Posted in Industry News
ADIA CEO Update: 14 August 2025
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Adelaide Dental Symposium The 2025 Adelaide Dental Symposium was a great success, delivering a 10% increase in visitor numbers compared to last year’s inaugural event. The strong attendance showed how much practitioners value opportunities for professional development and networking in South Australia, as well as the chance to get hands-on with the latest dental equipment and explore recent innovations in the market. The program delivered a balance of clinical and business insights, supported by a boutique exhibition that allowed for meaningful conversations with suppliers and peers. It was our pleasure to welcome Kristy Nixon, Director of Service Quality and Performance Improvement at the South Australian Dental Service, who attended the symposium and met with several exhibitors. Kristy was particularly interested in innovative dental technology that can extend oral health services beyond traditional clinic settings, such as in aged-care facilities and rural or remote regions. I’d like to thank our speakers, exhibitors, and attendees for contributing to such a productive and energising event. Your participation helps us create a platform that not only educates but also strengthens connections within the dental community. ![]()
ADIA 100 Years Celebration The ADIA 100-year black-tie gala was a truly special moment for our Association. More than 230 members gathered to reconnect, celebrate, and reflect on a century of growth and achievement. It was inspiring to see so many familiar faces come together, sharing stories and renewing connections that have helped shape our industry over the decades. From the heartfelt welcome by the KARI Singers to the energy and laughter of Brian Nankervis’ RocKwiz: Magic Edition, the evening was filled with moments that reminded me why our community is so strong. It wasn’t just a celebration of our history, but also of the relationships, achievements and shared commitment that will carry us confidently into the next century. Thank you to Whitely and Henry Schein One for their generous sponsorship of the event, helping us celebrate this milestone in style. ![]()
Upcoming State Branch Briefings Our August and September State Branch Briefings are an opportunity to collaborate, share your insights, and have your voice heard on ADIA’s future direction. These briefings also allow you to network with fellow members who are equally invested in strengthening our industry. The briefings will be held in a hybrid format, giving you the flexibility to attend either in person or online. Whether you join us on site or via video link, your participation helps ensure ADIA stays responsive to the needs and priorities of its members. I look forward to seeing you there. Register now
ADX Sydney - Start Planning Now Looking ahead to our flagship event, now is the time to start planning your ADX Sydney 2026 presence. The easiest customers to sell to are the ones you already have - so use ADX as a chance to strengthen those relationships. Give your customers a reason to reconnect with your brand by inviting them to a client dinner or the Women in Dentistry breakfast, then bring them back to your stand to continue the conversation. Plan stand activities or promotions that make it worth their time to stop by. Consider your staffing needs early, and where possible, source locally to manage costs.\ By focusing on retention and deepening engagement with your existing customers, you’ll maximise your return on investment long after the event is over. ![]()
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to strengthen and grow the Australian dental industry. |
Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaCEO Updates |
ADIA Advocacy Update: August 2025
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There has been plenty of recent activity in the Advocacy Space. Last week during Dental Health Week, ADIA held its second Adelaide Dental Symposium and hosted a South Australian Dental Service key stakeholder, Ms Kristy Nixon. Kym De Britt, CEO provided a guided tour of the Exhibition, showcasing our members' innovative technology, that is facilitating dental treatment outside of traditional dental clinics, including mobile dental carts, scanners and 3D printers.
In other news, ADIA has been met with several other dental sector association leaders, including Nathan Clarke, the CEO of the newly-formed Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA). OHAA has formed from the merger of Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (DHAA) and the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association (ADOHTA). In addition, ADIA participated in final workshop for the development of the next National Oral Health Plan which sets out the strategic focus for improvements in Australia’s oral health over the next decade.
ADIA has partnered with Colgate on two projects to raise the awareness of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule to eligible families. Firstly, including our ADIA CDBS Information brochures in Foodbank NSW School Breakfast Hampers (pictured) and also within G8 Early Learning Centres.
Our Director of Policy and Education, Dr Sarah Raphael and Technical Team member, Dr Joanne Challinor-Rogers participated in the Medical Technology Association of Australia, Regulatory Summit in July. To catch the regulatory information from the summit, which included global and TGA presenters, as well as news from the forthcoming TGA Regulatory and Technical Forum, join the Technical Forum at 1pm on Tuesday 2nd September. Register here
To get involved in ADIA Advocacy or share your thoughts and ideas, please contact Dr Sarah Raphael by emailingsarah.raphael@adia.org.au

ADIA Brochures and Colgate Education kits being prepared for the Foodbank NSW Breakfast program.
Posted in:Industry NewsGovernment & RegulationAdvocacy |
Standards Australia Consultation - August 2025
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STANDARDS AUSTRALIA CONSULTATION: DR AS/NZS 5369:2023 AMENDMENT
Standards Australia have a current consultation open until 22 September 2025 on amendments to:
DR AS/NZS 5369:2023 Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities.
These amendments are centred on updates that result from the amendment of ISO 11139:2018/Amd 1:2024, 3.214.2 including impacts on sterilzation processes and process challenge devices.
To review the proposed amendment to the Standard, you are required register with Standards Australia. All comments are made online via the consultation portal.
Please follow these steps to provide your feedback.
Register and Log in
- Visit Standards Australia
- Hover on Committee Access - the blue heading on the top right of the menu bar.
- Click on Public Comment where the list of open consultations will be listed.
- Type "5369" in the Search Drafts bar.
- If you are registered for Standards Australia - log on here. If you are not registered you can follow the prompts to register.
Providing feedback
Once you have registered and logged in:
- Click on DR AS/NZS 5369:2023 Amd 1:2025.
- Comments can be made throughout the sections of the document by either:
- Clicking the sections on the Table of Contents; or
- By using the Previous and Next buttons on the top right corner; or
- Comments can be made by clicking on the Add Comment button at the end of each section.
- Alternately, general comments can be made at the bottom of the "Draft Details" page.
Need help?
Additional help is available at the Help Guide to assist in navigating the Public Comment Portal.
If you require further information please email ADIA Director of Policy and Education, Dr Sarah Raphael
Posted in:Industry NewsGovernment & RegulationAdvocacy |
News: Whiteley Champions Innovation and Community ahead of ADIA’s 100-Year Celebration
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As the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) marks its centenary in 2025, one of its long-time supporters, Whiteley, is celebrating alongside, reflecting on decades of Australian innovation, research, and resilience.
“I'm looking forward to the big celebration,” said Dr Greg Whiteley, Managing Director of the company that bears his family name. “It’s a fantastic sector.”
Founded in 1933, Whiteley has grown from a small family business into Australia’s largest manufacturer of sterilants and disinfectants. From its base in Tomago, New South Wales, it now exports to over 30 countries and continues to innovate in the field of infection prevention, particularly in healthcare and dental settings.

