Nobody likes going to the dentist, but Dr Jim Androutsopoulos is doing the best to change that – at least once a year. For the past five years, since he opened his practice in East Malvern, he has established a name for himself within the local community. In fact, he has also established a nickname, ‘The Tooth Doctor’, as he has chosen to name his practice.

What he has also established is a reputation, not only as a thorough clinician, but also as a compassionate professional, always keen on giving back to the community. Every year, close to Easter, he donates a day’s proceeds to the Royal Children Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal, one of the strongest and more important charities in Melbourne.

“I worked in the dental department of the Royal Children’s Hospital early in my dental career,” he says, explaining his decision to go forward with this gesture. “After seeing first-hand what families endure with a sick child and also the level of care, compassion and hope provided by the staff of the hospital. I decided it was a cause I would support when I opened my own practice one day. The opportunity arose five years ago when I opened my own practice and we have never looked back. The personal fulfilment in supporting the RCH is very satisfying. It is very rewarding knowing that you’re giving something back to our most vulnerable and innocent children and their families.”

Dr Jim Androutsopoulos, in his practice.

So far, the Tooth Doctor has managed to donate $6551.30 to the cause. “The biggest challenge is trying to surpass the previous year’s donation,” he says setting his goal for this year – to give more than $2484.30. For this, he needs the help of his patients, with whom he has a relationship “based on respect, honesty, care and compassion” – or in fact with anyone in need of some dental work, who might be interested in seeing his money go to a good cause. “By helping the RCH Good Friday Appeal we are giving every opportunity to the future generations to overcome their early health setbacks and fulfil a healthy future and their potential,” says Dr Androutsopoulos, urging people to support him in his effort, which is very dear to his heart. “As a health care provider, it is important that I lead by example and give back to the community in any way I can,” he says, pointing to his Greek background as a source of inspiration. “”Greek for me means a strong sense of family and community values. It also means being respectful, helpful and embracing people of all cultures. I am very proud of my heritage and I am teaching my two young boys the importance and relevance of our culture, history, language and traditions. Being brought up in a close knit Greek family has instilled the values that are allowing me to establish lifelong relationships with my patients,” he explains. “Furthermore, being able to fluently speak the Greek language has enabled me to better care for members of our community who cannot communicate all of their needs in English and also provide them with information on their oral health and dental issues. My Greek language skills also enable me to to reassure them if they are anxious.” At least once a year, his patients can be reassured that, no matter what state their teeth are in, their hearts are in a good place.

*The Tooth Doctor’s 2018 Good Friday Appeal Fundraiser will take place on Thursday 29th March 2018 from 8am- 8pm. All proceeds from treatment performed on this day will be donated to the RCH Good Friday Appeal. For appointments and enquiries, call (03)95693221.