Full program: ADAVB Convention and Exhibition 18-19 September 2026

Schedule

Held over two days, the convention program allows you to choose between a variety of sessions. 

Day 1: Friday 18 September

Day 1 begins at 8.30am with Welcome to Country, followed by President's Welcome. It concludes with the Welcome Reception from 5.15pm to 6.30pm.

Day 2: Saturday 19 September

Day 2 offers another full day of courses designed for the whole practice.

Exhibition

Exhibition times

Friday 18 Septembert 2026: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday 19 September 2026: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Speakers

The 2026 ADAVB Convention & Exhibition will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 18 September and Saturday 19 September 2026.
Dentistry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, shaped by cutting-edge technologies, shifting patient expectations, and new evidence-based approaches. This year’s theme, Beyond the Bite: Truths, Trends and the Latest Tech, invites the dental team to explore the realities behind emerging innovations, uncover the latest research, and engage with the tools and technologies that are redefining modern practice.

 

Meet our speakers!

Mr Albert Gigl 
Tax Advisor
Chartered Accountant/Tax Agent

As a Chartered Accountant (based in Melbourne) for over 40 years, Albert Gigl established MW Partners (now TADA Services) in 2005 as a Specialist Dental Accounting firm. From 2008 to 2020, Albert and his team of specialist accountants operated from the offices of the ADAVB in South Yarra.
Albert has experience in a wide range of matters affecting dentists such as taxation strategies, appropriate use of companies and trusts, service facility agreements, practice benchmarking and valuations, GST issues, BAS and preparation of income tax returns.
Over the past 10 years, Albert has been an expert witness, advisor to Australian Government Solicitor, valued 100’s of dental practices, written numerous articles and been a guest speaker at events all around Australia.

 

Dr Alen Rahulan

 

Dr Alex Khominsky
Specialist Periodontist
BDS, BDScDent(Hons), DclinDent (Perio), MRACDS (Perio)

Dr Khominsky graduated DUX from Melbourne High School, and the University of Adelaide with multiple awards, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award. He earned a BScDent (Hons) in Craniofacial Biology, publishing research. Alex worked at The Alfred Hospital, treating medically complex patients and publishing on Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. After private practice and teaching, he completed his specialty training with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Periodontics. Alex has a special interest in periodontal medicine, implants and bone and soft tissue grafting to enhance functional, aesthetic and longevity outcomes. Alex has joined Perio Centre as a centre of excellence in periodontal and surgical care for patients to continue providing the highest quality of care. Alex consults and treats in Malvern, Blackrock and regionally in Wodonga, including treatment under IV/GA Sedation. He also leads the General Dental Residency, aiming to improve the successful careers of all dental professionals through education.

 

Dr Anik Saha
Oral and Maxillofacial
MBBS hons, BDSc hons, MSurg, FPFA, FRACDS (OMS)

 

Dr Aovanna Timmerman
Endodontics
BDSc (Melbourne), DCD (Melbourne), FRACDS, GCertClinTeach, MRACDS (Endo).

Dr Timmerman graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne and subsequently completed her RACDS fellowship and a Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Endodontics. She has had extensive clinical, teaching and research experience, serving as a clinical demonstrator and examiner, and has published in peer-reviewed journals. Recently, she was honoured as Specialist of the Year by the Australian Industry Awards, acknowledging her contribution to patient care, education, and professional collaboration.

 

Dr Becky Chen
General Dentist
BDSc (Melb)

Dr Chen graduated from the University of Melbourne and is a former General Dental Residency (GDR) mentor. She is the principal of a large, busy group practice in Ballarat, with a strong focus on patient health outcomes and experien A certified Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and Social and Emotional Intelligence coach, she delivers communication courses for dental professionals, helping clinicians build trust, improve case acceptance, and confidently manage anxious patients. Her clinical interests include orthodontics, paediatrics, and patient behavioural management, with a commitmentcreating positive, patient-centred outcomes through effective communication.

 

Ms Carolyn Dean
Dental Marketing & AI Strategist

Ms Dean is a dental marketing and AI strategist with over 20 years' experience across IT, healthcare, and dentistry. She has worked with hundreds of independent practices and dental groups, helping them attract the right patients, improve operations, and reduce admin. As the founder of Trilbii AI and My Dental Marketing, Carolyn specialises in practical, compliant AI and marketing strategies for dental practices. She is also the author of Fully Booked and a regular speaker in the dental industry.

 

Dr Daniel Felman

 

Dr Dilhan Rajasingham
General Practise and Technology
BDS (Adel), MBA (Monash), GAICD, FPFA, Gdip (Ortho)

Dr Rajasingham is a leading expert in digital dentistry, connecting clinicians with technology and AI-driven patient care, and healthcare innovation across the APAC region. As a practicing dentist, speaker, and board advisor, he helps dental professionals and healthtech organizations enhance patient outcomes through innovative, research-backed strategies. With expertise in healthcare education, startup innovation, and technology adoption, Dr. Rajasingham advises top industry boards and shares insights on the future of digital health at global platforms.

