Speakers

George is a New Zealand trained urologist practising in Christchurch. His subspecialty training is in uro-oncology. Following training in New Zealand and Australia he gained fellowship training in Vancouver, Canada under the Vancouver Prostate Centre. He has a interest in minimally invasive surgery through laparoscopy and robot-assisted laparoscopy. He is passionate about enhancing how urologists identify and optimise the right prostate cancer treatment for each patient as well as minimising overtreatment.

Joseph Antoun received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) from the University of Otago. He currently divides his time between Christchurch (private practice) and Dunedin (Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago). In addition to his clinical practice, Joe has published over 40 scientific articles, and presented both nationally and internationally. Over the past several years, Joseph has been invited to speak at several European Orthodontic Congresses, and most recently, was a keynote speaker at the Australian Orthodontic Congress.

Joe Boden is a Professor in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Otago Christchurch. He is the Director of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a longitudinal study of over 1000 people born in Christchurch in 1977 and followed to age 40. Prof . Boden originally trained as an experimental social psychologist, and previously worked in the US, UK, and Australia, before coming to New Zealand in 2002. He was awarded a University of Otago Christchurch Gold Medal for Research Excellence in 2017, and recently served on the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor’s Expert Panel on Cannabis.

Prof. Boden’s research interests include: the psychosocial causes and consequences of substance use, abuse, and dependence; mental health and substance use epidemiology; and the social and psychological determinants of maladaptive behaviour including aggression and violence.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon BDS MBChB FRACDS (OMS)

Angus graduated from both dentistry and medicine at Otago University. He then undertook specialist training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in New Zealand through the Australian training programme (FRACDS). On completion of his training Angus worked as a consult surgeon at Auckland DHB. Following this he was in Melbourne where he completed a fellowship in orthognathic surgery and trauma, based out of the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Angus returned home with his family in Christchurch in 2021 and started Southern OMS. He currently practices the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with a special interest in orthognathic surgery and implantology

Paul graduated as a dentist from Trinity College Dublin in 2000 and subsequently trained as a Prosthodontist at the University of Iowa, USA. A fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas followed.

Fate conspired, in the form of a Timaruvian, to bring him to Christchurch where he set up a Prosthodontic practice in 2015. In 2016 he joined Hospital Dentistry at the CDHB with a focus on treating cancer patients as part of a multidisciplinary team. Shortly afterwards, a 3-4 monthly joint Paeds/Pros/Ortho assessment and treatment planning clinic for minors with inherited dental anomalies was instigated and continues to date.

Hadleigh graduated with science and dental degrees from the University of Otago and medicine from the University of Auckland. Following specialist training in oral medicine in Sydney, he returned to Auckland where he currently leads the oral medicine subservice at Hospital & Specialist Dentistry, Te Whatu Ora Te Tuka Tumai Auckland. His clinical interests include immunologically-mediated oral mucosal and salivary disorders, oral potentially malignant disorders and neuropathic facial pains.

Dr. Rhonda Coyne studied dentistry at the University of Queensland and is a University of Melbourne Orthodontic Alumnus. From a family of specialists and teachers she takes special interest in all forms of education, technology and professional development and implementing and using technology efficiently and effectively in practice. She has presented widely on a range of topics both inside and outside of orthodontics. She is a strategic thinker and early adopter and was on of the first users of Dental Monitoring in Australia.

Wayne completed his dental degree in 1994 and his medical degree from Otago University in 2004. He has Fellowships with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons, London. He concluded his academic study at Otago University with a Masters degree in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery awarded with Distinction.

Wayne has undergone clinical training in Dunedin, Wellington, Hutt and Waikato Hospitals. He spent 3 years in the United Kingdom working within Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery units in Poole, Southamptom, The Royal London Hospital and St Bartholomew's Hospital in London.

He has a broad range of experience and skills in all aspects of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and has special knowledge in management of oral, medical and pathological conditions affecting the head and neck.

He has special interests in:

• Orthognathic surgery and sleep apnoea telegnathic surgery.
• Facial reconstruction.
• Salivary gland problems.
• Dentoalveolar surgery, dental and craniofacial implants.

Winifred graduated as an orthodontist in 1985 and took over her father’s practice in Dunedin. She has worked part time in her private practice and part time as a clinical teacher at the University of Otago ever since. Winifred has played an active role in the running of the NZAO over the past 35 years, especially in setting up the auxiliary training program, and is currently involved with the Education and Research Foundation, the Wish For A Smile selection committee and the mentoring group. In the past she has worked closely with the Asian and Pacific Orthodontic Society, chairing their conference in conjunction with the World Federation Congress in Sydney 2010, and the Australian Society of Orthodontists with regard to the Australasian Orthodontic Board.

