Colin Riley Scholarships 2024 | Apply now
Colin Riley devoted his professional life to public oral health. That’s why DHSV is recognising his legacy by supporting public oral health professionals with the Colin Riley Scholarship.
Applications for the Colin Riley Scholarships are now open. The scholarships provide an exciting opportunity to help shape and support the future of oral health in the island nations of Tonga and the Solomon Islands.
As part of the scholarship, decommissioned dental vans have been donated to Tonga and the Solomon Islands in the names of Colin’s beloved daughters: Ella, Nicola and Fiona. The capacity-building scholarship was established to provide five years of support to the region, and the mobile dental trucks will provide help where it is needed most.
Public oral health professionals meeting the eligibility criteria are invited to apply to participate in a study tour in the South Pacific. Our successful applicants will travel to:
- the Solomon Islands in late August/early September (exact travel dates still to be announced), or
- Tonga in late September/early October (dates to come)
Solomon Islands Dental Program
The Colin Riley Scholarship to the Solomon Islands is open to paediatric clinicians/postgraduates with experience in building capacity in modern preventive practice and senior Dental Assistants with a sound knowledge of infection control workshops across the public oral health sector in Victoria.
- Two successful applicants will be provided with a unique opportunity to take part in the Solomon Islands Dental Program tour.
- You will 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 may be a requirement of this program.
Tonga Dental Program
The Colin Riley Scholarship to Tonga is open to senior Oral Health Therapists (skilled in clinical preventive practice to build capacity/educate) and health promotion officers across the public oral health sector in Victoria.
- Two successful applicants will be provided with a unique opportunity to take part in the Tonga Dental Program tour.
- You will 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 may be a requirement of this program.
What do I need to know?
The Dental Tours are organised in conjunction with representatives from Rotary Australia. You will also engage with a variety of representatives from the Ministry of Health, the dental department and Rotary.
Who should apply?
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, dignitaries, 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 6 months before expiry?
What happens once I apply?
All applications will be reviewed by a scholarship review panel. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview to chat about your experience and reasons for applying.
Application timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 25 June | Applications open |
| Monday 15 July | Applications close |
| From Tuesday 16 July | Applications reviewed |
| By Monday 29 July | Applicants contacted |
Frequently asked questions
Should I speak to my manager about my application for the Colin Riley Scholarship?
Absolutely! Staff are required to provide a brief written endorsement from their manager in order for their application to be considered. We encourage applications from staff across all levels of the organisation. 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:
- DHSV will cover the salary of the successful applicants. Community dental agencies will be reimbursed for the salary of a successful scholarship applicant.
- DHSV will coordinate travel, visas, registration (relevant to dentists only)
- A daily per diem allowance will be provided to cover all in-country transport, food and living expenses and other sundry costs.
- More detailed information will be provided to successful applicants.
What else do I need to know?
The Solomon Islands and Tonga are developing nations so it’s important to remember that you will likely be travelling to and living in a rural community.
How to apply for the Colin Riley Scholarship
Applications are now open to full-time or part-time staff meeting the eligibility criteria working in public dentistry in Victoria.
Applications for this exciting scholarship close on Monday 15 July. Apply below.
Apply for the Solomon Islands Tour
The questions contained in the form help us to understand the benefit of this learning opportunity, how it will be applied to your current and future roles and how it supports your career and professional aspirations.
What happens next?
All applications will be reviewed by the scholarship review panel. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview with the panel to chat about your experience and reasons for applying.
Do you have questions?
If you want more details about the Dental Program tours, please email scholarship@dhsv.org.au
