ADAWA Website

Peter Dignam, Australian Dental Association WA Branch Prize recipient

What does being awarded the Australian Dental Association WA Branch Prize mean to you?

Being awarded the Australian Dental Association WA Branch Prize is a significant honour for me. It means recognition from a respected professional organisation in the field of dentistry, which is both humbling and motivating. This award represents not only academic achievement but also a commitment to patient care and positive contributions to the dental community.

Do you have a message for ADAWA and the Dental School regarding receiving this award?

To ADAWA and UWA Dental School, it is a privilege to be acknowledged for my efforts, and I am truly thankful for the opportunities provided by both organisations.

What would your advice be to other current Dental School students to ensure they make the most of their degree?

For current Dental School students, my advice would be to approach their education with passion and perseverance. Dental School is a rigorous journey that requires hard work and dedication, but it's also an opportunity for character and professional growth. I would encourage active engagement in research, seek out clinical experiences, and take advantage of every learning opportunity available.

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Dr Nevena Rikalo, Australian Dental Association WA Prize for Academic Excellence in Dentistry Prize recipient

What does being awarded the ADAWA Award for Academic Excellence in Dentistry mean to you?

It is a great honour being awarded the ADAWA Award for Academic Excellence. Attaining the Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree by itself is an amazing achievement. I would have been 100% satisfied with that, and honestly was not expecting to receive this award at all. I wasn't striving to achieve it, I just wanted to graduate in a position where I felt like I was knowledgeable and could therefore provide the best possible care to my patients. I wanted to feel confident enough that I could transition to private practice comfortably. Of course, it's very nice to be rewarded for all of the hard work, dedication (and stress) over the years, but that is a bonus!

Do you have a message for ADAWA and the Dental School regarding receiving this award?

I would like to thank ADAWA for sponsoring the award, and all of the support they provided us during Dental School and beyond, as clinicians. I would also like to thank the Dental School for pushing me to try and be the best clinician I can be. They gave us the foundations which we are able to build on. I was continually encouraged to improve, which is something I've taken away and strive to do in my practice. I would also like to thank some of the tutors who would stay back after hours to help students.

What are you currently doing, since graduating from Dental School?

Since graduating I have moved back to Melbourne, which is where I lived prior to moving to Perth. I currently work at two dental practices in metropolitan Melbourne. Although it is very different to Dental School, working has been a really enjoyable experience. I feel that I am learning so much every day and being pushed out of my comfort zone. I am lucky to have lovely mentors who helped made the transition from university to private practice much easier.

What would your advice be to current Dental School students to ensure they make the most of their degree?

One of the most important skills in dentistry is your communication skills. This can be overlooked while you are trying to improve your hand skills and impress your tutors with nice crown preps. When you start working, you won't be able to utilise those great hand skills if you can't explain to the patient that a certain treatment option is the best for them. Practice explaining things in simple terms and build phrases or sentences that you work well for you. Enjoy the process, make sure you maintain a good work/life balance, and don't stress too much!