Celebrating leading ADAVB women - HSLP graduate, Dr Elice Chen
What motivated you to study dentistry? Have you ever been constrained by perceptions about what women ‘can’t’ do?
I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do after school, but I always liked applied arts, science and education, and dentistry felt like it would tick these boxes. To be honest there was a moderate amount of prodding from my parents as well. The dentist we went to growing up was also a woman from Taiwan so becoming a dentist didn’t seem like an unattainable possibility.
Attending an all-girls school, we were taught that we could achieve whatever we wanted in any field. But we were asked to do it in a “lady-like manner”. Perhaps the constraint is less about what women can or can’t do, but that there are different expectations on how we should do it.
Describe some of the inspiring women in your life that have made an impact on you.
My mum is an incredible woman – moving to a foreign country in her 30s, learning a new language, working side by side with dad and making ends meet with two little kids. It’s a common migrant story of sacrifice and resilience, but it is no less amazing for it.
Can I say also Lisa Simpson?! I know she’s not real but I watched A LOT of The Simpsons as a kid and I liked her unashamed nerdiness and courage in wanting to do the right thing. She was such an interesting mix of strengths and vulnerabilities.
What influenced you to join an ADAVB Committee? Have you been involved in other committees or ADAVB programs?
I have always been dismayed that the people who need the most dental care are often the people with the least access to it. Since graduating in 2008, I have continued to work in the public sector, with an emphasis on a preventive approach. I joined the ADAVB Public Dentistry Committee (PDC) in my fourth year out, curious to see how decisions are made and hoping to put in my two cents in advocating for patients and staff in the public sector.
Last year I was really happy to be selected for the ADAVB Health Sector Leadership Program, delivered by Leadership Victoria. I met a lot of other keen allied health professionals and it opened my eyes to a variety of self-management, team management and communication techniques.
Tell us about where you see your leadership journey taking you.
My leadership journey is really just at the beginning. I would really like to see public dentistry in Victoria taken seriously – we need to value the vulnerable in our community and we need to value all the staff that support the system. It would also be great to contribute to a broader preventive health approach by working with allied health professionals to target groups with common risk factors.
Describe some of the highlights of your role as Vice-Chair of the Public Dentistry Committee.
Throughout my time on the PDC, I have been amazed at the support we have received from the ADAVB through engaging Professionals Australia to negotiate the EBA for public dentists. There have been many ups and downs, but it has been very heartening to see colleagues rally for the public sector. The networking events have been great fun too!
What do you say to women considering taking the step into leadership with the ADAVB?
Definitely go for it! Don’t be daunted by the prospect. A thriving organisation needs diversity and you will be supported if you are interested.
Further information
Contact a councillor: council.adavb.org
Contact a committee member: adavb.net
Nominate for a committee role (ADAVB login required): adavb.net
Nominate for the Health Sector Leadership Program: hslp.adavb.org
Apply for the ADAVB BOQ Specialist $10,000 Practice Bursary or $5000 Recent Graduate CPD Bursary: bursary.adavb.org
Find your ADAVB Regional Group: adavb.net
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