Dr Simon Hinckfuss, Specialist Periodontist & Specialist Prosthodontist

Dr Simon Hinckfuss is a registered specialist in two fields: periodontics, which deals with the gums, the bone that supports the teeth and dental implants, and prosthodontics, which deals with restoring and replacing teeth. His clinical work today is limited to periodontics, including regenerative gum and bone procedures and dental implants, and he draws on his prosthodontic training when planning treatment with referring dentists and other specialists. He sees patients at Collins Street Specialist Centre on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne.

What qualifications does Dr Simon Hinckfuss hold?

His qualifications, as listed on our team page, are:

• BDSc: Bachelor of Dental Science, University of Melbourne, 1995
• DCD (Pros): a three-year, full-time specialist degree in prosthodontics, University of Melbourne, 2007
• Cert.Perio MS (Minn): three further years of full-time specialist training in periodontics at the University of Minnesota in the United States

He holds specialist registration in both prosthodontics and periodontics with the Dental Board of Australia (registration number DEN0001008823).

How did he come to train in two specialties?

After graduating, Simon served as a Dental Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force and then worked for six years in general practice in Geelong. He went on to complete his prosthodontic degree in Melbourne before moving to the United States for his periodontal training. His research at Minnesota looked at how a surgeon's experience and the design of a surgical guide affect the accuracy of dental implant placement, and he has published research in prosthodontics and periodontology in international journals. On returning to Australia he set up a specialist periodontal practice.

What does Dr Hinckfuss treat?

Within our periodontics service, his work covers:

• assessment and treatment of gum disease
• regenerative procedures that aim to rebuild lost gum and bone support around teeth
• planning and placing dental implants

Because he trained as a prosthodontist as well, he can look at a gum or implant problem with the final restoration in mind. In practice, that means thinking early about where an implant crown or bridge will sit, so that the surgical plan and the restorative plan fit together. Where a patient also needs crowns, bridges or dentures, he works alongside our prosthodontists and your own dentist. Every treatment carries risks as well as benefits, and he will explain the options that apply to you.

Professional memberships and teaching

Simon is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists, the Australian Society of Periodontology, the Australian Dental Association and the International Team for Implantology. In 2011 he was elected President of the Victorian branch of the Australasian Osseointegration Society, a body concerned with dental implants. He stays current with new procedures and is involved in mentoring other clinicians.

How can you check his registration?

You can search for Dr Simon Hinckfuss on the public register at ahpra.gov.au. The register shows each practitioner's registration type and any specialist categories they hold.

Preparing for your first appointment

Bring a list of your medicines, your private health fund card, and any recent X-rays or scans. If another dentist has sent you, bring their letter, as it helps him see what has already been tried. It is worth writing down your questions beforehand, such as what is causing the problem, what the treatment choices are, how long each takes and what it may cost.

Which colleagues share his fields?

Our other specialist periodontists are Dr James van den Berg, Dr Nupur Kataria, Dr Ahmed El Hadidi and Dr Peishan Jiang. Our specialist prosthodontists are Dr Fotios Angelis, Prof Vasileios Chronopoulos, Dr Jamie Foong and Dr Gaurika Sud.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr Hinckfuss still provide prosthodontic treatment?

His clinical practice is now restricted to periodontics, including regenerative procedures and dental implants. He uses his prosthodontic background in the planning stage, and crowns, bridges or dentures are usually made by your own dentist or one of our prosthodontists, depending on your plan.

Can I see Dr Hinckfuss without a referral?

Our published guidance is that you do not need a referral to see our specialists. Many patients are referred by their dentist, and if you have a referral letter or X-rays, please bring them. Call (03) 9650 2726 to arrange an appointment.

Does he work with my regular dentist?

Yes. He works with referring dentists and other specialists when planning care. With your consent, we keep your dentist informed so that gum treatment, implants and any restorations are coordinated.

Is implant treatment suitable for everyone?

Not always. Gum health, bone volume, general health and habits such as smoking all affect whether an implant is a suitable choice. These are assessed at your consultation, and other ways of replacing a tooth may be discussed.

Related pages

• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Our team
• Our technology
• 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.