New Zealand report Tēnā koutou katoa (Greetings to you all)
Looking back on 2023 and forward to 24
2023 has been a challenging year for a lot of us in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In some ways, this can be attributed to the floods, cyclone Gabrielle, high inflation, cost of living crisis, more Covid-19 and possibly the wettest winter and second hottest summer! Just like everyone else, the much needed holiday break was a great time to reflect back on the year. I spent time with my loved ones and contemplated the coming challenges for 2024.
Throughout the year, many of SPDNZ members are contributing to the group’s shared goals, community and the profession at various levels by volunteering.
Thank you very much to everyone who has kindly donated their time towards SPDNZ’s activities. We would not be able to function without the efforts of our volunteer members stepping up to do things that we care for as a group.
I would like to take this opportunity to give you brief updates of what’s been happening across the ditch:
- The mid-year SPDNZ’s virtual study day 2023 was well attended by members and there has been an overwhelming support to continue this 2024 and beyond.
- AAPD generously supported the SPDNZ website and constructive/helpful feedback from Dr John Shehan regarding website content. Thank you for the support.
- Work is underway to put together a CPD course for General Dentists in NZ. Please contact me with ideas, suggestions regarding course content, and volunteer interest from AAPD to contribute locally in NZ.
- The Oral Health Clinical Advisory Network (OHCAN) is a network of professionals from the oral health sector who work, or have an interest in, publicly-funded dental services in New Zealand. OHCAN provides clinical leadership to the oral health sector and advice to the Ministry of Health on oral health issues, with a particular emphasis on publicly-funded oral health services. SPDNZ is actively working to provide feedback for the document ‘Clinical Guidelines for Child and Adolescent Oral Health’.
- SDF Advocacy group and SPDNZ: SDF needs to be approved as ‘medicine’ before its use in New Zealand. Work is underway on this matter through a National SDF Advocacy group and SPDNZ members are part of the advocacy group.
- Paediatric Society of NZ: current discussions with PSNZ to establish, foster and strengthen relationships and take every opportunity to advance the Paediatric Dentistry speciality and advocate for child oral health in NZ. More updates to follow once group representatives have met.
- Honorary Membership: Prof Bernadette Drummond was awarded with a Honorary SPDNZ membership at the SPDNZ AGM 29 October 2023. Thank you to Prof Bernadette for her dedication, commitment and significant contribution to Paediatric Dentistry speciality in NZ and beyond.
Wishing everyone a bright and joyful year ahead and good luck!
Ngā Mihi Nui (Thank you very much)
