Council
Our Council is elected by members to represent the dental profession and to achieve the mission and goals of the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB).
Councillors
Please contact the councillors below to discuss issues, achievements or concerns. You can also hear from and meet councillors at ADAVB Group and other events. Keep an eye out for upcoming events on our training and events page.
Dr Carolyn Ng
President
Dr Carolyn Ng was elected to the Branch Council in 2018 and joined the Executive Committee in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne and a Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics from the University of Sydney. She currently works in private specialist orthodontic practice in Melbourne.
Dr Ng has delivered both public and private general dental services across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Her contributions include involvement with the Barwon Health Oral Health Working Party and the RACDS VIC/TAS Regional Committee. She has supervised dental students in general practice at the Melbourne Dental School, tutored dentists preparing for the FRACDS final examinations in orthodontics, and mentored participants in the ADAVB mentoring program.
Her service to the ADAVB includes roles on the Continuing Professional Development Committee, the Remunerations and Appointments Committee, and the Third Party Committee. She has also served as Vice Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and as Chair of the Melbourne Inner East Regional Group. In addition, she is Chair of the Australasian Orthodontic Board and Secretary of the Australian Society of Orthodontists Victoria/Tasmania Branch.
Dr Ng holds memberships with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the American Association of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has been inducted as a Fellow of both the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the Academy of Dentistry International.
Dr Conny Qian
Vice President
Dr Conny Qian was elected to council in 2022, and appointed to executive council in 2023. She serves on the ADAVB Disputes and Ethics Committee, and is council representative for the Recent Graduates & Students Committee and the CPD committee. Dr Qian was chair of the ADAVB Northern Group in 2021 and 2022, and organised regular CPD and social meetings for oral health professionals and students in regional Victoria. Dr Qian practises as a general dentist in Melbourne and Bendigo, and volunteers for the ADHF Rebuilding Smiles Program and overseas on behalf of Rotary Australia.
Dr Andrew Heredia
Immediate Past President
Dr Andrew Heredia graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2006 and has been a member of the ADA since then. He has practised as a general dentist in both private and community dental sectors throughout Melbourne, regional and rural Victoria, and Sydney. He has supervised recent graduate dentists and oral health therapists in clinical practice and has been involved with teaching in preclinical sessions at the University of Melbourne. Dr Heredia has also volunteered for the ADAVB mentoring program and for oral health promotion initiatives at the Pregnancy and Baby Expo and in early learning centres.
He was elected to ADAVB Council in 2016. He has represented the ADAVB in RMIT’s dental assistant steering committee and held a committee position and eventually the vice-chair of the ADAVB Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. He was elected to the Executive Committee in 2021 and subsequently to President in 2024. He currently serves on the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, Constitution and Policy Committee, Sports and Social Committee, Remunerations and Appointments Committee in addition to as a representative for the ADAVB on the Guild Liaison Committee.
Dr Sitanshu Arora
Dr Sitanshu Arora is a Melbourne-based general dental practitioner and Principal of Central Park Dental whose career reflects an exceptional commitment to clinical excellence, education, leadership, and service to the dental profession. Dr Arora obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India and achieved Australian general dental registration through the Australian Dental Council examination pathway in 2013. She went on to complete the Primary Examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons with multiple commendations, a Master of Clinical Dentistry with Distinction from Griffith University, where she received the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence, and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry for Surgical Dentistry from the University of Sydney. She has also completed Foundations of Directorship through the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dr Arora has supervised undergraduate dental students at Griffith University and the University of Sydney, supporting practical oral surgery education for general dentists. She has also contributed to peer-reviewed research in oral surgery, medically complex patient care, oral surgery waiting lists, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Her clinical experience has included service with the Royal Dental Hospital Special Needs Unit, Dental Health Services Victoria, NSW Health, and Victorian Aboriginal Health and Dental Services.
