Bill Suen has been appointed chief executive officer of the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia following the resignation of Dr Melanie Hayes.

After an extensive and thorough recruitment process the DHAA Board announced that Suen will start in his new role in May 2019.

Suen is currently CEO of the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria and has extensive and proven experience in a range of small and large organisations in both the public and private sectors.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of Bill Suen’s calibre and experience step up to lead our Association,” DHAA president Cheryl Dey said.

“Both myself and the Board are looking forward to working with him to continue to grow and develop the DHAA.”

Suen, who has held a number of senior roles in the health sector said: “I am honoured to join and work with a very passionate Board supported by state chairs, local committees, staff and contractors.

“The DHAA has achieved a lot as a truly member-owned and run peak body serving its members and the profession. My short-term goal is to get to know the local committees and to get an in-depth understanding of the needs of members in order to provide [them with] appropriate CPD and practice support.”

Suen concluded: “Over the longer term, I hope to work with elected officials and volunteers to ensure every DHAA member can enjoy a professionally satisfying and financially rewarding career as a dental hygienist or oral health therapist.”

Originally posted in Bite Magazine. Click here to view the article.