Welcome to the Profession 2024Class of
Congratulations to the amazing Class of 2024 on completing their specialist orthodontic training! We are thrilled to welcome you to the profession and are here to support you every step of the way as you embark on the next stage of your professional journey. A huge shoutout to the educators from five universities across Australia and New Zealand for their invaluable mentoring. And of course, a massive thank you to the families of the graduands for their unwavering support throughout their studies. Let’s take a moment to celebrate and get to know the incredible Class of 2024!
Allen Hu
University of Otago
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Not cropping photos or having to use PowerPoint very often.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Snorkelling, paddleboarding and having a real fruit ice cream.
Who is your orthodontic hero?
Professor Mauro Farella
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
The North Shore of Auckland.
Advice for those starting the course next year
This is the best job in the world!
Andrew Wang
Adelaide University
Who is your ortho hero?
All the supervisors from the University of Adelaide who gave up their time to whip us into shape.
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
If University of Adelaide postgrads were a dental material - we would be alginate, because we like to make a good first impression... also because we still pour up our own models.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Learning and growing with the orthodontic friends and colleagues that I have met over the past 3 years.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My own experience as an orthodontic patient inspired me to want to pursue orthodontics, so that I could provide this service to my patients.
Advice to those starting next year
Three years goes by quickly and you’ll only ever be an orthodontic post grad once (hopefully). So, cherish the little things while you can - because one day you’ll look back and realise they were the big things.
Annabel Hoe
The University of Queensland
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Exploring the latest cafe or restaurant.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Biomechanics with TADs
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I’d wander through the forests and streets of Kyoto Japan, and later snack on their tasty treats.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Spending quality time with family and friends and being treated to home cooked family meals again.
Advice for those starting the course the next year.
Firstly, congrats on getting in the program! Enjoy the journey as you learn the ins and outs of the best dental specialty.
Sydney University
Tell us your best orthodontic joke
I called my orthodontist a dentist by mistake. Fortunately, they straightened me out.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Seeing patients’ reactions on their faces at deband.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Either vegging out with a good TV show or going on a hike or walk outdoors.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
At home in Sydney (the best city in the world) or somewhere close to the mountains.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Right now, it would be lying by the pool at a tropical resort with a good book.
David Day
The University of Western Australia
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living somewhere coastal practicing 4 days per week with a margarita.
Who is your ortho hero?
David Sarver
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
Don’t worry, I was up all last night watching YouTube videos on this so I know exactly what I am doing.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Surgical orthodontics
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Working as a hygienist in an orthodontic practice.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
I will return to Newcastle and I have missed my friends and family most of all whilst being in WA.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Spare time...what’s that?
Melbourne University
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Enjoying life and being surrounded by great people at work. If I’m happy and growing, I’ll consider that a win!
Who is your ortho hero?
There are so many! The clinical tutors at Melbourne Uni have had a huge impact on me, and I can’t thank them enough. But if I had to choose one, it would be Prof Marie Cornelis - an absolute superwoman.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
My family and friends. I look forward to our weekly family gatherings and game nights back in Sydney.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Hands down, a food and wine tour in Florence! Yeah, I could do that all day, every day.
Advice for those starting the course next year. The days are long, but the years are short. Stay present, soak up the experience, and find little moments of joy even when things get tough - it will all be worth it in the end :)
The University of Western Australia
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Having braces
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Yes, I plan to return to Wellington. I have missed being with family and friends, celebrating holidays and special occasions. Also, I have missed playing netball and basketball.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
I love a good afternoon nap.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Wanaka
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Love hiking and the outdoors!
Who is your ortho hero?
Dr Charles J Burstone
What area of orthodontics most excites you? Burstone segmental mechanics and surgical orthodontics.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Spending time with friends and family and most likely eating as much food as I can at any Korean BBQ restaurant.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? New York
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Play tennis with the greatest of all time Roger Federer.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Drinking mojitos on a secluded island, whilst still trying to finish my research.
What area of orthodontics most excites you? Orthognathic cases are so rewarding as the transformation can be life-changing. Also, seeing a child evolve into a more confident teenager throughout their treatment.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Explore new fitness trends, such as aerial yoga and callisthenics.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My personal childhood transformation from my “shark teeth” malocclusion to a new pleasing smile that greatly improved my self-confidence.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return? Being away from Melbourne, I have missed hosting dinner parties for family and friends; and late-night shopping! Looking forward to being back in my element, though I will miss Perth’s sunshine.
The University of Queensland
Who is your ortho hero?
Professor Padhraig Fleming, who taught me if all else fails tell your patients to rinse with Holy water.
Tell us your best orthodontist joke I strip in crowded places.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
I’d love to learn more about cleft and craniofacial orthodontics.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Playing with my scrumptious son Adam (1 yo) and furry cat babies Dennis and Posy.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Go for a long bush walk, get creative with clay and paint, and settle in to read with a bottomless cup of tea.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
A little house in Montpelier, Bristol or a cottage in Stroud, Gloucestershire – both hold fond memories of time spent living and working in the UK.
