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TERRITORY
THERAPY Dedicated DHAA members in need of some faceto-face networking descended on Darwin for the 2022 DHAA National Symposium. As Bill Suen reports, they were rewarded for their efforts
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fter a two-and-a-half year lay-off, the DHAA Symposium welcomed delegates to the Darwin Convention Centre for a memorable education and social program that most have been looking forward to for sometime. The Symposium committee was led by Michelle Kuss as chair and supported by Jacquie Biggar who was in charge of putting together the education program. The pre-Symposium hands-on workshops were all sold out with Dr John Hagiliassis’ Clear Aligners Workshop being the most popular. Bubbles were free-flowing when delegates and exhibitors got together at the welcome reception and the official opening of the Symposium exhibition hall. The atmosphere of excitement could be felt strongly with everybody keen to re-connect after such a long spell away from face-to-face events. The trade exhibitions never looked so welcoming and the eagerness to seek up-todate information and technological
advancements was overwhelming. The Mindil Beach Sunset Market was a popular attraction for delegates who strolled over after the welcome reception on Thursday evening for further entertainment, food stalls as well as the arts and crafts show. Everyone was early on Friday morning to catch up with colleagues and friends before attending the Symposium
“ Bubbles were free-flowing when delegates and exhibitors got together at the welcome reception and the official opening of the Symposium exhibition hall”
opening by the Northern Territory Chief Minister the Honourable Ms Natasha Fyles. In her address, she praised the DHAA’s effort in bringing about the anticipated changes in provider numbers that will improve access of oral health services to those in need such as the rural and remote, aged care and indigenous communities. She ascertained her government’s commitment to deliver a better health system for all, with a focus on improving health outcomes from birth through childhood all the way to end of life. She looked forward to seeing oral health practitioners playing an increasing role in supporting her government to achieve these goals. Keynote speaker Professor Richard Logan presented his view on the important roles of OHTs and dental hygienists as part of the dental team through his lens as a researcher, educator and regulator. The importance of prevention in oral health was again highlighted and reinforced. Professor Logan’s view was further reinforced >>
