Celebrating the Class of 2022
‘22
Welcome to the Profession
CLASS OF
2022
This year’s graduands undertook their orthodontic studies during one of the most stressful and unpredictable couple of years in recent history, but soon their efforts will pay off and they will close the books not only on 2022, but also on their three years of specialist training. The ASO extends a warm welcome to the Class of 2022, and we also acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of their educators and the support of their families guiding and encouraging them during their studies. Let’s get to know our Graduands - who inspired them to pursue orthodontics, the area of orthodontics that most excites them, what they have missed whilst studying and other fun facts. Here is the Class of 2022!
1
Ashley Freeman University of Melbourne
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Finally being able to remember the six Burstone geometries.
Who is your ortho hero?
There are so many, but Associate Professor Paul Schneider has inspired me the most both professionally and personally.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Probably my orthodontist Dr Peter Scott. Sitting in his Collins St rooms in the late 90s, something must have clicked over to inspire me to pursue this wonderous profession. Thanks Dr Scott!
Caitlin Stephens University of Queensland
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
Here are my transfer patients, they won't take you long to finish...
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My two orthodontists, Dr Andrew DiBiase in the UK, and Dr Rhonda Coyne when I moved back to Australia mid-treatment.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return? A life. I've missed having a life!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Wanaka, New Zealand. If you haven’t been there yet, treat yourself!
Jessica Kong University of Western Australia
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
With a family, working with great people in a practice long term.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Orthognathic surgery cases as the outcomes can be amazing.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
My own orthodontist.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Hang out with my dog and be at the beach or river.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Studying a postgrad through six lockdowns and Zoom sessions to last a lifetime, I've missed spending my time with my family and friends, so hopefully more of that from now on.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Spending time with the Melbourne Orthodontic Running Group (MORG) early on a Saturday morning!
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I would like to be a sponsored traveller for more than just a day.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Italy - because I love pasta.
2
Jonathan Lam University of Queensland
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Deband day. It’s always satisfying to see a patient react to their new smile.
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 and I am looking forward to big family dinners and hanging out with the new nieces and nephews born over the last couple of years.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Road cycling in the summer. Snacking in the winter.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Patagonia, Argentina
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I would like to watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy (extended edition) with my wife.
Joseph
O’ConnorUniversity of Queensland
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Retention – I love it. Just gets me really excited. I’m thinking of starting a retention study clubis anybody keen to join?
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
A range of factors makes orthodontics a fantastic profession, I recognised that and decided to persue it.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
I miss the jovial Irish people, and the variety Europe has to offer. Yes, I plan to return to Ireland. I will also miss Australia - the people I’ve met here and the amazing wildlife and nature in Queensland.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
I like going to the Gym, watching or playing sports, skiing, reading and hanging out with good people.
Tell us your best orthodontist joke. What is Shakira’s favourite cephalometric measurement? - the WITS because the ‘WITS don’t lie’.
Juhi Yadav University of Western AustraliaIf you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Right now all I need is 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep!
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Orthognathics, Tads and Clear Aligners can we get their biomechanically...
Who is your ortho hero?
Biomechanics: Charles Burstone; Ortho-sense: Lyle E Johnston (Unfortunately never had a face-to-face session with them); Orthognathics
101: Mithran Goonewardene
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
My parents’ home in India; TLC 24x7 with Michelin star kebabs and curries.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time
Dancing with my little boy.
3
Kamel Saeed
University of Western Australia
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working in a private practice and at a university contributing to research and teaching.
Who are your Ortho heroes?
Drs Charles J Burstone, Lysle Johnston and Kevin O’Brien.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Surgical orthodontics and temporomandibular joint related malocclusions
What is your favourite thing to do in spare time?
Watching documentaries mainly about history and politics.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Rome
Matthew Wong University of Sydney
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
I'm really excited about the integration of new technology and AI to achieve more efficient and predictable results for patients. I really enjoy the genuineness of the orthodontic community and the kindness of others to share their knowledge and help each other out.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
BBQ! I love a good weekend spent with family and friends cooking up some well chargrilled BBQ. Chicken wings, prawns, sausages, steak, you name it, I got it.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Home is where family and friends are.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Spending a night in Norway to see the northern lights would be magical. I could stay up all night.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully, not treating the same patient that I started 5 years ago.
Mohammed Basheti University of MelbourneTell us your best orthodontist joke Patient: I will wear my elastics full time…
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Interestingly, I think my childhood malocclusion was probably where it all started. Ugly duckling stage was not a short phase… it was my childhood.
Who is your ortho hero?
