Join us as we share plans for National Oral Health Month in August 2026 and highlight the advocacy work underway to advance oral health in New Zealand. This session will provide an update on NZDA’s advocacy progress since the launch of the NZDA Roadmap Towards Better Oral Health in August 2025, including the work being done to strengthen the voice of the profession and push for meaningful change. This session will give members an early look at NZDA’s shift to a dedicated National Oral Health Month, why it matters, and how it will help raise the profile of oral health with the public, decision-makers, and communities across the country. You’ll hear about the resources and materials available to support members in having confident, effective conversations about the importance of oral health, and we’ll outline how you can get involved in making National Oral Health Month 2026 a success.
This session will give members an early look at NZDA’s shift to a dedicated National Oral Health Month, why it matters, and how it will help raise the profile of oral health with the public, decision-makers, and communities across the country.
Dr Dave Excell is a general dentist with 30 years’ experience in private practice and a long-standing leader within NZDA, including over a decade on the Board and extensive involvement at branch level. He also represents New Zealand internationally with the FDI World Dental Federation and is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists.
Dr Robin Whyman is the inaugural Director of Dental Policy at NZDA and a highly respected leader in the dental sector, with former roles including Chief Dental Officer at the Ministry of Health and Chair of the Dental Council of New Zealand. A registered dental public health specialist, he leads NZDA’s work on policy, strategy, and workforce development while maintaining clinical practice in the hospital system.
Dr Mo Amso is a general dentist with nearly 15 years’ experience across private and public sectors, including leadership roles in multi-clinic operations and community-focused care. He is Chief Executive of NZDA, continues clinical work in special care dentistry, and was named NZDA Outstanding Young Dentist of the Year in 2019.
