Welcome to our 2026 Branch Council
- SA Updates
We are delighted to announce our Branch President, Dr Poppy Anastassiadis and Branch Council 2026. As we look to the future, their leadership will play a key role in shaping our strategic vision and guide initiatives.
Their valuable skills and experience will ensure we continue to serve our Members with excellence.
Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Branch Councillors!
President:
Dr Poppy Anastassiadis (BDS, FRACDS, MClinEd, SFHEA, FGLF, FPFA, FICD, FADI) is a general dentist with expertise in clinical education, leadership, and research. As a full-time academic at the Adelaide Dental School and Community Outreach Lead, she manages the Dental Clinic at Common Ground. Her work focuses on prevention, equitable access, and sustainable service delivery. Dr Anastassiadis brings extensive experience in governance, mentoring, and evidence-informed policy development.
I am committed to strengthening our profession through collaborative leadership, strategic decision making, and advocacy that supports both practitioners and the communities we serve.
Councillors:
Dr Saloni Singh is a general dentist in private practice and a lecturer at the University of Adelaide. She has been actively involved with the ADA for nearly a decade and currently serves as SA’s representative on the ADA Recent Graduates Advisory Panel, is Chair of the Branch Recent Graduates Committee and a member of multiple committees. Over the years, Dr Singh has presented and contributed to key initiatives such as the Welcome to the Profession event, the ADA Mentorship Scheme, and a range of other successful CPD and networking events.
“I want to ensure the ADA continues to deliver value for everyday practitioners. After graduating, ADA shaped my professional identity through clinical practice and advocacy. As councillor, my priority is a sustainable profession, for new dentists, experienced clinicians and practice owners navigating today’s challenges.”
Dr Alexander Lam completed his BDS at the University of Adelaide before undertaking postgraduate training in orthodontics at Münster University and sedation anaesthesiology at the University of Sydney. Since graduating in 2009, he has worked exclusively in private practice and became a practice owner in 2013. Today, he leads a family-owned independent dental group across multiple locations. Dr Lam is passionate about advocating for private practice owners and associates, focusing on safeguarding the future of independent dentistry amid increasing corporatisation.
“I want to serve on Council to improve representation for the 83 % of dentists who practise in private settings (solo, group or locum) across Australia. Our ADA must better serve this large cohort, especially younger to mid-career practitioners who will shape our profession’s future.”
Dr Robert Stewart has over 30 years' experience in public, corporate and private practice and is currently part-owner of a general practice in Grange. He has served on the Recent Graduates Committee, was Deputy Chair of the Review Committee, and is Chair of the Public Dental Schemes Review Working Group. Dr Stewart has tutored dental students at the University of Adelaide and through the Common Ground program and participated in dental student admissions interviews. Dr Stewart brings extensive professional and governance experience to the ADA SA Council.
“I want to serve on Council because I wish to contribute to an organisation which represents a profession, I am very proud to be part of. Council enables me to be part of real decision making which can only better the future for all dentists in South Australia.”
Dr Angelo Papageorgiou has worked in private practice both independently and in partnership. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry Internationale, Pierre Fauchard Academy, International College of Dentists, and a Life Member of ADA SA. As Branch President (2019–2021), he led the profession through the challenges of COVID-19. Dr Papageorgiou is the long-standing Branch media spokesperson and currently chairs the Communications and Nominations Committees, and a Member of the Awards Committee, and contributes federally through the ADA Advisory Committee, ADA Board Nominations and ADA Nomination and Renumeration Committee.
“With a long-standing commitment to the ADA both federally and locally, I bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding of the workings of the Branch and Council. I am able to ensure good governance allowing for effective and productive outcomes with advocacy in the best interest of the Branch and its membership.”
Dr Yung Seng (YS) Chee has been an active member of the ADA SA Council, representing early-career dentists with a strong advocacy focus. He has contributed to the Finance, Audit, Risk and Investment Committee, promoting fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stewardship. His work with the Recent Graduates Committee centres on practical engagement and delivering meaningful support to emerging practitioners. Dr Chee brings valuable experience in financial governance and grassroots representation to the ADA SA Council.
“I place great value on being part of a professional community that actively supports, guides, and uplifts colleagues at every stage of their careers.”
