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Oral Health Foundation Report - 2008

The Oral Health Foundation (OHF) entered its ninth year of operation in 2008 and undertook a number of initiatives and activities which complimented its core aims to:

  • Support education and research activities at the Faculty of Dentistry;
  • Unite Faculty alumni and the general community in the support of the Faculty;
  • Promote the advancement of the oral health of the community.

Notable activities and achievements in 2007/2008 included:

OHF has agreed to support the development of the Faculty of Dentistry Postgraduate awards with an annual commitment of $25,000 for a 3 year period, totalling a contribution of $75,000. This is to further strengthen the research activities and to create scholarships to attract the best students in the Masters and PhD research training programmes.

Donations

In 2007 $250 was received in donations. I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to our donors throughout the year. I would also wish to thank the Australian Dental Association (NSW branch) for their generous contribution and the NSW Dental Board for its continual support.

Monitor Practice Program

The Foundation in 2005 agreed to sponsor a research project aimed at establishing and monitoring oral health maintenance programs across Sydney and regional and rural NSW. The project is ongoing in 2007 with the Chief Investigator A of the project - Associate Professor Wendell Evans, Research Manager Dr Brad Curtis and Research Associate Dr Alexandra Sbaraini. The OHF has agreed to provide an annual $5000 grant for the duration of the study (2007 – 2009). These monies will be used to offset some of the considerable travel and accommodation expenses associated with the program.

OHF Elective Scholarships

  1. $9,000 approved for five (5) Elective Student Scholarships was not awarded to students until February, as they were away on electives therefore this amount does not reflect on report.
  2. $25,000 pa Oral Health Foundation Scholarship awarded to Dr Amit Arora will be activated in 2nd semester when he enrols. Amit did not enrol in Semester 1 due to other commitments.


The Noel Martin Chair

The 2007 Dentistry Annual Appeal resulted in donations totalling $83,189 towards the Noel Martin Chair. The goal is to raise between $3 - $4m for the Chair and for the name “Noel Martin” to be branded and established with the OHF and Faculty of Dentistry. Proposals are to be submitted to external bodies (ie RACDS, ADA Federal & State, Dental Industry Associate & Dental Board and Dental Alumni) requesting assistance with fundraising and awareness of the new proposed Chair. This proposal is an ongoing project until The University of Sydney goal of $3-4million is attained.

Biomaterials

The move of the biomaterials to Westmead has had the funding of $70,000 committed by the Oral Health Foundation. The project is formally registered through the University of Sydney. The challenges are due to the number of proposals put forward by the Faculty. The simulation clinics in Westmead are due to be complete in a few weeks. The funding committed by the OHF of $70K has not yet been utilised. The project is formally registered through the University with an IPP number. It is important to continue to push for the progression of the project.

OHF Council Members

Marie Topping has been replaced by Leonie Cooke as the Secretary of the OHF Council and Executive Committees.

The following Office Bearers were nominated and elected:

  • President – Dr Tom Lind
  • Deputy President – To be determined
  • Secretary – Leonie Cooke
  • Treasurer - Dr Catherine Groenlund

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Sabrina Manickham for her excellent contribution to the Oral Health Foundation as Deputy President. I wish Sabrina every future success.

Administrative Support to the Faculty

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the OHF Council and Executive, the Australian Dental Association (NSW), the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) and the Dental Board of NSW and other sponsors of the Foundation for generously giving their time and expertise for the benefit of the Foundation, the community, the profession, the Faculty of Dentistry and the University of Sydney. I look forward to another productive year in 2008.

Dr Tom Lind
President