Safety
Dentist credentials at Picasso - qualifications, training, and case volumes
Who performs your treatment at Picasso Dental Clinic Vietnam — verified credentials, international training pathways, case volume data, and what the Dental Board of Australia says you should ask any overseas dentist.
Picasso Dental Clinic's head implantologist has placed 15,000+ implants over 25+ years, was the first Vietnamese dentist to perform All-on-4 immediate loading (2010), and trained at Loma Linda University, USA. All clinicians are government-licensed; named profiles are published so Australian patients can verify who plans and performs their treatment before they book.
“Who is actually going to do my teeth?” is the right question. Picasso publishes verified, attributable facts about its clinical team so Australian patients can make this assessment before booking.
Dr. Tran Thanh Phong — Head of Implantology
Dr. Phong is Picasso’s most senior implantologist and the clinical lead for all complex implant and full-arch cases.
| Credential | Verified detail |
|---|---|
| Years in implant practice | Since 2001 — 25+ years |
| Total implants placed | 15,000+ |
| Annual implant volume | ~600 per year |
| All-on-4 history | Performing since 2010 — first Vietnamese dentist to perform All-on-4 immediate loading |
| All-on-4 case volume | 1,000+ cases |
| Zygomatic implants | Performing since 2017; 400+ cases |
| International training | Loma Linda University, USA (2010) |
| Industry recognition | Nobel Biocare clinical representative in Vietnam since 2007 |
What these numbers mean in practice
15,000+ implants places Dr. Phong in the top tier of implant volume globally. Published research consistently links higher surgeon volume with lower complication rates, particularly for complex cases involving bone grafting, immediate loading, and full-arch rehabilitation.
400+ zygomatic implants is clinically significant: zygomatic implants are reserved for patients with severely atrophied upper jaws who cannot receive standard implants, and are one of the most technically demanding procedures in implant dentistry.
Nobel Biocare representative since 2007 means Dr. Phong has been involved in training other implant dentists on Nobel Biocare systems for nearly two decades — a peer-recognition credential, not a marketing title.
Dr. Hung Le Ba Gia (Dr. Evans) — Lead Implant Specialist
| Credential | Verified detail |
|---|---|
| Total implants placed | 1,000+ |
| All-on-4 cases | 200+ |
| Role | Works under Dr. Phong’s clinical direction on full-arch and complex cases |
Orthodontic team
| Clinician | Verified credential |
|---|---|
| Dr. Thuan Phung | 10+ years orthodontic experience; 1,500+ orthodontic cases |
| Dr. Thao Tran (Dr. Anna) | University of Hamburg, Germany training; general dentistry and orthodontics |
| Dr. Nhung Duong (Dr. Lynn) | General dentistry and orthodontics |
| Dr. Toan Le (Dr. Mathew) | Orthodontics |
| Dr. Duong Ho | Orthodontics; French-trained |
What credentials mean — a framework for Australian patients
| Credential type | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| National dental licence | Legal minimum to practise in Vietnam — all Picasso clinicians hold this |
| Case volume (documented) | Higher volume in a specialty correlates with lower complication rates |
| International university training | Exposure to clinical standards beyond the domestic curriculum |
| Industry representative status (Nobel, Straumann) | Peer-recognition by global manufacturers; involves training other clinicians |
| Named public profile | Accountability — patients can research the individual, not just the clinic brand |
What the Dental Board of Australia says to ask
The Dental Board of Australia advises patients considering overseas treatment to ask:
- Is the practitioner qualified? — All Picasso clinicians are Vietnamese government-licensed. Registration numbers are available on request.
- What additional training have they received? — Dr. Phong: Loma Linda University. Dr. Thao Tran: University of Hamburg. Ongoing CPD through Nobel Biocare representative programme.
- How much experience in the specific procedure? — This page provides verified case volume data. Ask your coordinator for the clinical lead on your specific case.
AHPRA does not regulate overseas practitioners. Picasso’s clinicians are licensed under Vietnamese law. These credentials are published so Australian patients can apply their own quality assessment.
Red flags in any country
- No clinician names on the website
- Treatment planning without diagnostic records (X-ray or CBCT)
- Pressure to sign and pay on the same day as the first consultation
- No written treatment plan before any prep begins
- No documentation provided after treatment
None of these apply at Picasso. The written AUD quote, treatment plan sign-off, implant passport, and materials certificate are mandatory steps in every case.
For complex cases — who leads what
| Case type | Clinical lead |
|---|---|
| All-on-4 / All-on-6 | Dr. Phong (surgical lead) |
| Zygomatic implants | Dr. Phong |
| Single and multi-tooth implants | Dr. Evans (Dr. Phong oversight) |
| Veneer and smile makeover | Aesthetic lead + named ceramist |
| Invisalign and orthodontics | Dr. Thuan Phung or trained orthodontist |
| Root canal | Endodontic-capable dentist on the case |
Related pages
- Meet the full team
- Honest risks — probability and severity table
- Sterilisation standards
- Implant brands — all 7 systems
- Is it safe?
- Free AUD quote
Frequently asked questions
Are Vietnamese dentists properly qualified?
Licensed dentists in Vietnam complete a six-year university programme followed by government licensing examination. Quality of care depends — as in any country — on the individual clinician's training, continuing education, and case volume. Picasso publishes named clinician profiles, case volumes, and international training credentials so patients can assess this directly.
How many implants has Dr. Phong placed?
Dr. Tran Thanh Phong, Picasso's Head of Implantology, has placed 15,000+ implants since beginning implant practice in 2001, at approximately 600 implants per year. He has performed 1,000+ All-on-4 cases and 400+ zygomatic implant cases.
Was Dr. Phong really the first Vietnamese dentist to do All-on-4?
Dr. Phong began performing All-on-4 immediate loading in 2010 and is documented as the first Vietnamese dentist to adopt this protocol. He has completed 1,000+ All-on-4 cases since then.
What is a Nobel Biocare clinical representative?
A Nobel Biocare clinical representative is a practicing dentist recognised by Nobel Biocare as an expert in their systems, typically involved in training other clinicians. Dr. Phong has held this status in Vietnam since 2007.
Who performs veneer and cosmetic cases at Picasso?
Cosmetic cases including veneers and smile makeovers are led by the aesthetic clinical lead working with a named ceramist. Treatment planning uses Digital Smile Design and a physical wax-up mock-up, signed off by the patient before any tooth preparation begins.
Can I request a specific dentist?
Where scheduling allows, yes. Mention your preference in your free quote request. For complex implant and full-arch cases, Dr. Phong or Dr. Evans will lead the surgical component.
What are red flags to watch for with any overseas dentist?
No clinician names on the website; treatment plans without diagnostic records (X-ray or CBCT); pressure to decide same day; no written treatment plan before work begins; no documentation provided post-treatment. None of these apply at Picasso.