry. In his work, a laser may be used alongside conventional periodontal treatment, in managing disease around implants, and in crown lengthening. He also has an interest in biomodulation, where low-level laser light is used with the aim of supporting healing; its use in dentistry may help reduce discomfort and complications after surgery, although responses vary between patients. Lasers are not suitable for every case, and he will explain whether laser-assisted care is an option for you. You can read about the equipment used here on our technology page.

How can you check his registration?

Search for Dr James van den Berg on the public register at ahpra.gov.au, which lists each practitioner's registration and any specialist category.

What should you ask at your first visit?

Useful questions include: how advanced is the gum disease, what is causing it, would laser-assisted treatment or conventional treatment suit me, how many visits are likely, and what ongoing maintenance will be needed afterwards? Bring a list of your medicines, your health fund card and any recent X-rays.

Who else practises periodontics here?

Our specialist periodontists also include Dr Simon Hinckfuss, Dr Nupur Kataria, Dr Ahmed El Hadidi and Dr Peishan Jiang.

Frequently asked questions

Is laser gum treatment right for everyone?

No. Whether a laser is used depends on the type and severity of the gum problem, your general health and the procedure involved. James will assess your gums and explain the conventional and laser-assisted options, along with the benefits and risks of each, before you decide.

What is aesthetic crown lengthening?

It is a procedure that removes a small amount of gum, and sometimes bone, so that more of the tooth shows. It can be done for appearance when the gum line sits low, or to expose more tooth before a crown or filling. Healing time differs from person to person.

Does Dr van den Berg place dental implants?

Yes. Implant surgery has been part of his practice since 1999. He also treats inflammation around existing implants. A consultation is needed first to check your gum health, bone and medical history.

Do I need a referral to see him?

Our published guidance is that you do not need a referral to see our specialists. If your dentist has written to us or taken X-rays, bring them along. Call (03) 9650 2726 to book.

Related pages

• Periodontics
• Our technology
• Our team
• Prosthodontics
• Payment plans
• Our location

Collins Street Specialist Centre at a glance

• Registered specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and paediatric dentistry, in one practice.
• Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne, on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets.
• No referral needed to book.
• Payment plans through Payright, TLC and Supercare, subject to eligibility.
• Call (03) 9650 2726 or email theteam@collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au.

Contact Collins Street Specialist Centre

Every patient is different, so results, recovery times and potential risks vary from person to person. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for a consultation. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner before proceeding with treatment.