23 minute read
THANK YOU, DR HALLETT
from Edition Five, 2022
by adawa.com.au
Thank you
Dr Hallett
On the eve of his retirement, we celebrate the dedication and service of our CEO, Dr David Hallett.
In his eight years as ADAWA CEO, Dr David Hallett has seen changes, both big and small. Some, he can accept personal responsibility for; others, he has overseen and quietly guided to successful completion. One thing, however, is certain: ADAWA is now, more than ever, a strong and united membership association, thanks in no small part to David’s caring and committed leadership. There can be few members who haven’t had the benefit of David’s sage advice and assistance over the years. ADAWA members know that he’s never more than a phone call, email or coffee away, available at short notice when crisis hits or when a friendly chat is required. Taking on the role eight years ago, David had an inkling of what being CEO of ADAWA truly meant. He only knew that he was taking over from the much-loved and admired CEO, Dr Stuart Gairns. While David, at this point, had been an ADAWA office bearer for 15 years, Stuart had 30 years’ experience, and was hugely respected both within the profession and the broader health community.
Stuart handed to David a membership association that was already strong. Membership numbers were high, the branch was running successfully, and members were satisfied. It was, on the whole, a much lauded membership model. And, as the saying goes, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Having already been ADAWA President, David felt confident taking on the role of CEO, and did so with a determination to simply continue Stuart’s legacy. “I saw my role primarily as supporting the members,” David recalls. “If there’s such a thing as a KPI in this job, it was simply to improve on member services and maintain member satisfaction.” In doing so, David hoped to be an advocate for better patient outcomes in the community. “I realised that if we supported our members enough in their practise, by stealth, patient outcomes would naturally improve.” Over the past eight years, ADAWA has quietly improved and advanced in many other ways – all to the benefit of its members and thanks to the leadership of Dr David Hallett.
COMMUNICATION WITH MEMBERS
David, with the support of his progressive executive team, was instrumental in implementing a media and communications strategy at ADAWA. This has been significant in opening the lines of communication with staff, members, stakeholders in health and the wider community.
The Western Articulator magazine bears little resemblance to the newsletter of a few years ago, receiving widespread acclaim for its innovative design and quality, content-driven articles. Similarly, the association is now active on social media, with regular communications going out to members both in the private Facebook group and via email. At no point was this more important than during the early months of the COVID pandemic. “There was a period in 2020 when we thought the profession was going to be disseminated,” David recalls. “It was a testimony to our strength that we were able to support members both emotionally and financially.”
David with members at a CPD event.
WA DENTAL CPD
David says it has been great to watch the WA Dental CPD program under the direction of Dr Jenny Ball and her committee develop into what is now a world-class program. “In particular, the development of programs for recent graduates has been a real feature to keep young members engaged,” he says.
VOLUNTEERISM
“Dentists have always provided pro bono care within their own practices, whether it be free treatment or discounted treatment to people in need, but we have never been able to understand the significance or the magnitude of that,” he says. “Whereas now we have a range of structured programs, providing greater insight as to what is really being done. “It’s also wonderful to see so many young dentists being involved and viewing it as an attribute of being a health professional,” he adds.
David with Executive members at a CPD event in Geraldton.
BUILDING RENOVATIONS
ADA House has been transformed immeasurably over the past few years, with David taking on the role of 'pretend' project manager in the huge renovation. The project saw the tired, outdated building on Havelock Street in West Perth undergo a dramatic transformation. “The old building wasn’t particularly welcoming. The AV was outdated and the lecture theatre impractical. Now, it’s perfect for CPD events and general meetings, with quality catering facilities.”
DAVID’S LEGACY
In eight years, David has achieved his “KPI” – and much more besides. As he begins his retirement, he can do so knowing he did his best in trying to make a difference – to Western Australian dental professionals on an individual basis, and the community at large.
This, he says, is his proudest achievement as CEO. “We’ve really been able to connect with members on an individual level. Whether you’re a student, in private practice or government health services, part time or full time, retired or still practising, our members know they can reach out to us for individual support. “This might be for broader professional support, professional indemnity support, volunteering opportunities or CPD; we are here to offer support on an individual level.”
