My Association
Get involved and shape the future of your association! We invite you to contribute your expertise by becoming a Board Director, committee member, division or study group representative, or volunteer. This is your chance to engage, make an impact, and help drive the profession forward. Join us and play a key role in representing and supporting your dental community.
Board and Council
Our Board of eight Directors, nominated and elected by the Council, manages the business operations of ADA NSW. Meanwhile, Councillors focus on policy matters relating to the broader professional activities of ADA NSW.
2024-2025 Board Directors
- Dr Dominic Aouad (President)
- Dr Jodie Olivier (Vice-President)
- Dr Cathleen Dong
- Dr Sophie Halpin
- Dr Rasheeda Jamee
- Dr Mark Morrin
- Dr Steven Parker
- Dr Elizabeth Carson (Independent Director)
2024-2026 Council Members
Dr Dominic Aouad
President
Dr Jodie Olivier
Vice-President
Dr Cathleen Dong
Board Director & Councillor
Dr Sophie Halpin
Board Director & Councillor
Dr Rasheeda Jamee
Board Director & Councillor
Dr Mark Morrin
Board Director & Councillor
Dr Stephen Parker
Board Director & Councillor
Dr Kate Amos
Councillor
Dr Antony Benedetto
Councillor
Dr Thomas Giblin
Councillor
Dr Srikanth Karumuri
Councillor
Dr Yong Kho
Councillor
Dr Derek Mahony
Councillor
Dr Mehdi Rahimi
Councillor
Dr Rouel Vergara
Councillor
Dr Anthony Yammine
Councillor
Committees
ADA NSW members are strongly encouraged to get involved through voluntary service to our Branch committees. Share ideas that help shape our Association, profession and commitment to improving oral health through a number of committee options.
For more information on contacting or contributing to ADA NSW committees, contact us.Â
Find out more about each committee below:
Committee members and activities:
Advocacy Committee
Chair: Sophie Haplin
Deputy Chair: Mohit Tolani
Committee Members: Jodie Olivier, Mark Bennett, Yasmin Samiee, Saskia Salvestro, Amy Zhang, David Sheen, Hans Zoellner, Leanne Ng, William Yiu, Raman Dhaliwal, Srikanth Karumuri, David Farrington.
Aim: To increase the Association’s infuence with government and the general public. This includes responding to requests for comment and developing policy on state-based issues.a
Audit and Risk Committee (by Board appointment only)
Chair: Jodie Olivier
Deputy Chair: Liz Carson
Committee Members: Cathleen Dong, Mark Morrin, Deb Cockrell, Kate Amos
Corporate Governance Committee
Chair: Steven Parker
Deputy Chair: Angela Pierce
Committee Members: Angie Nilsson, Jodie Olivier, Rasheeda Jamee, Stephen Elliot
Editorial Committee
Committee Members: Dominic Aouad, Jodie Olivier, Sophie Halpin, Haydyn Bathurst
Education Committee
Chair: Cathleen Dong
Deputy Chair: Rouel Vergara
Committee Members: Mehdi Rahimi, Shalin Desai, Chamika Wijayasena, Karrar Bohreh, Derek Mahony, Yong Kho, Aaron Goh, Kimberley Craig, Munira Xaymardan, Tom Giblin, Dimitra Mersinia
Aim: To support members by providing education, advice and guidance on contemporary best practice. Broadly, this committee:
- Develops and oversees leading education/CPD programs (online and face-to-face)
- Liaises with NSW universities
- Considers requests for research support
- Reviews requests for information.
Ethics Panel
Committee Members: Paul Beath, Deborah English, Chris Peck, Catherine Prineas, Juliette Scott, Mark Sinclair, Sameer Bhole.
Executive Remuneration Committee
Committee Members: Dominic Aouad, Jodie Olivier, Liz Carson, Daniel Nicholls (external).
Honours and Awards Committee (by Board appointment only)
Chair: Tony Burges
Deputy Chair: Sabrina Manickam
Committee Members: John Dale, Cathleen Dong (Ex Officio), Rohan Krishnan
Mentoring Committee Working Group
Chair: Anthony Yammine
Committee Members: Melanie Patney, Greg Normoyle, Yasmin Samiee, Leonard Leung, Claire Champine
Nominations Committee
Committee Members: Dominic Aouad, Jodie Olivier, Ron Heinrich.
