Dr Melosh Naicker

With over 30 years of experience in oral health, Melosh is a distinguished dental professional whose career spans clinical practice, academic leadership, and research. She began her journey in dentistry with a Bachelor of Oral Health from the University of Durban Westville in South Africa (1987–1991), and has since pursued a lifelong commitment to excellence, education, and innovation in the field.

Her clinical expertise is rooted in non-surgical periodontal therapy and the management of dental implants. She has over 18 years of experience treating a wide range of implant cases—from straightforward single units to complex full-arch restorations involving prosthesis removal and replacement. As the Dental Hygienist and Manager of the Hygiene Programme at The Perio Centre, she plays a central role in leading a team of professionals, mentoring junior clinicians, and delivering comprehensive, patient-centred care. Her work emphasizes advanced diagnostics and evidence-based treatment planning, particularly in the management of periodontal and peri-implant diseases.

In parallel with her clinical work, Melosh has made significant contributions to dental education. As a Demonstrator and Lecturer at the Melbourne Dental School, she has been instrumental in teaching and mentoring Bachelor of Oral Health students. Her teaching philosophy combines hands-on clinical instruction with theoretical foundations, and she has been actively involved in curriculum development to ensure alignment with emerging research and best practices. Her focus on implant and periodontal case studies has helped shape the next generation of dental professionals.

Her academic credentials reflect her deep commitment to ongoing learning. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Oral Hygiene with Distinction in Orthodontics (University of Pretoria), a Diploma in Marketing (Durban Institute of Technology), a Master of Public Health (University of Queensland), and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Melbourne Dental School at the University of Melbourne. Her doctoral research explored the use of periodontal endoscopy as an adjunct to conventional therapy, reinforcing her interest in the integration of technology into clinical care.

Melosh is a published author in respected journals such as the Journal of Periodontology and has presented her research at international conferences, including EuroPerio and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH), where she has received awards for best presentations. She also has extensive experience in professional development, having coordinated CPD programs that enhance clinical skills across the dental community.

Known for her leadership, innovation, and passion for education, Melosh continues to shape the future of oral health through her clinical practice, academic involvement, and contributions to research.

Transforming Oral Health Care: Leveraging Clinical Indicators for Impactful Change

This hands-on workshop is designed to translate theoretical knowledge of periodontal instrumentation into advanced clinical skill. Participants will develop proficiency in selecting, adapting, and activating periodontal instruments in response to varying anatomical and clinical challenges including including root concavities, developmental grooves, furcations, cervical enamel projections, and variations in pocket depth. 

Participants will be guided through the principles of selecting appropriate periodontal instruments based on specific anatomical presentations. Area-specific curettes, extended-shank and mini-bladed designs, furcation curettes, and ultrasonic tip configurations will be discussed in relation to root morphology, furcation involvement, and tissue architecture.  

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: 

• Apply advanced instrumentation techniques for supra and subgingival debridement in shallow, moderate, and deep periodontal pockets. 

• Demonstrate correct instrument adaptation and angulation to effectively debride anatomically complex sites. 
• Modify instrumentation techniques to maintain root surface integrity and minimise soft tissue trauma. 

• Select and adapt instruments according to root anatomy, pocket morphology, and tissue condition. 
• Incorporate minimally invasive periodontal instrumentation concepts into clinical practice. 
• Demonstrate optimal ergonomics, fulcrum placement, and stroke activation to improve efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.

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