SAVE THE DATE
- 25 – 27 SEPTEMBER 2025
- Crowne Plaza Queenstown, NZ

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Welcome to the
Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry’s 2025 Reconnext Conference!
It gives me the greatest pleasure to welcome you to the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry’s 2025 Reconnext Conference. I really hope you are able to join us in Queenstown—one of the most beautiful places in the world! The organising committee is really looking forward to showing you some Kiwi hospitality!
Our keynote speaker is Joana Monteiro, Paediatric Dentist from Sheffield. Joana’s clinical and research interests focus on provision of care for children with enamel defects, including molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). She is the chair of the UK’s Paediatric Dentistry Clinical Excellence Group in amelogenesis imperfecta/dentinogenesis imperfecta and is undertaking a PhD at the University of Sheffield, focusing on MIH. We are really looking forward to welcoming Joana.
We are also thrilled to be hosting Dr Patrick Ruck, board-certified Paediatric Dentist and full-time Assistant Professor of Paediatric Dentistry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre in Ohio. Patrick’s research and practice interests include dental materials, integration of new materials/procedures with hospital dental programs, and hospital paediatric dentistry populations. Supported by NuSmile and the Paediatric Dental Company, Patrick will be running workshops on the use of Zirconia crowns, with the morning session for post-graduate students and the afternoon session open to the general membership. Patrick will also speak at the Conference on Friday and Saturday.
To support these two fantastic international speakers, we will have a range of local presenters from both within and outside the membership. Full programme details are to come—following is an overview:
Thursday 25 September
Friday 26 September - Conference Day One
Including the AAPD Colgate Graduate Speaker Award, AAPD AGM, IADR research competition and Conference Dinner.
Saturday 27 September - Conference Day Two
Including a 5km Parkrun or walk in beautiful Queenstown, IADR research competition, and big screens to watch the AFL Grand Final.
Our meeting will be held at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown, with an option to stay at the hotel. Other accommodation options can also be provided on request.
Be organised, block off your appointment books, and join us in Queenstown this September. Further details will be added to our website as they become available.
I look forward to seeing you for our annual Reconnext meeting—a wonderful time for not only learning but also connecting with colleagues. I think we are especially lucky in paediatric dentistry to have such great colleagues!

Dr Katie Ayers
AAPD President
Why should you attend?
As the biennial conference for the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, Reconnext offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into our professional niche.
Reconnext will allow you to Reconnect with industry peers. Rekindle and reinvigorate your passion for our profession. And Reimagine the exciting future that lies ahead for paediatric dentistry.
Latest industry insights
We have an incredibly rich program that covers diverse topics within paediatric dentistry. We’ll discuss advances in clinical practice and technology. Delve into the healthcare system and look at how it impacts our patients. And examine contemporary social questions, such as how to best support trans children and young people as healthcare professionals.
Learn from industry leaders
You will hear from the leading thinkers in paediatric dentistry, with our conference line-up including international as well as local thought leaders. These experienced practitioners and academic leaders will impart practical knowledge to improve your clinical abilities. As well as get you up to speed on what’s current in our profession – and prepare you for what’s on the horizon.
Connect with your peers
You will find ample opportunities for networking at Reconnext. This is an unmissable chance to build a meaningful professional network. Whether you’re looking to find professional mentors, meet fellow practice owners, or discover potential employers or upcoming talent to hire – you’ll make the right connections at Reconnext.
Earn 11 CPD hours
You’ll tick off a large block of your mandatory CPD hours by attending Reconnext, with the event offering 11 verifiable CPD hours. To maintain your registration, you must compete 60 hours of continuing education over a 3-year cycle. Averaged out per year, attending Reconnext will take you over half way toward the hours you need in one year.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dr Joana Monteiro
Paediatric Dentist

Dr Patrick Ruck
Paediatric Dentist
PROGRAM & EVENTS

FRIDAY
reconnext scientific lectures
- Friday 26 September 2025
- 8.30am to 5.00pm
- Crowne Plaza Queenstown
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included

SATURDAY
reconnext scientific lectures
- Saturday 27 September 2025
- 8.30am to 1.30pm
- Crowne Plaza, Queenstown
- Brunch included

THURSDAY EVENING
PRESIDENT'S COCKTAIL PARTY
- Thursday 25 September 2025
- 5:30pm to 7:30pm
- TBC

FRIDAY EVENING
RECONNEXT Conference dinner
- Friday 26 September 2025
- 6.30pm to 11.00pm
- TBC

DATE & LOCATION
25 - 27 September 2025
Crowne Plaza, Queenstown
The conference will be hosted at the Crowne Plaza Queenstown, perfectly situated for both relaxation and exploration. Delegates will have the option of staying at the Crowne Plaza, ensuring direct access to all conference activities. For those seeking alternative accommodations, a list of suggestions can be provided upon request.

