Reconciliation at the ADC - The Australian Dental Council

Reconciliation at the ADC

Our vision for reconciliation is a healthcare system free of racism; where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are respected, and First Nations knowledges are embedded in the education and assessment of dental practitioners in Australia.

Our first formal step to reconciliation

Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was released on 19 May 2022. It is a largely internally facing plan and will set us up with the knowledge, networks, and capability we need to continue our reconciliation journey.

The ADC has been committed to cultural safety and reconciliation for many years and our Reflect RAP is the first formal step in our reconciliation journey.

Read our Reflect RAP

RAP artwork by Lani Balzan

The artwork featured on our RAP was created by Lani Balzan. Lani is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Wiradjuri people of the three-river tribe. Her family originates from Mudgee, but she grew up all over Australia and lived in many different towns. She now calls the Illawarra home.

Lani is a nationally recognised Aboriginal Artist and has been creating art for over six years and has continued success across the country.

One of her biggest goals and inspirations with creating her artwork is to develop a better connection to her culture and to continue to work towards reconciliation bringing people and communities together to learn about what amazing culture we have here in Australia.

This artwork represents the ADC’s role in improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. When creating this artwork, I wanted it to symbolise the importance of reconciliation and how the ADC is proud of its journey towards its future – just as I was proud in having the opportunity to create this piece.

Lani Balzan, artist and designer

Lani Balzan sitting next to the ADC RAP artwork

Lani Balzan, 2021, Commitment to reconciliation, Acrylic on canvas and digital artwork.
Commissioned by The Australian Dental Council.

www.lanibart.com.au

From our CEO

Accreditation authorities are responsible for protecting the health and safety of the public by ensuring health practitioners meet the high standards expected of Australians.

However, we can’t ensure public safety unless health practitioners have the knowledge, skills, and attributes to provide culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The two are unequivocally linked and accreditation authorities need to demonstrate leadership to drive reconciliation and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Narelle Mills, Chief Executive Officer