News
Staff recognised at 43rd Annual Student Research Presentations
At the 43rd annual student research presentations staff members Associate Professor Menaka Abuzar and Dr Nathan Cochrane were recipients of awards for excellence in teaching. A/Professor Abuzar received the IJ Marks and TC Adamson prize and Dr Cochrane received the WM and AV Eggleston Trust Excellence in Teaching Award.
A/Prof Menaka Abuzar (left) and Dr Nathan Cochrane (right image) receiving their awards from the Head of School Prof Eric Reynolds.
The University of Melbourne has announced the launch of its Graduate Certificate in Clinical Teaching in 2013
The course is a year of study that will provide clinicians with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to excel as a teacher or supervisor in a clinical setting. Whilst clinicians generally enjoy teaching, they need specific skills to make the teaching fit around their demanding clinical roles while being as efficient and effective as possible.
The Certificate is a prestigious award course that provides a basic teaching toolkit while also providing a pathway to further qualifications for those who seek them.
The course anticipates the competing needs of busy clinicians by being flexible without compromising quality and aims to foster a cohesive community of practice by bringing together clinicians who share a passion for teaching.
All clinicians are welcome to apply whether they are starting out in their career, looking to enhance their skills mid-career, or are wanting to increase their teaching as they scale back their clinical load.
For more information about the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Teaching, please visit http://mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/gcct. We encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest form so we can keep you informed with key dates and course announcements.
Emeritus Professor Henry Atkinson celebrates his 100th birthday
Professor Mike Morgan presents Emeritus Professor Henry Atkinson with a gift from the Dental School for his 100th birthday.
Read more about Prof Atkinson in a story by The Age.
Award for Dr Nathan Cochrane
The Melbourne Dental School would like to congratulate Dr. Cochrane on being selected as Young Professional of the Year by the Board of Professions Australia.
The award is intended to encourage and recognise the achievements of a young professional who has demonstrated a noteworthy commitment to excellence and innovation in his/her profession.
The Professions Australia Board acknowledged his outstanding contribution to both his profession and community. They stated that "Of particular note is your work in dental research and innovation, as well as your commitment to your professional association and your considerable time spent speaking to people about dental health."
Pre-Clinical Laboratory at MOHTEC opens for student classes
Staff recognised at 42nd Annual Student Research Presentations
At the 42nd annual student research presentations staff members Dr Margaret Stacey and Dr Samantha Byrne were recipients of awards for excellence in teaching. Dr Stacey received the WM and AV Eggleston Trust Excellence in Teaching Award and Dr Byrne received the IJ Marks and TC Adamson prize.
Dr Margaret Stacey and Dr Samantha Byrne
Melbourne students win Colgate international dental research awards
Students from the University of Melbourne and the Oral Health CRC won the highly coveted Colgate Travel Awards at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Australia and New Zealand Meeting.
Student winners were Shao Bing Fong (1st place, Senior competition), Jacqueline Heath (1st place, Junior competition) and Gareema Prasad (2nd place, Senior competition). As winners of this award, all three students have received funding from Colgate to represent the University of Melbourne and the Oral Health CRC at the IADR Global meeting in Brazil in 2012.
Melbourne Laureate Professor Eric Reynolds AO, Head of the Melbourne Dental School and CEO of the Oral Health CRC, said the result reflected the quality of the research performed by the students.
“It’s a fantastic result for the Melbourne Dental School to have our students win both first places and second place in the competition”, said Professor Reynolds.
“Both Shao Bing and Jacqueline are studying how the chronic disease periodontitis is caused. This disease affects the tissues surrounding teeth and can lead to tooth loss.”
“Shao Bing and Jacqueline’s research could benefit the estimated 20% of Australians who suffer from a moderate to severe form of the disease”, said Professor Reynolds.
The International Association for Dental Research is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health. The IADR Australian and New Zealand Division Travel Awards were proudly supported by Colgate.
More information
Melanie Carew
Communications Manager, Oral Health CRC
Ph: 03 9341 1553
mcarew@unimelb.edu.au
Developing dental education and research in Victoria – latest Witness seminar to go online
Insights into the behind-the-scenes politics of the step-wise fluoridation of Victoria’s water supply and efforts to limit junk food in school tuckshops are two of many themes explored in the latest Witness seminar to go online.
The seminar, hosted by the School of Dental Science and convened by Dr Ann Westmore, is one of a series recording the history of Australian medicine through peer-reviewed oral history. It can be accessed at http://www.jnmhugateways.unimelb.edu.au/witness/contents.html
Twenty-one participants, including former University of Melbourne School of Dental Science academic staff members and students from the late 1940s to the early 2000s, reflected on the promotion of dental health in Victoria, the management of dental and oral disease, key contributions to dental research and practice, and the many challenges remaining.
