Face Forward FNQ

About Face Forward FNQ

Face Forward FNQ is a collaborative clinic focused on multidisciplinary care for jaw pain, orofacial dysfunction, facial health, optimal oral function and airway concerns.

Our team brings together expertise in orthodontics, general practice and speech pathology, working together to understand the underlying causes of symptoms affecting breathing, jaw function, facial development, speech and swallowing.

Many concerns affecting the face and mouth involve multiple systems working together. By combining perspectives across medical, dental and allied health disciplines, we aim to identify contributing factors and develop practical treatment plans tailored to each individual.

Our goal is to identify and address the functional drivers of facial and airway health through collaborative care.

Why a collaborative approach matters


Many facial, breathing and oral function concerns involve multiple systems.

By bringing together orthodontic, medical and speech pathology expertise, Face Forward FNQ offers a coordinated approach designed to identify underlying causes and support effective long-term solutions.

What we help with

Patients may attend Face Forward FNQ with or without a referral for concerns including:
  • Jaw pain, clicking or TMJ dysfunction
  • Facial or orofacial pain
  • Mouth breathing or airway concerns
  • Sleep-disordered breathing or snoring
  • Tongue-tie or restricted tongue function
  • Poor tongue posture or oral resting posture
  • Swallowing or speaking difficulties
  • Headaches associated with clenching or grinding
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Functional concerns affecting facial development in children
  • Complex orthodontic or airway related concerns

What to expect

When an enquiry or referral is received, the information is reviewed by Rhonda, Annette & Katherine (the clinical team).  Based on the patient’s concerns and history, an initial appointment will be arranged with the multidisciplinary team. Your 45 minute assessment will include:

  • detailed history and symptom discussion
  • clinical examination
  • screening questionnaires
  • functional assessment of breathing, swallowing and oral posture
  • review of previous medical or dental reports
  • anything else as needed
  • further assessments or referrals may be recommended if required
  • development of a preliminary intervention plan

Fees

Face Forward FNQ is a multidisciplinary private billing clinic.  Our fees reflect a collaborative, multidisciplinary consultation that provides an integrated, bespoke service not otherwise available when practitioners are seen individually.  
An initial appointment fee is $625 and subsequent appointments are $320 per half hour. Private health fund rebates may apply for eligible services and Medicare rebates may apply for certain consultations where appropriate.
Appointment Deposit & Payment
To secure your appointment time, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance will be payable on the day of your appointment.
Rescheduling & Cancellation If you need to reschedule, we simply ask for at least 48 hours’ notice so we can offer the appointment time to another patient. Deposits are transferable to a new appointment when adequate notice is provided.
Late Changes Appointments changed with less than 48 hours’ notice may result in the deposit being forfeited, as this time has been specifically reserved for you.

Patient role in treatment

Successful outcomes rely on active patient involvement. Our approach is most effective when individuals are engaged consistent and committed to their treatment journey. The most successful outcomes occur when patients are actively involved in their care.

This includes:
  • attending appointments regularly
  • completing recommended exercises or therapy
  • following treatment advice
  • staying engaged with the treatment plan

Our team will support you throughout the process.

Meet the team


Rhonda is a Specialist Orthodontist with more than 20 years of clinical experience and a strong commitment to collaborative, patient-centred care. She completed her dental degree at the University of Queensland and specialist orthodontic training at the University of Melbourne and continues a long family tradition of combining clinical excellence with education and mentorship.


Rhonda describes herself as an integrative orthodontist, with a particular interest in how orthodontics interacts with broader aspects of health, facial development, airway function and multidisciplinary care. Through collaborations with medical, dental and allied health professionals, she focuses on comprehensive solutions that support both function and facial balance.  She is widely recognised for her leadership in the practical integration of digital technologies into orthodontic practice. She is regularly invited to present nationally and internationally on orthodontic technology, digital transformation and modern clinical systems.


The Face Forward FNQ collaboration as a unique opportunity to integrate orthodontics with broader health disciplines to support better long-term health outcomes.


Katherine is a Specialist General Practitioner who believes that long-term health outcomes are strongly influenced by how we live and function day-to-day. Her approach focuses on prevention, understanding underlying contributors to health concerns, and helping patients make sustainable improvements to their wellbeing.


Practising as a medical professional for almost 20 years, she graduated with first class honours from James Cook University in 2007 and completed specialty GP training in 2015 with the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners.  Katherine has worked across multiple sectors in FNQ including public and private health systems and has previously held appointments as senior lecturer with James Cook University.  She is now director and full-time clinician at Upward Life Family Practice and Kaleidoscope Clinic in Cairns. 


Within Face Forward FNQ she brings a broad medical perspective, helping integrate lifestyle, medical and functional factors that may contribute to facial and airway health concerns.


Annette is an experienced Speech Pathologist who has worked across public, private and educational settings throughout Central, North and Far North Queensland.

She works with clients of all ages, including individuals with complex needs, and has particular interests in:
  • orofacial myofunctional disorders
  • swallowing and feeding difficulties
  • progressive neurological conditions
  • communication and literacy support

Annette holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours from James Cook University and has completed post-graduate training in Orofacial Myology, Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT LOUD), and Sounds-Write phonics therapy.  At Face Forward FNQ she works closely with medical and dental colleagues to support improved breathing, swallowing, speech and oral function.  

Register your interest for an appointment


Face Forward FNQ clinics are usually held on the third Monday of each month.

Click the link HERE to complete a short form and register your interest. The form usually takes around 3–5 minutes to complete and all information is kept confidential.

Our clinical team will review your information and contact you to arrange the most appropriate appointment.  As part of your assessment and care journey, you may be asked to complete additional questionnaires or forms to help us better understand your concerns and guide your treatment.