WELCOME TO THE PROFESSION CLASS OF
Welcome to the Profession
CLASS OF
2023
Congratulations to the remarkable Class of 2023 for demonstrating unwavering commitment and successfully completing their specialist orthodontic training. This noteworthy achievement deserves acknowledgment and celebration.
The ASO warmly welcomes you to the profession and is here to support you as you embark on the next phase of your professional journey. A special recognition goes to the devoted educators whose guidance played a crucial role, as well as the families of the Graduands whose support was invaluable throughout their studies.
Let us take a moment to get to know and celebrate the exceptional individuals comprising the Class of 2023.
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Lanit Anand University of Queensland
Who is your ortho hero?
Brett Kerr
Tell us your best orthodontist
"This looks like a great tip edge case. "
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Dr Heather Keall - so clever and so kind, she is truly an inspiration.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
I've missed my family and having free weekends. Yes, back to NZ.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Fiji
James English University of Queensland
Who is your ortho hero?
Jenny Doan University of Sydney
Who is your ortho hero?
Each and every tutor that made the time to come in and teach us.
There were heroes on rotation every weekday!
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Planning and executing the next completely unnecessary DIY project around the house.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
There may still be a while to go, but I’m very interested in the future potential of in-office digital design and manufacturing.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I’d spend another chilly yet thrilling night chasing the northern lights with camera and tripod ready in hand.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Flourishing and happier than I ever thought I could be in my career. Looking forward to it.
Brett Kerr, probably the orthodontist with the best sense of humor I know.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Deband day. The reactions of patients to their new smiles is always satisfying.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Hanging out with my wife, daughter, and our dog Orange.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Sleep, but that's not happening anytime soon.
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
An Australian orthodontist walks into a bar, and over a pint of Coopers, begins to rant about his supply company's lack of brackets with a vertical slot. To which the bartender says "Begg-ers can't be choosers".
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Thomas Ethell
University of Sydney
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In the clinic, doing what I love every day - Treatment planning cases, and building relationships with the team, patients, and their families. Then when I finish for the day, heading home and knowing my mechanics are working while I sleep.
Tell us your best Orthodontic joke
How does an orthodontist get a lawyer? He gives them a retainer!
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Catching up on lost time with my wife and baby boy. Then, when time permits, I look forward to reading books again.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Carrol Jin
University of Otago
Where do you see yourself in
A proud cat owner (British shorthair cream bicolour
I think digital orthodontics is the future and I am excited to participate in the evolution of our profession for greater treatment efficiency and bespoke, individualised patient care. From digital setups and treatment planning to 3D design and manufacturing of appliances.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
At this rate, I’d go just about anywhere to escape my desk at the Dental Hospital!
Who is your ortho hero?
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Wire bending! Biomechanics!
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Gaming (role play video games, Gujian3, Ash Echoes, Onmyoji, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Zelda...)
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Sleep in, have a morning coffee with friends and chill.
Nessa Finlay
University of Sydney
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living it up in Ireland. Hopefully straightening teeth and raising kids. Weekend trips around Europe and Sunday dinners around at my parent’s place.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
My family and friends. I have made some amazing new friends here in Australia, but for me family is irreplaceable. I have now returned to the motherland.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Eating good food and drinking good wine with my favourite people.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Anything surgical. Orthognathics, TADs, autotransplants, canine exposures. Delighted I chose orthodontics and not surgery as a specialty but still like to dabble in surgery when the opportunity arises.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Dr Joseph O’Connor, UQ graduate 2022. Shared with me that orthodontics was the best kept secret in the world, and instilled a belief in me that pursuing it was attainable. Forever grateful!
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Matthew Kei
University of Melbourne
Who is your ortho hero?
Professor Paul Schneider and Kevin O’Brien.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
I like crazy biomechanics, TAD based mechanics and digital orthodontics.
ay from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
I missed spending time with my family and friends most, so I definitely plan on doing more of that. And secondly, the sun…I’m a Queenslander in Melbourne.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Hiking and exploring new countries with my wife.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
London
Zim Li
University of Adelaide
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully 5 years happier!
Amy Lee
University of Sydney
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Most likely I would have forgotten the trauma of postgrad and will be tempted to do more study. Can someone please remind me not to?
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Treating patients who actually want to see us, and not being told "by the way, I hate dentists".