David with Immediate Past President Dr Sean Archibald at the Welcome to Practice dinner.
David with Jenny Catto, assisting with office renovations.
David Hallett with Telethon Kids Institute Executive Director, Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM and Cancer Council WA CEO, Ashley Reid.
STRONGER TOGETHER
Regardless of who takes over as CEO of ADAWA, David is confident the association will remain strong, provided the members continue to be united. “Whether we’re talking to Government, to health funds, or advocating on behalf of our patients, we can only do that if the branch remains strong,” David says. “The branch can only remain strong if we are unified.” He also stresses the benefits of being an engaged member, from first-hand experience. “Like many members, for the first 20 years of my ADAWA membership, I just paid my fees and rarely engaged.
“It wasn’t until Peter McKerracher, who was CEO at the time, tapped me on the shoulder and suggested I think about giving something back, that I decided to get involved with the association.” It was, of course, one of the best decisions David ever made – and he encourages other members to do the same. “You don’t have to become a councillor,” he says. “You just have to support each other, be a good role model and seriously consider being a mentor for younger graduates. If we ask your opinion, speak up for what’s best for the profession and what’s best for your patients.”
PLANS FOR RETIREMENT
It may be a tired cliché, but David is genuinely looking forward to spending more time with his family. “The cliché has become the reality,” he says. “My two daughters have come back to live in Perth after 15 years or so away with their families, including a new grandson. My perspective on life has started to change and I’m ready to appreciate the simpler things in life.” When asked if those retirement plans include working on a lawn so green it will be the envy of his competitive, turfloving neighbours, he laughs. “About 20 years ago a well-known dentist in Perth was retiring and he was asked the question what he was going to do during his retirement,” David recalls. “He said: ‘I’m going to spend more time with my gerberas, creating the perfect colour and the perfect shape and form.’ “I remember I turned to my colleague and said if I ever get like that, just put me out of my misery,” he laughs. “Yet now I’ve reached this age and this point, I don’t think it’s such a bad option.”
Drs Jenny Ball, David and Cristina Pinzana De la Torre.
Tributes
I wish to express my gratitude to Dr David Hallett for his invaluable support, professional advice and kindness during the past years. I wish him all the best in his retirement. Thank you very much,
Dr Cristina Pinzana De la Torre
Thank you, David for a job well done. Thank you for the support you provided during difficult times, to the patience you showed when mistakes were made, to the guidance you offered when morale was low and, most importantly, to the compassion you displayed time and time again.
Dr Hosam Ehdeyhed and Dr Alissa Jacobs
Always the best experience with Dr David. Very humble, kind and great professional advice. Thanks.
Dr Richa Seth
What a great job you have done for dentistry in WA and dentistry as a whole over these last eight years. You really will be sorely missed and would be entitled to be labelled “Mr Dentistry”. Your organisational ability has always been outstanding. I don’t believe in retirement but eventually it must come to us all. Thank you again for your great service. You will be sorely missed.
Dr Ian Rosenberg
I will always appreciate the support, advice and help I got from David when I had to go to court to get a restraining order against a very persistent patient. It was a very stressful, frightening time and David’s support was greatly appreciated.
Dr Sinead Ho
On behalf of Dental Health Services, I wish to sincerely thank David Hallett for his and ADAWA’s support of our organisation and public dentistry in Western Australia. David always considered DHS when dealing with Governments and Ministers during his time as CEO. He was always there to listen and to provide sage advice as issues arose. The cooperation between ADAWA and DHS during the pandemic has been outstanding as we have navigated the challenges together and ensured that dentistry was kept at the forefront of the minds of the decision makers, David was integral to this process. We wish David a healthy and happy retirement and are sure that knowing David, there will be a new world of opportunities for him to explore. Congratulations on a wonderful career, and best wishes for the next phase, it has been our pleasure to know you and to work with you. Kind regards,
Dr Gino Cirillo | Dental Health Services
Drs Amanda Phoon Nguyen, Sean Archibald and David Hallett.
