Brisbane, 23 January 2024
Queensland dentists, Dr Grace Toll and Dr James Gibson, have been awarded the 2023 Australian Dental Association Queensland (ADAQ) and BOQ Specialist Dental Excellence Bursaries.
Dr Grace Toll from Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service and Dr James Gibson from Totally Smiles in Townsville, will each receive $5,500 to put towards ADAQ Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses after being named the recipients of the bursary.
Now in its seventh consecutive year, the ADAQ and BOQ Specialist bursary program acknowledges Queensland dental practices and emerging practitioners that are committed to quality learning, and funds the continued professional development of practitioners and their teams. There are two bursaries offered – the Emerging Practitioners Bursary for dental practitioners with less than five years of professional work experience, and the Practice Bursary for practitioners with more than five years of work experience.
Emerging Practitioners Bursary recipient Dr Toll will use the bursary to continue making a positive impact on her local community.
‘I am incredibly driven about bringing smiles to the beautiful Cassowary Coast community. From the stunning beaches to the lush rainforests, I am committed to ensuring that everyone here has access to exceptional dental care. Making a positive impact on the oral health of this unique region is what truly drives me!’
Fellow bursary recipient and lead practitioner at Totally Smiles Townsville, Dr Gibson, has experienced the benefits of CPD in the early years of his career, and is excited to continue his education through this Practice Bursary.
‘Using CPD education, talking to my friends and peers, and having a mentor, all developed my skills and knowledge. This bursary will help my team and I to help our patients. I want to thank the ADAQ, BOQ Specialist and my colleagues for helping me with my dental education!’
ADAQ President, Dr Jay Hsing, said both bursary recipients demonstrated dedication and commitment to their continuing professional development, which enhances their individual growth and contributes to the betterment of the communities they serve.
‘We appreciate the continued partnership with BOQ Specialist to deliver this strategic initiative that strongly aligns with ADAQ's mission of supporting the dental profession and advancing the oral health of all Queenslanders.’
BOQ Specialist General Manager, Keith Strachan, concluded, ‘We’re proud to once again be supporting professional development in the Queensland dental community through our long-standing partnership with ADAQ, recognising two outstanding recipients in Dr Toll and Dr Gibson.
‘Over the 30 years that we have been working closely with dentists, we’ve continued to see the benefits that ongoing upskilling and training bring not only to dental practices, but to the broader community.’
Dr Toll and Dr Gibson will be profiled in ADAQ’s Dental Mirror as well as BOQ Specialist’s own ‘Best Practice’ magazine.
Media Enquiries
BOQ Group Media Relations
Tel: (07) 3212 3068
Email: mediarelations@boq.com.au
ADAQ
Melissa Kruger, Manager – Marketing, Membership and Engagement
Tel: (07) 3252 9866
Email: Melissa.Kruger@adaq.com.au
About BOQ Specialist
BOQ Specialist has been Australia’s leading financial services partner for medical, dental and veterinary professionals for over 30 years. Their distinctive range of personal and business banking products and services include everyday banking and savings accounts, credit cards, residential mortgages, car loans, practice purchase loans, equipment and fit-out finance, commercial and investment property loans. For more information, call 1300 160 160 or visit www.boqspecialist.com.au
About the Australian Dental Association Queensland
The Australian Dental Association Queensland (ADAQ) is the peak body representing the dental profession. We advocate for our members, and work with government and other bodies to develop oral health policy and resources which will provide for improved oral health of all Queenslanders. ADAQ supports the practise and development of dentistry in Queensland through the design, support and delivery of education and professional services to member dentists and dental students. Further information: www.adaq.org.au