Before becoming one of the Northern Beaches’ most trusted orthodontists, Dr Riaan Foot built his career on two core values: clinical excellence and lifelong learning. His path to becoming an orthodontist began in 2003, when he graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
Early Years in General Dentistry
After earning his dental degree, Dr Riaan spent five years in family dentistry, treating everyone from toddlers to grandparents (and probably a few anxious teenagers in between). Those early years gave him something invaluable: a keen understanding of how oral health changes as we age.
The Academic Pursuit: Always Learning
Then in 2005, while working full time, Dr Riaan completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Interceptive Orthodontics at the University of the Western Cape. This qualification gave him the skills to catch orthodontic issues early – particularly important when working with kids whose jaws are still developing.
Making the Move: Australia Calls
Ready for new challenges (and landscapes), Dr Riaan packed his bags for Australia in 2007. He completed the rigorous Australian Dental Council and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons exams. Passing these secured his registration to practise.
The University of Sydney Years: Excellence Recognised
In 2009, Dr Riaan began the prestigious Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) program at the University of Sydney, a three-year, full-time commitment that only the most dedicated clinicians pursue. His efforts were recognised when he won the ASO NSW Award for Best Treated Case, highlighting the exceptional quality of his clinical work.
Dr Riaan was invited to stay on as an Honorary Clinical Associate, where he continues to lecture and mentor the next generation of orthodontists.
Leadership Roles: Giving Back to the Profession
These days, Dr Riaan wears multiple hats beyond running Wavescape Orthodontics. He’s president of the Manly Warringah Dental Study Group and serves as a Consultant Orthodontist at Sydney Paediatric Dentistry.
He’s also an active member of six major professional associations across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States:
- Australian Dental Association (ADA)
- Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO)
- Australian & New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD)
- World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO)
- Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS)
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
Schedule a Consultation
Seeking to straighten your smile? Book your initial consultation with Dr Riaan today and discover why families across the Northern Beaches have trusted their smiles to Wavescape Orthodontics since 2012.