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Dr Joao Martins De Mello Neto, Dr Neto
DDS, MSc (Brazil) and PhD in Periodontology (QLD)

Periodontics and Dental Implants

Dr. Neto is a highly accomplished clinician with a distinguished academic and clinical background spanning both Brazil and Australia. He earned his dental degree from the Dental School of Aracatuba – São Paulo State University (UNESP) in 2015, followed by a Master’s in Periodontology in 2018. He later completed his PhD in Periodontology at Griffith University, Australia, in 2023, with 4 chapters of his thesis evaluating the relationships between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease, published in internationally reputable journals such as the Journal of Periodontal Research and the Journal of Clinical Medicine. 

As principal clinician at Cairns Specialist Dental, Dr. Neto brings a wealth of expertise in managing complex periodontal conditions and delivering advanced implant therapies. He has extensive experience in laser-assisted periodontal treatment and is a certified LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) clinician, having completed advanced training in Los Angeles (USA). His clinical excellence is complemented by a strong research portfolio in osteobiology, periodontal medicine, tissue regeneration, and laser-based therapies such as low-level intensity laser therapy, bio stimulation, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), for which he has received multiple academic accolades. He has published 20+ international papers and book chapters in reputable journals, advancing knowledge in periodontal and implant dentistry.

From 2022 to 2024, Dr. Neto served as Senior Lecturer in Clinical Dentistry and Discipline Lead in Periodontology at James Cook University’s College of Medicine and Dentistry. During this period, he played a pivotal role in shaping the periodontics curriculum and spearheading the establishment of dedicated clinical bays for the management of severe periodontitis in Far North Queensland, thereby enhancing access to high-quality care for the local population.

Dr. Neto is an active member of several leading professional bodies, including the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists, the Australian Society of Periodontology, the European Association for Osseointegration, and the Brazilian Group for the Study of Lasers in Dentistry. He also maintains academic ties as a former trainee in the Department of Basic Sciences at UNESP and as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Periodontology at James Cook University and continues to inspire and support young generations to excel in dental research.

With a commitment to evidence-based care, innovation, and education, Dr. Neto continues to elevate the standard of dental services in Cairns and beyond. Dr Neto embodies the ideal of a patient-centered healthcare professional. With a warm smile and a calm, reassuring presence, he creates an environment where patients feel genuinely heard, respected, and cared for. His approach to periodontics is rooted not only in clinical excellence but also in empathy and trust.

What sets Dr Neto apart is his unwavering commitment to understanding each patient’s unique concerns, values, and goals. Whether managing complex periodontal disease or guiding patients through preventive care, he takes the time to explain procedures in clear, compassionate language, ensuring patients feel informed and empowered every step of the way.

Colleagues often describe Dr Neto as approachable and collaborative, a team player who uplifts those around him. In every interaction, Dr Neto exemplifies the belief that clinical skill and human connection go hand in hand. His friendly demeaner and patient-first philosophy not only improve oral health outcomes but also foster lasting relationships built on trust and compassion.

Published Articles

de Mello-Neto JM, Ervolino E, Elangovan G, Toro LF, Lee J, Gustafsson A, Figueredo CMDS. The Resolution of Periodontal Inflammation Promotes Changes in Cytokine Expression in the Intestine and Gingival Tissues of Aged Rats with DSS-Induced Colitis.

J Clin Med. 2023 Jun 27;12(13):4326. doi: 10.3390/jcm12134326. Impact factor: 3.946

de Mello-Neto JM, Elangovan G, Ervolino E, Johnson NW, Gustafsson A, da Figueredo CM. Higher expression of Th1/Th2-related cytokines in the intestine of Wistar rats with ligature-induced periodontitis. Journal of Periodontal Research. 2023 Mar 30. doi: 10.1111/jre.13121. PMID: 36994797. Impact factor: 3.946

de Mello-Neto JM, Elangovan G, Ervolino E, Johnson NW, Gustafsson A, da Figueredo CM. Colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium causes histopathological and immunological changes in the periodontal tissues of Wistar rats. Journal of Periodontal Research. 2022 Oct 17. doi: 10.1111/jre.13063. Online ahead of print. PMID: 36253900. Impact factor: 3.946

