Celebrating Excellence: FDI World Dental Congress
During the recent Federation Dentaire Internationale World Dental Congress held in Sydney over 4 days in September Dr Patrick Meaney was honoured by his peers in recognition of several decades of service to the organisation.
The Pierre Fauchard Academy
The Pierre Fauchard Academy is an international dental honour society that recognizes leaders and future leaders in the profession. Founded in 1936, it has over 7000 fellows around the world. In 2001, Patrick first served as the Australasian Secretary-Treasurer and later took on the role of President and International Trustee for Region VIII. As well as representing the Academy in Australia, he was the regional representative at annual meetings of the International Board in the US.
Continuing the Legacy: The Father of Modern Dentistry
The Pierre Fauchard Academy was named after the father of modern dentistry—Pierre Fauchard. He published “LeChirurgien Dentiste”, a text of detailed information about all aspects of contemporary dentistry, in France in 1728.
Furchard’s lead encouraged others including the distinguished English surgeon, John Hunter, to publish “The Natural History of the Human Teeth”. Afterwards, the first series of dental lectures was established at Guy’s Hospital in London.
Fauchard recognised the role of sugar in creating cavities, supported regular teeth cleaning to prevent disease and even promoted replacement of teeth lost through trauma noting that they could last for many years following the accident.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Dental Leaders
The Pierre Fauchard Academy in Australia and New Zealand supports young leaders in the dental profession. The Academy supports them as academic lecturers and encourages their participation in state and federal Dental Associations.
The Honorary Life Fellowship Award
Dr. Patrick has enjoyed his time leading the Academy mentoring young dentists and ensuring the continuation of the support for leadership within the profession. Professor Deborah Cockrell, current president of the Dental Council of New South Wales and International Trustee and President of the Academy for Australasia, presented the award.
Dr. Patrick was also finally able to receive the Certificate of Merit which was originally awarded to him during the 2021 pandemic. The award highlighted Dr. Patrick’s contribution to his chosen profession, from his impressive journey in serving the State and Federal Councils of the ADA in 1988, up to serving on the Dental Board of NSW in the 1990s and being responsible for establishing the NSW ADA’s Centre for Professional Development.
He has also presented interviews with clinicians and academic dentists, hosted and presented video education and webinars for the American Dental Association (ADA), and has written significantly on dentistry for more than 25 years.