 

Dr Francis Chan
Endodontics
BDSc (Hons), DCD (Endo), FRACDS (GDP)

Dr Chan completed undergraduate and specialist endodontic training at the University of Melbourne. He received the RACDS Prize, and top marks in microbiology in the RACDS Primary Examination. He holds Fellowship with the RACDS in General Dental Practice. Francis works full-time in private practice and serves as Secretary and Treasurer of the Australian Endodontic Society (Vic), and Treasurer of the Asian Pacific Endodontic Confederation. He was previously Co-Convenor of Endodontics for the Doctor of Dental Surgery program at the University of Melbourne.

 

Dr Gabriel Rodriguez-Ortiz
Periodontology
Periodontist
Dr Rodriguez-Ortiz completed a Graduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry in 2006 and a DCD in Periodontics at the University of Melbourne in 2017. He maintains a clinical practice in Melbourne specialized in periodontics and implant therapy. He is also a clinical demonstrator to the periodontal postgraduate students at the University of Melbourne. Gabriel enjoys family life and is a big fan of water polo and road cycling.

 

Ms Greer Williams
Practice Management
Cert III Dental Assisting, Cert IV Professional Practice Management

Greer Williams is Director and Practice Manager at The Dental Surgery, Newstead, where she began her career as a trainee dental assistant in 2011. With qualifications in dental assisting and practice management, and currently completing a Bachelor of Business, Greer has led the development of award winning training and workforce strategies. She is passionate about building capable, confident teams through structured learning and strong workplace culture.

 

Dr Harry Ball
Dentist with a special interest in dental sleep medicine
BDSc LDS (Melb)) M Counsell (Latrobe), Grad Dip Counsell & HS (Latrobe)
Fellow of Dental Sleep Medicine (ASA)

Dr Ball has restricted his practice to dental sleep medicine over 245years ago and is one of the most experienced practitioners in the world. He established Sleepwise Clinic in 2001 which has treated over 24,000 patients with oral appliance therapy. 
Dr Ball has achieved the qualification of Fellow of Dental Sleep Medicine from the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) and is a past chairperson of the dental sleep medicine council of the ASA. 
Dr Ball has organised and presented training programs for dentists throughout Australia and New Zealand as well as in the United Kingdom, Holland, Belgium, Singapore and Malaysia. He has presented on dental sleep to medical practitioners, sleep physicians as well as on behalf of the Australian Dental Association, the Australian Orthodontic society and Dental Health Services of Victoria.

 

Dr Kalyan Voruganti
General Dentist
BDS MFDS RCS(Ed) GradDipOrth(Col) PFPA

Dr Kalyan Voruganti qualified from Cardiff University in 2005 and is a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. An experienced multi-practice owner, he is a general dentist with interests in orthodontics, implants and mentoring young dentists. He is a former General Dental Residency (GDR) mentor, a past mentor with the University of Melbourne, teaches patient communication courses, and lectures for the Australian Dental Association. Kalyan is committed to clinical excellence and lifelong learning.

 

Dr Kunal Pandya
Prosthodontics
BDSc , DClinDent

Dr Pandya has been a specialist Prosthodontist in Collins Street, Melbourne for over fifteen years and has been part of the dental profession for nearly twenty five years. In this time, he has participated extensively in sharing his knowledge with his fellow dental Colleagues be it through professional development courses or teaching the Prosthodontic post graduate students. Kunal has also served on several committees over the years, including with the ADA and the AANZP. He has a special interest in conservative dentistry and enjoys sharing his thoughts on this philosophy.

 

Dr Luan Ngo
Periodontics
BDSc (hons), PhD, DCD (Perio)
Dr Ngo graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1999, since which he completed a PhD and his specialist training in periodontics also at that institution. Since then, Luan has been heavily involved in teaching, having been the periodontics convenor of both the undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Luan currently spends his most of his time in private practice.

 

A/Prof Max Guazzato

 

Dr Michael Yoon
Endontist
BDSc (Hons) DCD (Endo) FRACDS

Dr Yoon is specialist endodontist working in private practice at Melbourne Endodontics. He completed his specialist training in 2012 at the University of Melbourne, and he is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS).
Michael is a past-President and committee member of the ASE (Vic Branch). He continues to share his passion for endodontics by maintaining his regular teaching role at the University of Melbourne.

