A humbling moment

It’s little surprise Dr Simon Shanahan ended up in the dentistry field – with a family background in medicine and dentistry, he was the fourth generation in his family to go into the medical field (and there is another generation following).

Simon’s interest in giving back began back in his student days, with Simon beginning actively volunteering back in 1997, initially guided by the example of Denis Cosgrove. “His advice to start a new project with some interested friends lead to Equal Health in 1998 and our projects in India and beyond,” Simon recalls.Indeed, Simon is well-known for his dedication to Equal Health since its inception. Helping to provide dental care for those in need overseas, he has visited countries including India, East Timor, Indonesia, Zimbabwe and Thailand. But in addition to his involvement with Equal Health, he is a familiar face in wider volunteerism circles.

He has given his time on various boards, committees and groups (including the Dental Board of Australia, National Dental Notifications and Compliance Committee, the Academy of Dentistry International and Dental Study Group of Western Australia. He was also member, then Chair, of the ADA Federal Special Purpose Committee on Volunteering for 10 years).

He has also taken part in other volunteerism group projects, including many trips with the Kimberley Dental Team and ADA DHF Dental Rescue Days.

When asked about his motivation behind giving back, Simon says volunteerism is part of what he sees as our duty. “As members of ADAWA and living in the part of the world we do, we have incredible advantages,” he explains. “That simple chance has made us luckier than Lotto winners. It seems to me only right to think about giving back. The big secret that all volunteers know and will often repeat – we get so much more back than we put in.”

“The two highlights of my time have been Equal Health and Kimberly Dental Team,” he says. “Both in many places overseas and in our own state, helping groups with most need. Successfully creating one thing with good friends, successfully working in another creation with inspiring, motivated leaders in John and Jan Owen.”

To dentists who are thinking about taking up volunteering in some way, Simon says he encourages everyone to consider what they might do. “There are so many ways to give back – not all need great fanfare,” he says. “That said, there are many organised projects are always looking for new volunteers. But there is also pro bono work in your own surgery, non-dental volunteering… it is an endless list.”

Simon says it was an honour to be recognised with the ADAWA Distinguished Service Award on the same evening that Dr Nick Albatis received Honorary Life Membership, and Dr Dom Longo received his 40-year continuous membership pin. “None of us do what we do expecting recognition so when it comes it is a humbling moment,” he says. “I know that without the support of Milly (Dr Millicent Woon) and my family I would not have achieved half of the things I have done.  I am very proud and grateful to receive the award. “As a body the ADAWA is stand-out in its representation and advocacy for its members,” he adds.  “Like any organisation, you get out of it what you contribute. Going to meetings (if you live close enough), otherwise staying in touch with fellow members helps provide a level of professional comfort that is not easy to find. If able to then actually getting actively involved is always a worthwhile idea.”

What’s on the horizon for Simon?
Two years ago, he sold his South Perth practice to Dr Louise Winters. Simon and Milly now work for Louise – and after 29 years of managing a busy practice, Simon says he is enjoying the mental space he has gained.

He is also serving on the Dental Board of Australia and serves on the ADAWA Volunteers Committee as the Non-Government Representative on State Oral Health Advisory Committee.

Thank you, Simon, for your outstanding service to the dental community!

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