Vote now for the NZOHA People's Choice Award 2023
The People’s choice award is part of our annual practitioners awards, with the winner for this award chosen by NZOHA members.
The awards will be presented at the NZOHA conference gala dinner on Friday 13th October.
Voting closes 8pm Friday 6th October 2023.
Read about the nominees and vote below
Kirsty Barltrap
Dental Hygienist
Kirsty Barltrop has been a professional practice fellow with the Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) programme at Otago since 2005 (full-time from 2011). She has a passion for teaching and is highly valued by her colleagues and students. She has made a significant contribution to oral health in New Zealand, having taught many dental hygienists, and all the oral health therapists (OHTs), who have graduated from Otago.
She is a role model and mentor to many NZ oral health therapists, with students often aspiring to ‘be like Kirsty’ when they graduate. Kirsty’s commitment to her teaching and her profession is reflected in the excellent teaching evaluations she receives from students. Her commitment to her students and the profession continues after graduation, in offering advice and support as required.
Robyn Hammond
Dental Therapist
Robyn has been a therapist for over 50 years and is part of the Southern DHB team. Throughout her career Robyn has seen many changes, and has had to adapt and continue to keep up to date with her skills and knowledge.
She has been an oral health promotor, peer auditor, mentor, and advocate for the profession and oral health in general. She is innovative and always supportive of service improvements. But her first love has always been working with patients and Robyn does this so well. She is able to manage complex needs in children and still provide excellent care – she is a role model to other staff and a true professional.
Sara Jawadi
Oral Health Therapist
Sara completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health in 2008 and is a BOH lecturer at AUT.
Sara enjoys sharing her knowledge with her patients to help empower them and make well informed choices to their health and wellbeing. She has an interest in Orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry and is also passionate about helping adolescent patients being dentally fit. Sara attends the latest lectures, workshops and conferences to keep up to date on the latest research and is studying towards her Masters in Health Science.
Anne-Marie Maikuku
Oral Health Therapist
Anne-Marie is part of the team at Clare, as the Strategic Funding Lead for Oral Health. She has an expansive career as an Oral Health Therapist in the oral health sector. Anne-Marie is an Initiative Lead for Pou Waka Niho tautahi via the Waikato DHB, delivering oral health therapy clinical skills to tamariki and rangatahi, and member of the Health Disciplinary Tribunal.
Anne-Marie's academic achievements include a Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge, reflecting her commitment to improving cultural safety in oral healthcare within Aotearoa, as evidenced by her thesis on the subject.
Victoria Riechelmann
Oral Health Therapist
Victoria is a Oral Health Therapist practising in Auckland, New Zealand, founder of a successful dental clinic on the North Shore, Clean Teeth Dental, focusing on non-surgical treatments of gum disease and cosmetic dentistry.
Victoria obtained a Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health) from Auckland University of Technology. She has over 15 years of clinical experience, including her work in several Periodontal Specialist Clinics.
Founder of Next Level Perio Program integrating step-by-step specialist-level treatment protocols into general practice settings. With a significant follower base on Instagram and Facebook, she is a leader in her field of non-surgical treatment of advanced gum disease using Perioscopy.
Victoria brings a wealth of knowledge as a team leader, experienced clinician and passionate educator.
Leeann Waaka
Dental Therapist
Leeann Waaka (Ngāpuhi) is a Clinical Lead / Dental Therapist for Te Whatu Ora Hauora A Toi Bay of Plenty and Tumuaki for Te Ao Mārama. Her passion for her work and the profession is evident in her tireless efforts to elevate the standards of oral health care. In her current capacity as the Dental/Oral Health Therapy Clinical Lead for Te Whatu Ora - Hauora-ā-Toi, Leeann plays a pivotal role in setting and maintaining exceptional standards within her field. Her leadership and guidance foster a culture of excellence, not only within her team but also in the broader context of oral health care.
As Tumuaki of Te Ao Mārama– Aotearoa Māori Dental Association (TAM), Leeann has demonstrated dedication to the improvement of oral health for te iwi Māori and empowerment of the Māori oral health workforce under the kaupapa 'Hei oranga niho mō te iwi Māori' – Good Oral Health for Māori, for life. Through this role, she has also facilitated support and mentorship for Māori students, fostering the growth of the profession. She also represents TAM on influential oral health discussion panels, advisory boards, and interest groups. Leeann is an advocate for equitable oral health care and cultural safety within the profession.
Leeann has also worked as a clinical educator at AUT, where she provided clinical supervision, support to students, and made contributions to the development of the academic programme.
Dr Elizbeth Webb
Dental Therapist
Liz Webb is a registered dental therapist who enjoys working in diverse community settings to provide opportunities for improved health outcomes. She has excellent communication and leadership skills and works across wide-ranging cultural settings, especially in Pasifika communities in New Zealand as well as in the Pacific Islands Liz is a Global Child Dental Fund Alumnae (Senior Dental Leader SDL13), member of the New Zealand Oral Health Association and has recently been appointed an Honorary Fellow of the International College of Dentists (Australasian Chapter).
Liz has recently completed her PhD investigating the association between volcanogenic fluoride from Ambrym volcano ant the oral health burden. This research has seen Liz explain her volunteering to other pacific islands and the formation of the charity a ‘Friend of Kokorosa”. Liz has secured grants and donations of huge variety to provide to those in need. Liz has organised a number of her peers to accompany her on her volunteer mission. On these missions education of the locals and their children is a key factor as well as offering much need dental treatment.
Liz works for the Waikato DHB and has a strong focus on improving oral health outcomes for NZ children. Liz’s passion for helping those in need and encouraging people to succeed is relentless. Liz’s contribution to oral health is to be admired.