For many families, the right dental clinic is one they can return to over time, knowing their dental history is understood and their care is explained clearly.
Australia’s Top Dentists is pleased to feature Optimum Dental, a family dental practice in Epping that has served the local community for decades. The clinic provides general, preventive, restorative, cosmetic, orthodontic and emergency dental care, with an emphasis on preserving natural teeth where clinically appropriate and supporting long-term oral health.
About Optimum Dental
Optimum Dental is located at:
17/74-76 Rawson St, Epping NSW 2121
The clinic has street access from Beecroft Road and provides dental care for children, adults and older patients.
The practice’s history in Epping stretches back several decades. Senior dentist Dr Sudath Karunaratne, known as Dr Karu, has been practising in Epping since 1986. Over time, the practice has developed into a team that shares an emphasis on conservative, evidence-based dental care and clear communication.
Optimum Dental accepts major private health funds and is a Bupa preferred provider. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with Saturday appointments available from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm by appointment.
Patients can find further information about the practice on the official Optimum Dental website.
Meet the Optimum Dental Team
A dental practice is shaped by the people patients meet throughout their care. At Optimum Dental, the clinical and support team brings together experience, communication and a practical approach to family dentistry.
Dr Sudath Karunaratne
Dr Sudath Karunaratne, known as Dr Karu, is the clinic’s senior dentist.
He completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Sydney and has more than 36 years of experience in dentistry. After working in Canberra and Bankstown, he began practising in Epping in 1986.
Dr Karu continues to undertake professional education and training. His clinical approach places emphasis on:
- Promoting good oral health
- Preserving natural teeth where clinically appropriate
- Discussing evidence-based treatment options
- Providing care based on individual patient needs
- Drawing on specialist dental expertise when required
Outside dentistry, Dr Karu has been involved with the Epping Rotary Club since 1988 and has supported a range of community initiatives.
Dr Vidhi Somaiya
Dr Vidhi Somaiya is a principal dentist at Optimum Dental.
She graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and has experience across hospital and private dental settings in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania and Sydney.
Her approach focuses on conservative and minimally invasive care, with an emphasis on helping patients maintain healthy and functional natural teeth where possible.
Dr Vidhi has also undertaken further professional training with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Her communication style and approach to patient care can be particularly helpful for children and people who feel uncertain or anxious about dental visits.
Dr Emily Yu
Dr Emily Yu is a general dentist who completed her dental degree at the University of Queensland with First Class Honours.
She has gained experience in both regional and metropolitan dental clinics and cares for patients across different age groups.
Dr Emily places importance on clear communication and helping patients feel comfortable throughout appointments, particularly children and nervous patients.
Sharon, Practice Manager
The clinical team is supported by Sharon, the practice manager.
Sharon has many years of experience in dental care and nursing and helps support the patient experience from initial enquiries and appointments through to ongoing visits.
Patients can find more information about the Optimum Dental team.
Areas of Dental Care
Optimum Dental provides a broad range of dental services for patients at different stages of life.
General and Preventive Dentistry
General and preventive dental care may include:
- Dental examinations
- Professional cleaning
- X-rays where clinically appropriate
- Intraoral photographs
- Fluoride treatment where indicated
- Oral hygiene advice
- Personalised treatment planning
A dental check-up and clean can help the dental team monitor changes in the teeth and gums and identify areas that may require further assessment.
The appropriate frequency of dental examinations and professional cleaning varies according to individual oral-health needs and risk factors.
Children’s and Family Dentistry
Optimum Dental provides children’s dentistry in a family-focused setting.
Appointments for younger patients may include:
- Examination of teeth and gums
- Monitoring of dental development
- Preventive advice
- Professional cleaning where appropriate
- Fluoride treatment where indicated
- Dietary and oral-hygiene guidance
- Assessment of dental habits
- X-rays where clinically necessary
The team aims to make early dental visits calm and familiar, helping children become accustomed to the dental environment.
Children’s dental needs vary with age, development and oral health, so recommendations are made following an individual assessment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dental options may be discussed for patients who would like to change particular aspects of their smile.
Treatments available through the practice include:
- Dental veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Other restorative and cosmetic options
Cosmetic treatment should be considered alongside the health of the teeth and gums.
