Dr Corné Smith

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Dr Corné Smith

Clinical Director/Owner

Dr Corné Smith is at the forefront of new techniques in South Africa. After qualifying in 2005, she obtained a postgraduate diploma in Aesthetic Dentistry and Orthodontics and has since completed several national and international accredited courses.

Eleven years after founding Smith and van Lierop Dentistry, Dr Smith has grown the practice into a large, multidisciplinary clinic. In 2019, it officially became Smith and van Lierop — Advanced Restorative Dentistry, with Dr Jean van Lierop joining the practice as a partner.

Dr Smith is a recognised leader and prominent educator in dental aesthetics. A past president of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, she has lectured nationally and internationally. She also co-founded The Bridge Program to support newly qualified dentists.

Dr Smith’s dedication to slow dentistry keeps her at the forefront of innovation. Her compassionate approach to patient care fosters trust and lifelong loyalty, creating an unrivalled in-chair experience.

Qualifications Teachings Contact

Dr Smith’s Treatment Is Grounded In...

The belief that all dentistry should be beautiful

We want your beautiful veneers and crowns to last. We want them to work in your specific mouth, with your smile, your face, with the way you chew and talk. We approach treatment according to nature’s original intent, which is always beautiful.

Slow dentistry

Slow dentistry is a concept of care that aims to improve all aspects of the patient-practitioner relationship, including safety, well-being, and comfort. Excellence can be achieved only when dentists have enough time to do what they need to. Slow dentistry embodies a thorough approach, with greater efficiency, higher productivity, reduced waste and an emphasis on quality.

Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Once the natural tooth structure has been destroyed, it is gone forever. Minimally invasive dentistry aims to remove as little original tooth structure as possible while still producing fantastic results. Dr Corné uses durable, high-quality materials and modern adhesion to conserve the maximum amount of tooth structure.

Qualifications

Dr Corné Smith (BChD, PDD)

Since qualifying, Dr Corné has completed her PDD in Aesthetic Dentistry through the University of the Western Cape, and a postgraduate diploma in Orthodontics through McGann Postgraduate School of Dentistry in the US. She is the past president of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (SAAAD) and the co-founder of The Bridge Program – aimed at equipping newly qualified dentists with the necessary skills for private practice.

Bachelor of Dentistry (2005)
PDD (Diploma) Aesthetic Dentistry 2012
PDD (Diploma) Orthodontics 2015

Her qualifications are a testament to her dedication to the field of dentistry. She is committed to her passion and an advocate for continuous learning. Dr Smith strives to deliver the highest-quality, most innovative treatment plans to her patients.

Specialised Clinical Interests

Anxious Patients:

Dr. Corne is dedicated to helping patients with severe dental anxiety, ensuring their treatment is approached with compassion and care. By creating a judgement-free environment and allowing patients to proceed at their own pace, she helps them overcome their fears and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

Veneers:

With a passion for artistry, Dr. Smith expertly crafts composite and ceramic veneers that are uniquely tailored to each patient, reflecting their personality and enhancing their appearance.

Orthodontics with Clear Aligners (Invisalign):

Dr. Corne is enthusiastic about using clear aligners to straighten teeth, offering a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces. She believes that orthodontics is not just cosmetic but essential for preserving dental health, especially for adults who missed out on braces as children.

Academia and Teaching

Over the past 10 years, Dr Corné Smith has presented on several restorative concepts and is currently a key opinion leader for three leading dental companies. In addition to podium presentations, her passion lies in doing hands-on sessions with small groups on topics rooted in adhesive and restorative principles.

In 2018, Dr Smith co-founded the Bridge Program, which aims to equip graduates with all the skills they need to kickstart their professional careers. It teaches young dentists the foundations of private practice dentistry and strives to instil in them a passion for the field and a hunger for knowledge.

The dental community needs mentorship and guidance, and through the Bridge Program numerous dentists from all over Africa have had the opportunity to develop their skill sets and gain confidence in their profession.

Through this initiative, Dr Smith demonstrates her belief in harnessing the skills of South African dentists and striving for continuous innovation and advanced dental care.

Dr Smith’s dedication to aesthetics led her to serve as the president of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry from 2022 to 2024.

01 Lecture activity

Dr Corné has been invited to lecture and offer small group hands-on training on restorative and adhesive dentistry across the globe, including:

Japan
Germany
Israel

Dr Corné believes that sharing knowledge not only educates the audience, but also uplifts the profession. One of her philosophies is that we have the responsibility to ourselves, our colleagues and our patients always to strive for excellence.

02 Bridge Program

Due to a shared passion for education, and a vision to empower the next generation of dentists, Dr Corné Smith co-founded the Bridge Program with Dr Jean van Lierop in 2018, aiming to give young dentists the tools to bridge the gap between university and community service towards their new careers in private practice. Over eight modules, young dentists are introduced to the world of dental business, with tips on how to interact with staff and colleagues while learning how to build structured treatment plans.

03 Societies

Member and immediate past president of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (SAAAD)
Member of the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry
Member of the international Team for Implantology (ITI)
Member of the South African Dental Association

Watch Dr Smith Discuss Dentistry

Hear from Dr Corné’s patients

– Vincent

I have been a patient of Dr Corné Smith for a few years now, and I can confidently say that she is the best dentist I have ever visited. She is a highly skilled and passionate dentist who stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. Her use of the latest technology translates to a better dental experience. The friendly reception staff and gentle dental hygienist make every visit to her practice enjoyable. I highly recommend Dr Smith for dental care due to her professionalism and commitment to patients’ dental health.

– Sam

Absolutely incredible experience with Corné Smith, her bedside manner is so compassionate and caring and she used tools and tests I’ve never even seen in any other dentist before! I finally feel like I’m in good hands. I would highly recommend her!

– Allessandra

I’m a dentist from Brazil and I’ve been living in Cape Town for six years. I’m Dr Corné’s patient. I had many teachers and doctors working at my practices in Brazil, for many years, and I can affirm that she is the best cosmetic dentist that I have met. I really recommend the Smith and van Lierop practice. They are amazing, knowledgable, and they are very kind and professional.

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