Meet Dr. Choonara
Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment in Johannesburg
At Choonara Orthodontics, our mission is simple: help each of our patients achieve a beautiful, healthy new smile through convenient, effective orthodontic care. As a leading orthodontist serving the greater Johannesburg, South Africa area, we're proud to offer treatments ranging from metal braces, lingual braces to Invisalign and other Invisible aligner brands, and we work hard to personalize treatment for each of our patients. Every member of our orthodontic staff is dedicated to the success of our patients and the health of their smiles.
Meet Your Johannesburg Orthodontist
Dr. Choonara is proud to help patients of all ages in Johannesburg achieve a new smile - and now, we'd like to take a moment to help you get to know him.
Dr. Sahide Choonara spent the first 10 years of his life in Brazil before moving to South Africa, the homeland of his mother.
He completed his undergraduate dental degree (BDS) at the University of the Witwatersrand. During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Choonara received numerous awards and distinctions including the Rousseau Viljoen Award in Oral Medicine, The Community Dentistry prize and a distinction in Orthodontics.
On a postgraduate level, he has completed the FCD Part I examinations at the College of Medicine (S.A), and received a Dip. Odont in Orthodontics at the University of Pretoria. He completed his specialty training, MChD (Orthodontics) Cum Laude also at the University of Pretoria. Dr. Choonara was awarded Academic Honorary Colours at a specially convened ceremony at the University of Pretoria in 2010.
Dr. Choonara has maintained his academic interests by being continually involved in dental education. After graduating as a dentist, Dr. Choonara ran a successful general dental practice in the south of Johannesburg. His academic journey began when he was invited in 2001 by the then Head of Department of Orthodontics at University of the Witwatersrand, to join the department on a part-time basis to both teach undergraduate students and be involved in the Cleft Palate clinic. Dr. Choonara took up a position at the University of Pretoria as a lecturer in the Department of Orthodontics in 2003. He served as a course coordinator for the undergraduate Orthodontics curriculum and was instrumental in the implementation of an outcomes based curriculum at the University. Amongst many other accolades, he has received the Lecturer of the Year award, as voted by the 2004, final year dentistry students at the University of Pretoria.
Dr. Choonara has presented numerous courses and lectures in Orthodontics both within South Africa and internationally. He has also served as an ad-hoc reviewer for both the European Journal of Dentistry and The Angle Orthodontist.
Dr. Choonara feels that it is important to stay on the cutting-edge of orthodontics in order to offer the most advanced treatments. In this regard, both he and his staff continue seeking knowledge by attending international courses and conferences on an ongoing basis. He also makes extensive use of intra-oral scanning and computerized treatment planning to help individualize the orthodontic treatment and care for his patients.
His professional affiliations include:
- Member of the South African Dental Association (SADA), having previously served as the Secretary of the Gauteng South branch (2000-2002), and as a member of the Ethics committee of the same branch (2002-2006).
- Member of the South African Society of Orthodontists (SASO) - Dr. Choonara is the current President of the association (2022-2024), having previously served as the treasurer.
- Member of the American Association if Orthodontics (AAO) - Dr. Choonara is currently an international ambassador for the AAO.
- Member of the World federation of Orthodontists.
Aside from his professional duties, Dr. Choonara has served as a board member of his local community organization. He is also am avid road cyclist and enjoys competing in various races across South Africa. He is married and has three children - and despite his extensive orthodontic accomplishment, he considers his children to be his greatest achievement!
Contact Your Johannesburg, SA Orthodontist
Dr. Choonara is proud to help create gorgeous smiles for our patients, and if you're ready to start an orthodontic journey of your own, our office would be thrilled to help. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and the treatments we offer, or simply request your consultation online to get started right away. We can't wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you achieve your dream smile!