20 October 2021 

Pic caption: New ADA NSW President Dr Michael Jonas and new Vice-President Dr Rohan Krishnan.

ADA NSW has a new President and Vice-President in place. At a council meeting held on 1 October, Dr Michael Jonas was elected President and Dr Rohan Krishnan elected Vice-President. A dentist with more than 40 years’ experience, Dr Jonas was formerly vice-president of the organisation and replaces Dr Kathleen Matthews, whose two-year tenure as ADA NSW President has concluded. Dr Jonas has been a rural-based practitioner for more than 30 years and a long-standing member of ADA NSW’s Council.

He played a key role in the successful introduction of water fluoridation in Gunnedah, where he owned a practice for several years and is chair of ADA NSW’s Filling the Gap charity, which provides pro bono treatment to vulnerable patients.

“I am proud and delighted to be ADA NSW President, following in the footsteps of some terrific predecessors,” Dr Jonas, who currently works in private practice in Tamworth, said. “With about 5,000 members across NSW and the ACT, ADA NSW plays a hugely important role in advancing oral health. Kathleen was a terrific and tireless champion for oral health as President.

“She led vital advocacy campaigns including highlighting the need for better oral care for older Australians through the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, helping establish ADA NSW’s link with the Indigenous Dentists’ Association of Australia and overseeing the organisation through COVID-19, which continues to hugely impact dentistry.

“I’m eager to build on her achievements and also help improve access to dentistry for all Australians, especially those in regional and remote areas. ADA NSW achieved a 96% membership retention rate over the Financial Year 20-21, which underlines how much our members value our services.

“I look forward to supporting them further through my Presidency while ensuring more Australians understand the importance of oral health and its connection to overall wellbeing.” Dr Rohan Krishnan, who works in private practice in Sydney’s North Shore and is also Board Director of Filling the Gap, has been elected as the organisation’s new vice-president.

He has been actively involved with the Association since graduating with Honours in Dentistry from The University of Sydney in 2013. Dr Krishnan is currently an Honorary Clinical Associate Lecturer at The University of Sydney and has contributed to ADA NSW in several leadership roles, including Chair of the ADA NSW Recent Graduates Committee and member of the Advocacy Committee.

He is currently a MSc in Medicine (Orofacial Pain Management) Candidate. Rohan is an avid advocate for lifelong learning in Dentistry as a tool for professional development, clinical excellence and better patient outcomes. “Advancing dentistry is a huge passion of mine and I am thrilled to have become ADA NSW vice-president,” Dr Krishnan said. “I look forward to working closely with Michael, the ADA NSW Board and staff to further empower our members and help promote the importance of oral health.”

Introducing ADA NSW’s newly elected Board

After a successful election by ADA NSW Council held on 1 October 2021, the ADA NSW’s new Board Directors for 2021-2022 have been formed. The new Board members are as follows:

• Dr Michael Jonas – President
• Dr Rohan Krishnan – Vice-President
• Dr Dominic Aouad
• Dr Alex Holden
• Dr Kathleen Matthews
• Dr Jodie Olivier
• Dr Steven Parker
• Dr Catherine-Anne Walsh

Former Board Members Dr Tony Burges and Dr Chris Wilson have stepped down but will remain on the Council. We would like to sincerely thank them both for the invaluable service and commitment in these roles. Welcome Dr Steven Parker and welcome back Dr Catherine-Anne Walsh to the Board of eight inspiring leaders. We look forward to your continued efforts and accomplishments.

Our Board of eight Directors, nominated from and elected by Council, are responsible for managing the business of ADA NSW. Councillors are responsible for policy matters relating to the broader professional activities of ADA NSW. Get to know the new 2021 / 2022 Board Directors in our upcoming Dec/Jan issue of NSW Dentist magazine where we feature them all!