Theodoro LH, Mello-Neto JM, Cláudio MM, Nuernberg MAA, Miessi DMJ, Silva BG, Rodrigues JVS, Brandini DA, Garcia VG. Antibiotics plus probiotic as an adjunct to the treatment of periodontitis in smokers: a short-term study. Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology. 2022 24/1: 53-61.

Elangovan G, Mello-Neto JM, Tadakamadla SK, Reher P, Figueredo CMS. A systematic review on neutrophils interactions with titanium and zirconia surfaces: evidence from in-vitro studies. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2022 May 10. doi: 10.1002/cre2.582. Impact factor: 1.45

Teixeira GS, Elangovan G, Teixeira MKS, Mello Neto JM, Tadakamadla SK, Lourenço EJV, Telles DM, Figueredo CM. Peri-Implant Surgical Treatment Downregulates the Expression of sTREM-1 and MMP-8 in Patients with Peri-Implantitis: A Prospective Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, March 18. Impact factor: 4.614

Sete MRC, Carlos JC, Mello-Neto JM, Lira-Junior R, Brito F, Bostrom EA, Sztajnbok FR, Figueredo CM. The impact of chronic gingivitis management on the cytokine and anti-PPAD expressions in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. A six-month follow-up. Journal of Periodontal Research. 2021 Impact factor: 3.946

Figueredo CM, Nunes JGR, Mello-Neto JM, Carvalho AT, Ipe DS. Higher salivary expression of S100A12 in patients with ulcerative colitis and chronic periodontitis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Jan;33(1):116-117. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000001771. Impact factor: 2.566

Mello-Neto JM, Nunes, JGR, Tadakamadla SK, Figueredo CM. Immunological Traits of Patients with Coexistent Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, Aug 25. Impact factor: 4.614

Beiler TFCSB, de Mello Neto JM, Alves JC, Hamlet S, Ipe D, da Silva Figueredo CM. Impact of non-surgical periodontal treatment on salivary expression of cytokines related to bone metabolism. Odontology. 2020 Feb 25. Impact factor: 2.634

de Mello-Neto JM, Teixeira MKS, Teixeira GS, Lourenço EJV, Telles DM, Lira-Junior R, Ipe D, Nair RG, Boström EA, Figueredo CM. Peri-implant treatment reduces the salivary levels of Colony stimulator factor-1 and S100A8/A9. Odontology. 2020 Nov 13. doi: 10.1007/s10266-020-00570-4. Impact factor: 2.634

Del Pilar Rodríguez-Sánchez M, Statkievicz C, de Mello-Neto JM, Toro LF, Bassi APF, Garcia VG, Theodoro LH, Ervolino E. The Effectiveness of the Low-Level Laser, Antibiotic and Surgical Therapy in the Treatment of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: A Case Report. J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Winter;11(1):98-103. doi: 10.15171/jlms.2020.16. Epub 2020 Jan 18. Impact factor: 2.04

Berry MCC, de M Neto JM, de Souza MIC, Figueredo CMDS, Reher V, Evans JL. Effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning to improve periodontics educational outcomes: A systematic review. J Dent Educ. 2020 Jul;84(7):830-839. doi: 10.1002/jdd.12179. Epub 2020 May 18. PMID: 32421234. Impact factor: 2.313

Ramesh A, Junxi Guo A, Patel HJ, Huang J, Huang CC, de Mello-Neto JM, Rodrigues Amaral R. The impact of magnification on undergraduate dental students’ performance during cavity preparations: A systematic review. J Dent Educ. 2024 Apr 1. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13528. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38558229.

