Dedicated to dentistry | Professor Peter Parashos AM
Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of Professor Peter Parashos, a true pioneer in dentistry.
Professor Peter Parashos AM has dedicated his esteemed career to making a difference.
He recently received well-deserved recognition when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours. Peter received the prestigious honour for his significant service to dentistry, particularly endodontology, and to tertiary education.
As humble as he is fiercely passionate about his work, Peter reflected on what this recognition means to him.
“Receiving this great honour reflects that one’s peers, and potentially others, notice the work one does in the community. What to me has been a lifelong challenge and journey to contribute to improving the dental experiences and outcomes for people, has also been a passion and fulfilling calling,” said Peter.
“For me, the award means that the community I have served for several decades has perceived that my contributions have helped improve dentistry, endodontology and dental education.”
Peter has worked in dentistry and oral health since graduating from the Melbourne Dental School – then known as the Faculty of Dental Science – in 1980. He has worked as a Specialist Dentist at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne since the early 2000s.
His dedication to the field is evident in the many accomplishments over the course of his storied career, including earning his PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2004. Peter served as Chair and Professor of Endodontics at the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Dental School from 2012 to 2021.
Awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in 1989, the American College of Dentists in 2001, and the International College of Dentists in 2007, he is also an Honorary Life Member of the American Association of Endodontists, the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Endodontists and the Australian Society of Endodontology. Peter received the Australian Dental Association (Victorian Branch) Award for Distinguished Service in October 2025 and has 145 papers published or in press in peer-reviewed and international journals, including two book chapters.
Peter remains as motivated as ever by making a lasting impact.
“When I see my peers – nationally and internationally – and the community benefitting from my work, I do feel inspired. It motivates me not just to continue in my work, but also to look for other ways to expand the theoretical and clinically relevant aspects of dentistry in general, and endodontology in particular.”
Guiding the next generation of oral health professionals continues to motivate Peter. Generous with his time and expertise, he harnesses the power of education to fuel the passion of younger dentists.
“My work in tertiary education has allowed me to share what I have learned over the years with younger dentists who have the same passion I have for my work in general. It motivates me to know that those whom I have taught at tertiary level will use that theoretical and practical knowledge to benefit the community,” said Peter.
“Making a difference in one’s career gives meaning to life. It emphasises the importance of contributing to improve dental health outcomes by building on the foundations that countless others have established over the years.”
Peter has made an indelible mark on the profession. His recognition is a truly deserved honour that is a testament to his outstanding contributions and profound impact on oral health.