Carl Scully, NSW Minister for Small Business and Regional Development with Whiteley Directors at the opening of the plant in June 1995.
Dr Whiteley’s own journey into the business began reluctantly. “I made sure I'd never be part of the business,” he laughed. Trained originally in environmental health, he was drawn in as the company’s focus shifted toward medical and health sectors. “It turned out my degree was almost perfect for what needed to happen.”
Since then, he’s added postgraduate qualifications in occupational health, business, and research. Today, he leads the company’s ongoing collaborations with universities, with a strong focus on practical clinical outcomes. One of the company’s signature developments is Surfex®, the world’s first dry surface biofilm remover—born from Whiteley’s obsessive focus on microbial science and infection transmission.

Whiteley Executive Chairman, Dr Greg Whiteley and NSW Member for Port Stephens, the Hon. Kate Washington MP at the opening of the company's $25 million Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago, New South Wales.
But science aside, it’s the sense of connection that keeps him grounded. “It really is a community,” Dr Whiteley said. “A place where people support each other.” He credits much of Whiteley’s continued involvement in the sector to those long-standing relationships and the shared focus on clinical safety and infection prevention. That sense of connection, he believes, is what has sustained Whiteley through decades of change, growth, and challenge, including the collapse of their first major dental distributor in the 1980s. “You get around those things. That’s just part of the commercial reality.”
Whiteley is one of only three remaining independent manufacturers of its kind in Australia. “We had lots and lots of competitors around,” he explained. “We’re now probably the largest.”
Looking to the future, the company is preparing to open its own manufacturing operations in the United States. “We’ve been manufacturing under licence in the US for more than 30 years,” said Dr Whiteley. “One of our critical licences is coming to a close… and we’re getting ready to come on board.” Establishing its own manufacturing presence in the United States will open new avenues for growth in one of the world’s largest healthcare markets.
“Never give up. Sometimes you get it wrong… but you’ve got to keep moving forward.”
Whiteley is a big supporter of industry teaming up with universities, especially when it comes to clinical innovation. “I don't think we do nearly enough collaborative research as a sector,” said Dr Whiteley. “There’s a huge opportunity there.” He sees research-backed innovation as key to making better products and breaking into tightly regulated export markets.
As ADIA celebrates 100 years of representing Australia’s dental suppliers and manufacturers, Whiteley stands as an example of an Australian business continuing to invest in the future of healthcare, both at home and abroad. His advice after decades in the industry? “Never give up,” he said. “Sometimes you get it wrong… but you’ve got to keep moving forward.”
Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaMember News |
News: Women in Dentistry Scholarship Winner 2025
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Sophie Ghorbani of Dentsply Sirona receives ADIA Women in Dentistry Scholarship
The Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) is pleased to announce Sophie Ghorbani of Dentsply Sirona as the recipient of the 2025 ADIA Women in Dentistry Scholarship.
Founded in 2020, the Women in Dentistry program promotes the professional advancement of women in the oral health sector through networking, mentoring, and education. With a focus on career progression, ADIA established the Women in Dentistry Scholarship to support the development of women in the Australian dental industry. The scholarship aims to expand the recipient’s professional education and governance skillset, ultimately benefiting the broader sector.
As the 2024 recipient, Ms Ghorbani will be enrolled into the one-week residential Australian Graduate School of Management General Manager Course. "I’m incredibly grateful to receive the Women in Dentistry Scholarship and excited for the opportunities it will provide for my professional growth. I look forward to using this experience to contribute to the advancement of the dental industry and support the next generation of women in the field." Said Ms Ghorbani.
The ADIA Women in Dentistry program is proudly supported by Ramsey Property Wealth. CEO of Ramsey Property Wealth, Ewan Ramsey, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "As an organisation, we are committed to education, innovation, advocacy and delivering results, so are delighted to support the Women in Dentistry program and its mission to advance the careers of women in the dental industry. Investing in professional development and leadership opportunities is essential for building a stronger, more diverse industry, and we are proud to play a role in that progress."
This scholarship is one of several Women in Dentistry initiatives led by ADIA. Throughout the year, the association hosts free webinars designed to upskill women in the dental industry and support their advancement into senior executive and c-suite roles. “The Women in Dentistry program is all about fostering career progression and leadership opportunities for women in the dental industry. We’re proud to support initiatives like the scholarship and webinar program which empowers talented professionals to grow their skills and contribute to the future of our sector.” Said Kym De Britt, CEO of ADIA.
Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaWomen In Dentistry |