Previous Witness seminars, with transcripts available online are;
- ‘A chapter in the evolution of paediatrics in Australia: The University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics at the Royal Children’s Hospital 1959-2003’
- ‘From “soft” to “hard” science: The development of microvascular surgery in Australia’
- Venomous Country: Struan Sutherland, Medical Science and Australian Animal Toxins
For further information about the Witness seminar program contact Dr Ann Westmore at afwest@unimelb.edu.au
Prestigious International Award for Prof Eric Reynolds
Professor Eric Reynolds has received a prestigious award for his research into gum disease.
Periodontal disease, known as gum disease, affects one in three adults during their lives. If left untreated, periodontal disease destroys the bone and tissue of the gum, and can result in loss of teeth. Professor Reynolds leads research into this debilitating disease in his roles as head of the Melbourne Dental School and CEO of the Oral Health CRC.
Professor Reynolds has been recognised for his significant contribution to the field of dental research by the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) at their San Diego Conference.
Professor Reynolds has been a leading figure in oral health science, with more than 30 years in dental research, management and commercialisation of innovations. The developer of the remineralisation technology Recaldent™, Professor Reynolds' research into periodontal disease has focused on early detection and management of the disease. Current research projects include the development of a chairside diagnostic for periodontal disease and potential treatment of chronic periodontitis through vaccination.
Prof Reynold receiving his award at the IADR San Diego meeting.
Award for decay prevention project
An Australian research project has won a prestigious award from the International Association for Dental Research for dental caries prevention. Led by Denise Bailey, the pilot study investigates the use of general medical practitioners for providing information on preventing dental caries. The study involved researchers from the Melbourne Dental School and the Oral Health CRC.
Dental caries, known commonly as tooth decay, is a major cause of toothache with symptoms including infection, bad breath, tooth loss and inflammation. Currently, one in four Australian adults have untreated caries. The use of some medications for hypertension or depression can affect saliva production, which has the potential to lead to increased risk of dental caries.
The pilot study aims to increase general medical practitioners' understanding of the potential links between medication and dental caries, and improve the advice given to patients. The study brings together knowledge, support and membership of two practice based research based networks, VicReN and eviDent. Through working closely with practitioners, the study's outcomes will be directly communicated to medical and dental professionals.
Lead researcher Denise Bailey will receive the award on behalf of the team at the International Association for Dental Research's conference in San Diego.
Melbourne Dental School ranks as top Dental School in Australia
The Melbourne Dental School has been ranked “well above world standard” by the Federal Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative.
The initiative assessed Universities against criteria on research quality, volume and activity, indicators of research application and recognition over a six year period. The Melbourne Dental School received the highest ranking possible, outperforming all other Australian Universities teaching dentistry.
This result is a testament to the quality of the research and commitment shown by our staff.
To read the report, please visit http://www.arc.gov.au/pdf/ERA_report.pdf
Staff recognised at 41st Annual Student Research Presentations
At the 41st annual student research presentations staff members Professor Michael Burrow and Dr Graham Woolley were recipients of awards for excellence in teaching. Professor Burrow received the WM and AV Eggleston Trust Excellence in Teaching Award and Dr Woolley received the IJ Marks and TC Adamson prize.
Head of School, Prof Eric Reynolds presenting the prize to Dr Graham Woolley.
JULIA GELLATLY
Working her way to the top
Working as a mortuary technician is not a job for the faint hearted.
“My role preparing corpses for pathologists was far wider and very different than depicted in forensic television shows like CSI,” said Julia Gellatly, who recently graduated from the Melbourne Dental School. “Working in forensic science can be more confronting than other professions and there are certainly aspects of it that are hard to discuss at the end of the day over dinner.”
Julia has always had a passion for anatomy and worked as a respiratory physiologist before pursuing a career as a dentist.
“Being a dentist offers a variety of opportunities that go beyond the usual stereotypes people have such as cleaning teeth or filling cavities,” said Julia, who worked as a dental nurse throughout her dentistry degree to support herself. “It allows you to engage with people and build relationships with them so they have trust in you.”
Julia grew up in the western Victorian town of Horsham and completed an arts and science degree before starting a traineeship as a dental nurse. In 2004, she commenced the Bachelor of Oral Health and then transferred to Dental Science in 2005.
Reflecting on her experience, Julia said the course offered good opportunities for intensive clinical training and exposure to research.
“The School has a practical and academic approach to learning and also allowed me to gain exposure in a variety of settings,” said Julia.
Julia said returning to study as a graduate was aided by her experience in the profession.
“Dentistry is a complex area where technical skills must be matched with excellent communication skills. I think having that experience in dentistry before I returned to study really helped me deal with a lot of different people and situations and ensured I was ready for work at the top of the profession,” said Julia. “It meant I had developed a good grounding in dental health before starting the course. It really gave me confidence in my career choice.”
