THe next generation
Recognising Excellence in Dentistry
In 2014, Avenue Dental founded the Australian Dental Graduate of the Year Award to recognize and support the next generation of talented dentists across Australia. Initiated by Dr. Stephen Dudgeon and Dr. Eli Burger, the award was established to honor outstanding dental graduates and help mentor them into becoming exceptional clinicians. The award not only acknowledges academic excellence but also a commitment to the highest standards of patient care and professional growth.
Each year, the Australian Dental Graduate of the Year Award is open to final-year dental students from all accredited dental schools across Australia. One exceptional graduate is named the Australian Dental Graduate of the Year, receiving a $1,000 cash prize as recognition of their achievements. Additionally, five runner-up finalists are awarded a $500 cash prize each, celebrating their dedication and skill. These awards serve as a launching pad for promising young dentists as they begin their careers.
Participating Dental Schools
The Australian Dental Graduate of the Year Award is available to students from the following universities and dental schools:
- New South Wales: University of Sydney Dental School, Charles Sturt University Dental School
- Victoria: University of Melbourne Dental School, La Trobe University Dental School
- South Australia: University of Adelaide Dental School
- Queensland: University of Queensland Dental School, James Cook University Dental School, Griffith University Dental School
- Western Australia: University of Western Australia Dental School
Beyond the Award
The Australian Dental Mini Residency
In addition to the financial award, the most promising graduates are invited to join the prestigious Australian Dental Mini Residency, a comprehensive training and mentoring program designed specifically for new dental graduates. Founded in response to the exceptional talent discovered through the Graduate of the Year Award, this program offers an invaluable opportunity for hands-on learning and professional development.
The Australian Dental Mini Residency, held at Avenue Dental’s training facility in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, is the only evidence-based general dental practice mentoring program available in Australia. This invitation-only program provides recent graduates with a series of five lectures and practical workshops, each focusing on a foundational aspect of general practice dentistry. The residency is designed to grow these young dentists into highly skilled general practitioners, building on the knowledge gained during their university education.
Our Commitment to the Future of Dentistry
At Avenue Dental, our purpose is “Positively Transforming Dentistry.” We believe that by recognizing, supporting, and mentoring the next generation of Australian dentists, we are contributing to the elevation of dental standards across the country. The Australian Dental Graduate of the Year Award and the Australian Dental Mini Residency embody this commitment, offering new graduates the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in their careers.
Since its inception, the Australian Dental Graduate of the Year Award has grown from a pilot program at the University of Queensland to a prestigious national award, with the Mini Residency expanding to include over 50 recent graduates each year. This growth reflects our dedication to giving back to the profession and ensuring that the future of dentistry in Australia is in capable, caring hands.
We are proud to play a part in shaping the future of dentistry and look forward to continuing our work with the talented, driven, and passionate young dentists who participate in the Australian Dental Graduate of the Year Award and the Australian Dental Mini Residency.
