Kardla on Kaurna: Spirit Enduring, Fire Alive

ACODS was proud to be part of the Biannual event for the Indigenous Dental Association of Australia.  The event was held on Kaurna Country (Adelaide) South Australia and brought people together from across the nation and Aotearoa to discuss the rich culture of Aboriginal and torrs Strait Islander people, AHPRA’s latest stance on eliminating racism, casual racism and how it impacts First Nation’s people and the importance of emotional well-being.  It was a rich day which gave insight into the direct impact these elements have on Oral Health outcomes and dental student representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Guest  Speakers were:

• Associate Professor Carmen Parter  who presented “Armouring Up” Staying in the battle and armouring up against white violence in the Health /System that is not free of racism
• Associate Professor  Eleanor Parker and Dr Dylan Coleman who presented  “Championing  culturally safe care. A journey as partners to enhance Indigenous oral health education and practice
• Jayde Fuller  presented: Eliminating racism from healthcare through regulation.
• Key note address was from the Te Ao Marama Aotearoa Maori Dental Association Executive Team
• Aunty Nancy Jeffrey who presented – Bridging Cultures: Insights from a Woolwonga woman on social and emotional wellbeing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
• Finishing with a Q & A with the founders of the IDAA

Great insights were given by all guest speakers and an amazing presentation by the Teo Marama (Maori) Dental Association.  It was a generous sharing of knowledge and a great privilege to be a part of.

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.