Dr Matthew Woods is a highly experienced dentist with more than 20 years in the profession, bringing a wealth of international knowledge and clinical expertise to the team at Coastal Dental Care. After graduating from dental school in the United Kingdom in 2004, he began a diverse, global career in dentistry. Known for his calm and approachable manner, Matthew combines strong clinical skills with a patient-focused philosophy that helps people feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout their dental care.

Early in his career, Matthew served for five years as a dentist in the British Army, a period that played an important role in shaping both his professional development and leadership abilities. During this time, he refined his clinical skills while learning to work effectively in high-pressure environments where adaptability and clear decision-making were essential. One of the defining moments of his military career came in 2007 when he was deployed during the Iraq War. Stationed in Basrah, he was placed in charge of a dental clinic at a military outstation, providing essential dental care to service personnel operating in challenging conditions. Managing a clinic in an operational environment required resilience, organisation, and composure, and the experience remains one of the most formative chapters of his career.

Following his military service, Matthew transitioned into private practice and expanded his experience internationally. Over the years, he has practised dentistry in several countries, including Australia, Norway, and Denmark. His time working across different healthcare systems allowed him to gain a broad clinical perspective and an appreciation for the importance of communication and patient-centred care. While living in Denmark, he became a partner and co-owner of a dental clinic located near Copenhagen, where he balanced clinical dentistry with leadership responsibilities, team development, and mentoring younger clinicians. This experience further strengthened his commitment to collaborative dentistry and to supporting patients through personalised treatment planning.

Continuing education has remained a key focus throughout Matthew’s professional journey. He has undertaken extensive postgraduate training across many areas of dentistry and has developed a particular interest and experience in surgical disciplines. His clinical work includes dental implant placement and advanced procedures such as bone regeneration, sinus lift surgery, and wisdom tooth removal. In addition to surgical treatments, Matthew also provides a wide range of restorative and general dental procedures, including crowns, bridges, and root canal treatments, helping patients restore the function, health, and appearance of their smiles. By continually updating his knowledge and clinical techniques, Matthew aims to provide patients with modern, evidence-based treatment options while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety, comfort, and long-term oral health outcomes.

Matthew chose dentistry because it combines science, technical precision, and artistry with the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. He values the opportunity to help restore oral health and function while also improving patients’ confidence and overall well-being. His patient-led approach ensures that individuals feel heard and supported, with treatment plans designed to suit their specific needs, preferences, and goals.

Outside the clinic, Matthew leads an active and adventurous lifestyle. He has travelled to more than 55 countries around the world, including expeditions to Antarctica, and enjoys immersing himself in different cultures and environments. His passion for exploration has taken him on challenging trekking and climbing adventures, including reaching Mount Everest Base Camp, climbing Imja Tse in Nepal, completing the Annapurna Circuit, and summiting Huayna Potosí in Bolivia. He is also an Advanced Open Water scuba diver and has completed more than 180 skydives.

Closer to home, Matthew enjoys staying active through gym training, surfing, swimming, and climbing. He is also a family man and proud father of three children, and values spending quality time with his family when he is not working or travelling. His international experiences are also reflected in his language skills, as he speaks both Norwegian and Danish fluently after many years living and working in Scandinavia.

With over two decades of experience in dentistry and eight years practising in Australia, Matthew is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalised dental care. He combines extensive clinical expertise with a genuine passion for helping patients improve their oral health in a relaxed and supportive environment. By staying up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry, Matthew ensures his patients receive modern, tailored treatment while feeling comfortable and confident at every visit.

 

LOCATIONS:  Coastal Dental Care Coolangatta and Coastal Dental Care Banora Point

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