What led to you becoming a paediatric dentist?
Well, my path to becoming a paediatric dentist feels like destiny in action. My initial intention was to work with children, and a professor named Nigel King opened the door to this opportunity. It is like the tooth fairy guided me to this career path.
Where do you work now?
You see, I rock several hats! I am the Dean and Head of UWA Dental School and the Director of the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia. I continue to be the Program Convener for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry course at UWA and supervise research. Also, I work in the private sector as an associate at Pediatric Dental Specialists WA.
Where do you see your future in paediatric dentistry?
I aspire to continue as a mentor, sharing my clinical and research experience. Also, I wish to continue creating opportunities for the upcoming generations of paediatric dentists and clinician-scientists.
What aspects of paediatric do you most prefer?
I like the clinical, teaching, and research facets of paediatric dentistry. For me, they are like the three musketeers – one for all and all for one!
I joined the AAPD to/because…
My professor suggested it, and there wasn’t a student guidebook then! So, the only option was to follow the “knowledgeable mentor”.
The people I would like to connect with in the AAPD are…
Both the newcomers and the seasoned members of the AAPD.
What is your most memorable or favourite part of practicing Paediatric Dentistry?
The best part of practising Pediatric Dentistry is making positive changes in the lives of the children I treat, their families, the students I teach, and the research I conduct.
What do you like doing outside of Paediatric Dentistry?Outside of my Pediatric Dentistry duties, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and children whenever possible.
In an alternate universe, if you were not a dentist what would you have liked to pursue?
I would choose a job completely different from what I do now. I want to see the opposite side of my personality and interests. My work is meticulous and focused, so I’d go for something more creative and adventurous in this alternate universe. That would be interesting!
Want to get in touch?
Reach out to Robert at robert.anthonappa@uwa.edu.au
