Oral health is closely linked to overall health, yet it is often overlooked in Australia’s healthcare system. Many Australians still face challenges accessing dental services, particularly those with limited financial resources, who are more vulnerable to serious health and social consequences of dental problems.
At the University of Sydney, a major initiative driven by philanthropic support is reshaping this dynamic. The Chair of Lifespan Oral Health, established through generous funding from Sue and Sue Abrahams and the Rosebrook Foundation, aims to fundamentally address critical issues in oral health policy, prevention systems, and service access.
Currently, the Chair is led by Associate Professor Ankur Singh, an internationally renowned expert on public health and oral health equity. He is leading a team promoting a national strategy prioritizing prevention through research, education, and policy advocacy.
From Dentist to Philanthropist: The Transformation of Alex Abrahams
Dr. Alex Abrahams, who graduated from the University of Sydney’s School of Dentistry in 1982, initially chose dentistry by chance. “I actually wanted to study medicine, but I didn’t get in,” he admits with a candid laugh. However, years of professional experience have made him realize his true calling.
As the founder of Pacific Smiles Group, he built Australia’s leading dental clinic chain, adhering to a patient-centered philosophy to provide more people with convenient access to treatment. But he also noticed a deeper problem: an over-reliance on treatment and a neglect of prevention.
“At an event at the University of Sydney, we discussed why Australia performs poorly in dental prevention,” he says. “Everyone knows the problem; the key is how to drive policy change and make prevention a true national priority.”
He points out that for every $1 spent on prevention, $10 is saved in treatment costs. “So why don’t we act now?”
To this end, Alex and his wife, Sue, have established the Lifelong Oral Health Lectureship to fund research that can influence policy, promote equity, and improve oral health for all.
Changing the system, not just treating teeth
Associate Professor Ankur Singh’s research focuses on how social inequalities affect oral health. He emphasized that oral diseases aren’t just caused by a lack of access to treatment; they’re also closely linked to malnutrition, psychological stress, unhealthy marketing, and living environments.
“Currently, approximately 40% of Australian adults can’t get the dental care they need due to financial constraints,” Singh said. “But the oral health problem is far more complex than meets the eye.”
For him, the real challenge lies in changing systemic structures. “We shouldn’t just focus on treatment, but should consider oral health as an integral part of overall health and truly prevent it from the root causes.”
Under his leadership, the project is driving a comprehensive transformation, from education and community outreach to policy advocacy, making oral health a core issue of public concern.
Building a Healthier Future
Through the Lifelong Oral Health Lectures, the University of Sydney has not only fostered new academic research but also ushered in a new era of oral health through cross-disciplinary collaboration and community-centered care. Behind all of this lies a deep fusion of philanthropic and professional resources, and a long-term commitment to the health of future generations.
Through this project, donors, academics, and policymakers are jointly shaping a vision for a fairer and healthier Australia, making “health starts with the mouth” more than just a slogan.