The clinical team
Dr Meetal Shah
Dentist - Clinical focus in temporomandibular disorders, orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine
Dr Meetal Shah is a dentist whose clinical practice has focused on temporomandibular disorders (TMD), orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine for more than a decade. He combines extensive clinical experience with postgraduate training and an evidence-informed approach to understand each patient’s symptoms, establish a clear diagnosis and recommend appropriate management options.
Registration
AHPRA Registered Dentist
REG: DEN0001048573
Dental Board of Australia
Dental qualifications
BDS (Hons) — Manchester University
MSc Sleep Medicine — Sydney University
Postgraduate training
Further postgraduate training in TMD & dental sleep medicine
Practises at
TMJ Centre Melbourne
About Dr Shah
Experience and evidence guide treatment decisions
With more than a decade focused on TMD, orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine, Dr Shah combines clinical experience, comprehensive assessment and current evidence to recommend care tailored to each patient.
Dr Meetal Shah is a dentist whose clinical work focuses on the assessment and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine. His work includes jaw muscle and joint disorders, facial pain, bruxism and dental management of suitable patients with sleep-disordered breathing.
For patients with persistent or complex symptoms, Dr Shah uses a structured, diagnosis-led assessment to identify the likely pain source and relevant contributing factors. Clinical findings are considered alongside the patient’s history, function, sleep and other relevant features so management can be tailored to the individual and guided by current evidence.
Jaw and facial pain can have many contributing factors. My approach is to understand the whole picture, identify what’s driving the symptoms, and recommend treatment that’s appropriate for the individual.
Where appropriate, Dr Shah works collaboratively with dental and musculoskeletal practitioners, as well as referring dentists, GPs, sleep physicians and other health professionals involved in a patient’s care, to support coordinated assessment and management.
Areas of focus
What Dr Shah helps with
Each area links to a detailed patient guide explaining symptoms, assessment and management options.
TMJ disorders & jaw pain
Assessment and management of temporomandibular joint and jaw muscle disorders.
Jaw clicking, locking & restricted opening
Orofacial pain & headaches
Clenching, grinding & muscle overload
Orthotics & splint therapy
Dental sleep medicine
Qualifications & training
Education
- BDS (Hons) — Manchester University, UK
- MSc Sleep Medicine — Sydney University, AU
- Past committe member of australian chapter of American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
- Current associate member of Australian and New Zealand Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Presenter – ANZAOP Annual Scientific Meeting 2022: “Predictors of Success with Mandibular Advancement Splints”
Clinical
Experience
Dr Shah has more than a decade of focused clinical experience in TMD, orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine. His work includes the assessment and management of jaw joint and muscle disorders, persistent facial pain, bruxism, restricted jaw function and oral appliance therapy for suitable patients with sleep-disordered breathing.
His experience supports a thorough, diagnosis-led approach to care, considering clinical findings alongside function, sleep, contributing behaviours and relevant medical factors. This helps identify the factors most relevant to each patient and guide appropriate, individualised management
Registration & memberships
Professional standing
Verified credentials
- AHPRA Registered Dentist — Dental Board of Australia
- Memberships with relevant professional associations
Registration can be verified on the public AHPRA register.
Integrated care
How Dr Shah works within the team
TMJ symptoms can involve several interacting systems. Where appropriate, care involves collaboration between dental and musculoskeletal practitioners within the clinic.
Diagnosis comes before treatment
No isolated treatments — every recommendation sits within a structured, diagnosis-led pathway.
Whole-body assessment
Jaw, posture, muscle function, breathing, sleep and daily habits are considered together.
Multidisciplinary care
Coordinated input across disciplines when appropriate, rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
Conservative and personalised
Care is staged and adjusted over time, guided by clinical findings and jaw function.
Patient guides
Written by Dr Meetal Shah
Book with Dr Shah
Start with a comprehensive TMJ assessment
If jaw, facial or head pain has been persistent or hard to make sense of, a TMJ-focused assessment may help clarify what is contributing and what your options are.