Dentistry is a profession of impressive standards and enduring excellence, and in recognition of the exemplary work done by so many dentists, in 2024 the ADA awarded its Distinguished Service Award to three recipients and its Valuable Service Award to another worthy contributor to dentistry.
The ADA extend its deepest thanks to these accomplished members of the profession and extends its sincere appreciation for their considerable services to Australian dentistry.
Any dentist who has rendered long and distinguished service to the ADA or to dentistry at a national level.
This award was conferred in recognition of the distinguished service that Dr Kahler has provided to the ADA and his renowned contribution, both nationally and internationally, to the specialist field of endodontics.
Among the many areas cited for his contribution to the broader dental community are:
• his achievements and expertise in the field of regenerative endodontics
• international recognition as a clinician, research and educator in the field of endodontics
• recognition by the ADA's Queensland Branch for his long and distinguished service to dentistry and;
• international fellowships bestowed upon him.
This award was conferred in recognition of the distinguished service that Dr Scott has provided to the ADA and the work undertaken as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Dr Scott's achievements during her time as a member of the Army Reserve and her valued contribution and service as the Senior Dental Officer in South Australia have been exemplary. Her significant contributions were recognised in the Australia Day Honours 2024 when Dr Scott was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC).
This award has been conferred in recognition of the distinguished service that Dr Wilson has provided to the ADA.
Dr Wilson has served the ADA since joining as a member in 1975, participating in a number of Committees at both a State and Federal level, and served on the Dental Board of South Australia, South Australia Foundation for Dental Education and Research and on various Committees at The University of Adelaide.
Any person who has rendered a valuable service to the ADA or to dentistry at a national level.
This award was conferred in recognition of the valuable work Dr Sheahan has rendered in supporting our most disadvantaged patients, including those requiring dental treatment under GA due to severe disease, trauma or inability to be treated in the dental chair. He has had a profound impact on both paediatric dentistry and the broader field of dentistry in Australasia and internationally, significantly advancing the profession and the work of the ADA.
In addition, Dr Sheahan has served on many state, national and international dental committees and as one of the longest serving past Federal Presidents of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD). He also continues to spend much of his free time advocating for the oral health of infants, children and adolescents in Australia and New Zealand, while also periodically contributing to the education and assessment of students undertaking specialist training in paediatric dentistry.
