Conference Program
Discover. Discuss. Connect
Explore the research, clinical advances and practical challenges shaping oral health in Victoria.
Hear from leading experts, diverse voices and discover new approaches to care. Join conversations about the important future of oral health.
Choose your preferred morning breakout and afternoon conversation when registering.
Friday 26 February 2027 | Program at a glance
| Time | Session |
| 9.30am | Opening formalities |
| 10.00am – 10.40am | Morning keynote: Dr Norman Swan |
| 10.45am – 11.30am | Morning tea and networking |
| 11.40am – 12.30pm | Morning breakout sessions |
| 12.30pm – 1.30pm | Lunch, networking and exhibition |
| 1.45pm – 2.15pm | Featured speaker: Professor Zoe Wainer |
| 2.30pm – 3.30pm | Afternoon conversation series |
| 3.35pm – 4.15pm | Afternoon tea and networking |
| 4.20pm – 5.20pm | Panel discussion: The future of care: Will AI make oral healthcare better? |
| 5.20pm – 5.30pm | Closing reflections |
Further presentation details, speakers and participants will be announced as they are confirmed.
Morning breakout sessions
11.40am - 12.30pm | Explore new ideas and approaches to oral health
Choose from four sessions exploring emerging research, clinical advances, population health and patient-centred care.
Breakout 1 — Research
Explore emerging research and evidence informing oral health policy, prevention and clinical practice.
Session Chair: Tan Nguyen
Tan is a registered oral health therapist and health economist, Research Fellow at Deakin Health Economics, Senior Policy and Research Officer at Oral Health Victoria, and PhD candidate at Monash University. He is Chair and Spokesperson of the National Oral Health Alliance and a third-term appointed practitioner member of the Dental Board of Australia.
Breakout 2 — Advances in clinical practice
Discover new techniques, technologies and evidence-based approaches that can support better patient care and clinical outcomes.
Session Speaker: Dr Alison Sahhar
Dr Alison Sahhar is a specialist orthodontist and the Head of the Orthodontic Unit at The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne. Dr Sahhar is a state councillor for the Australian Society of Orthodontists Victorian branch and holds a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry from the University of Melbourne.
Topic: Orthodontic assessment and critical decision making of ectopic teeth
This breakout session will delve into the initial screening and assessment of managing ectopic teeth, with a particular focus on ectopic canines and premolar cases. This lecture will include a discussion on 3D imaging (CBCT) to predict the eruption pathway, the potential for causing resorption to adjacent teeth, decisions regarding early extraction of deciduous teeth in the mixed dentition, the retrievability of ectopic teeth with orthodontic appliances or the indication for extraction in select cases.
Breakout 3 — Population health
Explore prevention programs and public health initiatives designed to reduce inequalities and improve oral health across communities.
Session Chair: Dr Clare Lin
Clare is Director of Policy and Population Health at Oral Health Victoria, with expertise in clinical dentistry, prevention and improving access to equitable oral healthcare.
Breakout 4 — Patient-centred care in practice
Explore how cultural safety, effective communication and responding to individual patient needs can improve oral healthcare and the patient experience.
Session Chair: Associate Professor Roisin McGrath
Roisin is Director of the Bachelor of Oral Health program at the University of Melbourne, with over 30 years' experience across clinical practice, education and public oral health.
Presenters:
 Prof Julie Satur Professor in Oral Health |  Sophie McKenna Oral Health Advisor |
Afternoon conversation series
2.30pm - 3.30pm | Different perspectives. Meaningful discussions.
Join one of three conversations exploring the challenges and opportunities facing oral health services and the communities we support.
Conversation 1 — Building the future oral health workforce
How can we attract, develop and retain an oral health workforce equipped to meet the changing needs of our communities?
Session Chair: Zemeel Saba
Zemeel is the Chief People and Culture Officer at Oral Health Victoria and brings more than 20 years’ executive leadership experience across health, government and the not-for-profit sector, with expertise in workforce strategy, organisational development and cultural transformation.
Presenters:
 Amanda Kumnick Business Manager |  Dr Ramini Shankumar Service Director, Dental Services |  Jane Wilson Workforce Development Manager |
Conversation 2 — Homelessness and oral health
What will it take to break down barriers and improve access to oral healthcare for people experiencing homelessness?
Session Chair: Tony Keenan
Tony is a Board Director at Oral Health Victoria, with extensive senior leadership experience across government, health, housing and the community sector. He is also a Director of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and a member of the Homes Victoria Advisory Board, and has previously served as CEO of Launch Housing and a Director of Alfred Health.
Presenters:
 Karl Quast Community Connections Project Worker |  Joshua Tilley-Darvill Manager Inclusion and Recovery Services |  Ashley Wendland Program Manager Oral Health |
Conversation 3 — Healthy smiles from the start: Strengthening preschool oral health
How can oral health services, early childhood settings and families work together to prevent dental disease and establish healthy habits from an early age?
Session Chair: Bonnie Morrison
Bonnie is Health Promotion Team Lead at Oral Health Victoria, with expertise in preventive oral health, community engagement and improving access to care for vulnerable populations.
Afternoon panel
4.20pm - 5.20pm | The future of care: Will AI make oral healthcare better?
Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, but what does this mean for patients, clinicians and the future of dentistry?
Bringing together experts in dental research, hospital medicine, AI technology and consumer advocacy, this panel will explore how AI is reshaping diagnosis, treatment and clinical decision-making. The discussion will examine its potential to improve access, efficiency and patient outcomes, while addressing the challenges of clinical safety, trust, equity and the importance of human judgement in healthcare.
Panellists
Professor Peter Steel
Chief Transformation Officer, Royal Melbourne Hospital | Director, Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne
A physician, researcher and healthcare executive, Peter specialises in digital health transformation. As Chief Transformation Officer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, his work focuses on integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into clinical practice to improve patient care, safety and healthcare delivery.
Associate Professor Tami Yap
Oral Medicine Specialist | Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Tami Yap is an Oral Medicine Specialist and researcher at the University of Melbourne. Her work focuses on improving early oral cancer detection through artificial intelligence and emerging diagnostic technologies, combining clinical expertise with innovation to improve patient outcomes and access to care.
Dr Dilhan Rajasingham
Dr Dilhan Rajasingham is a Melbourne-based dentist, digital health adviser and advocate for innovation in healthcare. His work focuses on integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into everyday dental practice, helping clinicians improve patient care, clinical decision-making and the adoption of digital health solutions.
Choose your sessions. Secure your place.
Register now and select the sessions most relevant to your interests and professional development.