Dr Susan Hinckfuss, Specialist Paediatric Dentist

Dr Susan Hinckfuss is a Specialist Paediatric Dentist at Collins Street Specialist Centre, caring for babies, children and teenagers across all areas of children's dentistry. Her special interests are anxious children, children on the autism spectrum, dental injuries, enamel defects and early childhood decay, and she has extensive experience placing white zirconia crowns on baby teeth. She trained at the University of Melbourne and the Royal Children's Hospital, and sees families on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne. Call (03) 9650 2726 to arrange a visit.

Qualifications

• BDSc (Melb)
• DCD (Melb)

The BDSc is the Bachelor of Dental Science, which she completed at the University of Melbourne in 1995. The DCD is a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry, a three-year specialist degree that she completed in paediatric dentistry, also at the University of Melbourne.

Her path into paediatric dentistry

After graduating, Dr Hinckfuss spent eight years in private general dental practice in the Geelong area, where her interest in treating children grew. She returned to the University of Melbourne for her specialist training, which included clinical work at the Royal Children's Hospital of Melbourne.

Once she had completed her specialty training, she moved to the United States for three years as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Dental Science at the University of Minnesota. She came back to Melbourne in 2010 and has worked in private specialist practice since then. She has lectured on many aspects of paediatric dentistry and her research has been published in international dental journals.

Areas of special interest

Dr Hinckfuss provides all aspects of paediatric dentistry. Families often see her for:

• Anxious children. She aims to treat each child in a way that avoids building a fear of the dentist, adapting the pace and approach to the child in front of her.
• Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Visits can be planned around a child's routines, sensitivities and communication style.
• Dental trauma. Chipped, loosened or knocked-out teeth after a fall or sports injury need prompt assessment and follow-up.
• Enamel defects. Some children's teeth form with weak or discoloured enamel, which can make them sensitive and more prone to decay.
• Early childhood caries. Decay in very young children can progress quickly and often needs a plan that combines treatment with prevention at home.
• White zirconia crowns. These tooth-coloured crowns are an alternative to stainless steel crowns for badly decayed or damaged baby molars.

Our paediatric dentists also use an approach called teddy bear therapy, where the steps of a visit are first shown on a toy so the child knows what to expect. Read more about the specialty on our paediatric dentistry page.

Individualised care for each child

Dr Hinckfuss plans treatment around the individual child: their age, temperament, medical history and how they cope with dental visits. Some children manage treatment in the chair, while others may need sedation or a general anaesthetic for more extensive work. She will explain the options, along with their benefits and risks, so that you can decide together what suits your child.

Checking her specialist registration

Dr Hinckfuss is listed on the AHPRA register as a Registered Dentist, Specialist, with specialist registration in Paediatric Dentistry, under registration number DEN0001008678. You can search the register at ahpra.gov.au.

Getting ready for the first visit

Before the appointment, gather your child's medical history, any medicines they take, previous dental X-rays or reports, and your private health fund card. Let our team know if your child has autism, sensory sensitivities or a past dental experience that upset them, so the visit can be planned with that in mind. Our location page has tram, parking and train details for getting to the Manchester Unity Building.

Our paediatric dentists

Dr Hinckfuss works with fellow Specialist Paediatric Dentists Dr Sarah Scott, Dr Angel Babu and Dr Aish Kesava. When a child also needs orthodontic or surgical care, our orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons practise in the same rooms.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral for my child to see Dr Hinckfuss?

Referral arrangements for children should be checked when you book. Call (03) 9650 2726 and our team will explain what is needed. If your family dentist has written a letter or taken X-rays, please bring them so Dr Hinckfuss can review your child's history.

What is a zirconia crown?

A zirconia crown is a pre-formed, tooth-coloured cap made from a strong ceramic. It covers a baby molar that is too broken down for a filling. Dr Hinckfuss will discuss whether a zirconia or a stainless steel crown is more suitable for your child's tooth, as each has advantages in different situations.

My child's tooth was knocked out. What should I do?

Call us straight away on (03) 9650 2726, or seek emergency care if the injury is serious. Dental injuries are time-sensitive, so an early assessment matters. Our team will advise you what to do with the tooth while you arrange care, and Dr Hinckfuss will check your child for other injuries and plan follow-up.

How does Dr Hinckfuss help children on the autism spectrum?

She has a special interest in caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Telling us in advance about your child's triggers, preferred routines and communication needs lets her shape the appointment to suit them, and some children benefit from a short, familiarising visit before any treatment begins.

Related pages

• Paediatric dentistry
• Dr Sarah Scott
• Dr Angel Babu
• Dr Aish Kesava
• Our team
• Payment plans
• Contact us

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.
• 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.