Kurrajong Dentists is one of Melbourne's most historically significant dental practices, with a lineage stretching back to 1946 when it was established on Collins Street by Dr Alan Roderick McCay. Originally housed in the historic T&G Building, the practice relocated in the mid-1980s to its current home at Level 2, Kurrajong House, 175 Collins Street — an elegant art deco building situated directly opposite the iconic Georges Building and next door to the Regent Theatre, at the heart of Melbourne's most storied commercial and cultural precinct. With nearly eight decades of continuous practice on Collins Street, Kurrajong Dentists holds a unique place in Melbourne's dental heritage, combining a distinguished institutional history with a modern, comprehensive approach to dental care. The practice is conveniently located between Swanston Street and Russell Street in the Melbourne CBD.
The practice's long-standing philosophy centres on providing comprehensive and conservative dental care to all patients, delivered in an efficient and timely manner. This conservative ethos — prioritising the preservation of natural tooth structure wherever possible — reflects a mature clinical approach honed over generations of practice. Kurrajong Dentists operates with HICAPS health fund claiming facilities, enabling direct on-site processing of private health insurance claims for maximum patient convenience. The clinic also participates in the Children's Dental Benefit Scheme, making quality dental care accessible to eligible children in Melbourne and supporting families in maintaining their children's oral health from an early age.
Treatments & Specialties
Kurrajong Dentists provides a broad range of general and preventive dental services supported by a team of experienced practitioners with diverse clinical backgrounds. General dentistry forms the core of the practice, encompassing routine dental examinations, professional scale and clean appointments, tooth-coloured fillings, and comprehensive oral health assessments. The practice's conservative treatment philosophy means that clinical interventions are recommended only when necessary and with the goal of preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible — an approach that serves patients' long-term dental health effectively.
The clinical team brings specialist interests across several areas. Dr Ned Rohrt has particular interest in oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry, enabling the practice to manage surgical extractions and aesthetic treatments in-house. Cosmetic services include teeth whitening and aesthetic restorations that enhance the appearance of the smile while maintaining functional integrity. The practice provides orthodontic referrals and specialist referrals for cases requiring external specialist management, ensuring patients are guided to the most appropriate care pathways.
Children's dentistry is actively supported through participation in the Children's Dental Benefit Scheme, making preventive and general dental care financially accessible for eligible young patients. The practice's qualified oral health therapist, Merlinda Sefa, provides targeted hygiene and preventive care, complementing the clinical work of the dentists and contributing to the practice's strong preventive focus.
Technology & Facilities
Kurrajong Dentists operates from spacious, well-appointed treatment rooms within the art deco Kurrajong House at 175 Collins Street, Melbourne. The historic character of the building provides a distinctive and memorable setting for dental care — the 1920s art deco architecture of Kurrajong House is a recognised element of Melbourne's built heritage, and the practice's location within it reflects a deep connection to the city's history. The treatment rooms are modern and well-equipped, with contemporary dental technology supporting the team's comprehensive clinical capabilities.
HICAPS facilities enable seamless, on-site processing of private health fund claims, eliminating the need for patients to submit manual claims and ensuring immediate benefit realisation at each appointment. The practice's early morning operating hours — opening at 7:30am Monday through Thursday — make it one of the most time-accessible dental practices in the Melbourne CBD, catering specifically to the needs of professionals who prefer to attend dental appointments before standard business hours begin.
Why Choose Kurrajong Dentists in Melbourne
The 78-year heritage of Kurrajong Dentists on Collins Street represents an unmatched continuity of dental service in Melbourne's CBD. The practice's founding in 1946 and its sustained presence through multiple generations of dentists and patients speaks to a quality and trustworthiness that time alone can build. For patients who value stability, continuity, and a practice with deep roots in the Melbourne community, Kurrajong Dentists offers an experience that newer practices simply cannot replicate.
The clinical team is distinguished by exceptional depth of experience and diversity of background. Dr Peter Hays, with over 30 years at this location and a history as honorary dentist to the Melbourne Football Club, exemplifies the practice's long-term commitment to the Melbourne community. Dr Allen Wong's experience as a forensic odontologist brings unique clinical expertise, while Dr Sath Sivaananthan's patient-centred focus and community background from Shepparton add further dimension to the team's collective capabilities. The early morning availability from 7:30am provides practical convenience for Melbourne CBD workers, and HICAPS claiming streamlines the health fund experience.
Patient Experience
Patients at Kurrajong Dentists experience the rare combination of institutional heritage and genuine personal care. The practice's conservative, patient-centred philosophy means that recommendations are made in the best interests of each individual patient, with no unnecessary treatments and clear explanations of all clinical findings. The team — comprising Dr Allen Wong, Dr Peter Hays, Dr Ned Rohrt, Dr Sath Sivaananthan, and oral health therapist Merlinda Sefa — is known for its warmth, professionalism, and efficiency.
The spacious treatment rooms in Kurrajong House provide a comfortable, unhurried environment that supports a relaxed dental experience. The convenient early morning opening time of 7:30am allows patients to fit dental care into their schedules without disrupting their working day. The HICAPS facility makes claiming private health fund benefits straightforward and immediate, removing administrative friction from the patient experience. The Children's Dental Benefit Scheme participation ensures that families with young children can access quality preventive care without financial stress — a reflection of the practice's enduring commitment to the Melbourne community it has served since 1946.
Location
Kurrajong Dentists is located at Level 2, 175 Collins Street (Kurrajong House), Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. The Collins Street address places the practice directly opposite the historic Georges Building and adjacent to the Regent Theatre — iconic Melbourne landmarks that reflect the cultural richness of the Paris End precinct. The practice is easily accessible by tram along Collins Street and is within walking distance of Flinders Street, Melbourne Central, and Parliament train stations. The art deco Kurrajong House building is one of Melbourne's most characterful CBD addresses, providing a fitting home for a dental practice with such a distinguished history in the city.
