Haylea Blundell went from gymnastics to general dentistry before training as an orthodontist.
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Born and raised in Bendigo, Dr Blundell has now returned to establish her own specialist orthodontic practice and begin teaching at La Trobe University.
She said it has long been an ambition to continue her career in her hometown.
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"It's good to be back. I know a lot of people here," Dr Blundell said. "I did primary and high school here and was lucky enough to get into the dental program that opened at La Trobe. So I did undergraduate dentistry there and then specialist training in Queensland.
"I never planned on leaving Bendigo (and originally) wanted to work here as a general dentist."
Dr Blundell's new practice - Bendigo Orthodontic Specialists - will open in March.
"There is a huge need (for more orthodontists) in Bendigo," she said. "I volunteered with the Royal Flying Doctors and Smiles for Miles and became passionate about supporting regional and rural areas.
"For patients to have to travel for treatment is a huge burden. I wanted to help eliminate the barrier to regional and rural patients accessing treatment."
In May, the 29-year-old will also present at the American Association of Orthodontists conference.
Dr Blundell will speak on her research and thesis that focused on clear aligners.
Her research has received worldwide recognition, will be published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics as well as leading her to co-author of a chapter in a newly released clear aligner orthodontic textbook.
She was also awarded third prize at the International Orthodontic Conference held in Japan in September last year.
"(The research) is clinically relevant for orthodontics, which is why it has been given so much recognition," Dr Blundell said.
"Essentially clear aligners can be used as an alternative to braces. However, the current research has proven there are limitations and it is not suitable for every case. From my research we found that clear aligners only express 40 per cent of the overbite reduction prescribed.
"(The conference) is going to be virtual unfortunately. The American conference is the biggest one in the world, it's the one you want to go to. There are about 20,000 orthodontists who attend and we only have about 500 in Australia."
Dr Blundell's journey to orthodontics was unexpected for her.
"Originally, I had always wanted to be a physio because I was always there as gymnast," she said. "When La Trobe open the dental school, I went for open day in year 10. I had never contemplated dentistry.
"So I applied for that and a physio course and was offered both. I started dentistry and never looked back.
"The main reason I specialised in orthodontics was because I loved the continued care you get to give patients. When you have braces, your patients see you quite regularly and you get to know them really well.
"It gives me goosebumps when a patient's treatment is finished and you give them the mirror to have a look. Their reaction is everything to me. Not only do you help improve patient's dental aesthetics, you have a positive influence on their overall self esteem, giving patients confidence when they smile."
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