2025 SADA Dental & Oral Health Congress and Exhibition

MDS, FCLP, FIBCSOMS, PhD, TMJ Mini Residency USA, MBA, PGDHMM, PGDMLS, PGDCR, PGDHHM
Professor and Head of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery
Government Dental College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Professional Summary
Dr. Sonal Anchlia is a distinguished maxillofacial surgeon, academician, and mentor with extensive contributions to research, education, and clinical practice. Currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at Government Dental College, Ahmedabad, she is recognized nationally and internationally for her expertise in all types of TMJ surgery.

Habib Benzian, DDS PhD MScDPH, is a Professor of Epidemiology & Health Promotion at NYU Dental College and Co-Director of the only WHO Collaborating Center for oral health in the WHO region of the Americas. With more than 25 years of global health experience, he is a leader in advocating for oral health globally. As an expert in international public health, health policy, NCDs, school health, and WASH in schools, he bridges academia, policy, and practice. He advises organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, and has supported major policy processes at the global, regional, and national level, including the WHO Global Strategy on Oral Health and the Global Oral Health Action Plan, as well as the WHO Regional Strategy for Oral Health in Africa. He was part of the editorial team for the first-ever WHO Global Oral Health Status Report and is a Global Health Research Fellow at Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Studies, Africa’s premier research institute, researching global oral health governance and political priority setting. He is member and working group lead of the Lancet Commission on Oral health, and received the IADR’s John Greenspan Distinguished Scientist in Global Health Award (2023), one of the highest awards of the organization.

Dr. David Chvartszaid [pronounced shwarts-zaid] is a double specialist in Prosthodontics and Periodontics with a history of professional leadership and a strong commitment to patient care. Dr. Chvartszaid is the director of the Undergraduate Clinical Periodontics Program at the University of Toronto and is the dentist-in-chief at the Department of Dentistry, Alpha Omega Dental Center, Baycrest Hospital. Dr. Chvartszaid is the associate editor of the Ontario Dentist journal and an examiner for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC). At the international level, Dr. Chvartszaid served as the scientific co-chair of the 2019 meeting of the International College of Prosthodontists in Amsterdam and as the reviewer for several international specialty journals. He is the past director of the Graduate Prosthodontics Program at the University of Toronto and a past president of the Association of Prosthodontists of Canada.

Dr. Chvartszaid's education includes hospital residencies in New York city and dual specialty training at the University of Toronto, where he also completed two master's degrees. His research focuses on optimizing implant treatment outcomes. Dr. Chvartszaid lectures extensively nationally and internationally on various topics related to prosthodontics, periodontics, implantology and geriatric dentistry. In the last few years, Dr. Chvartszaid has lectured in Chile, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdon and all across Canada and the US. He has presented at major national and international professional organizations including the International College of Prosthodontists, Academy of Prosthodontics, American College of Prosthodontists, Canadian Academy of Periodontology, Future Leaders in Prosthodontics, Special Care Dentistry Association, Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, and International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research. Dr. Chvartszaid's scientific publications have appeared in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, the International Journal of Prosthodontics, the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, the International Journal of Oral Implantology, the Journal of Prosthodontics, the Journal of Gerodontology, and the Journal of Endodontics. His poster presentations have won awards at the meeting of the International College of Prosthodontics in Shanghai, China in 2023 and at the meeting of the Academy of Prosthodontics in Naples, Florida, US in 2023.

Dr. Chvartszaid's specialty practice successfully merges prosthodontic, implant surgical and periodontal approaches to address each patient's unique needs. His diverse clinical practice sees patients from all across Canada with difficult-to-treat or difficult-to-diagnose dental problems.

Professor Heitz-Mayfield received a Masters in Periodontology (1996) and Odont Dr (PhD) (1998) from Lund University, Sweden. Awarded a Brånemark Scholarship at the Brånemark Center, Malmo, Sweden. Awarded an ITI scholarship at the University of Berne, Switzerland where she became Head of the Oral Microbiology Research Laboratory, from 1999-2003. Received the André Schroeder Research Prize in Implant Dentistry. Chair of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) Research Committee, and member of the ITI Board of Directors from 2013 – 2021. In 2022 was awarded an Honorary ITI Fellowship. Current positions include Adjunct Professor at the International Research Collaborative and The University of Western Australia, Professor at The University of Sydney. Osteology Foundation board member. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Oral Implants Research. Prof Heitz-Mayfield has many scientific publications in the fields of periodontal regeneration and management of peri-implant diseases as well as co-authoring ITI Treatment guides and chapters in the Jan Lindhe textbook Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. As a specialist in periodontology Prof Heitz-Mayfield maintains a private practice limited to periodontology and implant surgery with an emphasis on regeneration, prevention and comprehensive treatment planning.

