On 9 May 2025, the International College of Dentists’ Section VIII (Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific) held its annual Induction Ceremony in Perth, Western Australia, officially welcoming 51 new Fellows into the College. The event, held at the Parmelia Hilton’s Argyle Ballroom, was a celebration of professional achievement, ethical leadership, and impactful service to the community.

Outgoing Section VIII President Dr. Tom Tseng ceremonially passed the Chain of Office to Dr. Ian Meyers OAM, who now assumes leadership of the section. Dr. Meyers introduced a specially recorded message from ICD International President Dr. Ian Doyle, warmly congratulating the inductees and affirming the College’s global commitment to excellence and service.

This year’s inductees represent a cross-section of accomplished clinicians, researchers, educators, and public health leaders across the region—professionals whose contributions have extended beyond clinical practice into areas of meaningful community impact. With this cohort, Section VIII now comprises 681 active Fellows, along with 13 active South Pacific Fellows, 91 Life Fellows, 54 Honorary Fellows, and 2 Master Fellows.

The evening was further elevated by keynote speaker Dr. Jacinta Vu, oral medicine specialist and 2025 WA Local Hero in the Australian of the Year honours. Dr. Vu shared the story of Healing Smiles, an outreach program providing essential oral health care to women fleeing domestic violence. Her address offered a powerful example of the kind of service that embodies the ICD motto: Recognizing Service and the Opportunity to Serve.

Also honored were several Section VIII Fellows who received national honours in 2025:

• Professor Murray Thomson (CNZOM) – for over 40 years of pioneering oral health research in New Zealand.
• Professor Bernadette Drummond (ONZM) – for her leadership in paediatric dentistry and commitment to underserved populations.
• Dr. David Wiesenfeld (AM) – for his outstanding contributions to oral and maxillofacial surgery, particularly in head and neck cancer care.
• Hon. John Day (AM) – for distinguished service to the community.

Section VIII’s 2025 Induction Ceremony reaffirmed the ICD’s international mission: to recognize dentists whose careers reflect integrity, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving the oral health needs of their communities.

Source: Section VIII Newsletter No. 62 June 2025