About us
Founded in 1949 as the NZ Hospital Dental Surgeons Association, for those provided hospital based dental care. The society rebranded in 2002 to reflect the evolving nature of public oral health services in both hospital and community settings. This change also expanded membership to include a wider range of dental professionals working within the public oral health sector.
Purposes & aims
The NZSHCD is committed to supporting oral health professionals and advancing publicly funded oral health services in Aotearoa. Below are the key aims and purposes that guide the society’s efforts to improve oral health care, advocate for its members, and collaborate with important health organizations across the country.
- To undertake public oral health activities in Aotearoa New Zealand in a way that upholds the commitments and obligations as outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- To provide a national network of dentists and dental specialists with expert knowledge and experience in hospital, community and dental public health in Aotearoa New Zealand
- To work in collaboration with Manatū Hauora, Te Aka Whai Ora and Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to support high quality public oral health services
- To represent the views and interests of oral health professionals working in all aspects of public health dentistry, hospital and community oral health services, in Aotearoa New Zealand
- To advocate for patients needing hospital and community oral health services
- To collaborate with and encourage organisations, including the New Zealand Dental Association, Te Ao Marama and the Pasifika Dental Association in the advocacy of high standards of oral health within the community
- To promote research, post graduate education and training in all aspects of dentistry, with special emphasis on areas pertaining to hospital-based and public health dentistry
- To provide expert opinion on matters related to oral health
- Do anything necessary or helpful to the above purposes
The key aims of the NZSHCD are to ensure:
- National consistency and best practice across all regions of Aotearoa, whether hospital or community based.
- A collaborative and strategic relationship with the Manatū Hauora, Te Aka Whai Ora and Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to facilitate access to timely and appropriate oral health services for vulnerable, at risk and special needs patient groups within New Zealand.
- Provision of expert opinion on matters relating to oral health.
- A sustainable and enduring workforce to support the needs of our patient group.
- Advocate for adequate funding to allow sustainable public oral health services.
- Equitable access and outcomes from high quality hospital-based dental services for all New Zealanders.
- Specialist training is promoted to allow our workforce to develop professionally.
- The NZSHCD supports any measure endorsed by the Manatū Hauora, Te Aka Whai Ora and Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora that improves the oral health of New Zealanders. It specifically supports the community water fluoridation of New Zealand reticulated water supplies.
Executive committee
The Executive Committee of the NZSHCD is composed of experienced dental professionals who guide the society’s strategic direction and ensure it fulfills its mission.
Dr Ellen Clark
Ellen Clark began her career as the first Dental House Officer at Whangarei Base Hospital in 2008. She has worked for Te Whatu Ora (formerly NDHB) for 13 years as a Community Dentist, serving as Clinical Director from 2015-2021. In 2019, she purchased a private practice in Mangawhai Heads. Ellen also focuses on improving oral health outcomes and reducing inequalities, while studying Te Reo Māori since 2021.
Dr Donna Kennedy
Donna is a Dental Public Health Specialist and leads the Hospital Oral Health Service at Te Whatu Ora, Nelson Marlborough, providing care for medically compromised patients, particularly those with oral and oro-pharyngeal cancer. Her research into the role of dental clinicians in diagnosing oral cancer has enhanced early diagnosis efforts. Donna is currently investigating medical practitioners' knowledge of oral cancer for the Ministry of Health and is a member of the New Zealand Oral Health Advisory Group, supporting adolescent care. She is passionate about improving access to oral health services.
Dr Anna Dawson
Coming soon!
Dr Phillipa Greer
Pip is an Oral Medicine Specialist currently practising in private practice in Christchurch, although she also holds a visiting specialist role in Palmerston North. She completed her BDS in Otago in 2010 and has subsequently completed her medical and specialist training there as well. Pip has a particular interest in the management of immune mediated oral mucosal disease and TMD.
Dr Pip MacDonald
Pip graduated in 1998 from the University of Otago. After over 20 years in private practise with a special interest in Children’s dentistry I returned to Otago searching for a lifestyle change for our family of 6. I tried my hand at teaching at the Faulty of Dentistry and discovered a passion for growing the knowledge of our next generation of dentists. After a period of Acting Clinical director I toll on the role of Head of Clinical Services in 2023. I have only recently joined the Exec committee in 2024.
South Island Representatives
Dr Sarah Bradley
Sarah graduated from the University of Otago with a BDS in 1989. She works as a senior dentist at Christchurch Hospital, caring for patients who are medically compromised and people with disabilities. She has a particular interest in looking after patients with cancer of the head and neck and patients diagnosed with rheumatic fever. Sarah is a new member to the executive committee in 2023.
Dr Leonard Chia
Leonard is a special care dental specialist at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha and have always worked in a team-based hospital environment. He gained his specialist qualification in 2017 from the University of Otago. He provides care for both children and adults, particularly those who have special needs, while supporting his colleagues in areas such as intravenous sedation. He has particular interest in digital health and currently in pursuing further qualifications in this area. Leonard is a new member to the executive committee.
North Island Representatives
Dr Penny Malden
Dr Penny Malden joined the executive committee in 2018. She graduated BDS from Otago University in 1995 and works as a Senior Dentist at Capital and Coast District Health Board where she has had many years’ experience in hospital dentistry. Penny is a specialist in Public Health Dentistry, completing her MComDent in 2006. She has had previous experience working with the Ministry of Health’s Oral Health team and at Regional Public Health based at Hutt Valley DHB.
Dr Andrea Kelsen
Andrea graduated from the University of Otago in 1999 with a BDS and worked at Capital Coast Hospital Dental Service for two years before spending four years in the UK. Since 2006, she has been a clinician at Taranaki Base Hospital. Andrea completed her Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry in 2010 and also earned a Diploma in Health Coaching and Nutrition. In her free time, she enjoys running, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Join us
Become a part of NZSHCD and contribute to a thriving community of oral health professionals dedicated to advancing hospital and community dentistry.
Contact us
Get in touch with the New Zealand Society of Hospital and Community Dentistry for any inquiries or to learn more about our work and membership opportunities.
