6 minute read
Still seeking direction?
We highlight another career pathway – but the messages for developing your career are the same
By Melanie Aley
I have been writing this column for a few years now, and I’m still contacted regularly by hygienists and oral health therapists who are not sure where to take their career next. Part of the challenge continues to be not knowing the available options, and that’s one of the reasons I love sharing the career stories of our profession in this column. It’s one of the things I think we need to do better in our oral health degrees so the next generation is better prepared for the variety of career options available to them.
In past editions, I have spoken to hygienists, OHT’s, therapists and dentists about their careers in education, health promotion, research, regulation, oncology, and owning their own business (dental or otherwise!). This month I chatted with Dr Cathryn Forsyth, PhD to highlight another career pathway – advocacy and policy. This interview not only provides an insight into advocacy and policy as a career but covers so many of the important messages I have relayed in earlier columns that are worth hearing again, as they apply to anyone looking to diversify their career or even start on a new path. Cathryn’s story highlights the importance of transferable skills in facilitating her pivot from clinical practice to academia, and then on to advocacy and policy. Skills such as time management, project management, teamwork and digital literacy are developed during our studies and in our clinical careers. The importance of mentoring is also emphasized, as these professionals can really encourage and motivate and inspire you to follow a new path. While there are formal mentoring programs through professional associations, sometimes you can find a great mentor informally by reaching out to your network or to those that are working in the field you are interested in. Great mentors become ‘sponsors’ and will actively look for opportunities for you to develop your career. Another alternative is to seek out some career counselling or coaching for guidance and support.
I hope you enjoy reading about Cathryn’s role and what has empowered and challenged her on her career journey.
Dr Melanie Aley
Dr Melanie Aley (nee Hayes) is a dental hygienist who has enjoyed a diverse career in clinical practice, teaching, research and management. She has a Masters of Education majoring in Career Development, and after working in multidisciplinary roles, is now an Associate Professor and the Bachelor of Oral Health Program Director at the University of Sydney.
Dr Cathryn Forsyth
Advocacy and Policy Advisor
Tell us about your current role:
I’m currently working with the Australian Dental Association NSW Branch as their Advocacy and Policy Advisor.
What education or experience did you need for this role?
University degree relevant to dentistry or oral health, excellent written and verbal communication skills, research and policy development experience, ability to plan ahead and work to specific deadlines, accuracy and attention to detail, proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs, a results-orientated professional who can work in a team environment.
What are the day-to-day activities in your role?
Develop responses to State and Federal Government submissions that relate to oral health issues, undertaking relevant research to prepare submissions for review.
Increase influence with government and key stakeholders, building relationships to work on joint campaigns.
Develop and implement an advocacy strategy in consultation with the communications team, focusing on Water Fluoridation, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), Aged Care, Rural and Indigenous communities.
Dr Forsyth and community representatives Aunty Olga and Aunty June with Bachelor of Oral Health students from Sydney Uni following their remote clinical placement in 2020
Review and assess key policy documents from ADA Federal and ADA NSW to ensure policies on oral health represent the needs of members and the community.
Provide administrative assistance to the ADA NSW Advocacy Committee and Indigenous Dental Association of Australia.
Ensure the website remains up to date with policy and advocacy documents and relevant oral health links/resources for the community.
Assist with the development of oral health promotional resources for members and a range of external stakeholders.
Coordinate and implement the OHP activities in association with Federal ADA including, mouthguard awareness, dental health week and world oral health day activities
What’s the most interesting/exciting part of your role?
Each day is different. I thrive on the variety, including preparing multiple submissions and meetings with various stakeholders. In the past I have conducted clinical practice, teaching and research, now I am able to utilise my previous experiences to translate research into practice and work with an experienced comms team to advocate for a change in policy or practice to make a real difference.
What was the scariest/most challenging part of choosing an alternate career path?
Having to move out of my comfort zone into an unknown field of expertise!
I’d never worked with a comms team before, so had minimal media, social media and comms experience. I must be one of the few people alive today that don’t have Facebook. Learning to work with a comms team who have specific skills in media, writing, editing and graphic design was daunting. Whether it was developing advocacy flyers or a podcast, writing a magazine article or social post, these were all skills that I needed to develop.
Were there people along the way who helped you get the career you wanted?
I’ve been very fortunate in my career to work with some very talented people.
When I started out in clinical practice I had a couple of great mentors. Once I built up my clinical skills, I was encouraged to have a go at teaching. When I consolidated my teaching, I was inspired to have a go at research. On reflection, all these experiences have really helped me in my current role. I have two great mentors now – one an expert in communications and public affairs and the other, a specialist clinician and experienced policy and advocacy executive– I’ve learnt so much and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given!
Do you have any advice for DH/DT/ OHT who are looking for a change from clinical practice?
If you are keen to stretch your career muscles and try new things, then go on an adventure! There are so many oral heath-related careers that provide great job satisfaction. I’ve never been bored in my career – step out of your comfort zone and have a go.
