Dr Robert Harper has many years of experience and has been constantly educating himself with the latest techniques, products and new ways of doing dentistry.

He has a passion for his job and thoroughly enjoys the interaction with his patients, as well as the technical aspect of being a dentist.

Dr Harper graduated from The University of Melbourne in 1976 and after working in the suburbs of Melbourne, moved to Portland, in western Victoria where he not only gained a vast knowledge in all aspects of dentistry, but also the ability to engage with people and understand their dental needs. Dr Harper gained much experience in Portland but decided to further enhance his career in Melbourne and undertook a course in ‘Crown and Bridge’ at The University of Melbourne, as well as setting up a practice in Swanston Street in Melbourne’s CBD.

A lifelong learner, Dr Harper has undertaken a multitude of professional learning courses over the globe – as a participant and as a presenter. Course content has surrounded:

• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
• Craniofacial Pain
• Joint Vibration Analysis
• Sleep Apnoea.

and Dr Harper is a member of the Australian chapter of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain.

Dr Harper’s passion is to have the latest technology and a well-designed, hygienic and joyful environment to work in and be supported by talented and caring staff. His 2004 move to Bridge Road, Richmond has encompassed his idea of a great practice – a state-of-the-art surgery designed with excellent dentistry in mind and comfort for the staff and patients. Dr Harper is rightly proud of the aesthetics of the dental practice, as well as the practice’s overall commitment to environmental stewardship.

A highly dedicated dentist and regular participant in continuing professional development, including the Seattle Study Club since 2004, Dr Harper appreciates the fact that his profession has allowed him to work in an Aboriginal Community and he continues to provide dentistry to the less privileged through various ventures.

Staff and patients alike continue to be amazed at his level of enthusiasm for all things dentistry and we know he is very proud of the practice he has created at Richmond.

Dr Matthew Burke is a 2005 graduate of The University of Adelaide, working in Adelaide for two years prior to moving to and living in Melbourne in since 2008 after graduation, to continue his career.

Matthew’s focus fits perfectly with the Richmond Fine Dentistry philosophy of minimally invasive dentistry, with the least amount of pain. His gentle nature and approach always makes the patient feel calm – so they enjoy their dental care and know they are in safe hands. His dedication to comprehensive dentistry ensures his patients experience the best of both functional and aesthetic (good looking) dentistry.

With experience across all facets of general practice, Matthew has a specific interest in endodontics and also aesthetic orthodontics such as the Invisalign and Smilefast treatment options. However, he admits that the most rewarding aspect of his role is “building long-term patient relationships and being able to offer comprehensive treatment tailored to each individual’s needs.” Building these patient relationships is what Matthew finds one of the most rewarding aspects of his profession.

As with all of our team members, Matthew has a keen interest in continuing professional development and education. He attends numerous conferences and study group meetings to ensure he continues to offer the most current and advanced treatment options for his patients.

Matthew has completed some further orthodontic education through the OrthoEd institute and can now offer both aesthetic and more comprehensive orthodontic treatment options. These more comprehensive options also include some early intervention and functional treatments including, amongst other options such as the Myobrace treatment.

After graduating from the University of Western Australia, Dr Abbott moved back to Melbourne and has worked in Richmond for many years.

Dr Abbott is a friendly, personable and very considerate dentist who cares about providing excellent quality care – which is what Richmond Fine Dentistry is all about – so he is perfectly aligned with our philosophy.

Dr Abbott major areas of expertise are preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, along with an interest in dental sleep medicine.

Dr Abbott really enjoys working at RFD with all the latest equipment and technology, as well as the great support team to enable him to do his best work.

Sed is a University of Adelaide graduate. After working in Queensland for the public sector, Sed relocated to Victoria and luckily found Richmond Fine Dentistry where he has been for over 10 years.

We love having Sed working with us, he is a gentle and extremely kind practitioner with a very sound knowledge of dentistry. He is particularly adept at working with all children who benefit greatly from a warm yet informative approach.

His dental philosophy is firmly grounded in preventative care. – the provision of holistic and thorough yet gentle treatment for all patients.

Sed knows his patients’ dental health very well and over time he has helped many patients to improve their oral health. Sed builds quality relationships with his patients, discovering medical and social histories which he uses to achieve optimal outcomes.

