Dr Warren Shnider
Special Needs Dentist, The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne
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| Photo taken at the Public Oral Health Care Awards 2012: DHSV CEO Dr Deb Cole, Dr Warren Shnider, DHSV Board Chair Mr Mick Ellis |
Dentist Warren Shnider spends two days a week driving around greater Melbourne providing dental care to those who would not otherwise get it.
The Abbotsford resident was honoured with a Public Oral Healthcare Award in November last year for his work with aged care residents, those with a disability and prisoners. Dr Shnider has worked in special needs dentistry in London and Melbourne in both the public and private sector. Working in the DHSV Domiciliary Van, Warren handles some of Victoria’s most complex and challenging cases. He treats all patients with compassion and care, listening to them intently, involving them in treatment plans and promoting positive self esteem. He said poor oral health could lead to complications in several other areas, including cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
‘‘I consider it a privilege and an honour to be able to do this work which I really enjoy,’’ he said.
As Clinical Academic Lead in Special Needs Dentistry at LaTrobe University’s School of Rural Health, Warren is actively improving the flow of new students entering the dental industry. He was the prime initiator in the development of a special needs speciality in the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons curriculum and plays an active role in improving the oral health of the Victorian community through his role as Councillor of the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
Warren works closely with public health professionals to increase clinical knowledge and advance the dental profession. He seeks to ensure that the invisible community – those in aged care, prisons and those living with disability – have a voice and are able to receive high quality and compassionate dental care.
Dental Health Services Victoria CEO Dr Deborah Cole said Dr Shnider is a ‘‘shining example of the passion and dedication that exists in the public dental sector.’’
This story was covered in the Melbourne Leader Yarra Edition.
