Introducing Dr. Andrew Wang: A New Face at ONiA

Dr Andrew Wang Orthodontist

Following the retirement of Dr. Guy Burnett, the Orthodontic Network in Adelaide (ONiA) is pleased to formally introduce Dr. Andrew Wang to the practice. After a distinguished career serving the South Australian community, Dr. Burnett has transitioned into retirement. To ensure the continued excellence and continuity of care that patients have come to expect from ONiA, Dr. Wang has joined the specialist team, bringing a wealth of experience from both metropolitan and regional clinical settings.

Recognising that a change in clinician is a significant event in any patient’s orthodontic journey, the practice has compiled this introduction. It outlines Dr. Wang’s professional background, his clinical philosophies, and his commitment to maintaining a patient-centred, evidence-based practice across South Australia.

1. Professional Foundations: The Impact of Regional Practice

Dr. Andrew Wang was born and raised in Sydney, but his professional outlook was shaped by his decision to undertake undergraduate dental training in Bendigo – regional Victoria. During the 5 years he spent training in regional Victoria, Andrew witnessed firsthand the challenges that families from regional areas navigate to prioritise their oral health. It was common for patients to drive several hours for an appointment, which taught him the importance of being efficient and making every visit count. He learned early on that a good treatment plan shouldn’t just focus on teeth—it also needs to work for a person’s schedule and travel situation. This practical way of looking at things is still a big part of how he handles his work today.

Before pursuing his specialty, Andrew practiced as a private general dentist in both metropolitan and regional NSW. This broad foundation is one of his greatest clinical assets. By working as a general dentist first, he developed a comprehensive understanding of the “entire mouth” rather than just the alignment of teeth. When he assesses a patient today, he isn’t just looking at the dental arch; he is considering the health of the periodontal tissues, the bone structure, and how orthodontic movements will interact with the patient’s overall dental health over the coming decades.

2. The Path to Specialisation

Becoming a specialist orthodontist involves years of demanding study and hands-on training. Andrew began this process in 2020 by sitting for the Primary Examinations for the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS), which cover the foundational sciences of dental medicine. He was eventually awarded his Fellowship (FRACDS) in 2022, marking a high level of achievement in the general dental field, with a key interest in orthodontics and paediatric dentistry.

In 2022, Andrew relocated to Adelaide to undertake the three-year Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) in Orthodontics at the University of Adelaide. During this intensive program, Andrew lived and breathed everything related to the orthodontics, working closely with senior orthodontists to refine his clinical skills. This period of residency was an immersive experience, involving the management of a vast array of cases, from interceptive treatment in young children to complex multidisciplinary surgeries in adults. The high standard of care Andrew provided during his training was ultimately recognised in his graduating year, when he was awarded the Raj Prasad Award for the best-treated clinical case.

Upon completing his training, Andrew received his Australian Orthodontic Board (AOB) certification. This certification is a significant milestone that involves a peer-review process of clinical cases to ensure they meet the high standards set by the Australian Society of Orthodontists. To further broaden his professional credentials, he also obtained his Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) through the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2025. This qualification is widely considered a prestigious international benchmark and ensures that the care Andrew provides to his patients in Adelaide is measured against both local and global professional standards.

3. A Unique Perspective: The Orthodontist as a Patient

One aspect of Andrew’s background that patients find particularly reassuring is that he underwent orthodontic treatment himself as an adult. Unlike many orthodontists who had braces as children, Andrew experienced the process firsthand while he was already a practicing dentist. This provided him with a unique “insider” perspective on the patient experience that a textbook simply cannot provide.

Being the person in the chair gave Andrew a very practical understanding of what patients go through. He remembers the initial discomfort of the appliances, the way speech adapts for the first week, and the daily discipline required for oral hygiene and elastics. He understands the vulnerability of being a patient and the specific anxieties that adults may feel when starting treatment later in life. Having been through it himself, Andrew is able to give patients a realistic idea of what to expect, making the process feel a lot less daunting.

4. Clinical Philosophy: Communication and Holistic Management

Andrew focuses on transparent, evidence-based care for all his patients. He avoids a one-size-fits-all approach, recognising that everyone has different needs and goals. For Andrew, orthodontics is much more than just straightening teeth; it’s about using proven clinical research to ensure the treatment has a positive impact on a person’s overall health and lifestyle.

One of Andrew’s primary goals is to demystify the orthodontic process. He makes a conscious effort to speak in terms that make sense to the patient, purposely minimising technical jargon. He believes that a patient who understands the “why” behind their treatment is much more likely to be engaged and satisfied than a patient who is simply told what to do.

Andrew values a strong relationship with referring dentists, recognising that orthodontics is often just one part of a patient’s broader dental plan. He makes a point of keeping general practitioners in the loop to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the patient’s overall health and final results. Furthermore, for families who feel more comfortable communicating in Mandarin, Andrew is proficient and happy to conduct consultations in that language.

