CATEGORY 96 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST COMPANY PROFILE While many products found on pharmacy and supermarket shelves originate from large corporate laboratories and structured development programs, PerioGold® began in a very di erent way. Quite simply, it was homegrown. PerioGold® was conceived, developed, and prototyped in a home kitchen in Western Australia. It did not emerge from a commercial brief, but from curiosity, shared values, and a genuine desire to create something meaningful. To now see it on shelves and in the hands of patients across the country supporting oral health remains both surreal and deeply humbling. Over the past year, as we have presented PerioGold® at conferences and industry events, we are often asked the same question: how did this begin? e answer resonates not because it is polished, but because it is real. Our journey began in 2016. Ramesh was seeking a technician to manage a dental laboratory established to support his oral medicine practice. Brett, with more than two decades of experience as a dental technician, stepped into the role. What quickly became apparent was a strong alignment, not only in how we approached our work, but in our thinking around responsibility, accountability, and patient outcomes. Within months, these similarities evolved into a business partnership. When values align, progress tends to follow naturally. Over time, our conversations extended beyond day to day clinical and technical demands. We found ourselves exploring broader questions about the dental industry, its limitations, and opportunities to do things di erently. It was one of these conversations that ultimately sparked the idea for PerioGold®. Following a discussion about natural therapies and herbal medicine, Ramesh re- ected on his earlier exposure to research on curcumin during his specialist training in the United States. Despite a growing body of evidence supporting its anti-in ammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, its integration into mainstream oral care remained limited. Around the same time, Brett was immersed in experimental work with natural materials, exploring enPerioGold® – the homegrown story behind the product By Brett Chalklin and A/Prof Ramesh Balasubramaniam OAM vironmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional dental products. While those experiments did not achieve their original aim, they provided valuable insight into natural formulations. When the idea was raised, the response was instinctive. “I think I know how to do it.” “Well, do it.” And so, it began. We immersed ourselves in the science. e evidence supporting curcumin was compelling and aligned closely with the underlying drivers of many oral conditions. From there, we explored complementary botanicals. Aloe vera and xylitol presented similarly strong evidence bases, while elderberry, drawn from traditional medicine, o ered additional anti-in ammatory and immune supportive properties. e formulation was not about selecting ingredients arbitrarily, but about identifying a combination that made scienti c and clinical sense. e early development took place in Brett’s kitchen after hours and on weekends. It was far from glamorous. Curcumin, with its intense pigmentation, stained almost everything it touched, including benchtops, clothing, and furniture. However, it was real, iterative, and grounded in purpose. After several re nements, a prototype was ready. It was simple, dispensed into basic syringes and shared for initial feedback. From that point, curiosity began to shift into possibility. A pivotal moment came shortly after. Ramesh had provided the prototype to a family member experiencing ongoing gingival issues. Following use, their dentist noted a marked improvement in gum health. e message was simple. “We are onto something.” is was more than an anecdote. It represented an early alignment between scienti c rationale and clinical observation. From that point, the intention became clear. If this was to move forward, it needed to be done properly. We formalised the business structure, explored manufacturing pathways, and began building a brand that re ected both integrity and purpose. e name PerioGold® was deliberately chosen. “Perio” references periodontal health, and “Gold” re ects both quality and the distinctive colour of the formulation. e journey to production was not without challenges. As a startup, many opportunities were initially out of reach. However, through a trusted colleague, we were introduced to a manufacturer in the United Kingdom with expertise in oral care. eir validation of our formulation, together with the introduction of microencapsulated curcumin, proved to be a turning point. With re nement, PerioGold® evolved from concept to a clinically viable product. From there, attention turned to presentation, including branding, packaging, and identity. e same philosophy applied. Simplicity, clarity, and alignment. No unnecessary embellishment. A product grounded in both evidence and experience. PerioGold® Gel was launched and introduced to the Western Australian market in September 2024 during a local industry event, Hot Topics in Oral Medicine. e product received a positive and welcoming response from clinical attendees, generating considerable interest. Local distribution begun and expanded rapidly as pharmacies and dental practices recognised its value and potential A/Prof Ramesh Balasubramaniam Brett Chalklin Continued page 98
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