Emma joined our team following several years of private practice experience. In 2013, she graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Oral Health.

Emma’s dental philosophy is firmly grounded in preventative care. The provision of holistic and thorough yet gentle treatment is exceedingly important to her when treating all her valued patients.

Emma makes every endeavour to ensure the needs and concerns of her patients are addressed with attention and care. This is one of our key philosophies.

She is pleased to see her patients being empowered to take control of their oral health and she enjoys equipping them with the knowledge to maintain their optimal oral health

Emma also supports her continuing professional development with regular attendance at courses and training so she can stay up-to-date with new developments in dentistry and patient care.

When she’s not busy helping our patients take care of their oral health, you can find Emma spending time with her family, friends and dog, travelling to new places and eating her way around the world.

Nina joined our team in 2014 and came to us with with over 10 years’ experience and dental knowledge. Originally from Chicago, USA, Nina is a certified Dental Assistant and now loves the front office role.

Nina manages the front office beautifully and has done since she started with us. This is a busy role, requiring constant organisation of the extensive appointment scheduling. When well managed, the front office works seamlessly and accommodates the needs of both the provider and the patient, allowing everyone in the practice the time to do their best and not compromise patient care.

Never flustered and always organised, Nina is a treasured member of the team. We especially adore her cupcakes that are amazing – making these yummy treats keeps her busy when not at RFD.

She’s the face that will greet you with a big warm smile and a winning accent to match!

Lidia is our excellent Treatment Coordinator. The experience she has gained by working alongside Dr Harper since 2007 makes Lidia an ideal treatment coordinator!

Treatment coordinating requires a vast knowledge of dentistry, and treatment planning for optimal care. Coordinating appointments within RFD, sequencing with specialists and assisting patients to manage payment plans or any other myriad questions they may have about the dental care they will be receiving.

Treatment coordinating is an essential element at RFD, especially with the multifaceted treatment plans we have on offer at RFD such as complete smile makeovers or orthodontic treatments like Invisalign and Smilefast. Lidia will assist and guide you through every aspect of your care at RFD and is available via email or phone to assist you after your dental appointment. Her lovely nature will make you feel well cared for and supported in the decisions you need to make about your care.

Having a Bachelor of Health Information Management, Judy has a passion for accurate information and secure storage of patient information – so her skills are much appreciated at our fully digital practice.

Judy has been in the dentistry field for nearly 30 years. Initially working as a Dental Nurse, then Practice Manager, as well as being married to a dentist for nearly as long, she lives and loves dentistry. Always happy to help with all aspects of the dental practice and overseeing the smooth running of the practice… there is always something to do in a busy practice. The requirements of running a practice are forever changing, as is dentistry – there is always something new whether it’s dental materials, equipment, software upgrades, legislative requirements or marketing concepts.

Judy takes pride in maintaining a high standard of care at all levels within our practice and loves catching up with the patients she has known for many years.

Chelsea gained her Certificate III in Dental Assisting in 2016 and has been ably assisting at Richmond Fine Dentistry since 2018.

Primarily Dr Burke’s dental assistant, Chelsea is fantastic at assisting with the full breadth of the dental services we provide at RFD, including orthodontics and Invisalign.

Chelsea’s favourite dental procedures to assist with are orthodontics and CEREC crowns because of the excellent results both these treatments provide to patients’ smiles.

Steph is one of our delightful dental assistants, who completed her Certificate III in Dental Assisting whilst working at RFD.

Steph has excelled at dental assisting and has picked up all the skills necessary to provide optimal care for our patients.

Before becoming a dental assistant, she completed a Diploma of Event Management. She also did a stint working at a summer camp in Connecticut, USA.

Steph is enjoying working in dentistry and currently juggles studying Myotherapy while working part time at RFD.

Originally from Brisbane, Hannah joined us in February 2022. She’s a gem of a dental nurse, and one of Hannah’s key strengths is making our clinic a comfortable and safe space. She is particularly skilled at working with patients who have dental phobias.

Hannah is at ease moving around all areas of the practice, assisting both the Hygienist and the Dentists. Assisting with cosmetic and full-mouth restorative cases is the most rewarding part of her job.