A/Prof Christopher Ho is a Specialist Prosthodontist who received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery with First Class Honours at the University of Sydney. He completed postgraduate studies in the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry in Oral Implants at the University of Sydney, a Masters of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics with Distinction from the University of London and Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics from the University of Sydney. He is Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, Fellow of the International College of Dentists, Special Field Member of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in Prosthodontics, Fellow of the College of General Dentistry, Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Prosthodontists and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists.

He lectures extensively on aesthetic and implant dentistry internationally. He is a visiting lecturer to the postgraduate programs at the University of Sydney, Adjunct Faculty at Tufts School of Dental Medicine (Boston), University of Puthisastra, and Kings College London, United Kingdom. He is Head of School of Postgraduate Dentistry at the Australasian College of Dental Practitioners. He is author of numerous publications, as well as Editor of the Wiley textbook “Practical Procedures in Aesthetic Dentistry” and “Practical Procedures in Implant Dentistry”.

Dr Alasdair McKelvie is a Dentolegal Consultant and Dental South Africa Lead at Dental Protection. Alasdair graduated from Dundee Dental School in 1984. He spent the first 23 years of his professional life in primary dental care providing a range of mixed dental services from his practice in East Yorkshire. In 2005 Alasdair obtained an LLM in Healthcare Law form Cardiff Law School and joined Dental Protection in 2008 as a full-time Dentolegal Consultant. Alasdair is dental service lead for our members in South Africa and Namibia.

Raj Rattan’s portfolio career includes over 30 years’ clinical experience. He owned and operated a small practice group and was Strategic Association Dean at the London Deanery. He has been an examiner for the FGDP and is a visiting professor of general dental practice at College of Medicine and Dentistry.
He has provided consultancy services to public and private sector organisations including the NHS, Denplan, dental corporates and the Department of Health where he previously served as a Policy Adviser. He is the author/co-author of a number of textbooks including a textbook on Law and Ethics. He in an international speaker on a variety of topics relating to general dental practice.
He was a part-time senior dento-legal consultant at Dental Protection before taking up his current role as Dental Director in 2016. In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for services to dentistry.
Raj’s hobbies and interest include creative writing, philosophy, motor sport and magic. He has been a member of the Magic Circle for over 30 years and was the recipient of the Hoffman Prize for his work and research on exposure in magic.

Dr Annalene Weston completed her undergraduate dental degree and vocational training in the UK and worked in NHS and private dentistry before immigrating to Australia. She has worked across three Australian states, in both private and public dentistry, and gained her Masters in Health Law at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Law in 2008.
Annalene was awarded a Fellowship to the American College of Dentistry in 2016 and a Fellowship to the Pierre Fauchard Academy in 2019 in recognition of her strong work in ethics and collegiate support. She became a Fellow of the International College of Dentistry in 2020, and most recently became a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Diectors. Annalene is a Dentolegal Consultant and the Advisory Team Lead for Dental Protection Australia, based in the Brisbane office. In addition to her advisory role for Dental Protection Annalene is a podcast host, continues works part-time in a suburban dental practice, and is the mother of two rambunctious boys.

With a career spanning 39 years in dentistry, Helen Bowes brings a wealth of experience in operations, marketing, PR, practice management, systems, and both patient and employee experience. Her expertise has been instrumental in growing brands to internationally recognized levels.

Helen is the Co-founder and CEO of Trust Consulting, where she leverages her deep industry knowledge to help dental professionals and businesses achieve exceptional growth. Previously, she served as the Chief Operating Officer of Enamel Clinic Cape Town, where she played a key role in establishing it as a leading dental practice.

Together with her husband, Dr. Mark Bowes, Helen has successfully built and sold several high-value dental clinics in London and Cape Town. Now, she focuses on using her extensive skills to support clients in exceeding their business goals.