Driven by curiosity and desire to benefit humankind, Mike's career extends from dentistry through biochemistry to translational scientist, inventor and social entrepreneur. He graduated as a dentist with a PhD in Biochemistry (University of Otago, New Zealand) then spent a year in private dental practice before doing biomedical research fellowships investigating calcium signalling with Claude Klee (National Cancer Institute, USA) and protein phosphorylation with Sir Philip Cohen (University of Dundee, Scotland).

Mike returned to Otago in 1990 to establish his independent biomedical research career focusing on biochemical peculiarities of the cells that form tooth enamel. Then, with this powerful mix of scientific & clinical experiences, he switched camp to Melbourne in 2003 to become a translational scientist. Based in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, his overall social-good mission is to promote translational research & education in the oral & facial sciences with a focus on medico-dental problems affecting children.

New Translational Initiatives & Breakthrough Research
Spurred by a major benefaction, Mike developed the Melbourne Research Unit for Facial Disorders (web) into a pioneering translational research & education initiative with active fronts in biomedical technology, paediatric & oral health, and social impact. Two translational network-groups and a commercial start-up have ensued alongside breakthrough research.

Dr Sarah Lawrence originally grew up in New Zealand and graduated from the University of Otago Dental School. She completed her three-year specialist Orthodontic training at the University of Melbourne. Since 2004 she has been in private Orthodontic practice in Melbourne with her husband Dr Igor Lavrin. She has also worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne as part of the Craniofacial unit.

Dr Lawrence is a Clinical Tutor and Lecturer for Postgraduate Orthodontic students at the University of Melbourne. This role includes supervising a number of ongoing research projects. Dr Lawrence has a keen interest in clear aligner treatment, and her practice has treated over 5000 cases. She has previously been a Clinical Consultant and speaker for Invisalign in the Asia-Pacific region.

Emily has been in specialist orthodontic private practice for 10 years. She completed her undergraduate dental training at the University of Otago in 2004. Emily spent three years in general dental private practice and teaching oral surgery in Melbourne. She returned to Dunedin and completed her postgraduate specialist training at the University of Otago in 2010 with a Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry specialising in Orthodontics. Emily joined Peter Gilbert and Peter Dysart in 2010 in Lower Stuart Street. Emily’s interests outside of orthodontics include cooking, gardening and holidays with her husband Yash and two children. Emily is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, New Zealand Dental Association and Dunedin Dental Association. She is proud to be a participating orthodontist for the Wish for a Smile Trust , the charitable arm of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists.

Philippa is a General, Breast & Endocrine Surgeon. She has worked at Christchurch Hospital since 1993, having trained in general surgery in Christchurch and overseas. Philippa works in two private practices, Canterbury Breast Care and Christchurch Surgical Associates. She has been involved in the expansion of breast services in Canterbury, including establishing breast screening. A large proportion of her work involves assessment, diagnosis, surgery, and ongoing care of patients with breast cancer. Several of her former surgical trainees are now her colleagues.

Governance roles Philippa has undertaken include President of NZAGS and Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee RACS.

Margie completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago in 2013. She then spent five years working in both private and public sectors in the Auckland and Waikato regions. In 2019, she moved to Dunedin with her family to undertake postgraduate studies in Orthodontics. Following the completion of her studies, she looks forward to exploring more of NZ and ticking off a few more of our great walks.

General and Colorectal surgeon, Chief of Surgery CDHB and more recently Te Whatu Ora -Waitaha . MBChB FRACS

Greg graduated MB ChB from the University of Otago in 1984, and was awarded his FRACS in General Surgery in 1993. He undertook post Fellowship training in Colorectal Surgery in Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, UK and Concord Hospital in Sydney. Before returning to his appointment as a General and Paediatric in Christchurch in 1996, he spent time at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. He contributed to the provision of Paediatric surgical services until the establishment of an independently staffed Paediatric Surgical service in Canterbury.

He has specialised in the management of colorectal disease (predominantly Rectal and Colonic cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease) endoscopy and hernias. He undertook the first colorectal cancer stenting procedure in NZ for an obstructing metastatic cancer in 1997, allowing the patient to avoid a permanent stoma.

He has been on the NZAGS surgical executive, MOH colorectal cancer screening working group, and undertaken leadership roles in surgery in Canterbury. He was the clinical Director of the Department of General surgery until taking on the role of Chief of Surgery for the CDHB in 2011, leading the broader surgical response through the Earthquake sequence and service delivery challenges that followed the 22 February 2011 event, the Mosques Shootings in February 2019, the Whakaari / White Island volcanic eruption in December 2019 , and COVID-19 Pandemic ongoing since March 2020.

