Dr Michael Bootes
About
I’m excited to join The Define Dental family as they share my personal ethos of genuine care for people.
Having travelled the world and seen the negative impacts of poor oral health, I appreciate the benefits of quality and timely preventive dental care even more. Now, working together as part of the Define Dental team, I look forward to contributing to the patients in our community.
Michaelβs back story:
While Michael enjoyed the tangible, factual aspects of science at school, his move into dental studies was prompted as much by the opportunity to bring together his desire to connect with people (yes, heβs a people person) and working with his hands. Add to that, a deeper desire to make a difference in peopleβs lives and to make them smile, and heβd found his calling as a dentist.
But thereβs more to Michael.
As an explorer with a desire to experience the world, heβs taken on some pretty incredible adventures. Think volunteer work in Ethiopia, standing over bubbling volcanic lava lakes, swimming with whale sharks, hiking the Himalayas. Now having settled on the Gold Coast, heβs also living out his weekend athletic aspirations as a cricketer and soccer player with local clubs around Burleigh. The great thing is, Michaelβs travel adventures and athletic exploits have enriched his life and he loves to bring this to his patients.
What Michael loves about his work:
Iβm a people person and this is one of the main reasons I followed the pathway to dentistry. In fact, itβs the very thing I love most about my work – getting to know the people; not just as a person, but what they want from treatment.
I totally βgetβ that trust is the foundation of any patient relationship. I also understand people want their dentist to be someone they believe in and like. Thatβs why I focus on building rapport first. Iβm a relaxed person by nature and I feel this helps calm people. With trust and confidence in me, the whole treatment journey becomes easier for us both.
While it might seem unusual, I also bring my worldly experiences to my practice. Working as a volunteer dentist in Ethiopia made me realise how lucky we are to have access to quality care here. I can reassure my patient who might feel they have the worst teeth, that they really donβt.
What Michael wants for Define Dental patients:
My goal for Define Dental patients is they feel pleased and satisfied with their treatment. Yes, a straight, white smile is the ideal, but really, itβs the confidence that arises from the inside which is the real gold from quality dental care.
Why we love Michael
Energetic and enthusiastic, Michaelβs approach to his work is a welcome addition to Define Dental. Weβre delighted that sensitive and empathetic are two words that aptly describe Michael the person β and the dentist. We know our patient community will feel heβs part of our family from day one.