SHOW REVIEW
Outstanding Kiwi dentists honoured at NZDA Awards
From 22-24 Aug, the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) held its annual Conference and Expo at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Christchurch. The three-day event saw NZDA members, sponsors and exhibitors gather for a variety of scientific lectures covering the latest trends and techniques in dentistry, practice management tips, and the personal stories of heritage and culture from practicing dentistry in New Zealand.
event was emceed by former Three News anchor Mike McRoberts, where awards for four categories were presented, along with the induction of three new Honorary Members and one new Honorary
Life Member for services to dentistry in New Zealand.
Award recipients for 2024 included Dr Andrew Marriot (NZDA Colleague of the Year Award recipient), David Dr Wallbridge and Dr James Goodrich (NZDA Public Service Award joint recipients), Dr Viv Levy (NZDA Service Award recipient) and the Auckland
After the conference opening and president’s address, keynote speaker Dr Sarah Anticich kicked off the programme presenting ‘The Lawrie Croxson Memorial Lecture’ where she provided a science-based approach to everyday excellence and sustainable wellbeing in dental practice. The programme also explored pertinent current affairs faced by NZDA and the community it supports. Dr Matt Hobbs presented on New Zealand’s issue of community water fluoridation where he hoped to support efforts to improve population oral health and reduce inequities, by providing evidence to help policymakers make better informed decisions.
Mrs Megan Crum (second from left) was recognised as a NZDA Honorary Member and Dr Erin Collins (third from left) was recognised as a NZDA Honorary Life Member
NZDA Branch (NZDA Branch Initiative Award recipient) for their Community Mouthguard Initiative. Dr Erin Collins received the ‘Award of NZDA Honorary Life Member’ having displayed continuous family commitment to Dentistry in New Zealand and the NZDA since the mid-1970's. "The awards dinner is the focal point of our annual conference, and it is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate these members for their exceptional contributions and service to our profession and to the wider community," said NZDA president Dr Amanda Johnston. DA
In addition to the educational objectives for the event, bonding and community was a key and recurring aim for the NZDA as the programme included activities like a fun run around Christchurch's Hagley Park, and a comedy evening featuring dentist and comedian Sam Smith among others. On the evening of Friday 23 Aug, NZDA honoured some outstanding member dentists at its Annual Awards Dinner. The black-tie
61 DENTAL ASIA SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024
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