Our Faculty

Prosthodontist

Dr. Nathaniel is a specialist prosthodontist in full time private practice in Glen Waverley, Moonee Ponds and Berwick. He is the principal dentist at the Melbourne Prosthodontic Centre. Praveen has worked as a specialist since 1994 and was in the first few clinicians in Australia to begin placing Implants and working with CADCAM.

Periodontist

Dr. Cindy Nguyen graduated with her dental degree from the University of Melbourne in 2004. Having finished as dux of her year, Dr. Cindy Nguyen received a number of awards from The University, The Melbourne Dental School and also from The Australian Dental Association. Dr. Cindy Nguyen is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in the specialist field of Periodontics.

Dr. Nguyen provides hands-on training to students during pig-head demonstrations and patient live-surgery.

Prosthodontist

Dr. Rebecca Wong obtained her Bachelor of Dental Science degree and Prosthodontic specialist training at the University of Melbourne. She has worked as specialist at the Royal Dental Hospital for the last 12 years and is currently the Director of teaching and education at Melbourne University Dental School.

Periodontist - USA

Dr. Matthew J. Fien graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2006. He received his specialty training in periodontics from Nova Southeastern University and his diplomate status from the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry in 2009.

He has published articles in various dental journals, including the Journal of Periodontology, the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry and more.

He lectures throughout the country on bone grafting techniques and all aspects of implant dentistry. He teaches a hands-on guided bone regeneration course, which he developed. Dr. Fien enjoys lecturing at Nova Southeastern University and several other post graduate dental programs.

He is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology and the Academy of Osseointegration and maintains a private practice in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

General Dentist

Dr. Matthew Youssef graduated with both a Masters of Clinical Dentistry from La Trobe University and a Bachelor of Health Science.He has learnt from World Leaders in Oral Implantology, has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Implantology and is also a GIDE Master Clinician in Implantology.

Dr. Matthew Youssef is trained in PRF techniques by Dr. Joseph Choukroun, in Implantology and Restorative aspects by Dr. Sascha Jovanovik, Dr. Luke Villata, Dr. Praveen Nathaniel, and Dr. Joseph Kan.

Periodontist

Dr. Barack studied Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University, before being accepted to the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 1978. After completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Barack opted to pursue further education in the field of Periodontics, completing a residency at University of Illinois at Chicago in 1984. He received his Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology in 1991. While at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. Barack served as an Assistant Clinical Professor for the College of Dentistry from 1983 to 1995.

Dr. Barack has focused his periodontal practice to implant surgery and supportive reconstructive surgical procedures. Since 1984, he has refined surgical techniques related to esthetic implant results and the immediate provisionalization of dental implants for the edentulous arches. In addition to his teaching duties at the University Of Illinois – College Of Dentistry, Dr. Barack has lectured internationally on implant and periodontal surgical techniques.

PGDip Clin Dent (Implants), FPFA

Dr. Angelos Sourial’s exceptional expertise and leadership in dentistry are evidenced by his recent accolades, including a prestigious fellowship at the Pierre Fauchard Academy and being named one of Doctor-To-Doctor World’s Top 100 dentists in 2023. These achievements highlight his dedication to excellence and his standing as a respected authority in the field.

With over a decade of focused experience in implant dentistry, Dr. Sourial has made significant strides in the field since earning his Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Implants) from the University of Melbourne in 2010. His commitment to advancing implant dentistry has led to his appointment as Federal President of the Australasian Implant Osseointegration Society, placing him at the helm of education and research in the field.

His extensive knowledge and leadership are invaluable. His hands-on teaching, training, and mentoring through Spear Education Dental Study Club’s Victoria branch have already shaped many successful dental professionals. His deep understanding of implant techniques and commitment to raising industry standards ensure that ARIA will offer unparalleled education and training.

Periodontist

Dr Fabian Obregon has over 18 years of experience in dentistry, with advanced training in Periodontics and Implantology. He graduated with highest distinction from the University of Chile in 2008, later completing a PhD in bone regeneration at the University of Sydney. He is a member of the Australian Society of Periodontology and the Osteology Foundation.

General Dental Surgeon

Dr. Fadi Yassmin is a visionary dental professional known for pioneering approaches in dentistry. With expertise in implant rehabilitation and porcelain veneers, he combines artistic finesse with scientific precision. His patient-centric philosophy, bolstered by cutting-edge technology, exemplifies his commitment to innovative and personalized dental care. Recognized with numerous accolades, including ADA membership and a prestigious appointment to the Zaga Clinic, Dr. Yassmin’s transformative contributions continue to elevate standards in the field.

Orthodontist

Dr Katie Xu is a Specialist Orthodontist who graduated with first-class honours from the University of Melbourne and completed her Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics). She has presented at national conferences and published in leading orthodontic journals.

Dr Xu is experienced in managing a wide range of orthodontic cases, including clear aligner and aesthetic treatments. She is actively involved in the profession as a member of the Australian Orthodontic Society and an examiner for the Australian Dental Council.

Specialist Prosthodontist

Dr Chen Chen is an Australian- and US Board-Certified Specialist Prosthodontist. She graduated from the University of Queensland and completed postgraduate implant training at the University of Melbourne before undertaking advanced prosthodontic and maxillofacial training at USC and UCLA.

She is actively involved in postgraduate teaching and hospital-based rehabilitation and is fluent in Mandarin.

Dental Surgeon

Dr. David Joseph is the founder and principal dentist at MODA Dental in Malvern East. He studied dentistry at Charles Sturt University after initially completing a degree in podiatry, giving him a broader perspective on health and patient care.

He has extensive experience across public, rural, and private dentistry, including work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. His clinical interests include oral surgery, particularly wisdom tooth removal, and the relationship between chronic health conditions and oral health.

General Dentist

Dr George Abdelmalek completed his Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Dentistry at La Trobe University. He is a clinical demonstrator and lecturer at La Trobe University and has completed postgraduate examinations with the RACDS.

Dr Abdelmalek has a strong interest in aesthetic dentistry and patient communication, with a passion for education and delivering clear, practical learning. He is also involved in dental volunteering initiatives across Australia and internationally.