All my Melbourne orthodontic supervisors are my heroes, and I will always be in debt to their hard work. But if I was to choose one, it would be Associate Professor Paul Schneider.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
My spare time over the past 3 years was spent practicing my religion Islam. I think it’s imperative to remain close to God throughout your whole life journey.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? The location is not important, but with who.
Melbourne has become my new home due to my ortho journey with friends who have become family. Bit cheesy I know.
4
Neha Sood University of Sydney
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I would like to walk along the river Seine in the sunshine, eating baguettes and pastries.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Seeing the joy on your patients’ face when they finish treatment, it is the best feeling.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Making delicious fresh pasta and feeding everyone around me.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Although Sydney is my home now, I miss the green of New Zealand, my family, friends and of course, Feijoas.
Tell us your best orthodontist joke How do you straighten a polar bear’s teeth? With brrrr…aces!
Nicholas Pittar University ofOtago
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully running a busy orthodontic practice and not halfway through another postgrad degree.
Who is your ortho hero?
Dr Michael Skilbeck
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return? An insulated house and double glazing (Dunedin is cold). I’m looking forward to heading back up to Christchurch, catching up with friends and hopefully getting back into the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Playing the violin and making music.
Paul Lam University of MelbourneWhat is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
I’d much rather be in the gym or at the cinema than studying. So you’ll often find me there when I’m procrastinating.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Seeing a patient’s reaction at the end of treatment, when their excitement is palpable.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Dr Tim Mew-Sum during my work experience planted the seed of becoming a dentist which turned into a pursuit of orthodontics.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I would like to drive a Formula 1 race car around a track.
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
Where do fish go to get their teeth straightened? The Orca-Dontist
5
Priyanka Ponna University of Sydney Raoul Mascarenhas University of Melbourne
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Not studying for another exam!
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
You rate yourself a 10/10 in elastic wear huh…
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Any sort of exercise or activity in the sun! I hate being stuck indoors.
If you could do anything for a day, what would it be?
Watching the finals of Wimbledon or the soccer world cup.
Advice for those starting the course next year
Live in the moment and enjoy the ride! There are many ups and downs but make the most of it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully 5 years wiser!
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
Brace yourself! Why shouldn’t you treat monks with Invisalign? There’s too much attachment.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Digital orthodontics and the possibilities it opens is exciting as we move forward. On a day-to-day basis however, the interaction with my patients, and watching them grow and transform through treatment excites me and brings me great satisfaction.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Swimming, relaxing with friends and family, catching up on my favourite TV shows, and attempting to cook.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Snorkelling and diving followed by a Netflix binge.
Sherry Lee University of OtagoWho is your ortho hero?
Dr Michael Skilbeck
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Impacted canines – pity my classmates don’t feel the same way.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Relaxing in bed with a book and good music.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? South Korea – Korean food is the best!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Live the life of a professional musician in Europe.
6
Soon Leng Saw University of Western Australia
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Settling down with a good work-life balance and traveling again.
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Seeing a patient’s smile changing with orthodontics and the change in facial profile with orthognathic patients. It makes all the effort and time put into it worth it.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Family and friends! I am definitely going back for a good break.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Relaxing with a good book and a nice cup of tea if I need some me time. Or else, hanging out with family and friends.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Having a good brunch and spending quality time with family.
Tapiwa Gwengo University of Queensland
Tell us your best orthodontist joke
They said I couldn’t tell an orthodontic pun. Well, brace yourselves…
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
The advances in technology and evolution of treatment modalities.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Spending time with my family. I am hoping they haven't forgotten I exist.
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Flying a fixed wing light aircraft.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Play a game of basketball with 1995-1996 Michael Jordan.
Teddy Nguyen University of Otago
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working that dream 4-day work week, where extra-long weekends are available for perfecting those baking skills and finally learning to play cello, of which I’ve said I wanted to learn for the past decade.
Who is your ortho hero?
Dr Michael Skilbeck
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
Achieving that perfect socked in occlusion at deband… *chef’s kiss*.
If you’re studying away from home, what have you missed the most and do you plan to return?
Family and friends and the luxury of home cooking. Saying bye to beautiful NZ and heading back home to Sydney… so if anyone has a job available… I might be the right person for your team.
Advice for those starting the course next year
When things seem never ending, know there is light at the end of the tunnel… and it’s only three years away.
7
Yasi Gu University of Sydney
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 2027
Who is your ortho hero?
Dr Ted Peel, Professor Hawkins and Dr Dan Vickers. Tell us your best orthodontist joke What did the orthodontist say to the patient? Brace yourself!
What area of orthodontics most excites you?
I am excited by the application of digital technology in Orthodontics.
What or who inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Seeing the transformation of a patient’s smile and the positive impact it can have on the way they look and feel.
CONGRATS 2022
CLASS OF
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