New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) Conference 2022
18 to 20 August, Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand
With new infrastructure, a beautiful setting, and a can-do attitude Ōtautahi Christchurch is building a strong reputation as a place to learn, grow and be inspired.
The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) Conference 2022 brings record numbers of dental professionals to the city from across New Zealand to meet, collaborate and transfer knowledge.
With 1250 participants and an estimated visitor spend of $1.6 million, NZDA’s three-day event at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre will create significant economic and social benefits for the city and the region.
ChristchurchNZ Head of Business Events, Megan Crum says not only will the conference be a boon for Christchurch’s economy, also it will create a lasting social legacy for the dentistry profession in New Zealand, and for the communities who need their care.
Megan Crum, ChristchurchNZ Head of Business EventsBeyond their economic benefits, business events generate social and cultural impacts for the communities where they meet. More than high-value visitors, they bring knowledge, and vital business connections, and improve the well-being of our communities.
“The NZDA Conference in Christchurch is making an impact on every level, with students, young dentists and retired professionals included in the programme, and new findings on dental care issues shared for the first time,” she says.
The conference impact will be felt across Christchurch’s hospitality sector with over 750 hotel room nights booked, and social events filling multiple city restaurants.
Reiner Eulink, General Manager at Crowne Plaza Christchurch says it is one of several central city hotels enjoying the business events’ boost.
“August is traditionally a quiet month for leisure visitors and conferences such as NZDA are certainly helping fill the hotel off-peak,” he says.
Social legacy – employment, skills, networks, community
NZDA President, Dr Erin Collins says the association is delighted to be bringing its first conference in three years to Christchurch.
“The conference has an important role to play in creating positive change in the community, and addressing health issues important to all New Zealanders,” Dr Collins says.
Leading researchers presented papers on community water fluoridation and sugar, dental care for low income New Zealanders, Pacific oral health, and te reo Māori in dental practice.
Alongside the conference, the NZDA will run an Employment Fair, to connect potential employers in private practice and hospitals with new and recent graduates looking for work in 2023.
Set up like speed-dating, over 60 employers are matched with up to 19 students each, saving time and money.
NZDSA President, Madeline Homan says the Employment Fair and NZDA conference provides students access to employment pathways.
“Having most of their interviews in one place and at one time allows students to compare and contrast opportunities, while also giving them access to employers from opposite ends of the country.
Madaline Homan, NZDSA PresidentThe Employment Fair comes as a stress relief to many students, knowing they are most likely to leave the weekend with future employment.
Mark Goodhew, who runs a private practice in Timaru, says attending the conference in Christchurch has benefits for his professional development and for the Timaru community.
“Our practice in South Canterbury looks after a large, diverse group of people and we cover a wide spectrum of specialised care. The Employment Fair works well for us to find new skilled staff and promote working in provincial New Zealand,” Goodhew says.
His Timaru Dental Care practice is expanding and setting up a new surgery with equipment and supplies.
“I will head to the conference and trade expo with a shopping list, to find all the latest dental equipment and tick that off in a couple of days too.”