Julia is currently working in a practice on the Mornington Peninsula where the seasonal influx of summer holidaymakers has been keeping her busy.
“Summer has seen me treat a lot more patients than at other times of the year” said Julia.
For this vibrant young dentist, much like her previous role as a mortuary technician, it is all in a day’s work!
“Dentistry is my passion. I certainly feel a sense of satisfaction that I am helping people everyday in maintaining and improving their oral health, which is something that is often neglected.”
Professor Eric Reynolds appointed Foundation Head of the Graduate School of Dentistry
On Wednesday the 23rd of December the Vice Chancellor accepted the recommendation of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, with the unanimous support of senior academic staff of the School, that Professor Eric Reynolds be appointed Foundation Head of the Graduate School of Dentistry known as the Melbourne Dental School for 5 years from 4th January 2010. The staff of the School congratulate Professor Reynolds on his appointment.
Staff recognised at 40th Annual Student Research Presentations
At the 40th annual student research presentations staff members Dr Anu Polster and Dr Dragan Grubor were recipients of awards for excellence in teaching. Dr Polster received the WM and AV Eggleston Trust Excellence in Teaching Award and Dr Grubor received the IJ Marks and TC Adamson prize.
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| Dr Anu Polster receiving her award from the Deputy Head of School, Prof Mike Morgan | Prof Mike Morgan presents Dr Dragan Grubor with his award. |
VC & Dean to address FMDHS Staff - "Refining Our Strategy' - 28 September
To all staff in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences All staff are invited to a presentation by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis, and the Dean, Professor James Angus. Topics to be covered are:
- the external environment in which the university and the faculty operate, including the budget environment
- faculty business to date in 2009 and plans for 2010
- Refining our Strategy
There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentations.
Date: Monday 28 September
Time: 1.30 – 2.30pm
Venue: Theatre 1, 221 Bouverie Street
The presentation will be audio-recorded via the university’s iLecture recording system, and the recording and presentations will be made available to staff who are not able to attend.
ABC Television Program "Can We Help" films story at the Melbourne Dental School
“Can we help?” the ABC Information program hosted by Peter Rowsthorn came to visit the Melbourne Dental School in late 2008, in response to a viewer question “Do trainee dentists practice on real people?” The program briefly covered the significant academic studies that student dentists have to undertake – and showed that the practical side is just part of a much bigger picture. The focus of the program was not on the academic side of things. The emphasis was getting to grips with how student dentists learn the practical, hands on skills they need as qualified dentists. The program used the viewer question as a springboard to look at other interesting issues surrounding the subject. The program knew that trainee dentists don’t go straight from the books to patients to practice on – they wanted to find out what’s in between.
Some of the questions asked were “Do students practice on dummies, volunteers or friends? How do they learn to give injections? How do the students feel about their first real patient?”
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| Host of "Can We Help", Peter Rowsthorn, gets "hands-on" experience with a manikin in the Simulation Laboratory. | Dr David Manton watches as Peter learns some of the skills required to handle a dental handpiece. |
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| Staff Member Sue Dobell assists Peter with his "patient". | Filming students at work in the Preclinical Laboratory. |
The film crew also took time out to visit the Henry Forman Atkinson Dental Museum. Professor Atkinson spoke about the history of dentistry and dental training, identified some of the early instruments and demonstrated how the pedal engine was used.
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| Peter interviews Professor Henry Atkinson in the Henry Forman Atkinson Dental Museum at the Melbourne Dental School. | Peter with Prof Atkinson and Museum Cuator Louise Murray. |
The story (episode 8) featuring the School aired on the ABC on Friday April 3 and can be viewed at the Can We Help website and is available from the video download page.
Staff recognised at 39th Annual Student Research Presentations
At the recent 39th annual student research presentations staff members Dr Graham Woolley and A/Prof Michael McCullough were recipients of awards for excellence in teaching. Dr Woolley received the WM and AV Eggleston Trust Excellence in Teaching Award and A/Prof McCullough received the IJ Marks and TC Adamson prize.
Filling in time at Henry's hideaway
Article from the Herald Sun newspaper September 13 2008.
New name for the Dental School
I am delighted to report the change of our name to the Melbourne Dental School. We are very excited about the new name and logo, both have been overwhelmingly supported by academic and professional staff of the School. They will provide the identity and brand for marketing the school and the new Doctor of Dental Surgery. They will also provide the platform on which to build the future of the dental school.
Professor Eric Reynolds (Head Melbourne Dental School)
Secret City: The Henry Forman Atkinson Dental Museum
Annie Lawson, The Age, 19 February 2008, p. 15.