Kendell-Wall R, Nguyen JT, Salleras F, Kamboj AS, Diwen Tan SA, Manish Trivedi V, de Mello-Neto JM, Rodrigues Amaral R. Antimicrobial efficacy of Odontopaste in endodontics: a systematic review. Evid Based Dent. 2024 Mar 27. doi: 10.1038/s41432-024-01000-y. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38538855.

Toro LF, de Mello-Neto JM, Santos FFVD, Ferreira LC, Statkievicz C, Cintra LTÂ, Issa JPM, Dornelles RCM, de Almeida JM, Nagata MJH, Garcia VG, Theodoro LH, Casatti CA, Ervolino E.Application of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma on Tooth Extraction Site Prevents Occurence of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws in Rats.Scientific Reports (NATURE publishing group). 2019 Jan 10;9(1):22. Impact factor: 5.133

Ervolino E, Statkievicz C, Toro LF, Mello-Neto JM, Cavazana TP, Issa JP,, Dornelles RCM, De Almeida JM, Nagata MJH, Okamoto R, Casatti CA, Garcia VG, Theodoro LH. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy improves the alveolar repair process and prevents the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaws after tooth extraction in senile rats treated with zoledronate. BONE. 2018 Oct 16; 120:101-113. Impact factor: 4.62

Theodoro LH, Rocha GS, Ribeiro Junior VL, Sakakura CE, de Mello Neto JM, Garcia VG, Ervolino E, Marcantonio Junior E. Bone Formed After Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation By Bone Autografting With Hydroxyapatite and Low-Level Laser Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Histomorphometrical and Immunohistochemical Analyses. Implant Dentistry. 2018 Jul 27. Impact factor:  1.214

Statkievicz C, Toro LF, de Mello-Neto JM, de Sá DP, Casatti CA, Issa JPM, Cintra LTA, de Almeida JM, Nagata MJH, Garcia VG, Theodoro LH, Ervolino. Photomodulation multiple sessions as a promising preventive therapy for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws after tooth extraction in rats. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, v. 184, p. 7-17, 2018. Impact factor: 6.814

Gusman DJR, Mello-Neto JM, Alves BES, Matheus HR, Ervolino E, Theodoro LH, de Almeida JM. Periodontal disease severity in subjects with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. v. 76, p. 147-159, 2018.  Impact factor: 4.163

Garbin Junior EA, de Lima VN, Momesso GAC, Mello-Neto JM, Érnica NM, Magro Filho O.Potential of autogenous or fresh-frozen allogeneic bone block grafts for bone remodelling: a histological, histometrical, and immunohistochemical analysis in rabbits. British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, v. 17, p. 1-5, 2017. Impact factor: 2.018

Bosco AF; Nagata MJ;; Theodoro LH ; Mello Neto JM; Almeida JM; Faleiros PL; Campos N  Manipulation of peri-implant soft tissue in the posterior lingual region of the mandible. ImplantNewsPerio International Journal, v. 2, p. 463-469, 2017.

Elangovan G, Fernandes DJ, Cameron A, Basu S, De Mello Neto JM, Jiang P, Reher P, Hamlet S, Figueredo CMS. Neutrophils Respond Selectively to Physical Cues: Roughness Modulates Its Granule Release, and NETosis. J Funct Biomater. 2024 Nov 13;15(11):342. doi: 10.3390/jfb15110342. PMID: 39590546; PMCID: PMC11595799.

Silveira GRC, Ganzaroli VF, Toro LF, Lopes-Pereira E, Costa LLD, Mello-Neto JM, Buchaim RL, Garcia VG, Theodoro LH, Sforcin JM, Marcato PD, Ervolino E. Effectiveness of Local Use of Green Propolis-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles as Adjuvant Therapy to Scaling and Root Planing in the Management of Periodontitis in Rats Treated with Zoledronate. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Nov 20;25(22):12443. doi: 10.3390/ijms252212443. PMID: 39596508; PMCID: PMC11595208.