Dr Andrew J Barnes
Dr Andrew J Barnes began on Council in 1996, and has served as honorary treasurer, vice president and president (2001-2002). He has been a member and chair of the Recent Graduates, Legislation, and Finance and Audit, Disputes and Ethics committees. Dr Barnes is deputy chair of the ADAVB Disputes and Ethics Committee. He a private practitioner with additional roles as a consultant dental adviser with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Health. He has also served on the Department of Human Services’ Dental Intern Working Party.
Dr Mark Bowman
Dr Mark Bowman began as Group Q (Inner Melbourne) secretary in 1986, joined Council in 2004, and served as president (2007/08) and honorary secretary (2010–2014). He has served on several committees, and is currently a member of the Constitution and Policy Committee, Disputes and Ethics Committee, and chair of the Finance Risk and Audit Committee. Dr Bowman was a federal councillor (2008–2014) and a member of the Federal Policy Committee (2009–2014). He is a past president of the Australian Society of Periodontology Victorian Branch (2003-2004) and federal president ASP (2010–2012), elected ASP Honorary Life Member in 2016 . He is a consultant with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and adviser to the Department of Health. He was elected ADAVB Honorary Life Member in 2022.
Dr Tori Carter
Dr Tori Carter has a rich background in both public and private dental care, currently serving as senior dentist at Better Health Network's South Melbourne and Prahran locations. Leading a multidisciplinary dental team, she prioritizes public health initiatives with a strong focus on sustainability and equity. Dr Carter's career encompasses experience in general dentistry, emergency management and oral surgery marked by her experience at the Alfred Hospital and the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne. As an active member of the Victorian Oral Health Alliance, she advocates for policy reforms to benefit all communities across Victoria and improving statewide oral health outcomes.
Contact Tori
Dr Katharine Dal Santo
Dr Katharine Dal Santo completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Sydney in 2016 having previously completed her Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Melbourne in 2009. Katharine also has an interest in forensic odontology having completed her Masters in Forensic Medicine (Forensic Odontology) in 2023 at Monash University. She has worked in both public and private clinics across Melbourne as a dentist and an oral health therapist. Katharine continues to work in private practice.
Katharine is currently involved in academic and clinical education of dental students as a Senior Lecturer with the Melbourne Dental School. Katharine enjoys all areas of dentistry and especially loves ensuring that children have a fun and positive first experience in the dental chair, setting them up to have a good oral health routine for life.
Dr Miro De Hoyos
Dr. Miro De Hoyos is a specialist prosthodontist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He obtained his Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in 2006 from Adelaide University. Prior to that, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Biomaterials from the National University of Singapore in 2004 and his Bachelor of Dental Surgery foundation education from Mexico in 2001. Throughout his career, he has transformed lives by restoring not only beautiful, functional smiles but also patients’ quality of life, happiness, confidence, and self-esteem. Deeply passionate about education, Dr. Miro regularly conducts tutoring sessions for dentists who share his enthusiasm for prosthodontics and has taught at several universities in Australia and internationally.
He served as Chair of the Waverley Metropolitan ADA Regional Group for 12 years and has been recently elected a member of the Australian Dental Association Council - Victoria branch. He has been the recipient of multiple scholarships in his home country of Mexico as well as in Singapore. Dr. Miro is a Fellow of the Academy of Australian and New Zealand Prosthodontists.
His particular expertise lies in large-scale reconstructive cases and the complex management of severe tooth grinding, dry mouth, and heavily worn or broken-down dentitions. His doctoral research focused on erosive wear patterns, equipping him with a strong ability to re-establish and stabilise the oral environment. Known for his calm and considerate approach, Dr. Miro is sincerely committed to caring for his patients and peers with responsibility, respect, and compassion.
Dr Jenny Liu
Dr Jenny Liu completed her Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours at the University of Queensland in 2017. After working in associate roles across several Melbourne practices, she acquired Happy Dentistry in 2022, where she is founder and principal dentist. She is also a Clinical Demonstrator at the Melbourne Dental School, teaching restorative and conservative dentistry. Through her practice she runs an annual free dental day for underserved patients in partnership with universities and community groups, and in 2026 is taking part in a volunteer dental mission to the Philippines. She speaks English and Mandarin.