Passionate about lifelong learning and professional development, Helen has been a driving force in mentoring employees and empowering clients to thrive in the evolving dental industry.

Qualifications:
Bachelor of Oral Health, Masters in Dental Science – Dental Public Health, PhD - Dental Education
Current Position
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HOD – Department of Oral Hygiene and Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape.
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Program Coordinator: Bachelor of Oral Health
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24 years in academia
HPCSA
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Serving on the HPCSA as a Universities South Africa Representative - 2015-2025
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Vice Chair: Board for Dental Assisting, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene of the HPCSA
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Chair: Education, Training and Registrations Committee of the Board
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Council Member: Education, Training and Quality Assurance Committee
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH), Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) , Master in Dental Science (MSc Dent)
Postgraduate
Masters and PhD: Student mentoring and research supervision
Areas of interest:
Research, Dental / Health Sciences Education, Curriculum Design, Assessment, Dental Public Health and Clinical Oral Health, Health Professions matters, accreditation of programs and quality assurance

Dr Dawjee’s focus in digital smile design and collaborative treatment planning allows her to put all these principles into practice. Her understanding of the psychological factors of beauty and the anxieties that patients can experience about dental treatment have facilitated an approach that encompasses a detailed consultation, digital planning and structured execution of all treatments. Through years of study and continued education in smile design, digital dentistry and the face, Dr Dawjee aims to change the dental experience of her patients, from one of fear and anxiety, to one that is holistic, detailed, collaborative and exciting. All underpinned by her philosophy of creating natural, confident and beautiful smiles. Dr Dawjee was the first female DSD Master on the African continent and is proud to be a part of this esteemed group of clinicians in Africa and all over the world.

Using her experience and learnings being part of the Thinc Team, under the guidance and mentorship of Dr Sam, she has developed a deep understanding of the business of dentistry and the impact that we as dentist can have on individuals, communities and our peers.

am a general dentist based in St. Francis Bay, where I has been in private practice since completing my community service after graduating from the University of the Western Cape in 2011. I enjoy the variety that general dentistry has to offer and I have a particular interest in the restorative and endodontic fields.
In 2019, I completed a postgraduate diploma in endodontics to deepen my clinical expertise. I am also an active member of the Eastern Cape Study Group, where I regularly collaborate with colleagues to share knowledge and stay up to date with advancements in the field.
I believe in having a versatile toolbox of treatment options to best adapt to each of my patient’s unique needs. Adhesive dentistry has become a key part of my approach, allowing me to offer the least invasive solutions while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
I find great satisfaction in sharing these practical techniques and philosophies with fellow clinicians. Over the past three years, I has been part of the teaching faculty at Nexus Dental, where I lecture on biomimetic and adhesive dentistry, as well as endodontics. I am currently serves as the president of Nexus and help to lead its mission of supporting and connecting dental professionals across South Africa.

Yolanda Malele-Kolisa , BDS, MPH, MDent, PhD, is an adjuct Professor, a CARTA fellow and the Head of the Department of Community Dentistry, School of Oral Health Sciences (SOHS), at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her current experience spans a decade and includes management, training, lectures, facilitation, supervision, and examination of undergraduate and postgraduate students including PhDs. She is also involved in the health information system for Oral Health Centres; oral health service delivery and leads various research projects. Her research interest spans years ; she has found her niche in health systems research, epidemiology, oral-health-related quality of life, and patient-reported outcomes. Her passion in research yielded 35 publications including a book chapter; presentations in many local and international platforms

Kinder's path to becoming a respected figure in the field of oral health and community outreach is a testament to her unwavering determination for making a difference. Completing her Bachelor of Dental Therapy at Medunsa in 1998, she continued her educational journey, obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health (Wits University); Certificate in Fundamental Management Programme (School of Business Leadership-UNISA), Master of Medical Science (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and currently a PhD Candidate

With over 25 years of experience in the Oral Health space, she has honed her expertise in both the public and private healthcare sectors, working for organizations such as Alexander Forbes and Momentum-Metropolitan in the field of Healthcare Management. Her passion for community-driven oral health initiatives has led her to become an advocate for integrating traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge into modern oral healthcare practices.

She supervises and teaches oral hygiene and dental students at the undergraduate level at Wits University. She has also been actively involved in the Public Oral Health Forum as a past committee board member, and served as the Chairperson of the Board of Sizwe Tropical Medicine Hospital.