 

A/Prof Omar Breik
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
MBBS BDSc(Hons) MClinSc FRACDS(OMS)

Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial and Head and Neck reconstructive surgeon at the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital. Completed BDSc(Hons) at University of Melbourne, and MBBS at University of Adelaide. Completed OMFS training in Melbourne before going to the UK for fellowships in head and neck cancer ablative and reconstructive surgery. Active researcher working on several research programs including development of bioresorbable metals as alternatives to titanium, and also using liquid biopsies for oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnostics and monitoring. Over 80 peer reviewed publications.

 

Dr Raksha Baskar
Paediatric Dentistry
BDSc (UWA), DCD (Paediatric Dentistry) (Melb)
Dr Raksha Baskar is a paediatric dentist who recently completed her specialist training in Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Melbourne. She has over ten years of experience working in both private and public dental settings across South Australia and Melbourne. She currently practises at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.

 

A/Prof Ramesh Balasubramaniam

 

Dr Rishi Ramani
BDS, MDent, PhD
Dr Ramani is a postdoctoral researcher and educator at the Melbourne Dental School, specialising in artificial intelligence and digital health in dentistry. He completed a PhD in Oral Medicine and Pathology, integrating machine learning with in vivo confocal microscopy for early cancer detection. He co-leads the Dentistry Data and Artificial Intelligence (D2AI) group and contributes to the ITU-WHO-WIPO Global Initiative on AI for Health. His work focuses on AI validation, governance, and safe clinical deployment.

 

Ms Sharon McMillan
ADAVB Practice Plus Consultant
BA(Commerce) Grad Dip Ed, MEd, MHlth&MedLaw

Sharon McMillan has an enduring career in the dental industry and in health law and compliance. She has been the Business Manager of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery practice for 25 years, overseeing financial management, staffing, and regulatory compliance. For the past 13 years, she has also consulted with the ADAVB, training dental teams in governance, privacy, health records management, compliance, and practice accreditation.

 

Dr Simon Hinckfuss
Periodontology/Prosthodontics
D.C.D (Melb), M.Sc (Mn)

Simon gained his undergraduate degree in dentistry at the University of Melbourne in 1995. Following graduation he entered the RAAF as a Dental Officer after which he spent 6 years in general practice in Geelong. Simon completed post-graduate training in Prosthodontics (DCD) at the University of Melbourne in 2007 and Periodontics at the University of Minnesota, USA. Simon is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontolgy and currently maintains a Periodontal private practice in Collins St, Melbourne.

 

Dr Sophia Richardson

 

Dr Stephanie Shields
Paediatric Dentistry
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry

Dr Shields is a specialist paediatric dentist currently undertaking a PhD titled “molar incisor hypomineralisation: aetiology and impact” at the University of Melbourne and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. She completed her Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Melbourne in 2023 and works clinically in private practice in Ascot Vale and at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Steph also works as a clinical demonstrator and lecturer at the Melbourne Dental School. Stephanie Shields is a specialist paediatric dentist currently undertaking a PhD titled “molar incisor hypomineralisation: aetiology and impact” at the University of Melbourne and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. She completed her Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Melbourne in 2023 and works clinically in private practice in Ascot Vale and at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Steph also works as a clinical demonstrator and lecturer at the Melbourne Dental School.

 

A/Prof Stephen Chen
Periodontics
MDS, MDSc, PhD, FRACDS

Dr Stephen Chen is a specialist periodontist in private practice in Balwyn. He graduated BDS (Malaya) in 1983, MDSc (Melbourne) in 1987, FRACDS in 1988 (KG Sutherland Prize) and completed his PhD in 2008. He holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor at The School of Dentistry, University of Melbourne. Dr Chen’s scientific interests are in the field of tissue regeneration and post-extraction implants, and has published over 30 papers, authored 2 textbooks and contributed chapters to 6 textbooks. He is past-president of the International Team for Implantology (ITI), Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists (ANZAP) and Australasian Osseointegration Society (AOS). He is an honorary life member of the ITI and AOS. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to dentistry and dental education.

 

Dr Tami Yap
Oral Medicine
BDsc (Hons) DCD PhD FRACDS FOMAA FPFA

Tami Yap is an Associate Professor and Lead of Impact and Engagement at the Melbourne Dental School. As an Oral Medicine Specialist and Co-Lab Head of the Oral Medicine & Oral Cancer Group, her research focuses on the early detection of oral cancer. She holds clinical appointments at the Royal Melbourne, Alfred, and Royal Dental Hospitals. Tami is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
 

Dr Vicki Vlaskalic
Orthodontics
BDSc; DDS; MDSc.

Dr Vlaskalic attended the University of Melbourne where she received both Bachelor of Dental Science and Master of Dental Science degrees. In 1997 as Assistant Professor at the Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry San Francisco, she became co-investigator in the feasibility of the Invisalign appliance and co-published the first article on Invisalign in 2000. Since returning to Melbourne, she works in orthodontic specialty practice, is a clinical instructor at the University of Melbourne and continues to lecture world-wide.

 

Prof Victoria Manning

 

 

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