"A Big Day Out" for Dental Assistants
DAPA CONFERENCE 2025
Empowering Tomorrow’s DAs
Melbourne: Saturday, 23 August 2025 | Sydney: Saturday, 20 September 2025
Calling all Dental Assistants! This is your chance to step up, connect, and shape the future of dental assisting.
Big Ideas, Bright Futures - DAPA 2025 is Coming to Melbourne & Sydney!
Whether you’re just beginning your career or you’re bringing years of expertise to the table, DAPA 2025 is designed to inspire, energise, and elevate you.
Our theme, “Empowering Tomorrow’s Dental Assistants: Innovation, Advocacy, Sustainability”, is a rallying cry for dental assistants everywhere to lead with purpose, embrace new opportunities, and develop the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving field.
With powerful keynote speakers, future-focused sessions and great exhibitors, this full-day event in Melbourne and Sydney is your perfect opportunity to grow professionally, connect with like-minded peers, and gain new perspectives in the fast-changing world of dental assisting.
WE'RE SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON INCREDIBLE DAs AT THIS YEAR'S DAPA AWARDS 🎉
Don’t miss the Sydney-only Awards Night! An inspiring evening dedicated to recognising the outstanding achievements of dental assistants. Whether you’re nominated or simply want to cheer on your colleagues, this is one unforgettable night you won’t want to miss.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Get ready to explore the latest trends transforming the industry – from innovative technologies to more efficient ways of working. You’ll discover how advocacy can help you become a strong voice for your patients and profession, while sustainability strategies will show you how to contribute to a greener future for dentistry.
With engaging talks, industry exhibitors, and plenty of networking opportunities, you’ll leave equipped with the skills and confidence to lead in your practice. There will also be plenty of time to connect with fellow DAs, swap stories, and enjoy delicious food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere!
Don’t miss the chance to enhance your expertise, drive positive change, and shape the future of dental assisting!
HIGHLIGHTS
DAPA 2025 isn’t just a conference – it’s your big day out! Think inspiring spaces, great company, and plenty of moments to learn and level up.
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TWO LOCATION
Two cities, two vibes! This year, DAPA 2025 takes place at two standout venues: Rydges Sydney Central in the heart of Surry Hills and the charming University House at the University of Melbourne.
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NETWORKING
Build your dental squad and gain cutting-edge skills to stay ahead in your career. This is your chance to connect with industry experts and peers who’ll support, inspire, and help ignite your career every step of the way.
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AWARDS NIGHT (Sydney Only)
The Sydney-only Awards Night on 20 September 2025 at Rydges Sydney Central is your ultimate way to wrap up DAPA 2025. Don’t miss this exclusive chance to honour the best in the industry!
OUR CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Our single-stream format ensures a full day of impactful sessions to keep you engaged and hyped for what’s to come! Whether it’s a keynote talk or a live demonstration, each session is crafted to provide you with valuable insights and practical skills that you can apply directly to your daily work.
MELBOURNE SATURDAY, 23 AUGUST 2025
The Woodward Centre
Level 10, Melbourne Law School
185 Pelham Street, Carlton, VIC 3053
SYDNEY SATURDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2025
Rydges Sydney Central
28 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
MELBOURNE SATURDAY, 23 AUGUST 2025
08:30
REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE
09:00
WELCOME & OPENING ADDRESS
By Martin Thomas - CEO of DAPA
09:15
AI & THE FUTURE OF DENTAL ASSISTING: FROM PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TO VOICE-DRIVEN CHARTING
By James Mani - Director at CareStack
10:00
FINDING FULFILLMENT AND PURPOSE IN YOUR DENTAL ASSISTING CAREER
By Julie Parker - Dental Practice Management Consultant at Dental Business Mastery
10:45
MORNING TEA & NETWORKING
11.15
INFECTION PREVENTION - LOOKING AHEAD FOR 2026
By Kylie Robb - Director Niche Dental
12.00
RESPONDING TO LIFE - THREATENING DENTAL EMERGENCIES
By Lisa Marsh - Founder & Trainer Compliant Plus
12:45
LUNCH BREAK & INNOVATION SHOWCASE
13:30
COMMUNICATION IN THE CLINIC
By Dr Jonathan Teoh- Clinical Advisor at Abano Healthcare
14:15
UNDERSTANDING PRIVACY IN THE DENTAL PRACTICE
By Sharon Mcmillan- Practice Plus Consultant
at Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch
15:00
AFTERNOON TEA & NETWORKING
15.30
PANEL DISCUSSION: “MY DA SUPERPOWER”
16.15
CLOSING REMARKS & PRIZE DRAW!
