2026 ADA DHF First Nations Grants recipients announced during NAIDOC Week

Congratulations to the three recipients of this year’s ADA Dental Health Foundation’s First Nations Study Grants, announced during NAIDOC week which celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The grants are awarded to students who can use the grants “... to cover costs of dental equipment, textbooks and to financially support students while they are on placements or living away from home”.

First offered in 2013, the awarding of the grants has enabled many past students to realise their career goals and will no doubt do the same for this year’s impressive recipients.

Jessica Tattersall (LEFT)
Bachelor of Oral Health
University of Sydney 3rd year

I was born in Dubbo NSW, a proud woman from Wiradjuri country. Currently I am enrolled at the University of Sydney, within the Bachelor of Oral Health Program. The reason I am applied for a First Nations Study Grant is to relieve some financial pressure I am under whist I am studying as a single mother of two children.

The goal for the future would be to create a balanced, stable lifestyle between work and home life to be there for my children. That ideally would look like 1-2 days per week in the public dental hospital, then 1-2 days in a private practice building up my books. Once I have gained some experience, I would be interested in applying for a clinical educator position, working at the university teaching in simulation clinic and in clinical placements.

Sophie Butcher (MIDDLE)
Bachelor of Oral Health
Central Queensland University 2nd year

As an Aboriginal woman studying a Bachelor of Oral Health, I am committed to addressing oral health inequities in rural and Indigenous communities. Growing up in rural NSW in towns like Condobolin, Dubbo, and Tamworth, I have witnessed firsthand the barriers our communities face in accessing dental care whilst completing my three-year Career as a Dental Assistant. My upbringing in a household that cared for over 60 Aboriginal foster children instilled in me a strong sense of passion and a responsibility to give back. 

This grant will support my studies and help me become an oral health therapist focused on culturally safe and community-driven care. My long-term goal is to work rurally, possibly with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to provide preventative and restorative services where they’re needed most. I am passionate about promoting oral health education and empowering Aboriginal families to improve long-term health outcomes and closing the gap between cultural/Rural barriers when it comes to oral health. 

I am dedicated, community-minded, and driven to make a meaningful impact in rural and Indigenous oral health.

Shay-Marie Hooper (RIGHT)
Bachelor of Oral Health
University of Sydney 2nd year

My name is Shay-Marie Hooper, and I am an Indigenous woman currently in the second year of a Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University of Sydney. To pursue my studies, I relocated my family from Coonamble NSW, over eight hours away, demonstrating my strong commitment to achieving my qualifications. My ultimate goal is to return home and provide essential oral health services to my community, where access to care is often limited.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact of inadequate oral health care in Indigenous communities. This experience ignited my passion for dentistry and preventive care, as I strongly believe that improving oral health can significantly enhance overall well-being. Through my studies, I am developing the skills and knowledge necessary to make a lasting difference.

The grant will provide invaluable support in my journey to becoming a qualified oral health professional. With my dedication to community health and cultural understanding, I aspire to bridge the gap in oral health disparities and empower my mob with the care they deserve.