Mr Robertson is sponsored by MAS

With a clinical background and a passion for dentistry, specifically Infection Control, Megan Sharpe ensures all members of the team are clear about their roles, responsibilities and accountability for the management of the infectious cycle and the reprocessing of instrumentation and equipment.

Meg is well known throughout Australia and New Zealand and has been working in the dental industry for over 30 years. She first started her career in practice and then moved into sales and sales management roles with a major dental distributor; where she then went on to set up the Professional Services Division. It was in this role that she developed her many training and development presentations around a range of subjects including Infection Prevention and Sterilisation, Ergonomics and Four Handed Dentistry, and Dentistry 101 (for those new to the dental industry). In her many years in the industry, Meg has trained and audited hundreds of practices, and is very involved with the New Zealand Dental Association, the New Zealand Dental Council and many other industry leaders in Infection Prevention across Australia and New Zealand.

In recognition for all her increasable contributions to the Dental Industry, Meg was awarded the 2018 Honorary Membership Award by the New Zealand Dental Association.

Jeremy is a plastic surgeon at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha and a senior lecturer at the University of Otago, Christchurch. Across both of these roles, he has interests in skin cancer, microsurgery, upper limb reconstruction and medical education.

Michael is a recent graduate from the University of Otago in orthodontics. Originally from Australia, he graduated from the University of Sydney in 2014 and worked in a mixture of indigenous health care and private practice in Northern New South Wales for four years. He then completed his orthodontic training between 2019-2021. He has since moved to Canberra where he works in private practice. (updated 7.2.23)

Dr Ronald Sluiter graduated in 1982 from Dental School in Groningen, The Netherlands. He finished his post graduate course in Orthodontics at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 1986. Apart from working in private practice since 1986, Ronald worked for 6 years at the Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam and a number of years as a staff member at the Academic Centre for Dentistry in Amsterdam. As a long time committee member of the Dutch Dental Association, he participated in formulating the Quality Handbook for the Dutch Orthodontist.

Since the pursuit of a lifestyle change in 2009, Dr Sluiter moved to New Zealand where he currently resides and works in Christchurch and surrounding areas.

Dr Sluiter has been an Invisalign provider since 2001, and has treated over 1000 Invisalign patients. He is an Invisalign Diamond provider and has given presentations to other specialists about the Invisalign System.

Dr Sluiter is currently an international member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the European Orthodontic Society and the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists.

Julia is a recent graduate from the University of Otago in Orthodontics. Originally growing up in Christchurch she graduated in 2011 with a Batchelors of Dental surgery with Distinction from the University of Otago.

Julia worked as a dental house officer at Hutt Valley hospital before moving to Auckland to work in private practice. Before returning to New Zealand to undertake her specialist postgraduate training she worked for Invisalign at their European headquarters in the Netherlands. Naturally Julia has a keen interest in clear aligners and completed her research on tooth movement with the Invisalign appliance. She now resides in Central Otago where she enjoys working in private practice.

Tony Walls is an Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics, University of Otago, Christchurch and an Infectious Diseases Specialist. He trained in Infectious Diseases at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and has an M.D through the University of London. He is an advisor to PHARMAC and the New Zealand Ministry of Health on vaccine policy matters, and is an author on the National Immunisation Handbook. His recent research projects include studies on the impact of vaccination on pneumococcal disease in New Zealand children, and the safety and efficacy of pertussis vaccination given during pregnancy. He is a member of the Covid technical advisory group providing advice on Covid vaccines to the Ministry of Health and the NZ government.

Prashant completed his master’s degree in Periodontics (1986) and Orthodontics (1989) from Nair Hospital Dental College, University of Bombay. He completed his post graduate Diploma in Clinical Periodontology from university of Otago with High distinction in 2011. He has a Private Specialist Orthodontic & Periodontic Practice in Auckland, New Zealand.

Prashant is an excellent teacher, clinician and his unique dual qualification generates interest in all his presentations, national and international. He is a member of various National and International Orthodontic & Periodontic Associations and has served in various roles in the Asia Pacific Orthodontic society and has been specially recognized for establishing the ‘Foundation for Research and Education’ for the APOS.

Prashant is Trainer and Facilitator for Total Quality Management. He has worked as a Senior Consultant and a Certified Trainer and Facilitator for Quality improvement in Health care at Qimpro Institute, an affiliate of Juran International Inc. USA.

He has keen interest in all types of sport and has qualified as a level II cricket coach through the Auckland Cricket Association, New Zealand. He devotes a lot of his time at the temple and the associated charitable institute. He is currently studying the Sanskrit language, Vedic Scriptures and practices meditation.