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A desire to create a practice designed for the fast-evolving dental landscape led Drs Josh Massad and George Nguyen to open Sol Dental in Sydney earlier this year. By John Burfitt
The journey to opening the doors of Sol Dental in Sydney’s Five Dock earlier this year began back in 2015 at the University of Sydney when then-dental students Josh Massad and George Nguyen first met.
Since graduating in 2018, the pair have been passionate about better ways to present care in a rapidly changing dental landscape. Navigating various career twists and turns but never losing sight of their intention to set up their own practice finally paid off in May.
The pair describe Sol Dental as “an expression of their journey” but admit they’re still learning how to build a practice from scratch.
Dr Josh Massad
“As a kid, I was always interested in health and medical science but also enjoyed art and working with my hands. Dentistry seemed to combine both worlds, with the opportunity to apply science while creating something practical for patients. Once I committed to the profession, there was no turning back.
“I studied dentistry at the University of Sydney, and we weren’t a large cohort, so everyone got to know each other. I remember one anatomy class when George was answering questions with such detail because he had done additional reading. What impressed me wasn’t just how knowledgeable he was, but that he never showed off. He simply knew his subject and was always willing to share.
“After graduation in 2018, we both joined the Pacific Smiles graduate program and moved to the NSW Central Coast. Working within a larger organisation offered experienced dentists for guidance, mentoring and opportunities to tackle more complex cases.
“George and I would regularly catch up to compare cases and discuss the challenges of starting out in dentistry. Something we agreed on was that education did not end at university and continuing professional development would give us the chance to expand our skills. I focused on clear aligner education to better understand tooth movement, and we both completed the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons membership program.
Running the practice together works because of the trust we’ve built. George is an exceptional dentist who always wants the best outcome for his patients and the practice. We also play to each other’s strengths and trust each other to make good decisions.
Dr Josh Massad, co-owner, Sol Dental
“In 2022, it felt like the time to return to Sydney, and after working at a few places, it reinforced our desire to build something ourselves.
“As a team, we can offer collaborative care across a broader range of treatments. He has expertise in implant dentistry and surgery, while I’ve focused on orthodontics, clear aligners and braces.
“From the beginning, we wanted Sol Dental to feel different from a traditional dental practice. We invested in creating a welcoming environment because we know many patients arrive feeling anxious. We have dedicated consultation rooms where treatment options can be discussed privately, separate payment areas where conversations remain confidential, and we make a point of getting to know patients before treatment begins. We also invested in the latest technology because we wanted patients to know they were receiving the highest standard of care.
“Running the practice together works because of the trust we’ve built. George is an exceptional dentist who always wants the best outcome for his patients and the practice. We also play to each other’s strengths and trust each other to make good decisions.”
Dr George Nguyen
“During my time studying at the University of Sydney, Josh was a fellow student, and we were part of a close-knit group. What struck me about Josh was how hardworking he was, but what was even more impressive was his humility. He never felt the need to prove how smart he was. He simply got on with it.
“After we graduated in 2018, a group from our cohort joined the Pacific Smiles graduate program and were posted to practices on the NSW Central Coast. It proved to be the ideal way to begin our careers, surrounded by mentors and with access to excellent continuing professional development. Although we worked at different practices, we regularly compared experiences and debriefed about whatever was happening.
“We both believed learning shouldn’t stop once you graduate. Josh developed an interest in orthodontics, completing qualifications in clear aligners and fixed braces, while I gravitated towards prosthodontics and travelled to Germany to complete a master’s degree in implant dentistry.
“After four years, it was time to return to Sydney, and I worked at a few practices before Josh and I began talking about creating our own practice that reflected our values and the way we believed dentistry should be delivered. That was when we decided to set up Sol Dental.
It’s still early days for Sol Dental and we’re learning by running our own practice every day. Josh and I have been learning alongside each other ever since we met at university and continuing that journey together is what has made this partnership work.
Dr George Nguyen, co-owner, Sol Dental
“Opening Sol Dental in May was a huge milestone. We knew opening a brand new practice meant starting from scratch, but our family and friends kept us busy in those early months. Slowly, we had local people walking in off the street and then referrals began, and the momentum grew. “Josh and I each bring different strengths to running the business. I look after more of the financial side, while Josh has a real talent for managing people. We stay involved across every aspect of the practice, but we also know when to lean on each other’s strengths.
“What brings everything together, though, is our shared philosophy of patient care. We both believe patients deserve transparency and a full understanding of every treatment option available. We also believe in being upfront about costs so there are no unexpected surprises. That approach is already leading to more word-of-mouth referrals.
“It’s still early days for Sol Dental and we’re learning by running our own practice every day. We’ve been learning alongside each other ever since university and continuing that journey together is what has made this partnership work.”
