Apply now for the 2027 Colin Riley Scholarship to Tonga
Oral health professionals are invited to apply now for the 2027 Colin Riley Scholarship to Tonga.
Calling all dental therapists, oral health therapists, and dental assistants – are you ready for an exciting and unique opportunity?
The Colin Riley Scholarship is a fantastic capacity-building opportunity for oral health professionals who possess an adventurous spirit.
About the scholarship
The Colin Riley Scholarship was established to honour the legacy and celebrate the life of Dr Colin Riley, who dedicated his long and storied career to improving public oral health. Decommissioned dental vans have been donated to Tonga and the Solomon Islands in the names of Colin’s three beloved daughters, Ella, Nicola and Fiona.
About the opportunity
The scholarship will sponsor two oral health professionals to travel to Tonga for two weeks in May – June 2027. The recipients will:
- provide oral health support for the community
- engage in clinical dentistry with local dentists in an island community and in the donated dental van
- support the community through health promotion and oral health education.
Who can apply for this opportunity?
The Colin Riley Scholarship is open to dental therapists, oral health therapists, and dental assistants across the public oral health sector in Victoria. Professionals in these roles across the public oral health sector who meet the eligibility criteria are invited to submit their applications.
Key eligibility criteria
If the following sounds like you and you’re ready for an adventure, we encourage you to submit your application!
You are invited to apply for the Colin Riley Scholarship if you:
- have the written support and endorsement of your manager
- are an experienced DT, OHT or DA working full-time or part-time in public oral health in Victoria for at least 24 months and are committed to continuing your work in public dentistry
- consider yourself experienced, clinically competent and skilled in infection control
- can provide clinical skills training and education, and clinical mentoring
- have experience or curiosity for working and living in another culture
- are in good health, reasonably fit, and have a sense of adventure
- consider yourself resilient, adaptive, and culturally sensitive
- have a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiry as of 30 June 2027
- can live for two weeks without reliable internet or mobile connectivy.
When will the Tonga tour take place?
The tour will take place over two weeks in May – June 2027.
What else do I need to know?
The Colin Riley Scholarship does not pay recipients' salaries. Flights, accommodation and a daily per diem will be provided. Recipients may wish to take annual leave or leave without pay.
You may engage with a variety of representatives from the Ministry of Health, the dental department and Rotary. You will also meet with a range of officials and health practitioners to help them build the oral health capability of the local health teams.
Knowledge of working within a dental van will be valuable. Educating on operating the equipment and van will be a requirement of this program.
Applications will not be considered unless:
- it is accompanied by your manager’s written endorsement
- The endorsement includes approval of your time away (either sponsored or as annual leave/leave without pay)
Previous scholarship recipients can apply.
Frequently asked questions
Should I speak to my manager about my application for the Colin Riley Scholarship?
Absolutely! Applicants are required to provide a brief written endorsement from their manager for their application to be considered. This is your opportunity to invest in your future and prioritise your professional development. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.
How are the travel and associated costs covered?
Costs will be covered in the following ways:
- Oral Health Victoria will coordinate travel and insurance.
- A daily per diem allowance will be provided to cover in-country transport, food and living expenses and other sundry costs.
- Oral Health Victoria will not cover salary costs.
- More detailed information will be provided to successful applicants.
How to apply for the Colin Riley Scholarship
Please complete the application form to apply. Applications are encouraged from full-time or part-time staff meeting the eligibility criteria working in public dentistry in Victoria. Applications close Thursday 27 August.
Do you have questions?
If you want more details about the Dental Program tour, please email scholarship@dhsv.org.au
