Helping Patients Take Control Meet Bonnie Garton, Oral Health Therapist

Originally hailing from Brisbane, Bonnie Garton has been with our Toowoomba practice since 2001. A highly experienced Oral Health Therapist, Bonnie is a popular member of our team who’s known for creating a calm and comfortable environment for her patients while taking a tailored approach to oral healthcare.

To help patients stay in control of their dental health, Bonnie’s role as an Oral Health Therapist with Adult Scope means she works with patients of all ages across a wide range of services - including check-ups, x-rays, restorative and filling work, treatment and management of periodontal diseases, removal of deciduous/baby teeth, and the provision of tailored oral hygiene advice.

We had a chat with Bonnie to find out more about the work she does, her path to dentistry, and how she helps patients overcome their fear of the dentist.

Tell us about your background and how you got into oral health.

I grew up in Brisbane and discovered my interest in dentistry when I began working as a Dental Assistant.

I decided to embark on my dental studies at the University of Queensland, first completing my Bachelor of Health (BOH) and then studying for an additional year to obtain First Class Honors. I also performed research work at the University of Queensland, which led to three peer-reviewed publications.

Following a 6-year stint working in private practice in Brisbane CBD, I moved to Melbourne where I lived for five years working in both CBD and Essendon practices. Finally, I moved to Toowoomba to be closer to family and have now worked as an Oral Health Therapist here at National Dental Care Toowoomba for two years. I’ve enjoyed working with two periodontal specialist practices in Toowoomba.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love creating an environment in which my patients feel comfortable, supported and in control. When it comes to oral health, everyone has different obstacles to overcome - and this is why I work with my patients to find a care plan that fits their specific needs. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ with oral health!

I enjoy empowering my patients with the knowledge and skills to take control of their oral health management.

What advice would you give to people who want to improve their oral health but aren’t sure where to start?

If you’re in the Toowoomba area, come along and have a chat with me! We can discuss your concerns and start from there.

I know that many patients feel a little apprehensive about visiting for a dental check-up, but I can assure you that this is a judgment-free zone. We’re honestly so appreciative of the opportunity to help you take control of your oral health and love helping our patients achieve their dental care goals.

As you mentioned above, many people feel nervous before visiting the dentist - how do you help patients feel calm and comfortable during their appointment?

The first thing I do with a nervous patient is reassure them that they have control. If they want to stop the treatment at any time - for any reason at all - all they need to do is lift a hand and we’ll stop immediately.

I’ll then go on to explain that our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible, so if you have any concerns or queries at any point during your visit, you can just let me know.

During the appointment, we’ll take plenty of breaks and I’ll continually check in to make sure the patient is feeling ok. You’ll have lots of opportunities to raise any issues, so there’s no need to be concerned.

At our practice, we’ve created a soothing and relaxing environment to put you at ease - we’ve got a lovely garden, artwork, a TV on the ceiling, and music to listen to. You’re also welcome to bring headphones if there’s something you’d prefer to listen to during your appointment. It’s all about your comfort!

Moving away from the practice now, what do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love doing anything creative that involves using my hands - whether it’s drawing with charcoal, painting with oils and acrylics, sculpting with clay, or making ceramics.

In my spare time, I enjoy going to see live music, comedy and theatre. As a big Brisbane Lions fan and member, you can often find me cheering them on at the Gabba!