It has been nearly a year since Dr Simon Shanahan took his seat as the Dental Board of Australia Chair. We spoke to him about his experience in the role.
Dr Simon Shanahan is well-known his contribution to the dental profession in WA, but this year he took on another large role as the new Chair of the Dental Board.
I believe you have been involved with the Dental Board of Australia for a number of years. Can you tell me about your previous involvement with the Dental Board?
I originally joined the West Australian Registration and Notification Committee of the Dental Board of Australia in 2012 as a practitioner member. At that time, the Committees were state based. I eventually served as Chair of this committee and the Immediate Action Committee in Western Australia. In 2021, the Committees became national bodies that met virtually. I was appointed co-Chair of the Notifications and Compliance Committee (NCC) in 2021.
Eventually in December 2021, I was appointed as a practitioner member, from Western Australia, of the Dental Board of Australia. Members of the Board may serve three, three-year terms. After my first term, I was appointed the third Chair of the Dental Board of Australia in late 2024. Very proud of that – a long apprenticeship was served.
Can you tell me how you came about taking the position of Chair of the Dental Board? What does the position of Chair require you to do?
National Board appointments (including Chairs) are made by the Ministerial Council, which is made up of Health Ministers from all jurisdictions and the Commonwealth.
The job of Chair is almost a second full-time job. Besides presiding over meetings, overseeing the Board’s delegated decision-making committees and all the issues we consider, there is (much) more. Strategic planning, budgeting, multi-profession interaction with other National Boards… it is a long list that keeps me doing something basically every day, weekends included.
When you took the position of the Chair late last year, did you go into the position with any goals in mind?
My initial goal was to continue with the important program of work already underway. “Listen and learn” is an apt epithet when taking on a new role. It is not yet a year, but I now do have goals I can articulate – short and long term, high level and more granular.
What are your hopes for the next year to come as Chair of the Dental Board?
I’m still listening and learning, but I also can say that, broadly, I wish the Dental Board to be a leader in professional regulation – and not just in the dental profession.
To protect the public is our primary goal and that requires us to be fair, transparent, reasonable and forward-looking. I would say that keeping the trust and confidence of the public, the practitioners and students we regulate, other regulatory partners and stakeholders is key to achieving this goal. I want the Dental Board to continue to be seen as progressive and open to change and reform, but considered in how we apply changes that affect many groups. At the granular level, we have a lot of projects on our plate that require discipline and staying power to complete. One hope and goal I have in relation to your readers is that we assist them to take time to understand how the Board operates in the very complex area of regulation in Australian healthcare.
Nearly a year into the appointment, what has the experience been like for you?
As I noted, the job is a big one. I would describe the experience as stimulating mentally, tiring physically and overall, very enjoyable.
Have there been any highlights, challenges or changes that have been significant during this time?
One highlight personally is to realise the truth of the position in that it has real power to make change for the good. As I mentioned, change is a constant and never enjoyed by all. That said, change is also inevitable. I won’t preside over a Board that will please everyone – that is impossible. What I will say is that the Board will always aim to move in understandable, equitable and logical paths.
Challenges around issues such as the Compassionate Release of Superannuation and unethical behaviours by a small number of practitioners immediately spring to mind. Having regard to a wide range of (often divergent) opinions when developing and implementing policies can be a challenge, but also presents an opportunity for the Board to make sure we are rigorous, transparent and thoughtful in our approach and clear in how we communicate proposed changes. The Board regulates people. Dental practitioners are human. When mistakes are made or where intentional harm is caused, the Board will assess the circumstances and take action if needed. Where practitioners are self-reflective and put measures in place to learn from mistakes and not repeat them, often further regulatory action is not needed. Oftentimes the call to react with a kneejerk is made, however, the Board must operate lawfully, and in a considered way, with protection of the public as its goal.
Is there anything you would like our members to know about happenings at the Dental Board?
There is always so much going on. The Board’s newsletter is where we talk about our work and the Board website is another great way to find out what’s going on. I believe it’s important to stay informed, so I encourage everyone to stay in touch.