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My passion for beautiful smiles initially inspired me. The remarkable lectures by Professor Darendeliler and Dr Oyku Dalci during the Sydney Long Course influenced me to apply to the postgraduate program.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Basking alone in the warm sun at a cafe, accompanied by a captivating book in my hands.
Advice for those starting the course next year
Seize this opportunity to learn as much as you can from your mentors. As much as it is about passing your exams and thesis, you want to graduate equipped with tips and tricks to help you navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
Orthodontist: ‘Your braces will need to be on for at least 24 months’; Patient: ‘12 months!? What do you need 6 months for?’
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
The incorporation of technology from other fields to
develop more precise and efficient systems which may ultimately advance orthodontics as a whole. It will be interesting to see how more digital orthodontics, and perhaps artificial intelligence, will shape our practice.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
The generosity, kindness, and welcoming nature I experienced from the Adelaide postgraduates and Dr Prash Sooriakumaran in 2020.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Enjoying good food and good music with my wife.
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Ting Lin
University of Adelaide
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hard to say, but definitely not doing exams.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
I'm most excited by the potential of digital orthodontics.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Playing with my dog and spending time with friends and family.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Paris
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would be?
Matthew Moore
University of Queensland
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Drinking fine wine at the EOS in Genoa, Italy in 2028 - Gotta plan these things!
Who is your ortho hero?
Dr Brett Kerr
Philip Nguyen University of Adelaide
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Married and starting a family.
Tell us your best orthodontist joke.
Bite down for me. No... with your back
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Creating smiles and giving people a reason to smile.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Spending time with my other half.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Nothing tops Straya.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Dr Paul Lane up in Cairns, specifically a big night at his famous golf day, I applied to do the primary exams the next day. Thanks mate!
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I'd want to play drums with Dave Grohl.
Daniel Lo-Cao
University of Melbourne
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully working a 9-5.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My mentors and teachers. I am immensely grateful to the many people who have generously supported me throughout this journey. I would like to extend special recognition to Dr Papadopoulos, my MPhil supervisor, as well as Professors Cattaneo, Cornelis, and Schneider from the University of Melbourne.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
In my final year, I travelled to some beautiful locations in the United States and Europe to give oral presentations for my research projects. However, during my time overseas, I couldn’t shake the thought of how fortunate we are in Australia.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Pack it full of exercise, hikes and eateries with family and friends. Finish the day around a campfire and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
5
Sophie Roberts
University of Melbourne
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Settled down with a family and hopefully some sort of work/life balance.
Who is your ortho hero?
Prof Marie Cornelis and Dr Lucia Cevidanes – two super women in orthodontics!
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My orthodontists, Dr Helen McLean, and Dr Simon Freezer.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Water-skiing up the river on weekends and cheering on the mighty Adelaide Crows at home!
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Going for walks in the sunshine, followed by coffee of course – Melbourne has had an influence on me!
Lucinda Wong
University of Otago
What or who inspired you to do orthodontics?
The many NZ orthos who are incredibly enthusiastic about their jobs.
Who is your ortho Hero?
Dr Matthew Williams - thanks for fixing my cross bite :)
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
I'm a jack of all hobbies and master of none, but the latest obsessions are climbing and learning drums.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Go on an outdoor mission involving some form of type 2 fun and of course, ample snacks.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 2028 I’ll form a band and we will make a one hit wonder. Taking submissions for band members -get in quick!
Max Wei
University of Queensland
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
What excites me the most is digital orthodontics and how its evolution may be changing everyday practice. Where is it going to take us?
There are way too many to name, whether past or present. But if you would like me to name a current UQ ortho clinics hero, that would be Brett Kerr.
Tell us your best orthodontist joke. To tell a good orthodontist joke straight up is outside of my skill bracket.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Spending the day with my family will always make it a special day, even if we are not doing particularly anything. I’ve previously spent way too much time studying.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
At the moment, that would be Kyoto, Japan.
6
James Zvirblis
University of Melbourne
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Learning to fly a plane, and cultivating an array of unusual plants.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Digital planning and customised appliances.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My Orthodontist, Dr Paul Taylor in Sydney, encouraged me to pursue a career in Orthodontics after my incessant questioning of what he was doing next.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Predictable weather! A/Prof Paul Schneider told me that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices. I disagree…
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
After over-working my brain cells with the final exams and my thesis, I have loved playing Mario on the Nintendo Switch and imitating his authentic Italian accent.
Congratulations! Class of 2023
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