ANZ SDA: The Inaugural Sports Dentistry Conference 2026

Sydney Olympic Park | Followed by the 2026 Bledisloe Cup

The ANZ Sports Dentistry Association Inaugural CPD Conference brings together dentists, dental students, and allied healthcare professionals from across Australia and New Zealand for a landmark event dedicated to athlete oral health.

Held at Sydney Olympic Park, this one-day conference represents the first step in establishing a collaborative, connected and recognised sports dentistry community across the ANZ region.

This is more than a conference, it is the launch of a movement.

This unique event bridges the gap between clinic and field. Designed for clinicians at all stages of their careers, the programme combines CPD-accredited education, practical insight and multidisciplinary collaboration within the context of elite and community sport.

Unlike traditional dental conferences, the ANZ SDA Conference integrates high-level clinical education with the real-world demands of sporting environments, reflecting how sports dentistry is truly practiced.

Delegates will gain practical, evidence-based insight into:

• Screening athletes for oral health risks and performance implications
• Management of acute dental trauma in training and competition
• Prevention strategies, including custom-fitted mouthguards and iMGs
• The role of the dentist within multidisciplinary sports medicine teams
• Pitch-side, match-day and event-based dental considerations
• Aesthetic and alignment considerations in modern athletes

• The evolution of sports dentistry in Australia & New Zealand
• The current national landscape: policy, practice and future direction

• High-performance oral health screening
• Sports nutrition and its impact on the dentition
• Pitch-side dentofacial trauma and return-to-play decision making
• Endodontic management of traumatic dental injuries
• Custom mouthguards, instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) and concussion
• Aesthetic dentistry and athlete identity

The Athlete’s Voice – first-hand insight from elite competitors.

Throughout the day, delegates will engage with a dedicated trade exhibition and enjoy extensive networking with leaders in dentistry, sports medicine and allied health.

Following the conference, delegates will attend a drinks reception at Sydney Olympic Park before an unforgettable evening of world-class sport and hospitality.

Your ticket includes:

• Seated Dinner
• Premium match seating
• Hospitality access
• The 2026 Bledisloe Cup: Wallabies v All Blacks

Experience one of rugby’s most iconic rivalries in an electric atmosphere, the perfect close to a day focused on performance at the highest level.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn from leading experts in sports dentistry and sports medicine
• Network with peers, educators and sports medical professionals
• Explore pathways into involvement with local, regional and national sporting organisations
• Contribute to shaping the future direction of sports dentistry in the ANZ region

The ANZ Sports Dentistry Conference sets the standard for education, practice and professional engagement in this rapidly growing field.

Join us at Sydney Olympic Park in 2026 and be part of history.

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Speaker List

Dr Brett Dorney

Dr Sharron Flahive

Imogen Johnson

Adj Prof John Orchard

Dr Lawrence Neville

Dr Leigh Golding

Dr Stephen Harlamb

Dr Umair Mohammed

Dr John Haughey

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Conference Programme

Registration

Welcome Address

Keynote Lecture 1: From Sidelines to Centre Stage: The Evolution of Sports Dentistry in Australia & New Zealand

Session 1: Oral Health and Performance

o Lecture 1: High-Performance Oral Health Screening: Pre-Season to Podium

o Lecture 2: Fuel, Hydration & the Athlete’s Dentition: Sports Nutrition

Coffee Break & Trade Show

Session 2: Oral Trauma and Performance

o Lecture 1: Pitch-Side Dentofacial Trauma: Acute Management & Decision-Making

o Lecture 2: Endodontics in the Athlete: Strategic Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries

Session 3: Mouthguards, iMGS & Concussion

o Lecture 1: Custom Mouthguards & Instrumented Mouthguards (iMGs) in Modern Sport

o Lecture 2: Head Injury & Concussion in Sport

Lunch & Trade Show

Keynote Lecture 2: The Current Landscape of Sports Dentistry in Australia: Policy, Practice & Future Direction

Session 4: Aesthetics, Alignment & Athlete Identity

o Aesthetic Options in Sports Dentistry

o Aesthetic Dentistry for the Modern Athlete: Function, Confidence & Brand

Featured Segment: The Athlete’s Voice

Closing Remarks

Info: Lecture 1: High-Performance Oral Health Screening: Pre-Season to Podium | Lecture 2: Fuel, Hydration & the Athlete’s Dentition: Sports Nutrition

Info: Lecture 1: Pitch-Side Dentofacial Trauma: Acute Management & Decision-Making | Lecture 2: Endodontics in the Athlete: Strategic Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries

Info: Lecture 1: Custom Mouthguards & Instrumented Mouthguards (iMGs) in Modern Sport | Lecture 2: Head Injury & Concussion in Sport

Info: Lecture 1: Aesthetic Options in Sports Dentistry | Lecture 2: Aesthetic Dentistry for the Modern Athlete: Function, Confidence & Brand

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