Meet Paris

Paris Downie grew up on the Central Coast and graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy, dual qualifying as a dental hygienist and dental therapist. She has been working as an Oral Health Therapist for approximately six years. One of the things she enjoys most about her role is working with children and helping patients who may feel nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist, understanding that dental appointments can be daunting for some people and always aiming to create a relaxed, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and supported. 

Paris’s approach to patient care is gentle, reassuring and focused on building trust. Her main focus is on education and prevention, and she enjoys getting to know her patients and building long-term relationships with them, while helping them feel more confident about their oral health. Having always had an interest in healthcare, dentistry has given her the opportunity to combine that interest with working closely with people and making a positive difference to their health. 

Outside of work, Paris enjoys Pilates, spending time at the beach with her pugs, Luna and Frank, camping, and exploring new places to eat with friends. 

Qualifications & Registration

  • Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy, University of Newcastle   
  • Dual qualified as a dental hygienist and dental therapist   
  • Registered Oral Health Therapist, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)   
  • Member, Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association (ADOHTA) Approximately 6 years’ clinical experience

Professional Background

  • Approximately 6 years’ experience as an Oral Health Therapist   
  • Additional professional training in stainless steel crowns and professional teeth whitening   
  • Particular focus on children’s dentistry, preventative care and helping patients manage dental anxiety 

Services & Treatments

General & Preventive Dentistry

  • Comprehensive dental examinations and check-ups

  • Professional scale and cleans

  • Periodontal treatment and gum disease management

  • Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings

  • Dental X-rays

  • Fissure sealants and fluoride treatments

  • Oral hygiene education and preventative advice

Children’s Dentistry

  • Children’s dental examinations and cleans

  • Fillings for children’s teeth

  • Primary (baby) tooth extractions

  • Stainless steel crowns and pulpotomies

  • Fissure sealants and preventative dental care

  • Gentle dental treatment for anxious or nervous children

Cosmetic & Additional Treatments

  • In-chair professional teeth whitening

  • Take-home teeth whitening

  • Night guards and occlusal splints

 

Areas of Special Interest & Expertise

  • Children’s dentistry, helping children develop positive experiences at the dentist from an early age
  • Managing dental anxiety, taking the time to understand patient concerns and build comfort gradually
  • Preventative care
  • Building long-term patient relationships

Paris is particularly interested in continuing to develop her knowledge and clinical skills in paediatric dentistry.

Philosophy of Care

Paris understands that some patients may have had difficult dental experiences in the past, and believes that taking the time to listen, explain treatments clearly and work at a pace patients are comfortable with can make a significant difference to their experience. She particularly enjoys treating children and helping them develop a positive relationship with dental care, taking a gentle and patient approach suited to each child’s individual needs. One of her favourite parts of being an Oral Health Therapist is getting to know her patients over time, valuing the trust built along the way and helping people feel comfortable returning for regular dental care. 

Professional Memberships & Recognition

  • Registered Oral Health Therapist with AHPRA 
  • Member, Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association (ADOHTA) Additional professional training in stainless steel crowns and teeth whitening

Areas Terrigal Beach Dental + Implant Centre Serves

Terrigal Beach Dental + Implant Centre serves Terrigal, Avoca Beach, Wamberal, North Avoca, Forresters Beach, MacMasters Beach, Copacabana, Kincumber, Erina, Matcham, Holgate and Gosford, along with the wider Central Coast NSW.

Why Patients Choose Paris

  • Approximately 6 years’ experience as an Oral Health Therapist   
  • Particular focus on children’s dentistry and helping young patients feel at ease Gentle, patient approach for anxious or nervous patients of all ages   
  • Additional training in stainless steel crowns and professional teeth whitening Warm, relationship-focused approach to ongoing patient care 

Patient FAQs

When should my child first visit the dentist?
It’s generally recommended that children have their first dental visit around their first birthday, or when their first teeth start to appear. Early visits help children get used to the dentist and allow any issues to be picked up and managed early.
Baby teeth play an important role in chewing, speech development and holding space for adult teeth to come through properly. Treating decay in baby teeth helps avoid pain and infection and supports healthy development until they fall out naturally.
Paris takes the time to listen to any concerns or past experiences, explains each step of treatment clearly, and works at a pace that feels comfortable for the patient, helping to gradually rebuild confidence in visiting the dentist.
Your first appointment typically includes a comprehensive examination, a discussion about your dental history and any concerns, and a clear explanation of any recommended treatment, all carried out in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup. Consistent brushing and flossing usually helps resolve this, but if bleeding persists, a professional clean and check-up is recommended to rule out an underlying issue.
Both can be effective when used correctly, though many people find electric toothbrushes make it easier to maintain a thorough, consistent clean. Paris can help you choose the right option and technique for your individual needs.
Yes, when carried out or supervised by a dental professional, teeth whitening is a safe way to brighten your smile. Some temporary sensitivity can occur, which Paris can advise on managing.
In-chair whitening is carried out at the practice and typically provides faster results in a single visit, while take-home whitening uses custom trays and professional-strength gel over a period at home. Paris can help you decide which option best suits your lifestyle and goals.