October President's Update
September was a standout month as our biennial Convention and Exhibition came together seamlessly, featuring 44 speakers, 62 exhibitors and keynote speaker Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.
International, interstate, and local presenters shared their expertise across clinical care, patient management, and practice management, helping us grow together and better serve our patients and communities.
Dr Kruszelnicki delivered an insightful and entertaining presentation, exploring both the long history of dentistry and what he referred to as the ‘enshittification’ of software and services arising from the injudicious use of AI.
The exhibition was a tremendous success, attracting over 1,000 attendees. This year’s exhibition was twice the size of the one at our previous Convention, giving delegates greater access to the latest technologies and solutions to bring back to their practices.
Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with eviDent, Australia’s only Dental Practice-Based Research Network and the ADA Dental Health Foundation.
A heartfelt thank you to our Partner Guild Insurance along with all sponsors, supporters, and exhibitors for their ongoing commitment to this Convention, this Exhibition, and the many events delivered by our Branch.
Special congratulations to our volunteers and Branch staff for their teamwork and dedication in bringing together every element of another outstanding meeting. The success of the flagship event would simply not have been possible without the experienced leadership of A/Prof Neil Hewson, the coordination of Ms Olga Hermoni, and the expertise of Dr Nathan Phung, Chair of the CPD Committee.
Annual Awards Night
The Branch also celebrated its Annual Awards Night during the Convention and Exhibition, a memorable and intimate evening with Branch Councillors, staff, partners, Guild Insurance, BOQ Specialist and VMIA Limited, peers, family and friends. Together, we honoured recipients of:
- the 2025 Recent Graduate Bursary and 2025 CPD Practice Bursary
- the 2025 MDS and LaTrobe student prizes
- the 50-Year Membership Certificates
- the Award for Distinguished Service and Dentistry Achievement Award
Branch Awards: A/Prof Andrew Gikas (Award for Distinguished Service), Prof Michael McCullough (Award for Distinguished Service), Dr Ruth Heredia (Dentistry Achievement Award – Public Dentistry), Dr John Shehan (Dentistry Achievement Award – Paedodontics and GA Dentistry)
Nominations for Branch awards are now open: nominate a colleague to help us recognise and celebrate those making a meaningful impact in our community today!
Coming Up
- Case Discussion Session Bring your cases and get up close Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon - Dr Sophia Richardson, Prosthodontist - Dr Kunal Pandya and Paedodontist - Dr Rana Yawary at our October Case discussion session with dental specialists. Limited seats available!
Spring Golf Day - Metropolitan Golf Club - Oakleigh South: Booking up fast - Limited places available
