Dr Katherine Rao

Dr Katherine Rao has always believed that how a patient feels in the dental chair matters as much as the work done in it. From the beginning of her career, her focus has been creating an environment where people — especially children and anxious adults — can relax and trust the process. That guiding idea is what eventually led her to build something of her own.

Katherine graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide in 2014 and has been practising for over 12 years. Her clinical interests include paediatric dentistry, where she has developed a reputation for patience and a gentle chair-side manner that works particularly well with younger patients and families. She also has a special interest in snore guards (mandibular advancement splints) — oral sleep devices used in the management of snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

As practice owner, Katherine saw an opportunity to build a team that could offer comprehensive dental care under one roof — without the need for constant referrals. When Katherine took ownership, Dr Alex Furlan — who had been with the practice for several years — stayed on. She brought on Dr Katherine Fang to round out the team, ensuring that implants, complex surgery, and restorative work are all available in-house. While her practice management responsibilities keep her busy, Katherine continues to see patients approximately one day per week — because dentistry is what she loves, and she has no intention of leaving it behind.