In her quest to make oral healthcare more accessible to children in rural and disadvantaged communities, She founded SmileConnect, an organization that provides outreach oral health services to primary schools.
Her efforts to promote oral health have led her to feature on Radio Talk Shows, Africa Health Summits, where she shares her insights with the wider community.
Kinder is a passionate Ultramarathon Road Runner. Running Marathons, to also raise funds for children in underserved communities.

Dr Odirile P Moloi completed his BChD degree at University of Limpopo (Medunsa campus) and did his community service at the South African Military Health Services, where he developed a keen interest in Endodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry. He further expanded his skills by serving at numerous military sick bays helping military personnel from different parts of South Africa. He has been in private practice since 2007 and is based in Louis Pasteur Hospital, Pretoria Central. His main field of interest is Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy) and has recently completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics. He also does a lot of CAD/CAM Dentistry, Aesthetics Dentistry. and Minor Oral Surgery. He is a key OPL for Dentsply Sirona and gives lectures in Endodontics. He has appeared in numerous TV Adverts for Colgate-Palmolive and continuous to do Oral Heath interviews on local TV and Radio Stations. In his spare time he enjoys collecting vinyl records, camping, hiking and exploring Mountain Bike Trails.

Rajeshree Moodley is a senior lecturer in the Discipline of Dentistry at the University of KwaZulu Natal and holds a doctoral degree. Her doctoral research centered on dental education and occupational health. Starting her career as a dental therapist, she gained valuable experience in the Department of Health. Transitioning to the University of KwaZulu Natal in 2011, she assumed the role of lecturer within the Discipline of Dentistry. Her primary responsibilities involve teaching undergraduate dental therapy students in various subjects such as Operative Dentistry, Dental Materials, Cariology, and Dental Specialties. She has been nominated for the Distinguished Teacher award at UKZN.
In addition to her teaching role, Rajeshree Moodley actively contributes to research. She has published her work in local and international journals and has presented at national and international conferences. At UKZN, she also supervises postgraduate students pursuing master's and PhD degrees. Her research interests include dental education, occupational health, and public health. Furthermore, she represents UKZN as the designated representative of the International Association for Dental Research, South Africa

Dr. Elphus Muade is a registered Dental Therapist. He holds a degree in Dental Therapy (BDT), a Master degree in Philosophy (MPhil), another Master degree of Science in Medicine (MSc MED) and a Doctoral degree in Philosophy (PhD). His interests are in Moral Philosophy, African Philosophy, Applied Ethics, Bioethics, and Medical Law. He is currently a Post- Doctoral Researcher at the Centre for Leadership Ethics in Africa (CLEA) - Fort Hare University.

Dr Suné Mulder van Staden (BCHD US/UWC; MCHD UWC)

Specialist Oral Medicine and Periodontics (Periodontist)
Dr Mulder van Staden qualified as a dentist in 2008 (US/UWC). After a number of years in private practice as a general dental practitioner, she completed her training as a Specialist in Oral Medicine and Periodontics (Periodontist) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in 2017.
Dr Mulder van Staden is currently involved in training postgraduate students at UWC and treating patients in private practice.
Dr Mulder van Staden teaches and provides hands-on training in the fields of Oral Medicine,
Periodontics and Implantology. She is a module co-ordinator for the MDS Specialization Program in Oral Medicine and Periodontics (registrars), as well as the PDD program in Implantology at UWC.

Dr Mulder van Staden has been an active member of numerous dental committees in South Africa – namely Western Cape Branch of the South African Dental Association (SADA 2009 - 2015); Executive Committee of SASPIO (South African Society of Periodontology, Implantology and Oral Medicine 2018 – 2020; 2023-2024). She is also an ITI (Internal Team for Implantology) Fellow, WIN (Woman Implantology Network) Ambassador, ITI EXCO Committee Member (2023 to date), UWC ITI (International Team for Implantology) Study Club Director (2023 to date).

She is active in research, reviewing and publishing numerous articles in local and international journals. She (together with her husband, Dr Riaan Mulder) currently hold a South African and United Kingdom patent for a novel Dental Aerosol Suction Device (DASD), designed to improve the elimination of aerosols produced during dental procedures.
Dr Mulder van Staden believes in the importance of practicing evidence-based dentistry. She ensures she remains up to date with current international trends and practices by attending local and international congresses.

