The giving lab

We are lucky to have a growing number of giving dentists who volunteer their time for ADHF programs, St Pat’s and Healing Smiles. But for every volunteer dentist, there are also works going on quietly behind the scenes, to help make pro bono dental care possible. A big part of this care is the lab work, which can be very expensive – and this is where the generosity of the Oceanic Dental Laboratories team makes such a difference.

Oceanic Dental Laboratories came onboard as sponsors of the ADHF in July 2018, and have provided pro bono lab services and dental prostheses to the value of over $40,000 (which includes chrome and acrylic dentures, bite blocks and custom trays). They also committed to sponsoring Healing Smiles cases. For Michael Moran, Nicholas Mann and Gerard Klingeholler and the Oceanic Dental Laboratories team, giving back is part of the culture.

“The values of Oceanic has always been around low-cost dentistry," Michael says. "We knew there were a lot of gaps in pathways for people to get assistance if they cannot afford it, so we were pleased to help ADHF. With Healing Smiles, we realised it was a space we could help to make a positive impact."

"We don’t get to see the patients often, but we definitely get a kick hearing a story about how someone has been positively impacted by what might have been just a couple of hours’ time for us.”

Oceanic organises everything for the pro bono cases, including paying for the courier for delivery. And even though the work they are doing is pro bono, no corners are cut. “There is no differentiation between a pro bono case from any other case and I think that is important that we keep it that way," Michael says. Everyone here knows we do a lot of ADHF and charity work but in terms of the day-to-day stuff, we just do the best that we can on each individual case."

"The volunteer dentists and practices appreciate the smooth process involved in utilising Oceanic’s lab support for pro bono cases. They pride themselves on their professionalism, friendly customer service and high standards. I’m very grateful for Oceanic’s ongoing support of our ADHF volunteer programs,” says Andrea Paterson, ADHF WA State Coordinator.

“It is always a pleasure speaking with Andrea, Sandra, Debbie at St Pats and everyone else involved with ADHF and Healing Smiles programs helping people in the community needing dental treatment,” Gerard says.

To other dental laboratories considering volunteerism, Nicholas says to do it. “What have you got to lose?”

“It really is a no-brainer,” Michael adds. “If you have any time, you should do it. It is good for the soul, and I find it is much better than getting stopped at the shopping centre and being asked to donate to a cause you don’t know much about.”

New beginnings

The Oceanic team are currently doing improvements on their new premises, in Technology Park, near Curtin University, which they moved into a year ago. “We are probably three and a half times bigger than where we came from,” Michael says. “This actually used to be the old police forensics lab.” oceanicdentallab.com.au

Currently in their eighth year, Oceanic has grown from a two-person team to employing more than 14 people, and they are constantly looking for new talent. They are also supporting over 1200 clinicians nationally. Watch this space!

Leadership and academic excellence

ADAWA is proud to sponsor awards in leadership and academic excellence for the UWA Dental School Annual Prize-Giving Ceremony.

KAYLEE WONG – recipient of the Australian Dental Association (WA Branch) Prize.

Third year dental student, Kaylee Wong says she feels incredibly honoured to be awarded the ADAWA Branch prize. “Dentistry is something I am passionate about and I am always looking to become a better clinician for my current and future patients,” she says. “Receiving this award demonstrates to me that whilst the learning curve may be steep, hard work does pay off! I am very grateful for the Dental School staff, my family, and my friends for their support in making this achievement possible.”

Kaylee adds she extends a massive thank you to ADAWA for their generosity in sponsoring the award.

“ADAWA’s support of the UWA Dental School and the University Dental Students’ Society (UDSS) helps to ensure the DMD student experience is educational, enlightening and enjoyable,” she says. “Receiving this award would also not have been possible without the continuous support and mentorship I have received within the Dental School.

