Dr Alfred Tao
Dr Alfred Tao is a general dentist at Bella Dental Penrith. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy and a Bachelor of Dentistry (Honours), giving him a rare combination of expertise in pharmacology and clinical dentistry. Dr Tao is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Dental Board of Australia, and is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA).
Background and training
Dr Tao trained as a pharmacist before training as a dentist, completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy and then a Bachelor of Dentistry (Honours). The two qualifications give him a depth of understanding in medication interactions, the pharmacology of dental anaesthetics, and the medical considerations that matter when planning dental treatment for patients on multiple medications.
This background is particularly useful for:
- Patients on multiple medications — many older patients, and patients with chronic conditions, take several drugs. A dentist who understands the pharmacology can plan treatment around bleeding risk, drug interactions with anaesthetics, and post-operative medication.
- Pain management — the choice of pain relief after dental procedures (paracetamol, ibuprofen, opioids for severe cases) is more nuanced than most patients realise. A pharmacy-trained dentist can tailor the plan to your medical history.
- Antibiotic stewardship — antibiotics are sometimes necessary around dental treatment, but they are over-prescribed. A pharmacy background supports evidence-based, conservative antibiotic use.
- Medication-related dental issues — many medications cause dry mouth, gum overgrowth, or changes in bone density. Dr Tao recognises these quickly and adapts the treatment plan.
Areas of focus
Dr Tao practises across the full scope of general dentistry, with particular interest in:
- Restorative dentistry — tooth-coloured fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns
- Endodontics — root canal treatment, including re-treatment of previously root-canalled teeth
- Oral surgery — routine and complex extractions, wisdom tooth management
- Periodontics — gum disease treatment and maintenance
- Geriatric dentistry — care for older patients, including those on complex medication regimens
For complex cases (orthognathic surgery, advanced periodontics, complex implant placement, paediatric specialist work), Dr Tao coordinates with a trusted network of local specialists. The patient stays at Bella Dental for the bulk of their care, with the specialist handling the specific procedure and the team at Bella Dental managing follow-up.
Approach to patient care
Dr Tao’s pharmacy background shows up most clearly in his consultations. He tends to ask more questions about medical history, medications, and allergies than many patients expect, and he explains the reasoning. For patients on blood thinners, bisphosphonates (used for osteoporosis), immunosuppressants, or multiple chronic-condition medications, this thoroughness can be the difference between a routine visit and a complication.
In practice, this means:
- A thorough medical history review at every visit, not just the first
- A written treatment plan with item numbers and costs so you know what is happening and why
- Clear explanations of why a particular medication, anaesthetic, or material is being recommended
- A gentle anaesthetic technique — topical numbing gel first, slow injection, and we always check you are numb before starting
- A clear stop signal — you can raise a hand at any time and we pause
Continuing education and professional development
The Dental Board of Australia requires all registered dentists to complete a minimum of 60 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) over a 3-year cycle. Dr Tao exceeds this minimum each cycle, with recent focus areas including:
- Endodontic advances (rotary and reciprocating instrumentation)
- Oral surgery and atraumatic extraction techniques
- Periodontal therapy and maintenance
- Pharmacology updates
- Infection control and sterilisation standards
Registrations and memberships
- Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)` and the Dental Board of Australia (registration number available on request)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Dentistry (Honours)
- Member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA)
- Member of the Australian Pharmacy Council (until practising as a pharmacist)
Languages
Dr Tao consults in English. Where helpful, treatment plans and instructions can be provided in plain language for easy review at home.
Individual results vary. All dental procedures carry risks. Please discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives with your dentist before proceeding.
Book a consultation with Dr Tao
To book a consultation with Dr Alfred Tao at Bella Dental Penrith, call (02) 4722 6300 or send us a message through the contact form. We are at Shop T12, Southlands Shopping Centre, 2 Birmingham Road, South Penrith NSW 2750. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, with extended hours to 6 pm on Wednesdays.
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