For example, dental veneers may be appropriate for selected patients, but suitability depends on factors such as tooth condition, bite, enamel, oral health and treatment goals.
Orthodontics
Optimum Dental provides braces and Invisalign treatment for suitable patients seeking to address tooth alignment or bite concerns.
The most appropriate orthodontic option depends on factors such as:
- Tooth position
- Bite
- Age
- Oral health
- Treatment complexity
- Lifestyle
- Patient preferences
An assessment is needed before determining whether braces, clear aligners or another orthodontic approach may be appropriate.
Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry
The practice provides restorative and tooth-replacement treatments for damaged, weakened or missing teeth.
Services include:
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Root canal therapy
- Other restorative treatment
Crowns and bridges may be used in selected situations to restore damaged teeth or replace missing teeth.
For patients with missing teeth, dental implants may be one option to consider. Implant treatment is not suitable for everyone and requires assessment of factors such as oral health, available bone, medical history and treatment goals.
Removable dentures may also be considered where one or more teeth need replacing.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal treatment may be considered when the pulp inside a tooth becomes significantly inflamed or infected and the tooth remains suitable for restoration.
The aim is generally to manage the problem inside the tooth while retaining the natural tooth where clinically appropriate.
Not every painful tooth requires root canal treatment. Symptoms can have several possible causes, so a dentist needs to examine the tooth before recommending treatment.
Emergency Dental Care
Optimum Dental also provides care for urgent dental concerns such as:
- Toothache
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Unexpected dental pain
- Lost or damaged restorations
- Other urgent oral-health concerns
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity of the problem.
Patients experiencing significant facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or another potentially serious medical issue should seek urgent medical or dental attention as appropriate.
Preserving Natural Teeth Where Possible
A key part of Optimum Dental’s clinical philosophy is preserving natural teeth where appropriate.
This does not mean that every tooth can or should be retained.
A dentist may need to consider:
- How much healthy tooth structure remains
- The condition of the gums and supporting bone
- Whether a tooth is cracked
- The extent of decay or infection
- Previous dental treatment
- Bite forces
- Whether the tooth can be predictably restored
- The patient’s broader oral-health needs
When more than one treatment option is available, the practice aims to explain alternatives so patients can make informed decisions.
Specialist referral may also be recommended when a patient’s needs fall outside the appropriate scope of general dental care.
What Makes Optimum Dental Distinctive?
Optimum Dental is a long-established Epping dental practice with a senior dentist who has cared for patients in the local community since the 1980s.
That continuity may be useful for families who value having a dental team familiar with their history and changing needs over time.
The practice provides a broad range of services in one location, including:
- Preventive dentistry
- Children’s dental care
- Cosmetic consultations
- Braces and Invisalign
- Crowns and bridges
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Root canal treatment
- Emergency dental care
Optimum Dental has also been included in Australia’s Top Dentists’ feature on the most reviewed dental practices in NSW.
The practice’s central Epping location, weekday opening hours until 6:00 pm and Saturday appointments by arrangement can also be practical for busy households.
Patient-Centred Dental Care
Optimum Dental places emphasis on comfort, communication and education.
Before treatment, patients should have the opportunity to understand:
- What the dentist has identified
- Why treatment may be recommended
- What treatment options are available
- Whether reasonable alternatives exist
- Relevant risks and limitations
- What the treatment may involve
- Expected costs
- Follow-up and maintenance requirements
This approach can help patients make informed decisions rather than feeling rushed into treatment.
For children and nervous patients, the team aims to provide a calm and supportive environment.
For adults managing ongoing dental needs, the focus may include preventive care, practical treatment planning and maintaining oral health over time.
Supporting Nervous Patients
Dental anxiety can range from mild nervousness to significant fear that causes someone to delay treatment.
Optimum Dental’s team aims to help patients feel more comfortable by listening to concerns and explaining appointments clearly.
Patients who feel anxious may benefit from:
- Discussing concerns before treatment begins
- Asking the dentist to explain each step
- Agreeing on ways to communicate during treatment
- Taking breaks where clinically appropriate
- Discussing pain-management options
- Considering other anxiety-management approaches where appropriate
Comfort varies between patients and procedures. No treatment should be assumed to be completely painless for everyone.
