About Us

HEATHER CAVANAGH

Heather Cavanagh, a Hunter Valley native, is a standout Oral Health Therapist with over two decades of experience in the dental field. She completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) program at The University of Newcastle and furthered her education with a Graduate Diploma of Dental Therapy and Extended Adult Scope credentials from the University of Melbourne. Heather has made significant contributions in both public and private sectors, including serving as a clinical tutor for BOHT program students at the University of Newcastle.

Her expertise, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish two successful clinics in the Hunter region, providing exceptional clinical care. Heather’s dedication has also fostered relationships with stakeholders and healthcare providers, reflecting her passion in every role she undertakes.

Driven by her commitment to professional development, Heather founded ‘The Oral Health Collective’ to enhance the skills of Oral Health Therapists, promoting best practices through education that integrates clinical excellence, research-based methods, and holistic well-being, including mindfulness and yoga.

PROFESSOR JANET WALLACE

Honorary Fellow International College of Dentists

Honorary Fellow Academy of Dentistry International

Life Member of ADOHTA 

Honorary Member of DHAA 

ADA Valuable Service Award 

Professor Janet Wallace is a distinguished Oral Health Therapist, academic, and industry leader with extensive experience in clinical practice, education, research, and policy development. With a diverse background encompassing dental therapy, hygiene, business management, and tertiary teaching, she holds a Doctor of Philosophy in oral health education.

Joining the University of Newcastle in 2008, Professor Wallace swiftly advanced from lecturer to Head of Discipline of Oral Health. Notable achievements include co-authoring innovative postgraduate programs and advocating for practitioner rights, leading to significant changes in dental practice standards nationally.

Her regulatory contributions include serving on the Dental Council NSW and the AHPRA Registration and Compliance Committee. In 2020, she joined the University of Sydney, becoming only the second female Professor in Oral Health in Australia.

Internationally recognised for her research on elderly oral health, particularly in Residential Aged Care Facilities, Professor Wallace’s Senior Smiles program has garnered acclaim. Her work has been instrumental in shaping policy and resource development in this critical area.

Recipient of numerous awards and grants exceeding one million dollars, Professor Wallace’s contributions extend to supervising research students and publishing in prestigious journals. Recently retired from full-time work, she now serves as Honorary Professor of Oral Health at the University of Newcastle and brings her expertise to the OHT Collective, focusing on innovative education, research, and holistic wellbeing initiatives.

LUCIA QUINN

Lucia Quinn, an Oral Health Therapist with extended scope, works at Hunter Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Centre and Hunter New England Local Health District. She holds a Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH), a Post Graduate Diploma in Dental Therapy (GDDT), and a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours). Lucia’s honours research focused on the link between childhood obesity and dental decay, earning her the Highest Achievement in Bachelor of Health Science Honours. She presented her findings at the ADOHTA NSW conference and published her manuscript in the ADOHTA Journal in 2018.

Previously, Lucia served as a Lecturer in Oral Health at The University of Newcastle, teaching subjects like Oral Pathology and Dental Radiography and Radiology. Her academic roles also involved Course Coordination and Clinical Tutoring. Additionally, Lucia participated in student placements in Cambodia, offering oral health services to children and young adults.

Passionate about connecting oral health with overall well-being, Lucia excels in helping patients, particularly children, overcome fear and anxiety during oral health treatments.

Sarah Griffiths is a Hunter Valley native and owner of FlowStudio Yoga2you. She has joined our team to offer expertise in work-related wellness, mindfulness, yoga, and meditation in the workplace.

Born into a dental family, Sarah began her career as a dental assistant at The University of Newcastle before transitioning to administrative support within the Graduate Diploma of Dental Therapy. After obtaining a Diploma of Nursing, she spent five years at The University of Newcastle as a Project Manager, focusing on translational research in oral health education for nursing.

Following personal tragedy, Sarah reevaluated her life and career, returning to her passion for yoga. She completed yoga teacher training in 2022 with Byron Yoga Centre and now aims to integrate wellness practices into corporate settings. With qualifications in nursing, business management, and over 400 hours of yoga training, including meditation and mindfulness, Sarah is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses foster balance and well-being in the workplace and beyond.