2025 award recipients

Laureate Professor Eric Reynolds, AO

At the 2025 Annual General Meeting, the members of the ADA elected Professor Reynolds the award of Honorary Life Membership. 

Laureate Professor Eric Reynolds, AO has made a significant contribution to further dentistry and the profession both in Australia and internationally.  He is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Research Director at the Oral Health CRC at the Melbourne Dental School at the University of Melbourne and prior, for 16 years he was Head of the Melbourne Dental School. 

He is a leading figure in oral health science and dental research; has lectured and published extensively and has chaired and participated in a wide range of professional committees and panels. 

Laureate Professor Reynolds was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to community dental health in 2005; has received a number of awards for research excellence and science innovation and in 2016 received the Award of Merit from the Australian Dental Association. 

The Australian Dental Association is very proud of Laureate Professor Reynolds many achievements and the significant contribution he has made - and continues to make - to the dental profession.  Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, his contribution has been truly invaluable. 

Associate Professor James Lucas AM 

A Valuable Service Award was bestowed upon Associate Professor James Lucas AM in recognition of the valuable work rendered throughout his career (over 30 years) to further dentistry in the field of paediatric dentistry.  He has played a significant part in being a role model for younger members of the profession, lecturing and consulting extensively across Australia. 

As a consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital (retired 2019), A/Prof Lucas managed cleft palates and dental trauma in children, worked as a visiting volunteer consultant at the National Hospital of Odontostomatolgy Ho Ch Minh City overseeing the evaluation and treatment of children suffering with cleft lip and palate.  

A/Prof Lucas continues to inspire his peers within the dental community through the work undertaken at his successful paediatric dental practice in Melbourne.  He consistently demonstrates excellence within the profession, and his commitment and dedication are a clear testament to his achievements. 

Dr Barbara Woodhouse 

A Valuable Service Award was bestowed upon Dr Barbara Woodhouse for the valuable work rendered as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  Dr Woodhouse has had a distinguished career combining clinical excellence, leadership, passion in advocating for gender equity in surgery and humanitarian service.  She was the first woman in Queensland to obtain a Masters in Oral Surgery, as well as Australia’s first dual-qualified female oral and maxillofacial surgeon. 

Dr Woodhouse’s passion and dedication in self-funding humanitarian missions across the Asia region, providing surgical care as well as training local surgeons is a testament to her character.  She has also had a profound impact in successfully advocating for legislative changes to improve healthcare access for children with significant facial deformities. 

Dr Woodhouse’s achievements are highly commendable, and the personal sacrifices made in maintaining such a strong commitment to the dental profession have been invaluable. 

Dr Gavin Quek 

The Outstanding Young Dentist Award (OYDA) was bestowed upon Dr Gavin Quek in recognition of his significant contribution to the ADA.  Dr Quek’s contribution as an ADA Dental Health Foundation (ADA DHF) Advisory Board member and volunteer work as part of the Adopt a Patient program are commendable.  He is a young and passionate professional who consistently demonstrates hard work and dedication to the dental profession.  

The Australian Dental Association is very proud to have a young dentist with such strong commitment and passion for promoting oral health awareness.  He serves as a remarkable ambassador for the profession.