David has not only been a friend but a valued mentor, a voice of reason and a shining beacon of many of the values and ethics we should uphold as a profession. In many a situation, David’s actions have been the one of integrity and compassion, demonstrating true leadership. Many members may not realise how hard David works, from taking phone calls at all hours of the day and night, to even personally cleaning the gutters on a weekend at ADA House! Special thanks to his family and Keri for supporting him and allowing us all in share in David’s time and energy. I don’t really have the words to describe how much I will miss David Hallett as CEO, but I am also very excited for his next phase and for David to spend the time he wants with his loved ones. Thank you for everything, David. You are truly one of a kind!
Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen
Where do I begin? Dave has been part of my dental journey for the last 15 years, since having the great pleasure of working alongside him at OHCWA. His calm nature and attention to detail quickly saw him earmarked for greatness, sadly not with us at OHCWA but on to the CEO of the ADA. He was and is a wonderful colleague, a gentleman, knowledgeable and admired by the whole profession and his patients alike and I am always grateful that we crossed paths that fateful day he decided to take up a position up on first floor at the Oral Health Centre all those years ago. Enjoy your well-earned retirement and what enormous shoes they are to fill!
Dr Vicky Cirillo
Thanks for all your help over the years, David. You have done an amazing job. I hope you enjoy your retirement. Regards,
Dr Greg Hilton
Thank you for going above and beyond in assisting every one of us. While I had nearly given up on the profession, the conversation with you gave me hope and confidence. I really admire your leadership skills and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet you. Wishing you a happy, relaxing and fulfilling retirement. Kind Regards,
Dr Shruti Bhattad
Happy, for you, and sad, for me, and the rest of Australia’s dentists and public (though they don’t know it). You have been a great CEO of ADAWA. How you did such wonderful job given: the variation in the social times, our members, changing laws, the public, etc, is a testament to the outstanding man, organiser and dentist you are. You will be missed. Enjoy the next phase. Your friend,
Dr Clive Rogers
Over the years, David has helped me many times. He has always taken my calls or called back if he was not available at the time. He is a rare bird and a great loss to the industry. Everyone at our practice knows about him and wishes him a happy and healthy retirement.
Michael Jeffery
David has been an inspiring, gentle leader for the ADAWA. We will miss his like.
Dr Kim Mezger
Tributes
David, I recall as if it were yesterday, our catch up over coffee in Swanbourne, where you enlisted me to talk on orthodontics to the new graduates. For me it was a real paradigm shift, as you always feel as if you have just graduated, and have yet so much to learn. I think this occurs all through our careers, the constant desire to keep learning and keep improving is always present. I felt humbled and had a real professional mindset change. That passing on the guidance and leadership offered to me through years to the next generation, is in fact the continual evolution of our profession and in particular our dental community here in WA. Thank you for offering me that experience, and engaging me to then continue to contribute my experiences and skills to the profession through Women in Dentistry and then Healing Smiles. We wish you only the most relaxing of retirements, filled with adventure, joy and travel. Thank you for being such an instrumental part of our WA dental community David. We will miss you dearly at ADAWA. Best wishes,
Dr Gosia Barley
Thank you, Dr Hallett, for always being there to give me the support needed. Even if you were busy, you always returned my calls after. I felt comfortable in the advice that you gave, especially when I ran into tough times in dentistry. Thank you and you will be missed! Enjoy the well-deserved retirement!
Dr Stephanie Kong
The last three years of my life have been some of the most turbulent and challenging times. Without David’s unwavering support throughout it all, I don’t think I would be where I am today. He has done so much for me selflessly not only as the CEO of ADAWA but as a confidante and a counsellor. He is an amazing man.
