32 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST AUSTRALIAN DENTISTRY AWARDS Australian Dental Awards 2025: The Winners’ Roundtable Talks (Part 1) Dr Paul Greham – Implantologist of the Year For Paul Greham, winning Implantologist of the Year was the culmination of more than two decades of dedication. As lead clinical instructor with the Institute of Clinical Implantology (ICI), Dr Greham splits his time between teaching and working as a visiting surgeon across multiple Australian locations, including Devonport, Launceston, Latrobe, Sydney, and Noosa – a schedule that demands both clinical precision and logistical agility. His approach to implantology is defined by an unrelenting focus on planning and predictability. Rather than simply asking whether an implant can be placed, Dr Greham asks whether it should – evaluating each case through the lens of longterm prosthetic restoration and patient maintenance. Every surgery is preceded by what he calls a “digital rehearsal,” a mental walkthrough of the procedure before any instrument is raised. A recent audit of his cases showed a 98.6% implant survival rate at five years. Dr Greham is equally deliberate in how he leads his surgical teams. “Implant dentistry is not a solo sport,” he says, “and the surgeon who behaves as though it is will eventually be humbled by complications of their own making.” He fosters a culture where all team members –assistants included – are encouraged to voice concerns, and where restorative input is built into the planning phase rather than retrofitted after surgery. Dr Greham has been approached by several implant manufacturers keen to collaborate on training By Danny Chan In this first instalment of a six-part series, we sit down with three of the winners to uncover the philosophies, innovations and team dynamics behind their award-winning success. initiatives. His upcoming “Implantology Foundations” course in Cairns through ICI (www.icidental.com.au) has attracted considerable interest. “My goal as an educator has always been to demystify implantology for competent general dentists who want to practice at a higher level without gambling on their outcomes,” he reflects. “If the award is going to open any doors for me, it will be to raise others up in their knowledge, practice, and understanding.” Dr Terry Yi Pu – Young Dentist of the Year At Platypus Dental in Strathpine, Brisbane, Dr Terry Yi Pu has built something that defies the conventions of a start-up practice. Investing early in EMS Airflow guided biofilm therapy, intra-oral scanners, and AI-integrated diagnostics, he’s shaped a clinic that’s simultaneously forwardthinking and community-rooted – a combination that clearly resonated with the judges. For Dr Pu, clinical excellence and business sustainability aren’t competing forces. “Launching this practice early in my career has provided a distinct advantage: The Australian Dental Awards 2025 gathered the nation’s top dental professionals for a glittering evening at the Melbourne Town Hall, the city’s cultural and civic centrepiece. The event honours individuals and practices pushing the boundaries of patient care, clinical outcomes, and professional leadership. Among the night’s celebrated winners were Dr Paul Greham, named Implantologist of the Year; Dr Terry Yi Pu of Platypus Dental, who took home Young Dentist of the Year; and Adawn Dental Studio, which delivered a remarkable sweep of accolades including Practice of the Year (joint winner), Website of the Year, Practice Design and Brand of the Year, Best Practice Manager, Best Treatment Coordinator, and Receptionist of the Year. We spoke with each winner about what drives their pursuit of dental excellence – and what these awards mean to them.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3NDk3Mw==