The Colin Riley Scholarship is open for applications. Public oral health professionals meeting the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for the capacity-building scholarship.

About the scholarship

The Colin Riley Scholarship was established to honour the legacy and celebrate the life of Dr Colin Riley, who dedicated his long and storied career to improving public oral health. Three decommissioned dental vans have been donated to Tonga and the Solomon Islands in the names of Colin’s three beloved daughters, Ella, Nicola and Fiona. The scholarship was established to provide 5 years’ support, and the mobile dental trucks will help to provide help where it’s needed most.

About the opportunity

A scholarship will be granted to visit the Solomon Islands in October 2025. The recipient will provide oral health support for the community. This might include working with local oral health teams, delivering services or education, or co-designing programs in an island community and in the donated dental vans.

Who can apply for this opportunity?

The successful applicant will be provided with a unique opportunity to take part in the Solomon Islands Dental Program tour.

The scholarship is open to senior dental assistants across the public oral health sector in Victoria with a sound knowledge of infection control and experience working in dental vans

If the following sounds like you and you’re ready for an adventure, we encourage you to submit your application! Do you:

• have good communication skills?
• feel confident liaising with stakeholders at all levels, including high-ranking officials and senior clinicians?
• have a reasonable level of fitness, are in good health, and up to date with your vaccinations?
• hold a valid passport with at least 8 months before expiry?

When will the Solomon Islands tour take place?

The tour will take place in October. The exact dates will be released soon, but applicants must have some flexibility to accommodate travel in October 2025.

What else do I need to know?

Your salary will not be paid by Oral Health Victoria.

You will engage with a variety of representatives from the Ministry of Health, the dental department and Rotary. You will also meet with a range of officials and health practitioners to help build the oral health capability of the local health teams.

Knowledge of working within a van will be valuable. Educating on operating the equipment and van will be a requirement of this program. Applications will not be considered unless:

• it is accompanied by your manager’s written endorsement
• The endorsement includes approval of your time away (either sponsored or as annual leave/leave without pay)

Previous scholarship recipients can apply.

Frequently asked questions

Should I speak to my manager about my application for the Colin Riley Scholarship?

Absolutely! Applicants are required to provide a brief written endorsement from their manager in order for their application to be considered. This is your opportunity to invest in your future and prioritise your professional development. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

How are the travel and associated costs covered?

Costs will be covered in the following ways:

• Oral Health Victoria will coordinate travel and insurance.
• A daily per diem allowance will be provided to cover in-country transport, food and living expenses and other sundry costs.
• Oral Health Victoria will not cover salary costs.
• More detailed information will be provided to successful applicants.

How to apply for the Colin Riley Scholarship

Applications are now open. Please complete the application form to apply. Applications are encouraged from full-time or part-time staff meeting the eligibility criteria working in public dentistry in Victoria.

Submit your application

Do you have questions?

If you want more details about the Dental Program tour, please email scholarship@dhsv.org.au