AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DENTAL JOURNALISM

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is proud to announce that it has created an Award for Excellence in Dental Journalism.

“Dental decay and gum disease are the most common health conditions in Australia, yet despite this, very little is reported about it. Public sector waiting lists across the country are far too long and some sectors of the community, such as the aged and indigenous populations, are not receiving the treatment and care they deserve,” said Robert Boyd-Boland, Chief Executive Officer of the ADA.

“Through oral health promotion campaigns directed to the community and by urging governments to improve policy, the ADA has taken a number of steps to promote positive oral health. We are seeking the support of the media in further alerting the public as to the issues being faced and to seek to influence responsible policy development to improve oral health delivery.”

“The ADA does what it can to achieve this but it is hoped that with the influence of responsible journalism, greater success in improving oral health and its delivery to the community will follow.”

The ADA’s award will be in the sum of $10,000. It will be granted every second year – in the odd year – in conjunction with the ADA Congress.

The Award will be available in respect of Dental Journalism through public print, television or radio published in Australia. It will not be open to journalism through any specialist or dental specific publications.

It will be in respect of publications issued in the period of two years preceding 31 December of the even year prior to granting of the Award. The inaugural award will be granted in March 2007 in respect of material published in the two year period prior to 31 December 2006.

“We hope that this award encourages journalists to thoughtfully consider and responsibly report on what is a very crucial area of health but one which the ADA considers is often overlooked.

Robert Boyd-Boland         
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Dental Association Inc.
Ph:  (w) 02 9906 4412      (m) 0417 677 607

About the Award

The Award will be available in respect of Dental Journalism through public print, television or radio published in Australia. It is not open to journalism through any specialist or dental specific publications. There will be a limit of two entries per individual.

Members and employees of the Association and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter.

The Award will be in the sum of $10000. It will be granted each second year-in the odd year- in conjunction with the Association’s Congress. The recipient of the Award is required to attend the ADA Congress to receive the Award.

It will be in respect of publications issued in the period of two years preceding 31 December of the even year prior to granting of the Award. The inaugural award will be granted in March 2007 in respect of material published in the 2 year period prior to 31 December 2006.

The judges' decision will be final.

The Award may be divided where entrants are given equal ratings by the judges. In addition, the judges have the right to not make an award when, in their opinion, the entries are not of a sufficient standard to merit an award.

Judging Panel

The prize winners will be selected by a panel of judges which will include:
• The Editor of the Australian Dental Journal.
• The Editor of the ADA News Bulletin.
• The President of the Australian Dental Association Inc.
• A Dental Dean or Head of Dental School of Australia as appointed by CHADDS.
• A senior representative of the Australasian Medical Writers Association.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on the following criteria, in order of importance:
1. Effectiveness in giving readers / listeners / viewers a greater awareness and understanding of the importance and value to the community of dental health issues and delivery in Australia.
2. Audience Appeal and Relevance.
3. Accuracy and Objectivity.
4. Presentation.

Presentation of the Awards

The winner will be the guest of the Association at its Congress and will be presented with the Award at the Opening Ceremony of the Congress.

How to enter

Complete the attached entry form and send it with:
• a statement of 150 words (maximum) outlining the circumstances in which the entry was prepared and the research undertaken;
• a copy of the entry/entries, which must be
o Print: a copy of the article in its original printed form
o Radio: a cassette of the item(s) as broadcast; or
o Television: a high quality VHS cassette of the story/stories, as televised.

Click Here to download entry form (PDF)

Entries should be sent to:

Media Award
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Dental Association Inc.  
75 Lithgow Street St Leonards NSW  2065
Postal Address:

PO Box 520 St Leonards NSW  1590
Telephone:      (612) 9906 4412
Facsimile:        (612) 9906 4736 
Email:              adainc@ada.org.au