30 October 2025
November President’s Update
October has been an exciting month for the ADA Victoria Branch. Key highlights include visiting Victoria’s Parliament House for oral health advocacy, our regional CPD conference in Warrnambool, professional support and social networking for students and members as well as our annual celebration of member and staff achievements. Discover more, and find out what’s planned for November below.
October Highlights
State Government
Our oral health advocacy strategy for children, non-fluoridated communities and public waiting lists is well underway.
ADAVB – MDS and LTU Student Support Program
The Branch completed its student support program by providing lectures outlining Branch services:
- Professional support beyond graduation,
- Advocacy in Action,
- ADA Dental Health Foundation: programs to boost access to dental care,
- eviDent – Australia’s only Dental Practice Based Research Network,
- Indemnity Insurance with Guild, Dental Consultant support for practitioners and
- Workplace relations and employment support with Citation HR.
Beyond Melbourne Conference - Warrnambool
Proudly supported by SDI, Geitslich and BOQ Specialist, our inaugural biennial regional CPD conference organised by the ADAVB CPD Committee, chaired by Dr Nathan Phung, was completely sold out. The conference was successfully chaired by Dr Brett Borger and organised by Dr Anthony Davies and Branch staff.
The following world-class speakers: Dr Sophia Richardson, Dr Simon Wylie, Dr Rana Yawary, Mr Tony Grace, Dr Kunal Pandya and Dr Dilhan Rajasingham, gave translational and insightful evidence and tips covering surgical complications, removable prosthodontics, avoiding general anaesthesia in children, managing back pain, digital workflows in aesthetic dentistry and integrating AI into clinical practice.
Sports and Social Connections
Expertly organized by the Sports and Social Committee, chaired by Dr Brendan Moore and championed by Dr Laurie Wordsworth, this year’s Spring Golf Day at the world-class Kingston Heath Golf Club was made possible thanks to the generous support of Henry Schein and Lotus.
As a first-time participant, I found it to be an energising way to connect with nature, build meaningful connections and momentarily escape the daily grind of clinical practice, practice management and family responsibilities. With perfect weather, great company and exceptional food and wine, it was truly a day to remember.
ADAVB Awards Night
A memorable and intimate celebration with Branch Councilors, staff, partners, Guild Insurance and BOQ Specialist, peers, family and friends who gathered to honour recipients of
- the 2024 Recent Graduate Bursary and 2024 CPD Practice Bursary,
- the 2024 Melbourne University and La Trobe University student prizes;
- the 50-Year Membership Certificates and
- the ADAVB Award for Distinguished Service, Dentistry Achievement Award and Branch Service Award.
Recipients are listed here. Nominations for Branch awards are encouraged – help us recognize and celebrate those making a meaningful impact in our community today!
Collaboration with ADA and other Branches
Vice President, Dr Conny Qian, and I met with the Federal ADA and State Branch Presidents and Vice Presidents from around the nation to discuss global, national and local challenges, threats and opportunities facing the profession, our members and communities.
November Outlook
In the upcoming weeks, we look forward to:
- the eviDent showcasing three dental-practice based studies,
- connecting with members at our Social Dinner at Little Collins Street Kitchen at the Sheraton Melbourne,
- celebrating the end of year with graduating students,
- meeting with Ahpra,
- getting the latest updates from La Trobe University and the Melbourne Dental School and
- continuing our plans for the 2026 Convention: September 17-19 – Mark your calendars now!
Thanks for staying connected - I hope to catch up at our member events!
