What is a periodontist?
In Australia, a Periodontist is a dental specialist that completes at least an additional 3 years of post-graduate training in Periodontics. This is in addition to their general dental education. Periodontists most often work in conjunction with you and your general dentist or other dental specialists.
A referral from a general dentist is not necessary to see us. We welcome you to contact us directly for a consultation so we can assess your needs.
What is a periodontist?
In Australia, a Periodontist is a dental specialist that completes at least an additional 3 years of post-graduate training in Periodontics. This is in addition to their general dental education. Periodontists most often work in conjunction with you and your general dentist or other dental specialists.
A referral from a general dentist is not necessary to see us. We welcome you to contact us directly for a consultation so we can assess your needs.
Dr Amy Hope
Specialist Periodontist
BDSc (UWA), DClinDent (Perio), FRACDS (Perio)
Dr Amy Hope completed a Bachelor of Dental Science at the University of Western Australia in 2005. Following this she worked as a dentist for Queensland Health in Bundaberg, then Albany, Western Australia in private practice. The sunny shores of the West drew her back to Perth, where she spent the next six years in private practice in the northern suburbs.
In 2010, Dr Hope commenced a three year full time degree at the University of Western Australia and was granted a clinical doctorate in periodontics, and fellowship to the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in periodontics. During this time she was involved in tutoring of undergraduate dental students.
In 2013, Dr Hope joined Central Periodontics and Implants where she practices all areas of periodontics along with the placement and maintenance of dental implants. She presents at continuing education events for general dentists and specialists within Western Australia along with following current research to provide up to date care to her patients.
Dr Hope is a proud member of the following organisations;
The Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists (ANZAP)
The Australian Society of Periodontology (current ASP WA President, past president 2016/17)
Australian Dental Association (ADA)
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS Fellow)
The International Team for Implantology (ITI)
Out of the practice, Dr Hope enjoys all elements of the great outdoors, restoring health to larger environments than the oral cavity, and the feeling of clean floors underfoot.
Dr Zahida Oakley
Specialist Periodontist
BDS (Hons) UK, MFDS RCS Eng, DClinDent (Perio) UWA, FRACDS (Perio)
Dr Oakley completed her dental degree with honours at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom in 2002. She began her career in general practice before expanding her expertise in oral and maxillofacial surgery across several major teaching hospitals in the north of England.
After taking time to travel, she relocated to Perth and joined the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia, working in both the oral surgery and general practice departments. She later completed a Clinical Doctorate in Periodontics at the University of Western Australia and became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in the Periodontics division.
Dr Oakley is part of the team at Central Periodontics and Implants, where she provides comprehensive periodontal care and performs the placement and maintenance of dental implants. She also contributes to the University of Western Australia as a clinical tutor and remains committed to ongoing professional development through local and international conferences.
She is a proud member of:
Australian Dental Association
Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists
Australian Society of Periodontology (WA)
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Fellow)
International Team for Implantology
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Healing Smiles (volunteer)
Outside of her professional life, Dr Oakley enjoys spending time with her young family. Together they love travelling, camping, beach days and water sports. She is fluent in Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.
At your appointment with Dr Oakley, you can expect a friendly smile, clear communication, clinical expertise and genuine empathy.
Dr Leticia Algarves Miranda
Dr Leticia Algarves Miranda is a specialist periodontist with over 30 years of clinical, academic, and research experience, having worked across Brazil, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. She graduated in Dentistry from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) in Brazil and completed her specialist training in Periodontics at the same institution. She went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Periodontics, a PhD in Perio in Rio de Janeiro and PhD in Medicine from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. She holds specialist registration in Periodontics in Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia.
Now based in Perth, Australia, Dr Leticia is an Associate Professor in Periodontics at the University of Western Australia and also works in private practice. She provides a comprehensive range of periodontal services, including the management of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, periodontal surgery (including aesthetic and pre-prosthetic procedures), and implant placement.
