ACODS held one of their quarterly meetings as part of the IADR conference in Cairns Australia in September. ACODS is proud to support and continue its collaboration with the IADR which has been ongoing since 2010. One of the main aims of ACODS is to assist and support Dental Education and Research in Australia.

Two subgroups “the Education Group” & “Research Group” have been formed with the assistance of ACODS. Both held meetings before and or after the IADR conference, developing their agenda and terms of reference for each group.

On the first day of the 63rd ANZ International Association of Dental Research Annual Scientific Meeting, the ACODS Leaders in Dental Education Section delivered a symposium. “Best Evidence Approaches to Teaching and Assessing Student Professionalism” explored research and scholarship in the area.

Presenters examined the varied definitions of professionalism in dental and health professions education. Evidence-based strategies for teaching and teaching and assessing professionalism were shared, highlighting effective relational pedagogical approaches. The session also explored the intersection between professionalism and inherent requirements for student fitness to practice. The symposium highlighted innovative ways dental educators are tacking the fostering of professionalism in future practitioners.