Dr Justin Soon
I have been fortunate enough to have Dr Hallett’s assistance for various reasons and very much appreciated his kindness, empathy and professionalism at times when I was under a lot of pressure. I want to send my very best wishes to him for a restful, healthy and enjoyable retirement. His will be big shoes to fill and I hope that his successor can rise to the challenge. Best wishes,
Dr Grishma Patel
David, I can prescribe him with one statement: loving to all. Not only helping all members professionally, but I’ll never forget when the massacre occurred in New Zealand, with that monster, ruthless man who killed 55 children and women and old people while they were praying in the most safe environment and very vulnerable in the mosques, three years ago, on Black Friday, March 2019.
David offered us, as Australian Muslims dentists, his condolences in the Journal, and he even offered to come with me for praying. We were all very scared to go and pray. He not only shared his kindness and care. He offered to join me for a prayer in the mosque. This is only something we will never forget. I can call David a true Australian and a great professional man. We will miss you, for sure.
Dr Hossam Ismail
Dearest David, Words cannot express how grateful I am for what you have done, not only for me as a young regional practitioner, but also for all the Western Australian dentists over the years. I consider myself lucky and honoured to have had the opportunity to learn from you the subtle art of patient management and professionalism. You are indeed a role model and not having you at ADAWA will be a tough transition, for us all, to get accommodated to.
We will all miss you. Thank you for being you and enjoy the new chapter of your life.
Dr Kimyia Sedaghatkish
Just would like to thank David for his excellent leadership.
Dr Craig Lewis
Just a message to say thanks for doing the good work and for personally helping me with contracts. I really appreciate your wealth of knowledge and your willingness to help. All the best!
Dr Vidya Krishna
Dear David, Thank you for the wonderful support you have extended to me during your tenure as CEO. I wish you all the very best for the future. Best wishes,
Dr Marianne Pinto
It has been an honour and a pleasure to work with Dr Hallett over the past few years. Dave works collaboratively and with the best interests of the community of Western Australia in mind. This was evident as we traversed the Covid pandemic together. Thank you Dave and we will really miss you.
Dr Soniya Nanda, Chief Dental Officer
Dear Dr Hallett, You have been a source of consistent support and guidance throughout your tenure as ADAWA CEO. Your time, your dedication, your response, always to the highest level with ethics and compassion, will be fondly remembered. I will miss you, but wish you every happiness in retirement. May you always have work for your hands to do. May your pockets hold always a coin or two. May the sun shine bright on your windowpane. May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. (Irish Blessing). With appreciation and best wishes,
Dr Marilyn Lobo and the team at Prime Children’s Dental Care
Tributes
David, Your devotion to the profession has been extraordinary. Observing your tireless guidance, support and leadership has been truly inspiring. Congratulations on your retirement! You have set the bar very high! I hope you can finally enjoy more sleep ins and family time!
Andrea P
David has been a true asset to the ADA and to the dental profession. From my time as an undergraduate dental student up until today, David has been a fantastic resource of objective and learned advice, and his absence going forward will be noticeable. All the best for a well-earned retirement!
Dr Thomas Graydon
Many thanks for the years of service above and beyond. You will be sincerely missed! Wishing you all the best with your future plans.
Dr Johnathan Barron
It’s been a pleasure, words are not enough to convey your value. Enjoy retirement! You know I’m jealous!
Andrea A
Dear David, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to join the ADAWA family. You will be so missed at ADA House. Thank you for everything and enjoy your retirement.
Brooke Evans-Butler
Dear David, I’d like to thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout your time as CEO at ADAWA. Wishing you all best and a wonderful retirement. Warmest regards,
Dr Vanessa William
I only graduated in 2019 but our class met Dr Hallett early and at several important events leading up to graduation. His discussions about ethics and professionalism were interesting and helpful but they also built my confidence in ADAWA as a whole. I can’t think of ADAWA without thinking of a few faces, with Dr Hallett being one of them. Thanks and I hope your style will live on in ADAWA.
Dr David McConnell
David has led ADAWA with great distinction, and as the political adage goes - he has been a very safe pair of hands in guiding us through all eventualities. Thank you, David for your hard work, dedication and wise counsel. We wish you well in your welldeserved retirement and we will miss your cheerful collegiality. Fare-thee-well, my friend, you have been exceptional! Cheers!