By Martin Thomas - CEO of DAPA
SYDNEY SATURDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2025
08:30
REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE
09:00
WELCOME & OPENING ADDRESS
By Martin Thomas - CEO of DAPA
09:15
KEYNOTE: THE RISE OF THE MULTI-SKILLED DENTAL ASSISTANT
10:00
AI & ROBOTICS IN DENTISTRY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR DAs
10:45
MORNING TEA & NETWORKING
11.15
INNOVATIONS IN INFECTION CONTROL
12.00
UPHOLDING THE CODE OF CONDUCT: A JOB FOR THE WHOLE TEAM
By Conjoint Professor Deb Cockrell AM
12:45
LUNCH BREAK
13:30
COMMUNICATION IN THE CLINIC
By Dr Fred Calavassy - Chief Clinical Office at Abano Healthcare
14:15
VOICE-CONTROLLED CHARTING & AI TOOL
15:00
AFTERNOON TEA & NETWORKING
15.30
PANEL DISCUSSION: “MY DA SUPERPOWER”
Martin Thomas - CEO of DAPA
Shiree Faulkner - Principal Dental Assistant
16.15
CLOSING REMARKS & PRIZE DRAW!
By Martin Thomas - CEO of DAPA
Please note that the program is subject to change without prior notice. The organisers reserve the right to make adjustments to the schedule, speakers, or sessions as necessary.
OUR SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
National Dental Care
National Dental Care is an Australia-wide network of dental practices. They have one goal: to set the benchmark in providing Australians with superior dental services, underpinned by a strong culture of ongoing training and clinical improvement.
Founded in 2013, National Dental Care started with just four practices located in Brisbane. Over the last 10 years, they've grown to over 100 practices throughout Australia, including the acquisition of Western Australian-based DB Dental, and we are now one of the largest providers of dental services in Australia.
Major Sponsor of the Melbourne and Sydney Conference.
Pacific Smiles Group
Pacific Smiles, operated by Pacific Smiles Group, is one of Australia's top dental networks with over 120 centres across NSW, QLD, ACT, and VIC. Committed to exceptional patient care, it offers a supportive environment for career growth, recognizing talent and providing opportunities in both clinical and leadership roles for Dentists and employees. Operating under the Pacific Smiles Dental and nib Dental Care Centre brands, it delivers quality service and care to all.
Sponsoring & Exhibiting at Melbourne & Sydney.
Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Medical Ships
Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Medical Ships is a Christian NGO that facilitates and provides medical, dental, and community development services in Papua New Guinea. The organisation operates a dental semi-trailer based in Port Moresby, which delivers free dental services to children in local schools. YWAM Medical Ships also trains local dental assistants in Port Moresby and offers opportunities for dental assistants to volunteer as part of its school dental programme.
Exhibiting at Melbourne.
Dentavision
Dentavision is a leading Australian-owned dental supply company headquartered in Castle Hill, New South Wales. Established in 1990, Dentavision has grown to become one of the fastest-growing dental supply companies in Australia, specialising in the distribution of consumable dental products and small equipment.
Exhibiting at Melbourne & Sydney.
Interested in exhibiting at the DAPA Conference?
Get in touch with our events team today!
madeleine@savemymarketing.com
OUR SPEAKERS
Get ready to be inspired by some of the brightest minds in dental assisting! DAPA 2025 will feature an exciting lineup of thought leaders, passionate professionals, and innovators who are eager to share fresh ideas, actionable insights, and strategies for success.
GET YOUR TICKET NOW!
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, DAPA 2025 is the place to be to stay ahead, connect with others, and push your practice to new heights. Together, we can shape the future of dental assisting!
Sydney Conference + Awards Combo!
Saturday, 20 September 2025
$195
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Sydney full day of conference ticket including breakout sessions
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Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
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Access to exhibition display area
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Ticket to the Awards Night (Sydney only)
Team Bookings
$130pp
For teams of 5 or more.
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Full day of conference sessions, including breakout sessions for your team!
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Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
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Access to exhibition display area
Sydney Ticket
Saturday, 20 September 2025
$165
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Sydney full day of conference ticket including breakout sessions
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Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
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Access to exhibition display area
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Ph - (02) 9569 3220