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About Dr Romi Fried
Hello! I’m Romi (she/they), an Australian dentist and advocate.
My vision is to make oral healthcare accessible and affirming for neurodivergent and disabled individuals.
As an Autistic ADHDer with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I bring both clinical expertise and lived experience to my work, ensuring that every person I serve feels seen, heard, and understood.
How did I get here?
My journey in healthcare formally began with a Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Physiology) from Monash University and culminated in my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Melbourne. This led me to become an AHPRA Registered and ADA Certified Dentist. I have worked in the Public Dental System in Victoria as well as in Private Practice. I have interests in all parts of general dentistry, with a particular passion for preventative & minimally invasive practices, paediatrics, special needs dentistry, and managing TMJ issues.
Over the years, alongside my studies (in true ADHD fashion) I've kept myself busy! I’ve gained experience working with the neurodivergent and disabled community, not only as a dentist but in various roles such as a dental nurse/assistant, swimming & PE teacher, lifeguard, nanny, and teaching assistant at specialised Autistic schools across Melbourne. I also work as a consulting Research Assistant to the wonderful Sandhya Menon at Onwards & Upwards Psychology, helping her to deliver workshops on Neurodiversity Affirming Practice to clinicians across Australia.
Beyond my professional qualifications, I am deeply committed to advocating for the rights and wellbeing of marginalised individuals, particularly in the dental and healthcare spaces. I’m proud to be an active member of the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and disabled communities. My advocacy work blends my clinical knowledge with my personal experiences, and I approach every aspect of my practice with compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for individuality and autonomy.
My Values
At the core of my work are the values that guide everything I do:
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Curiosity – Always exploring, learning, and growing.
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Compassion – Empathy and kindness at the heart of care.
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Fairness – Ensuring equal access to healthcare for everyone.
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Honesty & Humor – Transparent communication with a dash of wit.
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Creativity & Zest – Approaching challenges with an innovative mindset and enthusiasm.
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Hope – Belief in the possibility of change and improvement.
My Special Interests
When I’m not working, you can find me diving into topics that fuel my passions:
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Autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer (a pivotal part of my identity!)
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Comedy TV shows and everything funny
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Psychology, mental health, and trauma-informed practices
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Queer community advocacy
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Vedic meditation, yoga, and somatic practices
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Science nerd moments – I love learning how things work!
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Language, communication, and how they shape our interactions
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Health, physiology, preventative care, and public health
What I Offer
I’m here to support both healthcare professionals and neurodivergent individuals in navigating the world of oral healthcare.
Here’s what I’m offering through my services:
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Neuroaffirming Practice Training for Oral Health Clinicians – Equip your team with the tools and knowledge to provide inclusive care.
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Neuroaffirming Resources & Info Sheets for Dental Clinics – Practical materials to help you implement neurodiversity-affirming practices.
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Neuroaffirming Oral Health Clinician Directory – Connecting neurodivergent patients with dental professionals who understand their unique needs.
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Consultations & Ongoing Support for Neurodivergent Patients & Families – Personalized support to make oral healthcare less stressful and more accessible.
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Resources for Neurodivergent Patients Facing Barriers to Oral Healthcare – Helping patients access the care they deserve.
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Disability Advocacy in the Dental Sector – Working to create change in both public and private dental spaces.
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Public Speaking & Clinician Education – Spreading awareness about the neurodiversity-affirming movement in oral healthcare.
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Workshops on Oral Health for Neurodivergent Humans – Practical tips and strategies for navigating oral health as a neurodivergent person.
And so much more! I’m excited to continue expanding this work to ensure that everyone can receive the compassionate, affirming care they deserve.
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