A Day of Learning, Collaboration and Connection

At MP Orthodontics, we value the relationships we build with our referring dentists and dental colleagues throughout the Bayside area. Our annual Referrers Day is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day of clinical practice, connect with peers, explore new ideas and share knowledge that ultimately helps us provide better care for our patients.

Our 2026 Referrers Day brought together industry professionals and Bayside dentists to explore interdisciplinary treatment planning, restorative dentistry, the complexities of tooth wear and how dentists and orthodontists can work together to support complex cases.

And, judging by the feedback, it was a day well spent.

Tooth Wear and Orthodontics with Dr Andrea Shepperson

A major highlight of this year’s Referrers Day was our guest speaker, Dr Andrea Shepperson, who outlined the relationship between tooth wear and orthodontics.

Her presentation explored the complexities of managing tooth wear in patients, including approaches to screening, monitoring and classification, as well as the role orthodontics can play alongside restorative dentistry.

A key theme throughout the presentation was the importance of considering the patient’s overall restorative and orthodontic needs together. Rather than viewing orthodontics and restorative dentistry as separate stages of treatment, interdisciplinary planning can help clinicians establish a clearer treatment pathway from the outset.

Dr Shepperson discussed the advantages of pre-orthodontic restorative dentistry, including cases where she had provided a restorative blueprint to assist with orthodontic tooth positioning, vertical dimension, overjet and overbite.

Digital technology also featured prominently, with examples of how Digital Smile Design can contribute to the patient experience, initial treatment planning and communication between restorative dentists and orthodontists.

The importance of interdisciplinary treatment planning

One of the strongest themes of the day was collaboration.

Complex dental cases rarely fit into one specialty. Patients with significant tooth wear, altered occlusion, compromised teeth or extensive restorative needs may benefit from orthodontic and restorative expertise from the beginning.

Dr Shepperson’s presentation explored this collaborative relationship in detail, demonstrating how orthodontic tooth movement can form an important part of a broader restorative treatment plan.

The presentation also paid tribute to several clinicians who have made significant contributions to interdisciplinary treatment planning, including Dr David Sarver, Chris Coachman, Bill Robbins and Dr John Kois, as well as the work of the Kois Center.

Case studies also highlighted the value of collaboration between orthodontists and restorative clinicians, including contributions from orthodontic colleagues in New Zealand such as Dr Ross Anning, Dr Prashant Zaveri and Professor Mauro Farella of the University of Otago School of Dentistry.

Beyond professional development

Education is at the centre of MP Orthodontics Referrers Day, but the opportunity to connect with colleagues is at its heart.

For Bayside dental professionals, the event provides an opportunity to network with like-minded practitioners, catch up with old friends and colleagues, and continue conversations in a more relaxed setting.

Being able to speak directly with Dr Andrea Shepperson, Dr Martin Poon and Dr Geoff Hall is an additional benefit. Connecting over interesting cases, shared clinical experiences or simply having a chat adds to the day and strengthens the professional relationships that underpin collaborative patient care.

One attendee summed it up as:

“Interesting and knowledgeable presenters and networking over great food.”

For the MP Orthodontics team, this combination of meaningful education and genuine connection is what makes Referrers Day such a valuable event each year.

Thank you to our referring community

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 MP Orthodontics Referrers Day.

Your ongoing support, referrals and willingness to collaborate are an important part of what we do at MP Orthodontics. We are proud to work alongside a community of dentists who share our commitment to thoughtful, evidence-informed and patient-centred care throughout the Bayside area.

We look forward to continuing these conversations, strengthening our professional relationships and seeing you at the 2027 Referrers Day.

Thank you for being part of the MP Orthodontics community.