Patients with significant dental anxiety should let the team know when booking or before treatment so appropriate options can be discussed.
Health Funds and Payment Options
Optimum Dental accepts major private health funds and is a Bupa preferred provider.
Eligible patients with private health cover may also have access to no-gap check-up and clean appointments, depending on their fund, level of cover and the conditions that apply.
Because health fund benefits vary, patients should confirm eligibility before assuming that a service will have no out-of-pocket cost.
Useful questions to ask before treatment include:
- What is the total estimated fee?
- What is included in the quote?
- What may my health fund rebate?
- What out-of-pocket cost should I expect?
- Could additional treatment be required?
- Are payment arrangements available?
Treatment fees vary depending on the type and complexity of care required.
Opening Hours
Optimum Dental’s listed opening hours are:
- Monday: 8:00 am–6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am–6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am–6:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am–6:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am–6:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am–2:00 pm by appointment
- Sunday: Closed
Patients should confirm appointment availability with the practice, particularly when requesting a Saturday or urgent appointment.
Dental Care in Epping
Optimum Dental is located in Epping and provides care for patients from the local area and surrounding parts of Sydney.
Patients comparing practices across the wider region can also browse dentists in Sydney through Australia’s Top Dentists.
When choosing a dental practice, useful factors to consider may include:
- The services available
- The experience and qualifications of the dental team
- Location and opening hours
- How clearly treatment is explained
- Whether alternatives are discussed
- Costs and health fund arrangements
- Care for children or nervous patients
- Emergency appointment availability
- How comfortable you feel communicating with the team
The appropriate practice for one person may not necessarily be the right fit for another, so individual priorities matter.
Services Available at Optimum Dental
Patients who want to explore particular areas of care can find further information through the Optimum Dental website.
Available services include:
- Check-ups and professional cleaning
- Preventive dentistry
- Children’s dentistry
- Teeth whitening
- Dental veneers
- Braces
- Invisalign clear aligners
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Root canal therapy
- Emergency dental care
The practice’s range of services allows many patients to access preventive, restorative, cosmetic and orthodontic care from the same clinic, although specialist referral may still be appropriate for some conditions or treatment needs.
Visit Optimum Dental
Optimum Dental is located at:
17/74-76 Rawson St, Epping NSW 2121
Street access is available from Beecroft Road.
The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with Saturday appointments available from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm by appointment.
Patients can call (02) 8201 3200 or use the practice’s contact and online booking options to arrange an appointment.
You can also view the Optimum Dental profile on Australia’s Top Dentists for an overview of the practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Optimum Dental located?
Optimum Dental is located at 17/74-76 Rawson St, Epping NSW 2121, with street access from Beecroft Road. The clinic provides dental care for children, adults and older patients from Epping and surrounding areas.
What are Optimum Dental’s opening hours?
Optimum Dental is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Saturday appointments are available from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm by appointment, and the clinic is closed on Sundays. Patients should confirm appointment availability directly with the practice.
What services does Optimum Dental offer?
Optimum Dental provides general and preventive care, children’s dentistry, braces and Invisalign, teeth whitening, veneers, crowns and bridges, dental implants, dentures, root canal therapy and emergency dental care. Treatment recommendations depend on individual oral-health needs and clinical assessment.
Does Optimum Dental treat children?
Yes. Optimum Dental is a family dental practice that cares for children as well as adults and older patients. The team aims to make children’s appointments calm and familiar, with care based on the child’s age, development and oral-health needs.
Does Optimum Dental accept private health funds?
Yes. Optimum Dental accepts major private health funds and is a Bupa preferred provider. No-gap check-up and clean appointments may be available for eligible patients, depending on their health fund and level of cover. Patients should confirm eligibility with the clinic.
Who are the dentists at Optimum Dental?
The Optimum Dental team includes senior dentist Dr Sudath Karunaratne, principal dentist Dr Vidhi Somaiya and general dentist Dr Emily Yu. Their backgrounds include family, preventive, restorative and general dental care, with an emphasis on communication and individual treatment planning.
How do I book an appointment with Optimum Dental?
Patients can call Optimum Dental on (02) 8201 3200 or use the contact and online booking options available through the practice website. Saturday appointments are offered by appointment.