Changing Lives With Every Smile Meet Dr Tom Ryan, Newstead's Lead Dentist

If you’ve popped into our Newstead practice recently, you may have noticed a new smiling team member! We’re excited to welcome Dr Tom Ryan, who’s joined our clinic as Lead Dentist.

With a genuine passion for helping people improve their lives through better dental health, Dr Tom brings a wealth of experience and a true commitment to patient wellbeing.

We sat down with him to learn about what inspired his journey into dentistry, the aspects he loves about his work, and where you can find him when he’s not in the practice caring for patient smiles.

Dr Tom, describe your background and what led you to pursue a career in dentistry

I’ve always been drawn to helping people, and I knew early on that I wanted a career where I could make a real difference in people’s lives. I also enjoyed working with my hands - building things, solving manual problems - so dentistry felt like a natural fit.

On top of that, I’ve always had a strong interest in health and science. Dentistry brings all of those passions together: it’s hands-on, it’s rooted in healthcare, and it allows me to connect with people in a meaningful way every day.

What is it that you enjoy most about being a dentist?

One of the most rewarding parts of being a dentist is seeing the immediate impact we can make in someone’s life. It could be relieving pain, restoring confidence with a brighter smile, or helping patients overcome their fear of the dentist. Every day, we have the privilege of turning a nervous experience into a positive one, and building long-term relationships based on trust and care.

But beyond the actual treatments, what I truly enjoy most is watching my patients smile; not just because of how their teeth look, but because of how they feel. There’s something special about being part of someone’s journey to better health, improved self-esteem, and overall happiness. That’s what keeps us dentists passionate about what we do every single day.

Is there a particular area of dentistry in which you have a keen interest?

While I genuinely enjoy all aspects of dentistry, if I had to choose a favourite area, it would be surgical dentistry and full smile rehabilitation. I have a strong interest in procedures like wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and smile makeovers using crowns and veneers. These treatments can truly transform a patient’s quality of life.

I love the blend of precision, planning, and artistry that goes into these cases. Every patient’s needs and goals are different, and it’s incredibly rewarding to create personalised treatment plans that rebuild both oral health and self-esteem.

Seeing a patient walk out of the practice with a healthier, more confident smile - especially after they’ve been hesitant or self-conscious for years - is what makes this work so fulfilling.

What can we find you getting up to outside of work?

When I’m not in the clinic, I really value staying active and enjoying the incredible lifestyle we’re lucky to have here in Brisbane.

You’ll often find me starting the day with a good gym session and a great cup of coffee - there’s no shortage of amazing coffee spots around Newstead, and I’m always on the hunt for the next best flat white! I also love heading out for a long run along the Brisbane River. It’s the perfect way to unwind, clear my head, and take in some of the best views in the city.

On weekends, I try to make it back to the Sunshine Coast, where I grew up. There’s nothing like catching up with friends and getting out in the surf; it’s where I feel most at home.

Whether it's in the practice or out in the community, I really believe in living a balanced, healthy life. It helps me stay focused, energised, and ready to give every patient the best care possible.

Finally, what advice do you have for people who’ve been putting off booking a dental appointment?

If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist - whether it’s because of nerves, fear of complex treatment, or simply a busy schedule - you’re not alone. It’s more common than you might think, and the good news is: it’s never too late to take that first step.

Often, the hardest part is just making that first appointment, but most patients tell us they wish they’d done it sooner. The peace of mind that comes from knowing where your oral health stands is empowering, and taking care of small issues early can prevent bigger ones down the road.