Professional Support and Innovation Committee
Chair: Mark Morrin
Deputy Chair: Michael Fong
Committee Members: Laurence Doan, David Farrington, Joe Chih-Heng, Steven Smith, Matthew Cohen, Nader Malik, Sen Le, Narayan Gandedkar, Victor Tiong, Christine Premdas-Rogers, Antony Benedetto, Sasha Rutnam
Aim: This committee is an evolution of the Dental Practice Committee and is responsible for supporting all members, independent of how they practice or how they are employed. Broadly, this committee:
- Supports members to be the best dentists
- Informs and is a point of contact for the management services of member information and advisory services, including legal, HR and business development
- Reviews the Branch professional indemnity insurance arrangements on an ongoing basis.
Public Dentists Advisory
Committee Members: Sameer Bhole, Stephen Cox, Rashi Garg, John Flicker, Louise Hanrahan, Rasheeda Kaja, Lyn Mayne, Leanne Ng, Audrey Ng, Angi Nilsson, Kerrie O’Rourke, Sheela Sampath, Albert Yaacoub, Dominic Aouad (Ex Officio), Jodie Olivier (Ex Officio)
Recent Graduates Committee
Chair: Stephanie Primc
Deputy Chair: Sarah Amr
Committee Members: Anosha Baqai, Haydyn Bathurst, Kevin Zhang, Rainbow Yang, Samantha Tang, Alexander Mitchell, Anthony Yammine, Ahjeong Yoo, Dylan Day, Dominic Aouad (Ex Officio)
Aim: The main aim of the Recent Graduates Committee is to assist new graduates and undergraduates in their transition to and understanding of professional life. This aim includes but is not limited to:
- promoting the the value of ADA and being an ADA member to recent graduates
- promoting (and creating) networking opportunities to allow recent graduates to network with other dentists and for continuing education
- assisting ADA NSW in maintaining relevance to recent graduates
- providing resources for dentists employing new graduates that will help to mentor and facilitate learning
- promoting recommendations to ADA NSW Council for matters related to recent graduates.
Sports and Social Committee
Chair: Rob Watson
Deputy Chair:Â Ellis Vakirtzis
Committee Members: Sabrina Manickam, Leonard Leung, Andrew Prideaux, Mark Morrin (Ex Officio).
Aim: This committee considers opportunities in sport, the arts and culture for members to experience collegial connection and oversees the organisation of such events.
ADA NSW Division & Study Groups
P: (02) 8436 9970 | E:Â events@adansw.com.au
About Division and Study Groups
Stay up-to-date on current dental techniques and strategies with ADA NSW Division and Study Groups.
Explore a wealth of educational opportunities at Division and Study Group meetings held across the state. Immerse yourself in non-biased, insightful sessions delivered by renowned presenters, available in various formats including in-person evening gatherings, full-day events, and webinars.
These meetings offer a unique chance to connect with local dental professionals or expand your network state-wide. Open to all dental team members, these events provide valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities. New meeting dates are continuously added, so remember to check back regularly for updates.
ADA NSW Affiliated Groups
- ACT and Southern Tablelands Division
- Central Coast Division
- Eastern Suburbs Dental Group
- Far North Division
- Hills Dental Study Group
- Multidisciplinary Grand Rounds Study Group
- Nepean District Dental Study Group
- Newcastle Division
- North and North West Division
- North Eastern Division
- Northern Suburbs Dental Study Group
- South Coast Division
- Southern Division
- St George Dental Association
- Western Division
- Women’s Study Group
Upcoming Division & Study Group Meetings
Volunteering
Volunteer participation and engagement has been at the core of ADA NSW since its foundation – it goes to the heart of who we are.
Get involved
Our volunteer community is where purpose, passion and expertise intersect. There are many and varied ways to get involved, stay connected and contribute.
We are committed to expanding our volunteer community, and ensuring it is inclusive, diverse and flexible in nature.
If you want to expand your professional network, develop new skills, share your knowledge, or simply give back to the profession, consider volunteering with ADA NSW. It’s an invaluable opportunity to connect and work with a broad range of members and give back to the community.
