Interview with Dr Harry Iskandar, Sp.Pros from Uluwatu Dental Clinic
1. Can you tell us about your dental background and what inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry?
I graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry at Airlangga University in 2013. From early in my career, I was drawn to restorative dentistry because I found it incredibly rewarding to help people regain not only their oral function but also their confidence.
As I gained more clinical experience, I realised that prosthodontics was the field I was most passionate about. It combines precision, aesthetics, and long-term treatment planning to restore smiles that have been affected by missing teeth, trauma, or extensive wear.
For more than 13 years, I’ve been practising in Bali, most of that time at one of the island’s leading international hospitals, where I’ve had the opportunity to treat patients from around the world—particularly Australia. I’ve also been part of the Uluwatu Dental Care team for nearly eight years, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to help patients leave Bali with healthier smiles and renewed confidence.
2. What areas of dentistry or treatments do you specialise in, and which procedures are you most passionate about?
My specialty is Prosthodontics, which focuses on restoring damaged or missing teeth and rebuilding both function and aesthetics.
The treatments I perform most often include dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, and full-mouth rehabilitation. I particularly enjoy implant dentistry because it allows us to provide patients with a long-term solution that closely mimics the look and function of natural teeth.
I also enjoy smile makeovers because every case is unique. It’s not just about creating beautiful teeth—it’s about designing a smile that suits each person’s facial features, personality, and lifestyle while ensuring it functions comfortably for years to come.
3. How do you approach patient care and safety, particularly for patients travelling internationally for dental treatment?
Patient safety is always my highest priority.
When patients travel overseas for dental treatment, they naturally want reassurance that they’re in safe hands. I completely understand that, which is why I believe communication and careful planning are just as important as the treatment itself.
Before recommending any procedure, I take time to understand the patient’s dental history, overall health, expectations, and travel schedule. Every treatment plan is designed around what’s safest and most appropriate for that individual—not simply what’s possible within a limited holiday.
We also use high-quality materials, and internationally recognised sterilisation protocols to ensure our patients receive the same standard of care they would expect back home.
4. How do you work with patients to understand their goals and create a treatment plan that is right for them?
The first step is always listening.
Every patient has different goals. Some are looking to restore missing teeth so they can eat comfortably again, while others want to improve the appearance of their smile. My role is to understand what matters most to each individual before discussing treatment options.
I believe patients should never feel pressured into making decisions. Instead, I explain each option clearly, including the advantages, limitations, expected longevity, treatment timeline, and costs. This allows patients to make informed decisions based on their own priorities and budget.
The best treatment plan is one that’s developed together, with trust and open communication.
5. How do you ensure patients feel supported and comfortable throughout their dental journey, from their initial consultation through to aftercare?
We understand that travelling overseas for dental treatment can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s someone’s first visit to Bali.
That’s why we focus on supporting patients throughout their entire journey—not just during their appointments.
Many patients contact us before travelling, where we can review their X-rays or photos and discuss possible treatment options online. Once they arrive, we make sure every procedure is explained clearly so there are no surprises.
After treatment, we provide detailed aftercare instructions and remain available if patients have questions once they return home. We want our patients to know they’re never left on their own after treatment. Building long-term relationships with our patients is just as important as providing excellent clinical care.
6. What has been the most rewarding experience or memorable moment in your career as a dentist so far?
There have been many memorable cases over the years, but what stays with me most isn’t necessarily the complexity of the treatment.
It’s seeing the emotional transformation in patients.
Many people come to us feeling self-conscious about their smile or frustrated because they’ve struggled with missing teeth for years. Watching their confidence return after treatment—seeing them smile naturally, laugh freely, or tell us they can finally enjoy eating again—is incredibly rewarding.
Knowing that we’ve improved someone’s quality of life, not just their dental health, is what makes this profession so meaningful to me.
7. What advice would you give to someone considering travelling overseas for dental treatment for the first time?
My biggest piece of advice is to do your research carefully.
Don’t choose a clinic based solely on price. Look for experienced dentists, transparent communication, modern facilities, and genuine patient reviews. A trustworthy clinic will always be happy to answer your questions and explain your treatment options before you travel.
It’s also important to allow enough time for treatment and recovery, particularly for more complex procedures such as implants or full-mouth rehabilitation. Proper planning helps ensure the best possible outcome while still allowing you to enjoy your holiday in Bali.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good dentist wants you to feel informed, comfortable, and confident before any treatment begins.
For many of our Australian patients, they arrive feeling a little nervous—but they leave not only with healthier smiles, but also with the confidence that they made the right decision. That’s exactly the experience we strive to provide at Uluwatu Dental Care.