Dr Benjamin Clothier has worked across both private and public sectors, establishing Clare Valley Family Dental with his wife Christy in 2013. Now a four-chair general practice, the clinic reflects his commitment to rural dentistry and the breadth of clinical work it offers. Over the past two years, Dr Clothier has served as Branch Country Councillor, gaining valuable insight and contributing to regional representation.
“I'm passionate about active engagement within our profession and being a voice for regional dental practitioners in South Australia.”
Dr Troy Longbottom contributes to the SA Oral Health Plan Monitoring Group and advisory committees for both the University of Adelaide and TAFE SA. His clinical experience spans private and public roles across SA and the NT, and he has an Honorary Clinical Lectureship at the University of Adelaide. Since 2007, he has served as Clinical Director at TAFE SA’s Centre for Dental Studies, supporting substantial growth in dental assisting training. He is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr Longbottom is also a member of the Branch Practice Support Committee.
“A thriving dental profession is essential for our state and Dentists must be supported to enjoy a productive and rewarding career. This includes well-trained staff. Education must respond to the needs of Dentists, and I bring this unique educational perspective to Council in order to benefit all Dentists and Practice Owners.”
Dr Keng Soon Yeoh is a specialist in Special Needs Dentistry, providing care for medically compromised and people with disability across public and private settings. He teaches TAFE, undergraduate, and postgraduate students and has been an active member of the Branch Practice Support Committee. Dr Yeoh recently served as Branch President (2024-2025), bringing strong leadership and deep clinical expertise to the role.
“I have worked and currently still working along with clinician from all aspect of field (private dentist, public dentist, specialist, dental educators and researchers). Working on the Council allows me to bring forward the topics that are topical to clinicians who are members of ADA SA to Council for discussion and solution.”
Dr Rohit Sharma is new to Council and has over 15 years' experience in public and private practice, along with a Master of Health and Medical Law from the University of Melbourne. His expertise lies at the intersection of clinical care, governance, and regulation. An Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management and active ADA member, Dr Sharma is committed to collaborative, practical leadership. He advocates for integrity, inclusivity, and policy reform that reflects the realities of modern dental practice. Dr Sharma is also a member of the Branch Practice Support Committee.
“I believe practising dentists should have a strong voice in decisions affecting daily work. Facing pressures from patient care, compliance, and workload, clinicians need practical support, clear communication, and fair policies. I aim to help ADA SA deliver solutions that genuinely reflect and support dental practice.”
Dr Laura Smith completed her BDS at the University of Adelaide in 2016 and has been an active contributor to the Branch ever since. She served on the Recent Graduates Committee from 2016–2022 and was Chair from 2019–2022. Dr Smith works in private practice in Adelaide and has contributed to clinical teaching at the University of Adelaide. She has served on the Dental Research and Education Fund and is a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Outside dentistry, she enjoys an active lifestyle and is a mother of two young sons.
“I feel it is important to represent our profession and advocate for them against the challenges they may face. Having been on the Council for the last 4 years I have found confidence in what our state association has been able to achieve and feel optimistic we can continue to support our members going forward.”
Dr Gabrielle Smart completed her undergraduate and postgraduate training at the University of Adelaide and holds fellowships with the RACDS in General Practice and Paediatric Dentistry, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists. She has 12 years experience working in the public sectorat the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and has worked in both general and specialist private practice. In 2023, she established her own paediatric specialist practice. Dr Smart has long contributed to the ANZSPD and currently serves on the Branch Communications Committee and a valued presenter at Branch CPD events.
“I greatly enjoy having the opportunity to engage with members, learn from their experience, advocate for and give something back to our profession.
Dr Meagan Huebl held the position of Branch Treasurer since 2019. She is an enthusiastic advocate for the profession and contributes to the Finance, Audit, Risk and Investment (FARI) and Practice Support Committees, as well as the ADA Oral Health Committee. Dr Huebl has also supported the National Organising Committee for the past two Australian Dental Congresses and the FDI World Dental Congresses (virtual and in Sydney). She remains committed to supporting the profession and strengthening the Association’s work.
“I am dedicated to our professional group and am a passionate member of the ADA SA, with a wealth of experience across various forums that enables me to contribute to the success and support of dental professionals here in SA.”
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