09 July 2024

Meet our keynote speaker, Dr Norman Swan AM

Meet our 2024 ADAVB Convention & Exhibition keynote speaker, Dr Norman Swan AM.

Why did you choose this career?

That’s a long story. Originally I wanted to be an actor. Then did medicine. Journalism and broadcasting turned out to be ideal outlet for my love of story telling and giving people information they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

What was the best career advice you have received and what advice would you give to those who are at the start of their career?

Be persistent. If your dream is strong enough, you’ll put up with failures along the way. It’s the dogged as well as talented who get through!

What are some of the challenges you face in your career?

Sifting through the overwhelming amount of information to get to what counts. Translating that for the audience is what’s fun.

What is the most rewarding part of your job, and does your work become more interesting with experience?

The reward is from having an audience who appreciates what you do. Experience allows you tro experiment and push the boundaries.

Why should delegates attend your sessions?

A few reasons but the main one is that I’ll take you away from your day job to issues that are important for you professionally and personally. That’s part of what conference’s are for -  the luxury of having time to think and take in new information.

How do you see dentistry changing in the next 10 years?

I would love to see the health system as a whole really understand that the mouth is part of the body and dentists have a huge amount to offer. So….. more integration into the mainstream of the system!

What is the most difficult case/project that you have ever had?

Covering COVID-19 when no-one knew anything.

What accomplishment in your career/work/research are you most proud of?

Having survived in a dog eat dog industry and still able to contribute and hopefully make a difference.

What do you enjoy when you are not working?

Reading, sleeping, travelling, theatre, cinema, time with friends and family.