Dr Leticia is actively involved in continuing education, regularly delivering lectures and hands-on training in clinical and regenerative periodontics for dentists, oral health therapists, and hygienists.
She is a member of several professional organisations and is a strong advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal outcomes for her patients. Known for her meticulous technique, attention to detail, and compassionate care, Dr Leticia is highly respected among her peers and patients alike.
Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, Dr Leticia communicates with ease across diverse patient and professional communities. Outside of dentistry, she is deeply committed to her family and children, and lives by the values of love, empathy, and purpose—both personally and professionally.
Catherine Newsham
Periodontal Hygienist
BOH (Adel.)
‘Cat’ has over 20 years experience in the dental industry. Starting her dental career in Adelaide as a dental assistant, she has been very fortunate to work alongside highly reputable clinicians in Australia and on Harley Street in London. With commitment and ambition in promoting healthy teeth for life, she fulfilled her drive in becoming an Oral Health Therapist, completing her Bachelor of Oral Health at The University of Adelaide in 2012, finishing with top class honours and the Deans Merit.
Cat is committed to making your hygiene care relaxed and first class and has a real charm for treating people with dental anxiety and phobias. Her motto is ‘Your hygiene appointment should leave you looking forward to the next visit’.
Cat is an active member of the Dental Hygiene Association of Australia and Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association. She regularly attends continuing professional development courses to maintain knowledge and expand knowledge and skills to keep up with the evidence-based advances in dentistry.
When not at work you will find Cat on the golf course or enjoying the beautiful West Australian outdoors, fine wine dining, live entertainment and the café scene. She is an avid sports fan, and borderline obsessed when it comes to her beloved Port Adelaide Football team.
Daniel Peterson
Periodontal Hygienist
BSc (OHT) Curtin
‘Dan’ began his career in dentistry in 2017 as a dental assistant, working in private practice and gaining valuable experience alongside some of the industry’s leading professionals. Early on, he developed a strong belief that education is key to long-term oral health—not only showing patients what to do but helping them understand why it matters.
Driven to expand his knowledge and skills, Dan went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Oral Health and qualified as an Oral Health Therapist. He has a particular interest in periodontal health, working closely with specialists to help patients build and maintain healthy periodontal tissues, the foundation for a strong, healthy smile.
Outside the clinic, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, hands-on woodworking and electronics projects, and perfecting his own home-brewed ciders.
Esther Carder
Periodontal Hygienist
ASDH Curtin
Esther’s passion for dentistry began at just 11 years old, when she decided she wanted to be “one of those people who work in a dental van.” That early calling led her to a career as a dental assistant before graduating from Curtin University in 1997 with an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene.
With more than 30 years of experience in dentistry, Esther has worked alongside both general and specialist dentists across Western Australia, from Yanchep to Mandurah and the Hills of Perth. She is passionate about patient education and prevention, taking pride in coaching individuals to improve their home care and treating each person according to their unique needs.
From 2005 to 2008, Esther worked as a Research Officer with the UWA Smile Study, investigating the relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth weight babies. This research role further strengthened her commitment to preventive oral health and evidence-based care.
Esther has also been actively involved in community outreach, delivering oral health programs in day care centres and primary schools, as well as volunteering in orphanages overseas in India and with Healing Smiles (RUAH). She regularly attends continuing education sessions and is a guest lecture for the Oral Health Therapy students at Curtin University.
In 2019, she transitioned from general dentistry into specialist periodontic practice. In October 2023, Esther joined TePe as a Clinical Educator, where she focuses on advancing preventive oral care education for dental professionals and the broader community.
Esther is a member of the following organisations;
Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA)
Allied Oral Health Practitioners Association (AOHP)
Australian Society of Periodontology (ASP)
Outside of dentistry, Esther lives in the Hills of Perth with her family and her greyhound, Kevin. She enjoys walking in the hills, regularly participating in Park Run, photography, and catering for small events as a creative hobby.