Dr Derek Mahony
Dr Derek Mahony is a world renowned Specialist Orthodontist who has spoken to thousands of practitioners about the benefits of interceptive orthodontic treatment. Early in his career Dr Mahony learned from leading clinicians the dramatic effect functional appliance therapy can afford patients in orthodontic treatment. He has been combining the fixed and functional appliance approach ever since. His lectures are based on the positive impact such a combined treatment approach has had on his orthodontic results and the benefits this philosophy provides from a practice management viewpoint. Dr Mahony has also completed a Foundations of Directorship Certificate from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, covering best practice governance, strategy, and organisational financial health.
Contact Derek
Dr Devin Ong
Dr Devin Ong actively participates in ADAVB Group meetings and has been treasurer for Melbourne North Group since 2014. Dr Ong completed the ADAVB Health Sector Leadership Program in 2014 and is involved in orthodontic undergraduate teaching at the University of Melbourne. He also sits on the committee of charity organisation Give a Smile, and is the President's Representative on the ADAVB Recent Graduates and Students Committee.
Dr Angelo Pacella
Dr Angelo Pacella graduated from the University of Melbourne and a member of ADA since 1989. He is a Fellow of Pierre Fauchard Academy, Fellow of International College of Dentist, Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International, Fellow of International College of Continuing Dental Education of Singapore in Orthodontics in General Dental Practice. Dr Pacella appointed to the ADAVB Executive Committee in 2017, was Vice President in 2019/20 and President ADAVB in 2020/21. He is currently Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and was chair of the Third-Party Committee for 10 years (continues to serve on this committee). Dr Pacella served on the Melbourne Dental School Senior Management Committee and Post Graduate Studies Committee, and The La Trobe Dentistry and Oral Health Course Advisory Committee. Dr Pacella served on the DHSV Voucher Review Advisory Panel in 2013.
Dr Nathan Phung
Nathan graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2016. He has worked in both public and private practices. He has served on multiple committees with the ADAVB, including the Recent Graduates and Students Committee, Public Dentistry Committee, more recently being elected to Branch Council in 2026 and continues to serve as the chairman of the Continuing Professional Development committee. As a member of the CPDC, he has been heavily involved with the development of the branch’s educational program including the biannual Convention and Exhibition.
Contact Nathan
Dr Jason Rerksirathai
Dr Jason Rerksirathai completed the Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours at the University of Melbourne in 2009. In more than a decade of general practice, Jason has worked within a range of different private practices within metropolitan Melbourne, including the practices of prominent past leaders within the profession. He has been a Clinical Teaching Instructor at the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Dental Clinic and enjoys being a part of shaping the next generation of dental professionals. Jason has training and experience working within organisations in the health sector, including completion of Leadership Victoria’s Health Sector Leadership program, as well as being an active member of the Australian Dental Association, currently serving on the Victorian Branch’s Finance, Risk and Audit committee in addition to a new member of Council.
Dr Hayden Tan
Dr Hayden Tan is a dentist working across both public and private practice, with appointments at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Melbourne Dental Clinic, as well as providing on-call dental services at Alfred Health. He has a particular interest in hospital dentistry, focusing on the management of oncology patients, medically complex patients, and people with special needs. Passionate about advocacy and the future of the profession, Dr Tan is actively involved in as a Committee Member of the Australian Society of Special Care in Dentistry. He is committed to supporting high-quality patient care, fostering collaboration across the profession, and contributing to the ongoing development of dentistry through leadership and service.
Dr Sofia Vorontsov
Sofia completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with First Class Honours before earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Sydney. She has practised in both the public and private sectors, including at Alfred Health, where she cared for patients with complex medical conditions, before transitioning to private practice in Melbourne. Sofia enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and is passionate about delivering preventive, patient-centred care. She has also worked as a clinical demonstrator, supporting and mentoring dental students in their clinical training.
Sofia feels privileged to represent ADA members and bring the perspective of a recent graduate, a new mum, and a dentist with experience across both public and private practice. She is committed to advocating for the profession, supporting colleagues at all stages of their careers, and contributing to a strong and connected dental community.