Awards and Honours
Honorary Life Member
Honorary Life Membership
The Association may on the recommendation of the Council at an Annual General Meeting elect as an Honorary Life Member of the Association any dentist, who is a financial member of the Association, and who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the dental profession, (in addition to any service to the Association) or to the art and science of dentistry.
Awarded on 9th August 2024
- Dr Peter Hugo Sachs
- Dr Mark SinclairÂ
Award of Merit
Award of Merit (established 1988)
The Council may decide to award the Award of Merit to a member who has
- Maintained fifteen years of membership and;
- Made an outstanding contribution to the Association, or
- Made a distinguished professional contribution to oral health, or
- Made an outstanding contribution to the profession as a clinician, or an academic or an administrator.
Awarded on 9th August 2024
- Dr Lyn Mayne
- Dr Brett Dorney
Recent Graduate Award
Recent Graduate Award
The Council may recommend that a dentist who has graduated with an original degree in dentistry within the previous 7 years to be awarded the Recent Graduate Award. The recent graduate award would be awarded to;Â
- Recent graduates who have fulfilled service to the Branch and the profession and have demonstrated leadership in Branch, academic or professional activities, including dental research and leadership in activities involving dentistry and the community.
- Who is a member of ADA for at least 3 years at the date of nomination.
- Who is registered to practise in Australia and be resident and practise in NSW.
Awarded on 9th August 2024
- Dr Cathleen Dong
As the peak body representing the dental profession in NSW and the ACT, our advocacy for
members ensures we stay united as a profession, securing the profile, funding, support and
recognition to allow us to continue advancing dentistry and promoting oral health and general
health for all Australians.
ADA NSW aims to advocate for the dental profession by being the leading influencer
with the community, stakeholders and government. Our goal is to increase awareness of the
connection between oral health and general health to improve the health of every Australian.
We do this by:
- Advocating for the best interests of our members, the profession and the
community - Engaging with government to increase ADA NSW profile as the peak body
of dentistry in NSW and the ACT. - Developing strong stakeholder relationships to raise awareness of the
connection between oral health and general health. - Engaging with the medical profession and other health organisations to
promote the importance of good oral health as part of good overall health - Raising community awareness of good oral health to improve the health
of every Australian. - Engaging with media to increase the profile of ADA NSW as the peak
body and increase awareness of oral health
We partner with:
- State Government and Regulatory bodies – making submissions
- Universities & Health organisations – on joint initiatives
- Federal ADA and other state and territory branches – on national issues
As a membership organisation, we have a strong voice. Our key advocacy areas include improvements in oral health for older Australians, increased awareness of the effects of sugar on health, the promotion of mouthguards and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and supporting community water fluoridation. Find out more below.
Contact Us
P: (02) 8436 9900
E: adansw@adansw.com.au
Key advocacy areas
Aged care
ADA NSW recognises that older adults are a priority population who require special attention. Both older adults living in the community and those in residential aged care facilities should have access to affordable, timely, patient-centred oral health care as part of their overall healthcare plan.
In 2019, ADA NSW began collaborating with key stakeholders in the aged care sector to develop two submissions to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (2019 and 2020). As a result of these submissions, ADA NSW President Dr Kathleen Matthews was called as a witness to the Royal Commission Oral Health hearing held via video-conference in July 2020.
In March 2021, we received great news from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s final report, with oral health for older Australians spotlighted as a major issue in need of action. Recommendations included a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme to fund dental services for eligible older Australians.
ADA NSW will continue to advocate for elderly Australians by lobbying government to implement the necessary changes for improvements in oral health for this vulnerable group.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is the only Medicare-funded program providing general dental care for eligible children aged 0-17 years for a range of services, including examinations, cleaning, x-rays, fillings, fissure sealants, extractions and root canal therapy.
The CDBS provides up to $1026 per eligible child, over two calendar years. However, since the introduction of the CDBS in 2014 the uptake of the scheme has been low.
ADA NSW promotes improved oral health for those children who need it most, by raising the awareness of the CDBS among the general public and our colleagues in health. At the same time, ADA NSW advocates on behalf of dental practitioners to streamline provision of care under the CDBS and lobby for extension of the program to children under 2 years and for those treated in hospitals.
Download our CDBS resources for patients and GPs:
Dental Health Week
Â
Dental Health Week is the Australian Dental Association’s major annual oral health campaign.
It takes place each year in the first full week of August, and aims to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral health by promoting four key messages.
The 2024 campaign focused on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gums to help you keep your teeth and smile for life.
For more information, visit ADA’s Dental Health Week website.Â
Â
Mouthguards
ADA NSW promotes the use of mouthguards every year at the beginning of the summer and winter sporting seasons. The provision of custom-fitted mouthguards for all children and adults involved in team sports and at-risk recreational activities prevents many cases of dental trauma each year. We continue to advocate and raise awareness with the general public through media and social media campaigns. With only about a third of Australians wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sport, you can help us spread the word.
Key messages for patients:
- Sports-related injuries account for nearly 40% of dental injuries, yet only 36% of Australians wear a mouthguard when playing contact sport, and even fewer wear a mouthguard during training.
- A single case of dental trauma can lead to a lifetime of treatment.
- Dental trauma from sporting injury can result in damage to the tooth nerve, fractured, cracked or knocked-out teeth, a broken jaw, damage to the tongue and cut lips.
Benefits of a custom-fitted mouthguard:
- Minimises risk of injury to teeth, gums and jaw
- Makes breathing and speaking a lot easier
- A lot more comfortable than ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards
- Expert fitting from qualified professionals
- Long lasting, durable and available in a variety of designs.
Click here for more information.Â
Rural and Remote Oral Health
People living in regional and remote areas have poorer oral health than those in major cities, with oral health status generally declining as remoteness increases. A lack of effective policy and health system commitment towards rural oral health results in these significant oral health disparities. Multiple factors including availability of dental and oral health practitioners, geographical location, costs of treatment, water fluoridation and patient preferences and attitudes are all contributing factors.Â
ADA NSW responded to the NSW Parliamentary inquiry into health outcomes and access to the health and hospital services in regional, remote and rural NSW. Read our response here.
Sugar
Tooth decay, obesity and diabetes continue to be major health problems for the Australian community. One in two Australians regularly exceed the World Health Organization recommendation to limit added sugar to 10% of daily intake (equivalent to 12 teaspoons of sugar). Sugary drinks are the largest contributor to added sugars in the diet with young Australians (especially males) the highest consumers. ADA NSW supports the introduction of a Sugar Tax by the Australian government with the revenue directed towards public awareness campaigns and other initiatives to assist all Australians in achieving healthier diets.
Water fluoridation
Water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to provide a base level of prevention for tooth decay across the population. Over 93% of the population of NSW and the ACT currently have access to fluoridated water. ADA NSW continues to support all local communities in NSW and the ACT to introduce or maintain community water fluoridation.
In recent years we have worked with the communities of Molong, Gunnedah, Bega and Oberon to assist local dental practitioners in advocating for the addition of fluoride to the drinking water. We will continue to actively support NSW Health in their efforts to raise public awareness of the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation at the recommended Australian levels.
- ADA NSW Position on Water Fluoridation
- Water Fluoridation FAQ Patient Handout
- Water Fluoridation Supporters
- Water Fluoridation Facts vs Fiction
Visit our water fluoridation page for fluoridation facts, resources and recent media releases.Â
Constitutions, Policies and Codes
The cornerstone of ADA NSW’s governance is our Constitution – enacted in 1929 with the official incorporation of the Branch. Our core objectives include:
- Encouraging and promoting the study of dental and allied sciences
- Promoting the continuing education of members
- Public awareness of dental health
Constitution
Code of Ethics
This document has been created to guide members in their professional lives through obligations to patients, in employment, to other members, the dental profession and the community.Â
By Laws
- Award of Merit
- Branch Council Election Issues
- Code of Conduct for ADA NSW Elections
- Dental Benevolent Committee
- Disciplinary Procedures
- Disputes of a Non-Ethical Nature
- Divisions and Study Groups
- Election of Federal Councillors from NSW and the ACT
- Ethics Panel
- Membership Matters
- Presenters
- Remote Participation in Meetings
- Standing Orders
