Graduate of the Year Award
❊ Want to win $1000
Recognising Australia’s Most
Promising New Dentists
Congratulations on reaching your final year of dental school!
You’re on the verge of an exciting career one filled with opportunity, purpose, and the power to make a real difference.
The Australian Dental Graduate of the Year Award was created to celebrate and support exceptional final-year dental students across Australia — recognising not only academic excellence, but also passion, leadership, and a commitment to growth.Through the Graduate of the Year Award, we’ve recognised and celebrated emerging talent across Australia, providing not only recognition but also ongoing mentorship and development.
About the Award
Open to all final-year students across Australian dental schools, the Graduate of the Year Award celebrates the top young dental talent in Australia.
What you could win:
🏆 $1,000 prize for the national winner
🥈 $500 for each of the five runner-up finalists
✨ National recognition as Australia’s most promising dental graduates
Winning or placing in this award marks you as a future leader in dentistry — someone who stands out not just for skill, but for mindset, integrity, and a genuine desire to grow.
Our Story
The Graduate of the Year Award was founded in 2014 by Dr Stephen Dudgeon and Dr Eli Burger from Avenue Dental — two clinicians passionate about mentoring and supporting the next generation of dentists.
What started as a local initiative to recognise excellence among Queensland graduates has now grown into a national award that celebrates students from every dental school across Australia.
Over the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of meeting hundreds of exceptional graduates — each one contributing to the future of dentistry with fresh ideas, empathy, and skill.
Our mission remains simple: to positively transform dentistry by growing people.
The team at Avenue Dental are full of enthusiasm and energy. It is clear they have a passion for dentistry and providing the best possible care for their patients. It is something that they aim to convey to us during the mini-residency and they are successful in doing so. I left the first day feeling energised and motivated to implement new techniques and protocols within my clinical practice. The Mini-Residency is also a fantastic networking opportunity and I was able to meet so many new friends from all across Australia. - Dr Phil Nguyen
The team at Avenue Dental are full of enthusiasm and energy. It is clear they have a passion for dentistry and providing the best possible care for their patients. It is something that they aim to convey to us during the mini-residency and they are successful in doing so. I left the first day feeling energised and motivated to implement new techniques and protocols within my clinical practice. The Mini-Residency is also a fantastic networking opportunity and I was able to meet so many new friends from all across Australia. - Dr Phil Nguyen
It is mind boggling how much they were able to cram into one day- not only highly practical theory but so many directly useable tips to add to the armamentarium! Amazing presenters who make the theory heaps of fun and as always, great food to keep us going throughout the day :) - Michelle Zhang
It is mind boggling how much they were able to cram into one day- not only highly practical theory but so many directly useable tips to add to the armamentarium! Amazing presenters who make the theory heaps of fun and as always, great food to keep us going throughout the day :) - Michelle Zhang
“There is a great sense of community within the Avenue Dental team that helped create an engaging experience; the presentations covered a broad range of clinically relevant topics, and were supported by valuable practical exercises. Overall a great day.” Astrid Klatte
“There is a great sense of community within the Avenue Dental team that helped create an engaging experience; the presentations covered a broad range of clinically relevant topics, and were supported by valuable practical exercises. Overall a great day.” Astrid Klatte
How to apply
1. Submit Your Resume & Photo
Attach a 1-page résumé and photo (size 12 font).
Include your name, dental school, mobile number, and email address.
2. Complete a DISC analysis
Take our free DISC Personality & Values Analysis.
It only takes 10 minutes and helps us understand who you are beyond your CV.
There’s no right or wrong.
[Complete the DISC Personality Test →
3. Answer these questions
(1 Page, Size 12 Font)
A) What are you great at or passionate about professionally? Give examples.
B) What are you not great at or not interested in professionally? Give examples.
C) What are your short-term (less than 3 years) goals in dentistry?
D) What are your long-term (greater than 5 years) goals in dentistry?
E) Name the person you believe deserves to be the Australian Dental Graduate of the Year (you can’t vote for yourself).
F) Why them?
4. Submit your application
Email all documents to graduateoftheyear@avenuedental.com.au by the closing date.———
❊ Celebrating Excellence
Previous Winners
Our past winners represent the next generation of leaders who are already making their mark in dentistry — in clinics, communities, and beyond.