Celebrating leading ADAVB women on International Women's Day - Dr Jo-Anne Cherry
What motivated you to study dentistry? Were you ever constrained by perceptions about what women ‘can’t’ do?
While I was in secondary school, I enjoyed science-based subjects and I knew these would be prerequisites for the career in health care I was keen to pursue. I remember investigating many different career options before deciding dentistry was my first choice. I knew it would involve a long and demanding course of study, and that achieving the entry score would be a challenge.
Describe some of the inspiring women in your life that have made an impact on you.
I was inspired by a gifted and enthusiastic chemistry teacher in high school. Her lessons were carefully prepared with summaries and revision so complex concepts could be understood and remembered. She inspired others too. Three of my classmates went on to become science teachers.
Once I started studying dentistry at the University of Melbourne in 1975, I encountered many other inspiring women: lecturers, course conveners, postgraduate students and demonstrators. Over the course of five years I became close to the other female students. There were 10 of us out of a total of 50. I believe this was a record number for the school. In an era when significant numbers of dental students dropped out of the course, all 10 of us graduated.
How has the dentistry workforce changed since you studied and throughout your career?
The cohort of dental students has changed radically since we graduated in 1979. At the University of Melbourne there are 90 to 95 students per year level and at least half of them women. There are many international students and all students are at least 21 years of age at commencement of the four-year course as they have all completed basic science degrees. The workforce has changed radically too, with private practices becoming larger and employing both dentists and auxiliaries (dental therapists and dental hygienists).
Tell us about your pathway throughout your leadership journey.
I have been an ADAVB member since graduation and served on my first ADAVB committee in 2001. When I started attending meetings of the Infection Control Committee, I became aware of how much work goes on behind the scenes to inform and educate our members and how much of this is done by volunteers.
Describe some of the highlights of your role as ADAVB President.
I was pleased to be elected to ADAVB Council in 2010, and here I was helped and encouraged by female past presidents, as well as our wonderful staff at the Branch. During 2013-2014 I served as ADAVB President. I was the sixth woman to take on the challenge.
This was a year when we strengthened ties with Victoria’s two dental schools, dental students, recent graduates and our regional groups. We wound up some committees and expanded others. Looking back, changes were small yet significant. My favourite example is our Sports Committee - experts at arranging events for us to enjoy, now even better and more inclusive with two female members on board.
The ADAVB Council functions well, with lively but respectful discussions the norm. Our Council is well known for innovation; some of our great ideas have been adopted by other ADA Branch Councils and the Federal ADA.
What do you say to women considering taking the step into leadership with the ADAVB?
We can be proud of the diversity around our boardroom table. So, women, if you want to have a say, or learn more about your profession and your association, I encourage you to contact past or present councillors and committee members for more information. Your ideas and your enthusiasm will guide our profession in the future.
Further information
Contact a councillor: council.adavb.org
Contact a committee member: adavb.net
Join our mentoring program (ADAVB login required. Applications extended to 8 March): mentoring.adavb.org
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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