Name: Great Dental Day Out 2026 — Canterbury Branch of the NZDA
Start: 2026-11-06T08:00:00+1300
End: 2026-11-06T17:00:00+1300
Location: Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Great Dental Day Out 2026!

Our speakers:

Sponsored by Geistlich
Dr Richard Longbottom is a specialist periodontist based in Auckland, New Zealand, with over 25 years of specialist clinical practice focused on periodontology and implant dentistry.
He graduated from the University of Otago in 1981 and initially practised in general dentistry in Christchurch and Auckland before undertaking postgraduate specialist training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States. There, he completed a three-year Master’s program in Implantology and Periodontology.
Since returning to New Zealand in 2001, Dr Longbottom has practised in specialist settings focused on periodontics and implants. He currently practises in Remuera and Takapuna, Auckland, and leads Noble Dental, a multidisciplinary specialist dental centre.
Dr Longbottom remains actively involved in professional education and lectures both within New Zealand and internationally.
Dr Nitish Surathu is a former Associate Professor of Periodontics who currently practices in New Zealand as a general dentist. He completed his BDS in 1991 and went on to complete a MDS in Periodontics in 1994.
He is, by examination, an accredited Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and a Fellow and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has lectured around the world on periodontics and dental implants and continues to be actively involved with podium lectures, hands on and clinical courses.
Dr Surathu served on the Executive Council of the Asian Pacific Society of Periodontology for over a decade and is currently an Affiliate Faculty with the Department of Periodontics at Nova Southeastern University's College of Dental Medicine in the USA and a Director with The ACE Institute. He has also published extensively in peer reviewed journals and other publications and is actively involved in the evaluation of new generation digital technologies in intraoral scanning, CAD software in dentistry, CAM milling technologies, 3D printing, guided implant surgery and relevant materials.
Olivia graduated with a BDS from the University of Otago and went on to complete a DClinDent in special needs dentistry. She is currently the clinical director of the Hospital Dental Service in Christchurch and has an interest in providing care for people with special health care needs. In particular patients with intellectual and physical disabilities, medical co-morbidities, psychiatric illness and social vulnerabilities.
Treatment Planning for Dental Stability in Medically Complex Patients
For medically complex patients, dental stability is essential to allow necessary medical treatment to proceed safely and without interruption. This presentation explores treatment planning from a hospital dental perspective, focusing on patients undergoing medical treatment where their overall health is unstable, including those receiving treatment for cancer.
Through clinical case scenarios, we will examine how the risks of osteoradionecrosis and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) influence decisions around tooth preservation, extraction and ongoing preventive maintenance. These cases highlight the challenges of making dental decisions when the risks associated with treatment must be considered alongside the patient’s immediate medical needs and overall prognosis.
The challenge is to achieve a stable, functional and maintainable dentition that supports the patient through their medical treatment while minimising the risk of significant dental complications in the future.
He is dual qualified in both medicine and dentistry from University of Otago. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2007, Chamil has worked as a dentist in hospital and private practice settings for the last 16 years.
He completed his medical degree in 2015. With his medical background, he has worked at Christchurch Public Hospital under various medical and surgical disciplines. He has also served as an Oral and Maxillofacial registrar at Christchurch Hospital treating facial trauma, infections and oral pathology. Chamil enjoys all aspects of dentistry with a special interest in oral surgery.
Dr Jacqui Johnson is a Registered Social Worker, Specialist ADHD Coach and founder of Partnering with ADHD. She holds a PhD from the University of Canterbury and has published work arising from her doctoral research. With more than 15 years’ experience across social work, research, education and ADHD coaching, Jacqui brings a strong understanding of how neurodiversity influences people’s experiences across healthcare, education, family life and the wider community.
As an ADHD educator and conference presenter, Jacqui combines professional expertise with lived experience to make ADHD understandable, relevant and practical. She works alongside individuals, whānau, schools and organisations to increase understanding, reduce judgment and support the development of more accessible and neuro inclusive environments.
Session summary:
This presentation offers an accessible and practical introduction to the ADHD brain, with a particular focus on executive functions—the mental processes that support attention, inhibition, working memory, emotional regulation, motivation, planning and problem-solving.
Participants will explore how executive function differences can influence a person’s daily experience and will move beyond assumptions about motivation or compliance, helping professionals understand the reasons behind behaviour.
Using practical examples and a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach, the session will provide simple strategies to reduce barriers, improve communication and create a more supportive and accessible dental experience for people with ADHD.
Sponsor GC Dental
RL obtained her degree in doctoral medicine at University of East Manilla, Philippines. She has acquired extensive knowledge in clinical experience in her own practice where she was able to hone her management and clinical skills, providing a comprehensive range of dental services to her patients.
She has also practiced at the Health Promotion Board School Dental Service in Singapore, giving emphasis on oral health care programs for school children.
After spending four years in GC South East Asia, she joined GC Australasia armed with over 15 years both in the clinical and business side. She is actively involved in training and educational programs specialized in fibre technology, aesthetic and restorative dentistry across the region.