Keith Chan
The University of Queensland
Where do you see yourself in 5 years
Not doing another degree!
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
Orthodontist: Don’t worry Robbie, placing a TAD should be a straightforward procedure
Patient: But Dr Smith my name is Stewart Orthodontist: I know… I am Robbie
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Hanging out with friends and family.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Brisbane is the only place I could imagine myself living in. Most of my close friends live around this area and it is also a great place to raise a family of my own.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Go to outer space.
Lamis Ahmed
Sydney University
Where do you see yourself in 5 years
I see myself waking up each day excited and feeling blessed to go to work, doing something I am passionate about.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
All of it! The more complex and challenging the more exciting.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Quality time with my gorgeous boys any time anywhere.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
A tropical island with crystal turquoise water, fivestar facilities, top-tier shopping, and rich Egyptian culture and vibes—where there are still people with crooked teeth who need braces.
My advice to future postgrads
Every dead body on the top of Mount Everest was once a highly motivated person, so just chill and enjoy the journey.
Melbourne University
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still living the dream lifestyle: double income, no kids, one dog.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
The Orthodontics/OMFS team at the Monash Medical Centre (especially the wonderful Dr Tony Collett).
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return? I’ve missed the Brisbane weather but very happy to call Melbourne home for now.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
I love being active. I’m a group fitness gym instructor and an avid long distance runner.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? 20km+ run with friends, coffee, banh mi, a glass of wine and a nap.
Laura Truong
Queensland University
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
Why did the skeleton get braces?
To stop his teeth from making a grave mistake!
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Biomechanics
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Binge watch TV shows or play board games .
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Italy or Greece
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Meet Taylor Swift.
Maxim Milosevic
Sydney University
Tell us your best orthodontist joke I would, but it’d be a super imposition for me.
Who is your ortho hero
Nicky Mandall, for her exceptional randomised controlled trials which give us some of the best evidence in ortho!
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Anything involving sun, sea, salt and sand (and sunscreen).
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
The integration of new tech to make orthodontic treatment more accessible for everyone.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
New York City, for its vibrant chaos. I’d probably last a week, but it’d be a fun one.
Rohan Sully
The University of Western Australia
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Still in Tasmania.
Who is your ortho hero?
Behrents, Bjork, Solow, Pancherz, Kokic, Buschang, Woods, Vanarsdall, Proffit, Sarver… to name a few.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
TMA wires
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontic?
My own orthodontic treatment.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed mot and do you plan to return? Return to Tasmania and go for a long walk.
Rui Dai
Melbourne University
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Digital orthodontics with integration of 3D analysis and printing. Witness the transformation in patients and their joy at the end of treatment.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My own experience of having orthodontic treatment.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
I will be returning home to Sydney. I have missed spending time with my family and friends.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Playing piano or going to karaoke with friends.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Travel back in time and play several pieces of music with Frédéric Chopin.
Sunny Cheung
Melbourne University
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Anywhere but the orthodontic postgraduate room (“The Cave”) – too many late nights spent there.
Who is your ortho hero?
There’s too many to mention, but I can’t go past my wonderful Profs Marie Cornelis and Paul Schneider.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Having a hit of tennis.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
The amazing orthodontists who worked across the road from me during my time in general dentistry (Drs Daniel Sable and Andrew Pepicelli).
What area of orthodontics most excites you? Deband day
Tina Singha Sydney University
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
Why did the orthodontist say the spacing wasn’t a big deal?
Because it was just a TAD!
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Lazing in the sun with my kindle and an iced matcha latte.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Sydney (preferably by the water), call me biased but we have the best harbour in the world, hands down!
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
A sunny BBQ with my family, enjoying good food, good wine and some competitive pool volleyball matches.
Advice for those starting the course next year
Prioritise self-care and lean on your support network to navigate all the inevitable challenges, but also enjoy the journey, lifelong learning and the incredible friendships you’ll form along the way.
Yinglu Jiang Otago University
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Deband day! I love seeing patients’ happy faces, but the debonding process... not so much. First years, you better help if you don’t want to be voted as class rep next year!
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
The fact that most patients are willing to visit orthodontists and don’t complain with, “Nothing personal, but I hate dentists!”
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Food. There is NO authentic Chinese food in Dunedin.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
What’s spare time? Maybe I’ll finally get to have some hobbies after graduation!
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Travelling, sleeping and watching movies. Anything but studying.
Zoe Berryman Otago University
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Enjoying my work, going on some awesome holidays, and hopefully being set-up with a house, dog, and maybe a kid!
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Improving people’s self-confidence - such a cool job!
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My orthodontist and the orthodontists at the Hospital I worked at.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Walking, hiking (AKA tramping in NZ), and playing tennis.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Relaxing at a beach somewhere sunny in Europe.