ADAWA Website

ADA Federal President Mark Hutton and CEO Damian Mitsch flew into WA for the May general meeting, after an enforced absence of two years. Both were delighted to finally present well-deserved awards to ADAWA members, while meeting Federal Councillor Dr Janina Christoforou in-person for the first time.

Other esteemed guests at the general meeting included Dr David Booth (who was presented with an ADAWA Distinguished Service Award) and Rae Booth, who accompanied him.

We were also fortunate to hear from Dr Nandika Manchanda, specialist paediatric dentist, who spoke about hypomineralised enamel in the paediatric patient.

‍

DR DAVID HALLETT

ADAWA CEO Dr David Hallett was awarded the ADA Distinguished Service Award. “Receiving the ADA Distinguished Service Award was a great honour, and it was very flattering to receive recognition from the Federal Branch,” David says. “An award like this would not have been possible without the support of the ADAWA office staff and present and past executive and council members.”

‍

DR TERENCE (TERRY) PITSIKAS AM

Terry received the ADA Life Membership for his outstanding contribution to the profession. Terry says he doesn’t volunteer with any expectation of reward or award, but he was very honoured. “It really has been a labour of love,” he says.

‍

WINTHROP PROFESSOR PAUL ABBOTT AO

Paul says it was a great surprise to receive the letters telling him that he had been given the awards – firstly from the Federal ADA in 2021, and recently from the WA Branch.

“I feel incredibly honoured to have been considered worthy of these awards as I would not have considered my contributions to have been enough to justify them,” he says. “I have enjoyed the opportunities, and the ability, to contribute to the association over many years and I thank the Federal Councils and the Branch Councils for their faith in me when asking me to be part of the various activities and committees on which I have served.

“I also thank my wife, Jacky, and my family for their support and for allowing me the time to be involved in the association.

“I have worked with many colleagues from the profession over the years and I have made some great friends at the same time – many thanks to all those who have helped me and worked with me.

“I have always followed the mantra that the more you give to something, the more you get out of it – this has certainly applied to my career and my work with the ADA. I encourage all members to get involved with the association and keep our great profession great!”

‍

DR KANG KIM

Former ADAWA President Dr Kang Kim was honoured to receive the ADA Outstanding Young Dentist Award.

“There are so many young dentists who are striving to make a broader contribution to dentistry,” he says. “We're blessed with commendable displays of altruism, innovative thinking and hard work which bring distinction to our profession in WA and around Australia. Among the countless outstanding young dentists, I don't think of my contribution as more significant than those of my colleagues, but I am very honoured to have my contributions recognised.”

Kang was also a recipient of the ADAWA Distinguished Service Award. “I received this award alongside a gentleman who has given a lifetime of service to dentistry and to helping those less fortunate,” he says. “The next recipient was one of the most distinguished academics and clinicians of his generation. The final recipient was someone who, as laid back as he seems, put his own life on hold to lead our profession during one of the most difficult external challenges we have ever faced. Needless to say, it was a humbling experience. I am truly grateful for this honour.”

‍

DR AMANDA PHOON NGUYEN

Amanda says she was honoured to be an award recipient alongside colleagues she holds in high regard.

“As Dr Terry Pitsikas said when accepting his award, we do not volunteer with any expectation of reward or award. I have had occasions where I asked myself why I do it, with the heartache, late nights, and frustration. It’s natural when you care about something,” she says. “To put yourself out there is also to draw criticism, and that is part of the role. But for me, the experience has also been invaluable and character building, and working together with good teams to add value to what we do and make a difference that is hopefully long lasting has been such a highlight and makes it all worth it.

“I strongly encourage anyone who wants to contribute to the profession to do so,” she adds. “You are needed!

‍

DR SEAN ARCHIBALD

Immediate Past President Dr Sean Archibald says it was an honour to be recognised with an amazing group of ADA members. “I truly appreciate the acknowledgement and believe it is great to see members being acknowledged early in their careers. ADAWA has many incredible members that put in huge hours and I look forward to seeing these acknowledgements continue across the board.”

‍

May the fourth be with you…

It’s not every day you see a Jedi at ADA House! When Michael Lyons was notified that he was eligible to receive his 40-year Continuous Membership Pin, he was not able to attend the general meeting (in March 2022). However, when he was told he could attend the following General Meeting and noticed that the date was May 4, he decided to accept his pin in Jedi get-up, complete with lightsabre. “We all need to have a bit of fun,” he says.

‍