One Dental Pty Ltd |
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January 28, 2025
Behind every advancement in dental education are the quiet achievers—those who dedicate themselves to progress without seeking recognition. Unknowingly, their commitment shapes countless lessons and future professionals. In December 2024, the inaugural Dean’s Award was presented to Dr Deanna Beckett at the annual COHA gathering, celebrating her contributions to the field.
At One Dental, we are an Australian-owned dental supply store proudly supporting the professional industry and dental training. We have long partnered with the College of Oral Health Academics (COHA) to create connections, foster professional development and advance education in oral health. We are honoured that the Dean’s Award has been established to highlight quiet achievers and acknowledge a profound yet humble legacy.
Given the nature of the award and the extraordinary person it honours, it’s only fitting that this story begins with a well-kept secret and an unexpected revelation. COHA members Karen Lansdown and Dr Deanna Beckett were both involved in discussions about the Dean’s Award and its significance—but only one knew it would be presented in 2024. The other had no idea she was about to receive it.
With careful planning and a touch of acceptable subterfuge, Karen and the committee convinced Deanna that the first Dean’s Award wouldn’t be presented until 2025. She believed 2024 would simply be about laying the groundwork and finalising details. However, behind the scenes, her colleagues had already agreed she was the perfect inaugural recipient. "There was no other name considered," Karen admitted.
Through tireless efforts, the committee kept Deanna completely unaware until the moment the award was announced—along with her name. "I've never seen someone so shocked before," Karen recalled.
Dr Deanna Beckett is a dedicated leader in oral health education, and has made a lasting impact through working with COHA, her role as Associate Editor of the ANZ Journal of Dental and Oral Health Therapy, and her research on Vitamin D deficiency, which earned her a PhD in 2024. Deanna’s commitment to advancing education and mentoring others has strengthened the profession, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated challenges.
Karen highlighted Deanna’s influence, explaining, "There was just no question—she embodies everything this award stands for."
In accepting the award, Deanna highlighted how much the COHA community meant to her and how the award reinforced the value of collective effort in advancing oral health education. "This profession is not about individual achievements but about the people we lift up along the way. To receive this award, in honour of Dean and everything he stood for, is truly humbling."
“This award is in memory and recognition of Dean Stanbury and his contributions and dedication to innovation in dental education at One Dental. One Dental has supported COHA since its inception. This award celebrates an individual whose efforts, achievements, or contributions have been impactful yet remain largely unrecognised. This award seeks to shine a spotlight on those who consistently go above and beyond without seeking personal recognition or reward.”
Dean played a quiet but essential role in One Dental’s long-standing support of COHA, ensuring that educators had access to the tools and resources they needed to train the next generation of oral health professionals. Whether it was graphic design, developing innovative teaching materials or working closely with universities to refine training models, his focus was always on practical solutions that benefited both educators and students.
Karen recalled a time when Dean personally travelled to New Zealand to help upgrade dental manikins for a university, making critical adjustments at no cost to ensure they met teaching needs. It was just one example of his willingness to step in and help without fanfare—an approach that made a lasting impact and continues to be reflected in the values of both One Dental and COHA.
This same spirit of generosity is what has defined our relationship with COHA over the years. Both Karen and Deanna praise Joanne, Dean and One Dental for their unwavering willingness to help, driven by a genuine love for the industry rather than publicity or business gain.
The Dean’s Award will become a yearly highlight at COHA gatherings, celebrating unsung heroes for years to come.
Recipients of the Dean’s Award will be selected through a nomination process, with COHA members encouraged to put forward colleagues who work tirelessly behind the scenes without seeking recognition. The final selection will be made by Joanne Stanbury, ensuring the award stays true to the values that inspired it.
“The creation of this award by the COHA committee in honour of Dean’s legacy is something he would have been deeply humbled by. Dean was a remarkably modest person who always aimed to support and uplift our profession.” - Joanne Stanbury
The Dean’s Award is no ordinary honour. It recognises the power of quiet achievements and the values that truly matter. Dean exemplified how small actions can make a meaningful difference, and his approach continues to shape how we support education and innovation.
At One Dental, we’re proud to do our part in helping the next generation of dental professionals achieve their potential. To learn more, contact a friendly member of our team today, or browse our extensive product range online.