Dr Bruce Drysdale OAM

The ADAVB congratulates Dr Bruce Drysdale on receiving a Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Dr Drysdale received the honour in recognition of his service to dentistry, and to the community.

Dr Drysdale graduated from The University of Melbourne and practiced for over 40 years in Drouin, as a compassionate dentist committed to community affairs.

He has been involved in Rotary Clubs in both Drouin and Fitzroy for over 50 years, guiding and establishing the Drouin Golf Club and the West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul.

Dr Drysdale’s drive and professional knowledge saw Drouin’s water supply fluoridated in 1980, and as a result decay rates, especially for children, dropped rapidly in the area.

In 1971 he saw a need to provide a service to the public to answer questions on treatment or to address disputes with dental practitioners, thereby creating the position of Community Relations Officer (CRO) for the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB). Until 1995 Bruce was the sole CRO, working in an honorary capacity. Patients had their problems resolved in a timely manner, without the costs and stresses of the legal system. Dr Drysdale oversaw the growth of the CRO service and retired in 2010 after nearly 40 years in the position. There are now four part time CROs performing the role and the model has been replicated in other States and overseas.

Dr Drysdale served for many years on the ADAVB Council and received its highest award, Honorary Life Member, in 1980. His continued service to the profession and the community was again recognised in 2003 with the ADAVB’s Dentistry Achievement Award.