5. The Collaborative Environment at ONiA

One of the main reasons Andrew joined the team at ONiA was the practice’s emphasis on a collaborative, clinical environment. While some specialists operate in isolation, ONiA functions as a collective of specialist orthodontists who frequently consult with one another on complex cases. This structure provides an immense benefit to the patient. If a case presents unique challenges, Andrew can consult with his colleagues for a second or third opinion. This collaborative workflow ensures that every treatment plan has been vetted by multiple specialist minds before it reaches the patient.

Furthermore, while Dr. Guy Burnett has retired, his influence remains a cornerstone of the practice. Andrew maintains a professional relationship with Guy, ensuring a seamless transition of care. If Andrew is continuing a case that was initiated by Dr. Burnett, he has the advantage of being able to check in with Guy for historical context or specific clinical notes. Dr. Burnett remains a generous mentor, often responding to clinical queries within the day, which provides great peace of mind for his former patients. In regard to the day-to-day operations at the practice, these are made significantly smoother by the experience of the clinical and administrative team. Many of the dental nurses and receptionists at ONiA have been with the practice for decades; their familiarity with the patients and practice workflows allows Andrew to focus entirely on the clinical side of the chair.

6. Global Perspectives: Research, Technology, and Evidence

During his specialist training, Andrew travelled extensively, attending conferences locally and abroad in Athens, Sri Lanka, and Norway, as well as observing orthodontic registrars in South Korea. These international experiences allowed him to see firsthand how various global experts approach complex cases. Andrew continues to attend conferences both locally and overseas to keep up with how the field is changing. Learning from other specialists in the profession helps him stay current and find the right balance between using new technology and sticking to methods that are proven to work.

7. Teaching and Research: A Commitment to Staying Sharp

While completing his specialist training, Andrew was involved in the orthodontic teaching of undergraduate dental students at the University of Adelaide. He enjoyed the tutoring process, as explaining clinical concepts to students is a practical way to stay across the latest research and keep his own skills sharp.

As part of his specialist training, Andrew also conducted important research into the supply and demand of orthodontic services in Australia, both now and into the future. His efforts resulted in two published papers: “Distribution of Specialist Orthodontic Service Provision Across South Australia According to Socio-Economic Status and Remoteness” and “Workforce practices of orthodontists in Australia: now and in the future.”

8. Giving Back: Cleft Care and the Begg Society

Andrew is currently a member of the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists (ABSO) committee. Adelaide holds a unique place in world orthodontic history thanks to Dr. P.R. Begg, who developed an internationally recognised technique right here in the city. Being involved with the society is Andrew’s way of preserving that local heritage and ensuring that Adelaide remains a centre of orthodontic relevance.

Through the Begg Society, Andrew has participated in the Cleft Lip and Palate Project in Timor-Leste. Managing the complex dental needs associated with these cases is some of the most rewarding work he performs. In this setting, the focus is on what orthodontics can achieve to improve a patient’s ability to eat, speak, and smile. This experience has been a great reminder that orthodontics isn’t just about aesthetics for those who can afford it but can be a practical way to help people in need.

9. Practicing Across South Australia: From North Terrace to Ceduna

Andrew will be working out of several ONiA branch locations, a variety he genuinely enjoys. You can find him at:

• North Terrace
• Semaphore
• Murray Bridge
• Ceduna

Andrew enjoys the mix of working in both metropolitan and regional areas. Traveling to Murray Bridge and Ceduna reminds him of his time in country Victoria, and he values the opportunity to provide specialist care to patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances into the city. These trips are an important part of his week, as they ensure that geographical location doesn’t prevent patients from accessing the treatment they need. He also values the chance to work closely with local dentists in these areas to coordinate the long-term dental health of their shared patients.

10. Life Outside the Clinic: An Adelaide Local

When he is not in the clinic, Andrew has fully embraced life in Adelaide. He is a frequent visitor to the local food scene, with a particular fondness for Wongderful for soup dumplings and Late Mornings for sandos and matcha. He also admits to having a significant sweet tooth, frequently visiting Eggless and Yochi for dessert.

To balance the clinical demands of his role, Andrew stays active through running, hiking, the gym, and a bit of pickleball. He finds that staying physically active is the best way to maintain the focus and energy required for a busy orthodontic practice. He is also an avid traveller and photographer. He recently explored the Yorke Peninsula and has the Flinders Ranges on his future itinerary. He documents these adventures on a personal Instagram blog called “pandasdayoff,” which serves as a creative outlet for his photography and a way to document his travels. Although it doesn’t have many followers, Andrew is quietly hopeful that “pandasdayoff” will have its viral moment one day.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Andrew Wang is committed to maintaining the high standards of care established at ONiA over the years. He understands that he isn’t just treating teeth; he is looking after people. He looks forward to meeting the families of the practice and helping each patient achieve a healthy, functional smile through a straightforward, evidence-based approach.

Whether you see him at North Terrace or out at one of the regional branches, Dr. Wang is here to ensure your orthodontic experience is clear, professional, and successful. He welcomes the opportunity to be a part of your dental health journey and is ready to answer any questions you may have along the way.