March 3, 2011
Victoria’s leading public oral health agency, Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV), has appointed Dr Deborah Cole as its new Chief Executive Officer.
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| Deborah Cole, CEO |
Dr Cole brings considerable experience in managing major public healthcare organisations, having held CEO positions at Calvary Health Care and Yarra City Council as well as senior executive positions at Mercy Health and St Vincent’s Health.
Dr Cole is no stranger to the oral health sector having served as Director of The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne from 1995 to 1999 and various senior management positions with the South Australian Dental Service. She holds qualifications in management and as a dentist and has previously served as a Director on the Dental Practice Board of Victoria.
Dr Cole said it was a good time to be joining DHSV at a time of major health reform and to an organisation with clinicians and staff that have such a strong commitment to delivering high quality oral health care services to the Victorian community.
“Oral health is paramount and an integral part of general health.”
“Our focus will be on raising the profile of dental care and the importance of good oral health during this reform debate. I am convinced that a focus on improving oral health will assist to improve general health – particularly in the areas of preventable chronic diseases,” Dr Cole said.
Dr Cole recognises that evidence based oral health promotion activities, will be the result of collaboration across a range of sectors. She also realises that research is required to select the most appropriate activities.
“Let’s support ongoing research on how oral conditions have an effect on chronic disease conditions and chronic disease management. With ever improving knowledge on how oral health is directly related to these conditions, people could reduce the impact of chronic conditions by managing their oral health – and that is a very good outcome.” Dr Cole said.
Dr Cole’s appointment succeeds Mr Felix Pintado, who has taken up the role of Chief Executive at the Royal Freemasons.
Related information:
Evidence links heart disease and oral health
Smoking cause of hidden gum disease
Diabetes increases the risk of damaging dental disease
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