Dr Mulder van Staden recognises the importance of sharing knowledge with colleagues of all aspects of the dental fraternity. She has been a lecturer on numerous platforms – such as SADA, SASPIO, OHASA, SAAO and the ITI. She has also been interviewed on the radio and contributed to publications in Die Burger.

Dr Mulder van Staden is also very passionate about animals and her patients are not always limited to humans. She has assisted the local vet with dental treatment on dogs. She has even performed periodontal surgery and bone grafting on her own Yorkshire terrier. Together with her husband, their latest animal adventure involved the pro-bono treatment of chimpanzees at the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Mpumalanga) in 2018. Here they screened chimpanzees, performed dental extractions and fillings as required. They were also able to organize dental materials and dental instrument sponsorships (from 3M South Africa and Access Dental) for the sanctuary for continued treatment of these animals.
Dr Mulder van Staden strives to support her patients along the treatment journey – ensuring compassionate specialist treatment with shared decision making.

Holds a Masters in Environmental Health Sciences (Waste Management);
B-Tech Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics and
National Certificate in Dental Assisting

Currently serving on the Dental Assisting, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene Professional Board. Sit on the Preliminary Committee and the Education Training Registration Committee.

Private Practice experience as a dental assistant and practice manage,
Lectured and coordinated Dental Assisting Program.

Dr Muslim is the current chair of the Professional Board for Dental Assisting, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene and sits on the Council of the HPCSA. He has been involved in dental education since 2002 and has gained a wealth of knowledge in the fields of emergency medicine, quality management systems, regulatory practices, as well as medicine and the law. He holds a Certificate in Medicine and the Law from the University of South Africa. He is a Certified Paralegal, having qualified from the University of the Free State. He holds two Masters degrees (DUT and UWC), three postgrad diplomas (Education, Law, and Leadership), and a PhD. One of his prime areas of research pertains to practice improvement through both Continuous Professional Development (CPD), as well as Maintenance of Licensure (MOL), and to this end he is involved in two research projects pertaining to the development of the Oral Health Therapy profession and the Maintenance of Licensure within the Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene professions.

Dr Yash Naidoo is a Dentolegal Consultant at MPS South Africa. He is a former healthcare and dispute resolution attorney, having practised at two of South Africa’s so-called Big Five law firms. Prior to starting his legal career, Yash qualified and practised as a dentist. While practising dentistry full-time in the public sector, he obtained his LLB from the University of South Africa cum laude.

His legal experience includes assisting private and public healthcare institutions in defending medical malpractice claims, assisting healthcare practitioners and institutions with proceedings before their regulators (HPCSA, AHPCSA, SAPC, and OHSC), advising clients in respect of South African healthcare regulations, and assisting foreign-qualified medical practitioners in obtaining registration with the HPCSA.

Yash joined MPS in August 2020 where has been assisting members with medicolegal matters, CPD presentations and articles, and relishes the opportunity to be involved in stakeholder engagements relating all things related to healthcare law and medicolegal.

Sizakele Ndwandwe is an emerging scholar dedicated to oral health education and professional development, I am honoured to present my Master’s thesis, titled "Microscopic Effect of Polishing Techniques and Abrasive Agents on Teeth: A Comparative In Vitro Study." This research critically examines the impact of different polishing protocols on enamel integrity, providing valuable insights into the clinical significance of enamel loss, surface roughness, and the effectiveness of various polishing agents. By bridging academia and clinical practice, the study underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches in oral hygiene care. As a staff member at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and member of the OHASA Executive Committee I am committed to advocating for research-driven practices that enhance both patient outcomes and professional training in the field of oral health.

