1. Can you tell us about your dental background and what inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry?

I graduated from Mahasaraswati University in Denpasar in 2011, and I’ve now been practising dentistry for over 15 years. For the past 13 years, I’ve also worked at one of Bali’s leading international hospitals, where I’ve had the privilege of treating patients from many different countries—particularly Australia.

When I first became a dentist, my goal was simple: to help people feel healthier and more confident through better oral health. Over the years, I’ve realised that dentistry is about much more than fixing teeth. It’s about building trust, reducing anxiety, and creating long-term relationships with patients.

Uluwatu Dental Care actually started as a small neighbourhood clinic that Dr Harry Iskandar and I built together to serve local families and the surrounding community. As tourism in Uluwatu continued to grow, more international visitors began finding us when they experienced dental emergencies or wanted planned treatment during their holiday.

Today, many of our Australian patients come to us through personal recommendations from friends or family. Some even fly directly from Australia specifically for treatment at Uluwatu Dental Care. For me, that’s the greatest compliment we can receive—it means people trust us enough to recommend us to those they care about.

2. What areas of dentistry or treatments do you specialise in, and which procedures are you most passionate about?

As a general dentist, I provide a wide range of dental treatments, from preventive care and restorative dentistry to emergency dental treatment.

However, my greatest passion is cosmetic dentistry.

I particularly enjoy creating natural-looking smiles through porcelain veneers, composite bonding, professional teeth whitening, and aesthetic crowns. I love seeing how small improvements can completely transform someone’s confidence while still looking natural and harmonious with their face.

For me, cosmetic dentistry isn’t about creating a “perfect Hollywood smile.” It’s about enhancing each person’s natural smile in a way that suits their personality and allows them to smile confidently every day.

3. How do you approach patient care and safety, particularly for patients travelling internationally for dental treatment?

Patient safety will always be my number one priority.

In Indonesia, patient safety is a fundamental requirement under healthcare regulations, and it’s something we take extremely seriously at Uluwatu Dental Care. Every aspect of our clinic—from sterilisation procedures and infection control to treatment planning and clinical protocols—is designed around providing safe, high-quality care.

For international patients, communication is equally important.

Many of our patients contact us long before they arrive in Bali. Some send us messages several months in advance, while others begin discussing their treatment plans nearly a year before their holiday. We review their concerns, discuss possible treatment options, and help them understand what to expect before they even book their flights.

By the time they arrive at our clinic, they already know us—and we already know them. That level of communication helps patients feel relaxed, informed, and confident throughout their dental journey.

4. How do you work with patients to understand their goals and create a treatment plan that is right for them?

Everything starts with listening.

Every patient has different expectations. Some are looking for a cosmetic improvement, others want to restore function, while many simply want to solve a painful problem before returning home.

I spend time understanding not only their dental concerns but also their lifestyle, travel plans, expectations, and budget. Only then do I recommend the treatment options that are most appropriate for them.

I believe patients should never feel rushed or pressured into making decisions. My role is to explain each option honestly—including the benefits, limitations, treatment timeline, and costs—so patients can make informed decisions with confidence.

The best treatment plan is always one that we develop together.

5. How do you ensure patients feel supported and comfortable throughout their dental journey, from their initial consultation through to aftercare?

One of the things that makes Uluwatu Dental Care different is the way we communicate with our patients.

As the clinic owner, I still personally respond to many patient enquiries. Sometimes we chat through WhatsApp, sometimes we speak over the phone, and occasionally we arrange video consultations when patients would like to discuss their treatment in more detail.

It’s not unusual for us to stay in contact with patients for many months before they even arrive in Bali. Building that relationship early allows us to answer questions, reduce anxiety, and help patients feel completely prepared.

Our care doesn’t stop once treatment is finished, either. Many of our Australian patients continue to stay in touch after they return home. They often send updates, ask questions, or simply let us know how they’re doing. I believe that ongoing relationship is an important part of providing truly patient-centred care.

6. What has been the most rewarding experience or memorable moment in your career as a dentist so far?

One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been watching Uluwatu Dental Care grow through trust and word of mouth.

We never set out to become a destination for dental tourism. We simply wanted to provide honest, high-quality dental care for our community.

Over time, patients began recommending us to their friends and family. Today, many Australians travel to Bali specifically to visit our clinic because someone they trust shared their positive experience.

Even after they return home, many patients continue to stay in contact with us. Some have been visiting us for years and now bring their partners, parents, or friends for treatment as well.

Knowing that we’ve built relationships that last beyond a single appointment is something I’m incredibly proud of.

7. What advice would you give to someone considering travelling overseas for dental treatment for the first time?

My advice is to choose a clinic you genuinely feel comfortable communicating with.

Excellent dentistry begins long before you sit in the dental chair. If a clinic takes the time to answer your questions, explain your treatment options clearly, and communicate openly before you travel, that’s usually a very good sign.

Don’t hesitate to ask about the dentist’s experience, the materials being used, expected treatment timelines, and aftercare arrangements.

Most importantly, remember that quality, safety, and trust are far more valuable than simply finding the cheapest option.

At Uluwatu Dental Care, our goal is to make every patient feel supported from their very first message until long after they’ve returned home. We want our patients to enjoy not only a beautiful smile, but also complete confidence in the care they’ve received.