Clinical Director, Academic Speaker, Key Opinion Leader

With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr van Lierop remains dedicated to advancing the field of advanced restorative and aesthetic dentistry.

After graduating from the University of Stellenbosch in 1999, Jean honed his skills in the Netherlands and the UK before returning to anchor in Cape Town.

As a founding member and past president of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (SAAAD) and chair and contributor to many other internationally recognised organisations, Dr van Lierop has set new standards for dentistry in South Africa and around the world.

At Smith and Van Lierop, he combines his extensive knowledge and innovative techniques to deliver exceptional, minimally invasive, and restorative dental care.

My treatment is grounded in

Qualifications

Dr Jean van Lierop (BChD, MSc, PDD)

Dr Jean van Lierop has a passion for dentistry, and he is fortunate to be able to live his passion every day. Over the years, he has completed the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Dentistry (1999)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Aesthetic Dentistry (2014)
  • Master of Science in Restorative Dentistry (2019)

Dr Van Lierop completed his MSc in Restorative Dentistry in 2019 at the University of the Western Cape. The degree focused on some of the principles of minimal intervention dental treatment. During this period, he was a visiting lecturer in the Postgraduate Restorative Department. Before that, he completed a two-year Diploma in Aesthetic Dentistry (Cum Laude) at the University of the Western Cape.

Charitable Initiatives

Beyond his clinical and academic roles, Dr van Lierop is passionate about community service and dental health advocacy. He has actively participated in charitable initiatives, including working with Operation Smile, an NGO dedicated to providing effective surgical and comprehensive care for children and adults born with cleft conditions in Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa.

His involvement in endurance challenges, such as summiting Kilimanjaro and participating in the 280km Mad Run, highlights his commitment to raising funds and awareness for those in need.

These activities reflect his belief that dental care is not only about aesthetics but also about improving overall quality of life.

Academic Work and Teaching

He is a founding member and past president of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (SAAAD) and co-founder of The Bridge Program, which equips newly qualified dentists with the necessary skills for private practice. He is also senior lecturer at the IAA Advanced Restorative Diploma and Scientific Chair of the South African Dental Association. With a strong belief in the power of shared knowledge, Dr van Lierop has presented numerous cases and concepts to local and international colleagues throughout Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Education in Restorative Dentistry

Dr van Lierop has a passion for minimally invasive adhesive dentistry and has been invited to attend hands-on training sessions worldwide, including the US, Germany, Portugal and Italy.

01 Lecture activity
Dr van Lierop has lectured on the topic of restorative and adhesive dentistry since 2010 at numerous national and international conferences in:
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Turkey
  • Dubai
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kenya
  • Namibia
He is a senior lecturer at the Implant and Aesthetic Academy Advanced Restorative Diploma. In addition to podium presentations, he has run full-day workshops on adhesive dentistry throughout the country for the past 15 years.

Dr van Lierop believes in the power of shared knowledge, that everyone has something unique to contribute, and that everyone can achieve greatness. It is only through perseverance and hard work that we can achieve this together. By teaching and sharing, he hopes to assist fellow dentists in achieving their greatness.
02 Bridge Program
As a result of his passion for dentistry and his belief in the potential of all dentists to succeed and love the profession as he does, Dr van Lierop has worked alongside Dr Corne Smith over the past six years to establish The Bridge Program. This course aims to give young dentists the tools to bridge the gap between university and community service towards their new careers in private practice.
03 Societies
  • Founding member and the immediate past president of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (SAAAD)
  • Member of the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry
  • Member and Fellow of the International Team for Implantology (ITI), and board member of the Southern African section.
  • Member of the South African Dental Association. Currently serving as Scientific Chair Education and lecturing in Implantology
  • Completed modules in implantology at the Implant and Aesthetic Academy
  • Attended implant-specific courses in Switzerland
  • Is an International Team of Implantology (ITI) member
  • Has presented on implantology in relation to restoration and planning of implant cases

Hear from Jeans patients

Membership and Associations

We are proud to be affiliated with leading dental organisations and institutions that support our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement: