Michelle Conn & Erwin Vasconcelos
Proud Smile Jnr
We all remember the torturous experience of those days when our mum told us we were going to the dentist. My jaw still trembles thinking about the sterile and scary surgery. But Michelle Conn and Erwin Vasconcelos have completely changed the environment for kids by making a trip to the dentist more like an adventure park! Step one — the Gold Coast clinic.
What do you love most about starting Proud Smile Jnr?
We’ve created Australia’s first general dental clinic exclusively for kids aged 0–17 years. We have introduced a new dental experience built around how children feel, learn and grow in a child-focused space made just for them to build confidence from an early age. Everything about PSJ has been thoughtfully designed, and our vision is to ensure children receive the same high-quality and advanced care usually available only to adults.
We’re also about making sure that children are not missing out on any support necessary to assist with their growth journey when it comes to their mouth and teeth, so that it matches their growth elsewhere in their bodies. We have developed three unique core pillars for Proud Smile Jnr, intentionally designed from the ground up to reshape the child dental care we know today.
How did the concept come to life?
The idea of a children-only clinic was a concept Michelle took to Dr Erwin over a lunch meeting a year prior to opening. After years of treating children with a variation of dental needs, it was evident that the desires of children were not being met. Limited treatment options and accessibility were the driving factors for the early conception of PSJ. With Michelle’s idea meeting Erwin’s eye for innovation and expertise in modern dental technological resources, Proud Smile Jnr was born.
Collectively, with over 30 years of experience in treating both children and adults in general practice, carefully curated foundations were formulated to provide treatment options which support, educate and build confidence to empower kids’ smiles. We want to make children smile when they walk in!
What are the plans for the future?
Well, we do have plans, and for now, those cards must remain close to our chests. We have something special already brewing.
Not that you have much downtime, but when you do, what do you love most about relaxing in Australian life?
MICHELLE: Haha… you’re right, we’re busy! But let’s face it, Australia is a beautiful country and offers incredible scenes in abundance, whichever state you’re in. Living on the GC now, we cannot fault the weather all year round and being able to get to the beach so readily — we really are spoiled by our eastern coastline.
ERWIN: I agree with Michelle, the great GC weather just really lifts you up. I enjoy going for a walk, having a coffee or simply chilling at home.
What do you enjoy most about an Aussie winter?
MICHELLE: Aussie winters are magical here; it’s by far my favourite time of the year on the GC. I would have to say breathing in the crisp air on a morning walk watching the sunrise.
ERWIN: Winters on the GC equal a mild summer, so what’s not to enjoy? The days are clear and sunny but with a fresh cool breeze; it is definitely my favourite time of the year too.