I would like to thank the lecturers, tutors and other staff who have so willingly and generously shared their knowledge with us students, so that we can grow and develop as future dentists.” To other Dental School students, she gives the following advice to ensure they make the most of their degree: “Maintain a good study-life balance and get involved in things outside of Dental School,” she says. “Whether it is joining a committee (UDSS or the Australian Dental Students’ Association are both great), playing a sport, hanging out with friends or picking up a new hobby, keeping a balanced lifestyle is important. Dentistry can be a full-on degree but you should also enjoy the journey there.”

SARAH BOON – recipient of the Australian Dental Association (WA) Prize for Academic Excellence in Dentistry

Dr Sarah Boon says it was a lovely surprise to learn she was the recipient of the award. “I am very grateful to receive recognition for all the hours I put into my studies during Dental School, however, it was not a sole effort,” she says.

“I will forever be grateful for the wisdom and guidance of the Dental School academics, tutors and nurses that has shaped me into a clinician I hope they can be proud of. And to my family and my DMD friends, you guys are the best. Thank you all for your patience, kindness and support without which I would not have gotten to where I am.”

Sarah says she thanks ADAWA not only for their generous donation but also for their unwavering support of the DMD students. "The ADAWA has supported the DMD students and the student society (UDSS) for countless years,” she says. “They are always happy to help, and I have no doubt they will continue to show their support as I learn to navigate the professional world as a graduate dentist and beyond. Another huge thank you goes to the Dental School. The Dental School provided a welcoming learning environment where we could safely develop as clinicians. All the staff were always so supportive of the DMD students in their own ways and often went above and beyond to guide us through the dental course.”

Since graduating, Sarah says she has been enjoying growing as a dentist. “I am learning new things every day with the support and wisdom of my mentors and colleagues and am starting to find my feet as a new graduate,” she says. “Outside of dentistry, I have also been spending some time travelling and have been enjoying having more downtime to bake and be more active.”

To current Dental School students, she says Dental School will have its ups and downs, so hang in there and be there for each other, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Remember to also prioritise your mental health and regularly put aside time to do nondentistry things,” she adds. “Try to enjoy the journey and I look forward to you all joining the profession as budding new dentists!”

SCOTT SANTAROSSA – recipient of the Australian Dental Association (WA) Award for Leadership Excellence

Dr Scott Santarossa says he was stunned when he found out he was the recipient of the ADAWA Award for Leadership Excellence in Dentistry and the Sally Joyston-Bechal Study Group Prize. Unfortunately, a misdirected email meant he was not at the prize ceremony.

“I am really grateful and thankful for the awards,” he says. “At the time I didn’t really think about all the work I was doing; I just did it. But looking back, although it was a lot of work it was worth it. It is nice to have that recognition by receiving the leadership award.”

Scott, along with then fellow student, Anooshree Katwe, won a Healthy Smiles Community Grant, which they used to make videos explaining dental procedures for the Deaf population. The Smiling Signs videos were launched at a Deaf Awareness Training event held at ADA House last year.

“I feel many of the leadership opportunities I was given throughout Dental School were achieved with much help and support from ADAWA,” Scott says. “We did a lot of work with the Deaf community and teaching dentists about the Deaf community and hosted our launch event for Smiling Signs here at ADAWA.”

Scott says currently, he is working on more Smiling Signs videos behind the scenes, and is trying to pull their resources, which are currently spread over the Eastern States, to bring everything closer to Perth. Additionally, a research paper about Deaf awareness training was recently published, and a second paper about dental anxiety in the Deaf community is currently going through review stages prior to publication.

To current dental students, Scott advises to make the most of being at university and get involved. “There is a lot of opportunity; you just have to look for it and ask questions,” he says. “A lot of the things that I did throughout university was a result of me talking to people and asking if things were possible. Try to make the most of being there in a space where there are so many very intelligent and passionate people that you can collaborate with.

“Secondly, try to set up a good support system so when you leave you transition from student to working dentist smoothly,” he adds. “You go from a very safe and sheltered environment to being on your own, so make sure you have people around you within the profession and outside of dentistry.”