Dentistry

Michael Smith

Biography

I graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1975 (BDSc LDS) and have practised as a dentist in the private and public sectors. I have a strong interest in preventive and Minimal Intervention Dentistry and improving the oral health of people and the communities in the Barwon South West Region. I have an honorary appointment in the University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences as a Fellow (2010). My role is that of Head of Oral Health for Barwon Health, Wathaurong Aboriginal Health Service and Colac Area Health. I have been involved with Smiles4Miles (pilot site), Romp & Chomp, Splash and the local Kinder Wide Smiles program (staff visit kindergartens and primary schools offering dental examinations, topical fluoride application to remineralize early carious lesions, education and parent engagement sessions). In 2013, I was recognized for my work and leadership: • Winner of the Smart Geelong Network Researcher of the Year Award - “Population Health and Lifestyle” category and Highly Commended in the Researcher of the Year Award • Kinder Wide Smiles was the winner of the Barwon Health Quality Improvement Award in the category of “Health Care Innovation – Excellence in Service Provision.” • Recipient of the Dental Health services Victoria (DHSV) 2013 Public Oral Healthcare Award – Leader in Oral Health I have represented the Community Health Sector on many committees, including: • DHSV Oral Health Practice Research Unit Advisory Group • National Partnership Working Group on Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID) • Australian Population Health Improvement Research Strategy (APHIRST) – Oral Health • DHSV Public Oral Health Leadership Council

Research Interest

Oral Health, Child Health