Dr Jess Manuela, a palawa woman from Lutruwita (TAS) and Niuean Pacific Islander, has been appointed Co-President of the Indigenous Dental Association Australia (IDAA).
Dr Manuela brings experience and passion to the role. Her commitment to improving oral health equity is well-established, having opened two dental clinics and spearheaded initiatives that provide bulk-billed dental care to Aboriginal Tasmanian adults.
Alongside Dr Jodi Hart, Dr Manuela will focus on critical initiatives to improve the dental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These efforts include increasing access to dental care, fostering participation in dental education programs, and recognising the vital link between cultural connection and overall wellbeing.
“As the Co-President of the IDAA, I’m deeply committed to improving the oral health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We have a long way to go, but together, we can make significant progress.
Increasing access to dental care and fostering participation in dental education programs are crucial. I’d like to see more of our young mob getting into dental courses and being supported in an environment free from racism and prejudice during their education. We need more of us graduating to make change.”