Dr Jeanné Oosthuysen (néé Cloete) is currently Consultant: Training, Project Coordinating and Fundraising at the 3D Printing Institute (Pty) Ltd. operational through the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing at the Central University of Technology, Free State.
Jeanné was born in Pretoria, grew up in Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, and matriculated at Sentraal High School in Bloemfontein. She obtained a National Diploma in Oral Hygiene from the University of Stellenbosch in 1979. She started her career as oral hygienist in Bloemfontein in an orthodontic practice. As one of the founder members of REINOR Orthodontic Products in 1982, she managed the business until 1991. During the 17 years of active involvement in orthodontics nationally and internationally, she was invited to several training sessions and sales meetings in the USA and Europe. Dr Oosthuysen started as lecturer for dental assistants at the Central University of Technology, Free State in 1997, where she also completed her Master and Doctoral Degrees. In 1998 she obtained the Advanced Diploma in Oral Hygiene (Orthodontics) at the University of Pretoria (Cum Laude), as well as Expanded Functions in Oral Hygiene at the University of the Witwatersrand. Since 1999 she has been involved in research projects on infection control in dental practices. In 2015 she was appointed as representative of South African Universities on the Health Professions Council’ Board for Dental Assisting, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene where she served until 2020. Jeanne is an internationally recognised expert in infection control protocols for oral health care in South Africa. She was a key contributor in the development of the SADA Dental Protocol in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and co-author of the book, Infection Control Guidelines for Oral Health Care South Africa.

The gift to heal is perhaps one of the greatest blessings bestowed to us"
Dr Ebrahim Patel, better known as “Ebi", has a deep-rooted passion for endodontic therapy and has dedicated himself to the science of endodontics. Ebi obtained his BDS and MScDent (Endodontics) qualifications from Wits University in 2008 and 2014 and has received numerous awards for his efforts to uplift Dentistry in South Africa. He is currently a Clinical Director and Senior Dentist within the Thinc Clinic Group where he ensures strategic governance and operational efficiency in world class facilities that offer exceptional oral health care. Ebi is also affiliated with the School of Oral Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand as an Honorary Lecturer. He previously served the University for 13 years through various roles to ensure high quality training in their oral health undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Ebi's dual expertise as an academic and clinician is constantly sought after to train oral health clinicians at events, workshops and conferences. He has published his research and reviews both locally and internationally and strongly believes that South Africa has the potential to offer world class oral health care.

Bradley Poovan graduated in 2009 from the University of KwaZulu-Natal as a Dental Therapist. He is currently in private practice - and has been at SAVON Dental based in Bluff, KwaZulu-Natal since 2012. Bradly is also a part-time clinical supervisor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is passionate about restorative dentistry and teaching, with an addiction to freehand direct composite veneers. Bradley loves what he does and is grateful to be able to do something daily that changes people's lives for the better. He has a future goal to be better tomorrow as a clinician than he was yesterday.

Dr Carl Potgieter is a highly experienced dentist with 19 years of service in the public sector. In addition to clinical duties, he serves as the Coordinator for Oral Health Services in the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Chief Directorate: Rural Health Services. Dr Potgieter holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Minor Oral Surgery and a Master’s degree in Dental Public Health, both obtained from the University of the Western Cape. Passionate about improving service delivery, he focuses on developing information management systems to enhance efficiency at the ground level. His team has been recognized with an Award of Excellence for implementing a district-wide oral disease prevention program.
Dr Potgieter has been invited to present his work at various meetings, including the recently held Primary Health Care Conference of South Africa and workshop hosted by the Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future, a UK-based nonprofit organization. Additionally, he contributed a scientific poster that was showcased at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Innovation Conference in 2024.

Nicoline Potgieter qualified as a South African dentist in 2009. She completed her postgraduate diploma in Endodontics at the University of Pretoria, postgraduate diploma in Paedodontics at the University of Western Cape a Master’s degree at the University of Pretoria. She also passed the IAPD fellowship exam and is a proud member of the IAPD scientific committee. Her fields of interest include all aspects of paediatric dental care but specifically behaviour management, paedo-endo and the ethical challenges associated with treatment of children.

Dr Potgieter has served as head of the division of Paedodontics at the University of Pretoria and as a senior lecturer at University of Western Cape. She is currently still involved in postgraduate training at UWC while working in her own private practice.

She is the past-president of the South African Association of Paediatric Dentistry and has presented lectures at many conferences and dental meetings. In her spare time she prefers to travel, spend time with her family and friends over a good glass of Chardonnay.

