Member of the Month | Dr. Jonathan Luke of Smilefocus

Dr. Jonathan Luke, Smilefocus

1. You trained at the University of Otago. How did your time in New Zealand shape your approach to dentistry today?

Otago provided a great foundation for me but I believe my approach has been shaped more with my work experience since then. I started work at a hospital in Wellington in 2009 and have since worked in private practice in Wellington, Auckland and Singapore.
 

2. Having worked in both New Zealand and Singapore, what differences have you observed in patient habits or attitudes towards dental care?

Overall my patients here are more proactive and preventative in their approach which really suits how I like to work.

3. You've been with Smilefocus since 2019. What has that journey been like, and what keeps you excited about your work there?

The practice has a diverse group of practitioners who have trained around the world. We have three orthodontists, an endodontist, and an oral surgeon. This allows for a wide range of insights and opinions which is great for learning. Having the inhouse specialists is great for collaboration and is really convenient for our patients too.
 

4. You have a keen interest in digital dentistry. How is technology changing the way patients experience dental treatment today?

The amount of information it can provide is amazing. Digital photos, x-rays and 3D scanning allows superior communication to our patients and outside sources such as dental labs. My goal is always for my patients to be motivated to look after their teeth and understand why treatment is required. We can work through a case in detail before treatment starts and show patients what we're working towards.
 

5. You also focus on conservative and aesthetic procedures. How do you strike the balance between maintaining natural teeth and achieving great aesthetic results?

Natural tooth structure is irreplaceable so I will always look for the most conservative way to get the result the patient is looking for. Most of the patients I see like this approach so we often look at minimal prep bondings and orthodontics. Sometimes just a bit of whitening can make a big difference.

6. What is something people should be aware of that would make a big difference to their long-term dental health?

How you breathe. Across all age groups, I see patients with airway issues, whether that's allergies, tonsils or anatomy (such as a deviated septum). It leads to mouth breathing, particularly at night, which dries out the oral environment, reduces saliva and creates the conditions where bacteria and acid damage take hold. Saliva is doing a lot of protective work that most people don't think about. For children, this can lead to crowded teeth and the need for more significant orthodontic treatment.
 

7. From your experience, what's one thing patients could definitely improve when it comes to oral health?

Managing stress. Stress contributes to teeth grinding and clenching, which causes wear, cracking, and jaw pain. It can also affect the gums, causing recession. Obviously this is not always an easy thing to manage and a nightguard can help take the pressure off the teeth during the night.
 

8. What's been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?

Being at Smilefocus for seven years now means I've seen younger patients grow up and I find it genuinely rewarding when they take on the advice and you see a real change in their oral health over time. Teeth don't heal the way the rest of the body does so any early damage stays with them for life. Getting them motivated early and making a difference that lasts, that's what makes the work meaningful.
 

9. What's one everyday food or drink people don't realise is damaging their teeth?

Sparkling water catches a lot of people off guard. It's seen as a healthy choice but the carbonation makes it acidic and if you're drinking it steadily throughout the day that's a lot of time your enamel is under acid exposure. It doesn't need to be avoided but how you consume it matters. Having it with a meal rather than sipping on it all afternoon is a simple change that adds up over time.
 

10. Finally, what does being part of the New Zealand Chamber community mean to you, especially having started your journey in New Zealand?

I have two young children who were both born in Singapore and keeping that connection to New Zealand alive for them is something I feel strongly about. Events like the Waitangi Day celebration are a great way to make that tangible for them. It matters to me that they grow up with an understanding of where part of their story comes from.