Hi, I’m Kristy…
I’m a Mum of 2 teenagers Lila & Isaac, a fur baby called Poppy and a wife to Daniel. I’m an APHRA registered Dental Therapist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist with 20 years of experience working with children and families across Western Australia. My career has taken me from delivering dental care in regional and remote communities such as Karratha, Kalgoorlie, throughout the South-West, where I have been based in Margaret River for the last 8 years. I have been a Lecturer for Dental Nursing Australia and a manager & supervisor of multiple public dental clinics within the North West and the South West. As a Dental Therapist I have provided comprehensive dental care to children and adolescents in both community and clinical settings, ensuring access to high quality oral health services throughout the state. My experience in the public sector due to predominately working in Public Primary Schools sites with attached special education or education support centers has given me a deep understanding of the diverse needs of children including those with Autism and ADHD and importance of early intervention. My family of neurodivergent people has also helped shape my neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Over time, I developed a strong interest in the role of Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) as my son was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, ADHD and required Orthodontics for narrow high palate. My daughter had issues with reoccurring ear infections, impacted canines and I myself was a thumb sucker who had pain in TMJ and shoulder, migraines and ultimately a tongue tie. These experiences made me pursue further training in 2024 with Australian Academy of Orofacial Myology. My OMT training will support children with orofacial dysfunctions- challenges that extend beyond what can be addressed in a traditional dental setting. This passion has led me to transition into private practice, where I can fully utilise my skills to provide a more holistic & multidisciplinary approach.
As a firm believer of continuing professional development and the importance of always striving to be a better clinician. I am deeply committed to ongoing learning, evidence-based practice and the education of the wider dental and medical professions with a strong focus on improving outcomes for children and their families. In 2026, I am a regional member of the Oral Health Association of Australia (OHHA), reflecting the dedication to professional leadership and collaboration within the oral health community.
I believe in working alongside like-minded practitioners to deliver whole-child care, supporting not only health teeth and mouths but also optimal growth, development and function of the face, jaws and airway. My goal is to create a health care village located in the South West where families feel supported in their child’s journey to lifelong oral and overall health.
Qualifications
Additional Qualifications:
BSB50420 Diploma of leadership and management 2024
Quality Improvement in healthcare- Institute for Healthcare Improvement 2020
Relevant CPD:
Hand Hygiene Australia- Australian Commission on Safety & Quality in healthcare- YEARLY
Cyber Security training- YEARLY
CPR, defibrillation & oxygen therapy- St John- YEARLY
Autism & Assessing healthcare- SWAN Dec 2025
3 days to Screening Your First Pediatric feeding patient- Screen the paeds to feed the paeds-Sept 2025
Unlocking the secrets of pain and sleep: New insights and innovative management strategies- Australasian Sleep Association Sept 2025
TMJ disorders & Introduction to MRC- Myofunctional Research Co- Sept 2025
Measuring Up- COMT July 2025
Breathe, Feed, Eat, Sleep Workshop- COMT July 2025
Lateral thinking- Supporting anxious children & reflections on neurodiversity affirming practices- ANZPD March 2024
Paediatric Study Day- ANZSPD Aug 2022
Sleep disorders in children, screening and red flags for sleep disordered breathing, Chewing and non-nutritive sucking- Edge PD July 2019
Dento-facial growth, trauma & orthodontics- RACD June 2018
Managing complications following Traumatic Dental injuries -ANZSPD Sept 2017
Autism and dentistry -Edge PD Sept 2012
Autism Spectrum Disorder -Education & training center for Inclusive Schooling Oct 2011