The twin towns favourite Dentist Dr Hugo Sachs was elected as the new Australian Dental Association (ADA) President during the ADA’s Federal Council meeting. Dr Sachs succeeds Dr Rick Olive who has been President since 2014. Hugo graduated from the University of Sydney in 1979 and received a Master of Dental Surgery in 1993.
He holds fellowships with several organisations including the International College of Dentists. Since 2004, he has served as a Federal Councillor and has been a member of Federal Executive since 2010 including holding the positions of Treasurer and Vice President. He has also served on several Federal standing committees. Hugo has been an active member of the ADA NSW Branch since 1999 (President 2003 – 2004) and served on a number of Branch committees. Since 2010, he has tutored at the School of Dentistry, Charles Sturt University. Outside of dentistry, Hugo has been involved in Rotary since 1985 in Harden Murrumburrah, twice serving as Club President. He maintains an active interest in rugby union and is a keen breeder of alpacas with his ‘Bringarum’ farm.
Following his election, Hugo paid tribute to the immediate past President, Dr Rick Olive AM: “Dr Olive has made a tremendous contribution to the dental profession and oral health in Australia during his term. We have seen the ADA involved in some significant advocacy and campaigns that have made their mark on the dental landscape – dental workforce supply, continuation of the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) and activity to improve the lot of patients and their private health insurance have been some of the key projects conducted. “Dr Olive’s term as President also saw the ADA release its Australian Dental Health Plan (ADHP), which provides a comprehensive framework for how the Australian Government can most effectively help these target populations get the dental care they need.”
Hugo then outlined his priorities as President saying “My priorities as President will be to continue to seek reform to the private health insurance industry so that patients get value for money, are able to get the quality, safe dental care that they need and that dentists are treated fairly by private health insurers.
I will also continue to advocate for the Commonwealth’s commitment to funded dental care for targeted populations as outlined in the Australian Dental Health Plan. “We have a strong membership and I hope to take every advantage of that to continue to serve both the public and our members to ensure that ongoing high quality and safe services are provided so that the oral health of Australians continues to improve.” Hugo said, “I was both honoured and privileged to be chosen for the position and I look forward to the challenges it will bring.” He said,”I will be on the road a lot more for the next two years.” He expressed concern that in the last ten years 4 different dental schemes had been opened and closed by the governments. He also said that the over supply of dentists needed to be addressed as those graduating could not get a position. He said that he will work hard to facilitate change where it is needed whilst in this position.
Congratulations Hugo.
