A resounding success: ADA shines nationally at the 2025 PBC Expo
- Oral health
The ADA's inaugural participation in the Pregnancy, Babies & Children’s (PBC) Expo marked a major milestone in the Association’s efforts to champion early childhood oral health.
Over the course of 2025, the Pregnancy, Babies & Children’s (PBC) Expo drew an incredible 100,000 visitors nationwide and the ADA’s presence, in collaboration with its Branches and the highly valued contribution of a host of ADA members who fronted the ADA stand at various locations, made a lasting impression on thousands of expectant parents and young families.
In its first year of coordinated national involvement, ADA branches proudly represented the Association across eleven major exhibitions, held in:
• Gold Coast (1)
• Sydney (3)
• Melbourne (2)
• Perth (1)
• Adelaide (1)
• Canberra (1)
• Brisbane (2)
As Australia’s largest early parenting event, the PBC Expo provided an exceptional platform for the ADA to reach audiences that are often difficult to engage, expectant and new parents. Through vibrant displays, hands-on activities, informative resources and one-on-one conversations with passionate volunteer dentists and dental students, the ADA successfully inspired thousands of families to make oral health a priority from the very start of their children’s lives.
Visitors were eager to learn about key oral health milestones, including when to schedule a child’s first dental visit, how to introduce fluoridated toothpaste and the importance of maternal oral health. The buzz and enthusiasm at the ADA stand reflected a genuine appetite for credible, accessible oral health guidance.
To amplify its reach, the ADA Federal body provided national support for the PBC Expos for the first time in 2025; a landmark collaboration that complemented the Dental Health Week (DHW) 2025 theme, “Dental S-milestones.” This campaign focused on parents and paediatric oral health development, perfectly aligning with the messages delivered face-to-face at the Expo. DHW educational materials were distributed widely, and attendees were delighted to receive free children’s and adults’ toothbrushes and toothpastes, generously donated by Colgate-Palmolive.
Attendee profile highlights:
• 64% currently pregnant
• 82% expecting their first child
• 16% already parents and expecting again
• 4% parents with young children
• 4% planning to start a family
Engaging this audience is crucial, as they represent a key priority group in the Oral Health Strategic Plan. The ADA’s participation not only strengthened community connections but also significantly elevated public awareness of preventive oral health practices.
The success of the ADA’s debut national presence at the PBC Expo stands as a powerful testament to the ADA’s commitment to supporting families, fostering healthy habits from infancy and positioning the ADA as a trusted voice in oral health across Australia.
The ADA will be a notable presence at this year's PBC Expo events so keep an eye out for future volunteering opportunities.
One member's volunteering experience - Dr Farah Meher
On 31 May 2025, I had the privilege of volunteering as an ADA member at the PBC Expo. It was a rewarding opportunity which allowed me to connect directly with the community, offering practical guidance on early oral health care, prevention of dental decay, and the management of gum disease.
Parents and parents-to-be engaged with thoughtful questions such as:
- When should babies start brushing their teeth?
- What if my toddler refuses certain toothpaste flavours?
- Is fluoride toothpaste safe during pregnancy?
- How can I manage smoking cessation or morning sickness while protecting my oral health?
At the ADA booth, we provided clear, evidence-based answers alongside engaging resources — from banners and posters to sample toothbrushes and flavoured toothpastes. These interactive tools encouraged conversations and helped families leave with greater clarity and confidence in caring for their children’s oral health. Many visitors even expressed relief at finally receiving straightforward answers to questions they had been holding onto for some time.
This experience reinforced for me the value of tailored resources and hands-on community engagement in promoting oral health. When information is presented in a clear, accessible, and family-friendly way, the response is overwhelmingly positive, building both trust and enthusiasm.
I am grateful to the ADA for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful initiative, and I look forward to supporting future events that continue to place children’s oral health at the heart of family wellbeing.
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