Dream for sale

The Australian Institute of Implant Dentistry is for sale and with it, the dreams of Dr George Pegios and his wife Mariana. Located in the Sydney suburb of Brighton Le Sands, the practice, which featured in the November/December 2001 edition of Australasian Dental Practice, is a state-of-the-art facility for implant surgery and education, constructed at the height of the once prominent dentist's career.

"The physical practice is all that remains of our dream of helping thousands of Australians live better lives by restoring their mouths to full functionality," said Mariana. "And of helping educate dentists in the latest techniques in implant dentistry so they could do the same."

Dr Pegios was considered a pioneer by some, bringing new procedures for "same day teeth" to the country over a decade ago and helping a generation of edentulous Australians gain greater quality of life.

But the dreams of the couple unravelled in an afternoon when an elderly patient died at the practice during an implant procedure involving sedation. The numerous and much publicised coroner's inquest, attempted criminal prosecution and subsequent actions by the HCCC and the Dental Board that followed have torn the family apart.

With the long legal process drawing to a conclusion after several years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs, Mariana says it is now time to move on.

"The death of one of our patients was a tragedy, not only for the patient and his family, but also for George, myself and our whole family. It has left physical and mental scars on us all and we still deal with the pain and anguish of what happened every day.

"In moving away from dentistry and trying to rebuild our lives, I'm now left with the task of selling the practice. It is my hope that another dentist will share a similar vision to George and take over our dream in what we built to be the ideal location."

The stylish, architecturally designed premises is located in Brighton Le Sands, 10 minutes from Sydney City and can be used both as a practice and a residence. The front of the practice looks like a normal residential house in keeping with the streetscape and is currently set-up to feature reception and waiting area, meeting room, offices and restrooms. A glass encased walkway over a Japanese style garden and pond links to a new contemporary two-storey structure at the rear. Downstairs includes three fully equipped treatment rooms, a kitchen, sterilisation area and a large open plan living area once used for training. Upstairs encompasses three bedrooms, an en suite, a bathroom, laundry and additional living space which could alternatively be used for offices. Off street parking for 3 or more cars is also provided in the backyard.

"The premises has an inherent value to any dentist looking for an ideal working space who also wishes to reside in the same location," Mariana said. "At one stage, dentistry was everything to us and in giving up that dream, rather than simply selling the premises on the open market, we would hope there is someone who can see the value of what we have created and go on to great things from here."

Along with the premises, the name "Australian Institute of Implant Dentistry" and the website www.implantdentistry.com.au are also for sale.