Dr Albert and Libby Tan
All of my memories of David Hallett are fond. My favourite, which summarises his character: An 86-year-old lady, whom he had seen for many decades, was referred to me for Periodontal work. Given her anxiety about seeing another clinician, David took the afternoon off and came in with her for her consultation appointment to be with her. David was in Claremont at the time, and the practice I was at was in West Perth. Such an amazing man on so many levels. A real treasure and asset for our profession. Thank you David. I hope you and Kerry have a fabulous retirement.
Dr Peter Kerrisk
Hey Hey Dave, Wishing you every happiness in the years beyond your beautiful involvement in dentistry and along our journey together. Many thanks for your sage council and advice throughout this journey and too throughout our adventures in the profession. Sending you all our hopes and dreams for continued happiness and fulfilment in all your future endeavours. Keep well.
Greg and the team at Cambridge Dental Centre
David, You are and always will be the best tea maker on the planet, and let’s face it, who else gets tea delivered to their office by their CEO? Thanks for always trying to keep the “CARE” in health care, it’s been an absolute pleasure to work for you.We are all going to miss you, but I’m so happy for what comes next for you. Best wishes,
Sandra W
I’m not sure David himself is aware of the profound and lasting impact he’s had on the dental community of WA. It’s been humbling to watch our CEO in action, as he looked after our members with care, kindness and compassion. I feel proud to have spent the last three years working alongside him. Thank you for letting me be a part of the ADAWA.
Lisa Shearon
I want to take this opportunity to personally thank Dr David Hallett for his openness and his willingness to always help ADAWA members. He was always there to help me make better informed decisions about my career. Always accommodating. Always helpful. Never too busy to talk. Thank you once again, and I wish you nothing but the best in your retirement.
Dr Harun Mulla
I'll miss our afternoon chats - except for when you slinked in with a diabolically wordy powerpoint that was in desperate need of a 'graphics massage'. Your passion for the industry, advocacy and genuine care for those in need is an inspiration. It's been an absolute pleasure to work with you. Your boss,
Amie Mason
David has been such a wonderful support for me. He always has such a lovely, gentle, non-biased approach. We have had some great discussions and I have learnt a lot from our chats over the years. Thank you for everything. You will be missed! Hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement. It’s been truly wonderful getting to know you.
Dr Parul Bhatia
Tributes
Dear David, Masterful CEO, father figure, and friend to the disparate members of all ages that make up our ADA! David, you have done an amazing job and been there to guide us through some of the greatest challenges facing the dental profession, with the advent of the world health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic. Many thanks for all you have done to further our profession … and always with dedication to the task in hand and a cheerful demeanour to those around you. Wishing you well for the future and I will look forward to hopefully catching up with you in person in the near future. Yours sincerely,
Dr Holly Edwards
So sorry to hear that Dr Hallett is retiring. I have been very fortunate to have met him many years ago as a new graduate dentist. I had a difficult experience at a private practice, therefore I reached out to the ADAWA for assistance and Dr Hallett and Andrea have been so helpful. I remember having regular meetings with Dr Hallett so he could check my resume and contracts. He would even do follow up calls to ensure I was doing okay. I eventually did a country stint for a couple of years and when I attended the Australian Dental Congress, he would always say hi and ask me about the experience. Even recently when I contacted him about a new situation, he wouldn’t hesitate to help. I’m sure I am not the only dentist that had received this kind of help from Dr David Hallett and I honestly do believe that he has helped me with my career, especially during difficult times. He will be missed. Kind regards ,
Dr Amelia Hemmati
Dear David, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the role you have played in supporting Forensic Odontology in WA. This has included introducing and providing ongoing support for the process of sending out emails to members to request dental records, to assist with the Identification of the deceased. This does not happen in any other state or territory in Australia and it is much appreciated.
You have enabled the WA Forensic Odontology Team to provide conclusive evidence to the Coroner of the identification of many hundreds of people and allow their loved ones to gain some closure in some pretty awful situations. Thank you, we will miss you and good luck with your new adventure. Kind regards,
Dr Helen Vaughan
