ADA NSW member Dr Amy Zhang has been announced as one of three recipients of the 2024 Young Dentists Volunteer Grants Award.

The grant was introduced in 2019 in collaboration with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) which promote the grant through their young dentists’ channels.

The grant is awarded annually to a dentist in the Section VIII region with less than 10 years’ experience in clinical practice since graduation from dental school.

Dr Zhang, 25, graduated from The University of Western Australia in 2023. This year is her first year practising as a registered dentist.

She is currently working for NSW Health at the Westmead Centre for Oral Health and was happy to hear she was an award recipient. “I was in shock,” Dr Zhang said. “I had to re-read the email a few times and then couldn’t stop jumping up and down smiling!”

Dr Zhang will participate in the Solomon Islands Rural Outreach program next year. She will be joining outreach teams to provide dental care in rural areas of the Solomon Islands, refining and enhancing oral health programs and collaborating with local dental teams, community leaders and nurses.

“I hope to gain valuable insight into the dental needs of underserved communities outside of Australia and improve the oral health status of these regions through direct service,” she said.

The value of the grant is up to $3,500 AUD to cover airfares, accommodation and other expenses directly related to a volunteer experience as approved by the ICD Board. The volunteer experience is arranged with leaders of projects supported by Section VIII.

Congratulations Dr Zhang on this achievement.