Australian Dental Research Foundation: Much more than the sum of its parts

Symbolism and history is important

Have you ever wondered what the Australian Dental Research Foundation (ADRF) logo symbolises?

The ADRF logo incorporates three key elements, the Greek letter 'delta', the colour purple and the snake. The logo incorporates the Greekletter ‘delta’ which is thefirst letter of the Greekword διαφορά – diaphorá, or difference. The use of purple for the letter ‘delta’ follows a dental tradition whereby purple is the official colour of dentistry.

The logo has an open base to allow for a flaming torch carrying a single serpent within the inverted letter. In some cultures the snake represents the element of disease but the ancient Greeks considered it to be a symbol of rebirth. Partly, this was because of the sloughing of their skin,and partly, because of their closeness to the earth,meaning that they were privy to much that was unknownto other creatures. Snakes were such powerful symbols,that they became a natural choice to represent ancient Greek physicians, which in turn, made them a naturalchoice to represent not just modern dentists but also other modern medical professionals.

With a foundation of rebirth, positive energy, abundance and prosperity, the ADRF welcomes this year with a new strategic direction that strengthens its resolve to make a difference and be in the forefront of building dental research capability in Australia.
 

A fresh approach starting from the inside out

There has been serious public discussion over the past few years about the diversity of corporate boards, and gender diversity in particular. The ADRF is proud of the makeup of its Board of Directors which has balanced representation of professionals, male and female, clinical practitioners, dental researchers, key industry stakeholders, and an independent Chair.

At our Annual Dental Research Symposium, held on 17 March this year, we were privileged to have in attendance the current and three previous Chairs of the ADRF Board of Directors (image below shows The 3 Chairs (L-R): Ian Crawford, Louise McCann and Reginald Hession AM):

Dr Reginald Hession AM 1991-1998
Dr Ian Crawford 2006-2010
Prof. Ian Meyers 2010-2014
Ms Louise McCann 2021-

We also welcomed a new corporate partner, SDI Limited, who we hope will continue to work with us to deliver our promise of the best possible oral care to all Australians.
 

We can’t do it without your support

Oral care has been identified as a priority by key global and national entities. And research has recently been recognised by the Australian Federal Government as a priority with the announcement of the $5 billion Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) program which will commence on 1 July 2022 and fund research projects in five priority areas, including medical products.

At the ADRF’s inaugural Dental Research Symposium, funding for dental research was identified as a challenge for academic and industry stakeholders. With the help of our sponsors SDI Limited and the Australian Dental Industry Association, the 2022 annual dental research symposium, recently held during ADX Sydney, brought together a panel of speakers to help us unpack this major industry challenge.

Presentations stimulated discussion from the perspective of the dental industry (Dr Leon Prentice from SDI Limited), dental researchers (Dr Mihiri Silva from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute), and the National Health and Medical Research Council (Executive Director, Dr Julie Glover).

The symposium was attended by a diverse group of professionals including clinical practitioners, manufacturers and suppliers of dental products, and dental researchers.

For the ADRF, the symposium has provided a better understanding of the funding dilemma from different perspectives and will significantly inform the development of its research strategy. We are currently collating the information shared during the symposium for the purpose of developing an action plan.

If you would like to be part of this process, please contact our Director Business Development whose contact details appear on this page.
 

Annual ADRF Grants Program

In the meantime, as at close of business on 31 March, the ADRF had received 114 applications for dental research projects through its annual grants program. We would need in excess of $1.2m if we were to fund them all.

Over the next few months, the ADRF’s Research Advisory Committee, under the leadership of its newly appointed Chair, Associate Professor Deborah Cockrell, will assess each application and recommend to the ADRF Board of Directors which projects should be funded. We know that we will only be able to fund one in every four projects.

The Chinese zodiac tells us that 2025 will be the year of the snake: our year to deliver solutions that will benefit individuals, the community and the government, and to deliver on our promise of the best possible oral care for
all Australians.

If we can fund research to eradicate polio and malaria, develop alternative sources of energy, and explore the potential of robotics to improve our lives, surely we can fund research to eradicate dental caries which continues to be the major dental challenge of our time.

We welcome your support through sponsorships and donations via our website.

We also welcome your ideas which you can share by contacting our Director Business Development, Gordana Blazevic, on 0412 543 813 or via email at