Studying Oral Health has been such a rewarding and transformative experience. Over the past few years I’ve learnt not only the clinical skills needed to care for patients, but also the importance of culturally safe care, community connection, and working as part of a team, particularly through my involvement with IDAA and the Indigenous Allied Health Australia’s (IAHA) Ultimate Student Leadership Challenges (USLC). I’ve also really valued coming from a regional university with the opportunities to learn in a variety of settings and through clinical placements in rural and regional communities.
Being the IDAA student representative has been one of the highlights of my time as a student. It’s given me the chance to advocate for my peers, become more culturally connected with myself and others, connect with professionals across the dental industry (even internationally), and contribute to something more within the association to help grow our network. As I step into life as a new graduate, I’m excited to keep growing clinically, professionally and personally. I’m looking forward to building my clinical confidence, supporting better health outcomes for our mob, and continuing to stay involved non-clinically, through IDAA and other professional associations that I have had involvement with. I’m grateful for the support I’ve had throughout my studies, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead!
