Dr Jannie Pieterse BDS (Pretoria) who is living in Geraldton, Western Australia

Tell us about your previous dental career before Australia?

I started my working career in South Africa, but left to travel for 2 years in the UK. I ended up working in a private practice in Devon, where I stayed for 8 years in total. It was a really lovely part of the world.

What made you consider coming out to Australia?

After spending 8 years working in the UK, we felt like we wanted to live somewhere there is more sun and by November 2008, the whole family (2 boys- 5 and 7 years old, me and my wife) had moved to Australia.

What was the process for you to move to Australia?

As I completed my studies in South Africa, I needed to sit ADC exams which actually took about 2 years to complete. After I had completed these, I contacted DJS who helped me and my family with our visas.

Where are you living now?

We are based in Geraldton in Western Australia, which is about 450 km north of Perth. It is heaven on earth!!

There are about 35,000 people in the city, which means that it is big enough to support 11 dentists, but small enough to feel like a country town. There is no traffic so you can be anywhere in and around town within 10 minutes. There are a few different schools and the kids love the opportunity to play lots of sports outdoors, including soccer, football, hockey and tennis. In my spare time the fishing and diving is brilliant and there are a few golf courses to choose from.

It is really just about all our dreams come true. Everyone is really friendly. There is not a problem at all integrating into the community. There are lots of expats from all over the world, but the Aussie community is so welcoming that you don’t even need to be in an expat community.

What made you decide on Geraldton?

We had never been to Geraldton before, as a matter of fact, we had never stepped foot on the Western Coast of Australia, but DJS recommended a job here and our criteria was to live in a rural town rather than a city. So we gave it a go.

Describe the dentistry you practice compared to the UK.

I am working in a private practice. There are just the two of us in the practice- just the practice owner and myself. The pace is fairly relaxed compared to what I was used to in the UK. I probably see less patients, but this is more than enough to keep us busy. It is great because, I am never under pressure to have shorter appointments, and we are never sitting around not doing anything.

What are your plans?

We are Permanent residents now and we will apply for citizenship when we are able to (about 2 more years). I am looking to buy into the practice I am working in, so we are planning to stick around.