Prabashen Ragasviran is a Dental Therapist Practicing for the past 14 years in Durban, KZN. He founded Catford Dental in 2012 upon completing his Bachelors Degree in Dental Therapy from the University of Kwazulu Natal. He subsequently completed a Postgraduate diploma in Public Health from the University of Pretoria, and is currently enrolled for a Diploma in restorative and aesthetic dentistry at the Implant and Aesthetic academy. Prabashen is also a clinical supervisor to dental therapy undergraduate students at Ukzn and currently serves on the National Board at the South African Dental Therapy Association. He is also a co-founder of CUSP - a clinical and mentoring platform for dental therapists and students around the country to engage and enhance their skills. His passion for nerve vitality preservation stemmed from wanting preserve the tooth in its most natural form and offer his community alternatives to extractions when root canals were not affordable. Prabashen has an evolving passion and dedication towards the practice of biomimetic dentistry, striving to preserve and imitate the natural tooth structure.

Dr Imtiaz Sooliman was born on 7 March 1962 in Potchefstroom, in South Africa’s North West Province. He completed his schooling at Sastri College in Durban, matriculating in 1978, before going on to study medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Medical School, where he qualified as a medical doctor in 1984.
In 1986, Dr Sooliman opened a successful private medical practice in Pietermaritzburg.
He was progressively involved in student affairs as the chairperson of the high school affairs portfolio of the Muslim Students Affairs, involved in community affairs as head of the governing body at Mountain Rise Primary School in Pietermaritzburg and subsequently the chair of the Governing Body Association of 120 schools, involved in religious activity giving many lectures at religious institutions throughout the country.
In 1994 he made the life-changing decision to close his thriving practice, choosing instead to dedicate himself fully to humanitarian work through the Gift of the Givers Foundation, which he had founded in August 1992.
The inspiration for the foundation came from a spiritual calling Dr Sooliman received at the age of 30 from his spiritual teacher, Sufi Sheikh Muhammed Safer Efendi al Jerrahi, in Istanbul, Turkey.
The message instructed him to serve all people — regardless of race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation, or geographical location. This spiritual mission has guided his work for over three decades and remains at the heart of the organisation’s ethos.

Dr. Nuerisha Singh is a Specialist in Community Dentistry, holding a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Community Dentistry, a Master of Science in Dental Public Health, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Dentistry from the University of the Western Cape. With over 16 years of experience spanning public health, clinical practice, and academia, she remains deeply committed to ethical, patient-centered care and the advancement of progressive oral health policies.
Her expertise lies in teledentistry and expanding access to healthcare, with a strong focus on the ethical and legal aspects of digital dentistry. As part of her research, she examined key regulations governing patient information, including South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), as well as the guidelines set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the South African Dental Association (SADA).
In this lecture, she will offer profound insights into the ethical complexities of modern dentistry, emphasizing professionalism, integrity, and the safeguarding of patient rights in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Dr Traut graduated at the top of his class from the University of the Western Cape in 2016 and has been working in private practice for the past seven years.
In 2021 he set up his practice in Bryanston with modern, digitally guided dentistry at the core of its operations.
In 2022 he completed a diploma in Advanced Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry at the Implant and Aesthetic Academy (IAA) under the mentorship of Dr’s Mark Bowes and Jean Van Lierop.
He holds certifications in interceptive orthodontics, Damon fixed orthodontics, Invisalign and Spark aligner therapy as well as implantology.
Outside of dentistry he holds several certifications in the field of Aesthetic Medicine (chemical peels, toxins, injectables and thread-lifts).
He currently serves as a board member on the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (SAAAD) and is involved with the hands-on training of dentists in the resin injection moulding technique.
Above all Dr Traut is passionate about the ‘Align, Bleach and Bond’ treatment philosophy in dentistry with a keen interest in clear aligner therapy and the resin injection moulding technique.

Dr Janel Welgemoed qualified with degrees in Dentistry (1991) and Business Administration (1998), both from the University of Stellenbosch.

Dr Welgemoed has been in fulltime private practice over 30 years. Apart from working full time in dentistry she also manages a team of 16 people in two practices, located in Noordhoek and Simon’s Town in the Western Cape.

Dr Welgemoed is a member of SADA, International Team for Implantology (ITI), South African Association of Osseointegration (SAAO), Paedodontic Society of South Africa. She is also a board member of the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (SAAAD). Dr Welgemoed also serves on the board of Profmed.

Dr Welgemoed has a great passion for Dentistry and understands that no Dental Practice can be successful without good organisational and management skills.