8 minute read
Territory therapy
Dedicated DHAA members in need of some face-to-face networking descended on Darwin for the 2022 DHAA National Symposium. As Bill Suen reports, they were rewarded for their efforts
After 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 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
by oral pathologist Professor Camille Farah’s presentation on the integration of OHT in oral medicine, with oral health therapist Maya Janik discussing how the dental team works in practice.
Delegates were provided with a practical understanding of burnouts and mood disorders associated with dental practices. The session was delivered by Associate Professor Matthew Hopcraft who conducted extensive research in this field. Co-researcher and OHT Dr Roisin McGrath then provided a presentation on resilience that included many practical strategies to create a happy and healthy individual over challenging times.
The breakout streams on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning offered delegates the opportunity to select and attend topics of their interest from experts including Dr Amanda Nguyen, Dr Sarah Kelly, Dr Troy McGowan, Dr Nicole Stormon, Caroline Falconer and many more. The education program concluded with the afternoon session from Dr Ron Knevel and Deb Hume challenging the status quo and launching the DHAA Consumer Oral Health webpage and pamphlets with a call to action for the profession to move towards person-centred care. Their presentation highlighted the patient’s perception and expectations of oral health care professionals. This was followed by a number of short presentations on success and innovation from our colleagues and students.
Besides the usual trade exhibition where delegates got to see the latest products and services from leading companies with an abundance of samples and giveaways, there were two new features for our Symposium that proved to be very popular. The DHAA Members’ Marketplace was a complimentary trade stand for DHAA members to showcase their own innovations. The exhibition hall also housed information sessions during tea and lunch breaks on the Peer Support Service, Aged Care Chapter, Oral Health Promotion and Public Health Committee and Special Needs Dentistry.
Poster displays were also located in the exhibition hall with delegates sharing their experience and expertise through their posters. The prize for the best was awarded to Dr Meloshini Naicker – dental hygienist at the Perio Centre in Victoria. Her poster shared her extensive experience in the non-surgical management of periodontal diseases.
The Symposium was a great occasion for the DHAA to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our colleagues. A/Professor Melanie Hayes was awarded life member in absentia for her extensive contribution to the DHAA as national president, CEO, regular contributor in education and her ongoing support to career development of members. Honorary members Professor Janet Wallace, Wendy Sih and Dr Mark Wotherspoon were recognised for their personal achievements as well as their significant contribution to the DHAA Chapter.
Ashley Bainbridge of Central Queensland University was awarded the 2022 DHAA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Therapy Student Study Grant. The inaugural DHAA Oral Health Student of the Year Award went to La Trobe University student Wan Ying Chia. Ying demonstrated her extensive involvement with university life, engagement with the professional association and her leadership and passion in driving her social responsibility project (ORAPACT) to help the disadvantaged communities with her fellow students. Her presentation at the Symposium was outstanding and inspirational. On receiving her award, Ying hoped to use her $5000 cash award to further expanding the project to reach out to more communities in need.
Victorian DHAA member Kelsey Ingram is the recipient of the prestigious 2022 DHAA Oral Health Award at the Symposium. This award recognises the excellent contribution of oral health practitioners at the >>
grass root level in improving health outcomes and the well-being of the general public. Through this award DHAA hopes to tell the stories of the vital work of the quiet achievers within the oral health profession. Kelsey’s continuing contribution into oral health promotion, tireless effort in public health research and persistent determination to use her research to drive advocacy to improve oral health in the community are inspirational to us all. The award was accepted by Kelsey’s colleague Ian Epondulan, Chair of the DHAA Oral Health Promotion and Public Health Committee, as she has just given birth to twin daughters – Olivia and Ave – last week and was unable to attend the presentation. A big congratulations to Kelsey for her award, and more importantly the arrival of her new family members. You can read more about DHAA award winners on page 8.
Speakers, sponsors, volunteers, key stakeholders and other invited guests joined president A/Professor Carol Tran and the Symposium Committee at the President’s Reception that was held on the Speaker’s Green at the NT Parliament House. Guests enjoyed the incredible ocean view while mingling until after dawn. It was a most enjoyable and memorable experience and many delegates have already tried to get onto the guest list for the next Symposium. The Symposium Gala Dinner at the Mindil Beach Casino Resort was the highlight of the social program. Everybody wined, dined and danced in the festive atmosphere overlooking the harbour. Such a perfect way to conclude this annual DHAA flagship event that is always packed with quality education, exciting trade exhibition, inspiring awards and presentations, and memorable social functions. This is another successful Symposium with deserved credit going to the organising committee, the staff, the professional conference organiser and the many volunteers that brought it all to life.
The 2023 DHAA National Symposium will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, SA between 21-23 September 2023. Keep the website bookmarked for more info.
